Focus on Freshmen 2019 - Santa Barbara
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Institute Details and Q & A

Institute Hours:
Day one: 10 am to 5 pm
Day two: 8 am to 3:00 pm
Dinner on day one: 5:30 to 7:00

Check in opens 30 minutes prior to institute start.

Do you want even more in-depth learning?
The 2-day institutes are held either on Tuesday/Wednesday or on Thursday/Friday. For participants who may want more in-depth learning they can attend two institutes in one week. For examples see the Package area on this website.

Would you like to earn graduate credits for your participation at one or more of these institutes?
Completion of one of the Focus on Freshmen Institutes qualifies for 2 graduate credits from Eastern Oregon Universities Graduate School of Education. This is an ideal way to earn continuing education credits.

Where will the institutes be held?
Depending on the size of the group, our institutes will be located at the Pepper Tree Inn and at La Cumbre Country Club. If reservations are still available, we recommend staying at the Pepper Tree Inn, as they have provided a very favorable rate for this time of year and is close to the club.

What’s the best way to get to Santa Barbara, if not driving in?
Santa Barbara Airport is a lovely regional airport serviced by UNITED airlines, AMERICAN airlines, and ALASKA airlines. The Pepper Tree Inn provides complimentary airport shuttle upon request. Uber is also available in Santa Barbara.

If flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) you can rent a car for the 90-mile trip or take the Santa Barbara Airbus. If renting a car, consider taking the Highway 1 coastal route through Malibu on up the coast. The distance is the same.

Should I extend my travel to include a weekend?
Santa Barbara is known for it’s natural beauty and history. A couple days extra would be a treat.

Will I need a car while attending my institute in Santa Barbara?
Not if you stay at the Pepper Tree Inn. Your institute will be either there or at La Cumbre Country Club and transportation between the Pepper Tree Inn and the club will be arranged. If you choose to stay at one of the beach hotels, you’ll want a car or plan enough time to take Uber.

What meals are included in our registration fee?
You’ll get lunch each day and dinner the first night. In addition you’ll receive a snack break on the afternoon of day one and the morning of day two.

On the first night a fun dinner and networking opportunity will be held at one of the popular restaurants in Santa Barbara. The attendees of both institutes at that time will come together.

Should we bring a team?
Absolutely. Studies show when teams of educators come together for Professional Development then the likelihood of implementation is higher once the participants return to their campuses. Attend either the same institute or consider going to the other institute held at the same time, then linking up at the dinner the first night.

My district is adopting the Get Focused...Stay Focused!® program model for all our high schools. What professional development do you recommend for a specialist assigned to the support of this district-wide effort?
One of the strength of this institute format is the opportunity for an individual to deep-dive into all the varied opportunities of the Get Focused...Stay Focused!® program that is modeled after the George Washington Universities Freshman Transition Initiative. For those professionals and consultants who want to become experts on all aspects of this proven program model, consider 4 or more of these selected institutes.