During the summer, participants are offered the opportunity to live the college experience! Students take academic classes and live in residential housing on IU Indianapolis's campus. Summer Academy exposes participants not only to challenges and fun but also offers students the chance to gain a sense of independence, improve social interaction skills, and most importantly, lessen the anxiety of their future college experience. The ultimate success of this academy experience depends on each participant. We ask that each participant adhere to our expectations and policies stated below.
Upward Bound Summer Academy
The Upward Bound Summer Academy links the previous school year with the upcoming year, while at the same time giving each participant a feel for the actual college classroom. The academic classes offered in the summer are intense, but will reinforce knowledge learned, as well as introduce new academic concepts crucial to succeeding in secondary and postsecondary education. Students will also be able to raise their awareness in the areas of career exploration, college success skills, community involvement, and cultural interaction. In order to be successful, Summer Academy participants must:
- Be prepared
- Be punctual
- Be attentive
- Be responsible
- Be committed
- Be open
Be prepared to be challenged! Summer Academy is Upward Bound’s greatest opportunity to improve academic skills. Give the program your best; the Upward Bound program expects no less. At the end of the summer, you will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as you receive your certificate of successful completion.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
To obtain the maximum benefits from the summer classes, regular attendance is essential. Absences must be approved by the director prior to the start of the summer program. Family vacations should be scheduled around Summer Academy.
More than three absences are grounds for dismissal from the summer program. In most cases, it will be difficult to meet the requirements for credit if a student misses more than a day or two of classes.
If a student will be absent for any reason, his or her parent/guardian must notify the Upward Bound office through email, a phone call (317-278-1927), or in writing (a week in advance if at all possible). This will allow us to notify the teachers and advisors. If a parent needs to pick up his or her student during the day, the parent must notify the office that the student is leaving and give an estimated time of return. This is for the student’s own safety, so please keep us informed!
BEHAVIOR IN CLASSES
Good behavior in and out of the classroom is just as important as attending class. Students selected for participation in this program have a high standard of good behavior to uphold. Many people associated with this university as well as community residents are very interested in this program. As a result, they frequently observe activities and classes.
It is very important to remember that negative actions affect the entire Upward Bound family. There are some standards set by the university and rules of the program that students will be expected to follow. Appropriate disciplinary action will be the consequence of any infraction of these rules.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS REPORTS
Periodically, academic progress reports will be reviewed by Upward Bound staff. If for any reason a student is not doing well, a teacher will complete an unsatisfactory progress report form. At that time, based on recommendations from the teacher, a meeting will be called between the student and the advisor to discuss a relevant course of action to bring the grade in question up to satisfactory. A final report card will be mailed at the conclusion of Summer Academy.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL SUMMER INTERNSHIP
Upward Bound has instituted an internship opportunity to expose qualified students to the professional world and to help participants gain work experience while exploring career interests. This program, called the Pre-Professional Summer Internship, was established with the idea that students will gain understanding about the education and training necessary to succeed in any given field. To qualify, students must be a rising senior and meet the GPA requirement. They must also have good attendance at Upward Bound events and exhibit a positive attitude, maturity, and good communication skills.
The residential host for the Summer Academy is IU Indianapolis student housing.
HOUSING POLICY
Housing units consist of two-, three-, or four-bed dorm rooms. The rooms are basic and provide at least a bed, desk, and small dresser for each student.
Students must provide their own LINENS, TOWELS, WASHCLOTHS, HANGERS, and TOILETRIES (soap, toothpaste, etc.).
Residential assistants will knock on doors around 7:00 a.m. to wake up their group members for 8:30 a.m. classes. However, students wishing to wake up earlier may bring an alarm clock. At the end of the day, students must be in their rooms by the time designated by Upward Bound staff. Students who do not comply with the curfew may be dismissed from the summer residential component.
The Upward Bound program is not responsible for any damage to personal items, including theft or loss of property.
UPWARD BOUND DRESS CODE
There is a dress code for Upward Bound. While on campus or during any scheduled event, participants are required to represent the program positively through appropriate dress. In general, T-shirts and jeans are acceptable. However, the following are not allowed:
1. Crop tops, halter tops, tube tops, or any T-shirts exposing the bare midriffs.
2. Shorts and skirts above the mid-thigh.
3. Sagging (underwear should not be seen).
4. Pajamas or other sleeping attire.
5. Shirts, hats, or other articles of clothing or jewelry with profanity, inappropriate words, or drug paraphernalia printed on them.
6. Wave-caps, hats, or scarves.
7. Headphones and sunglasses worn during classes, meetings, campus tours, etc.
VISITORS
Upward Bound asks that parents, family, friends, and others refrain from visiting campus during the residential stay unless there is prior approval by the director.
BOUNDARIES
IU Indianapolis is a relatively large campus, and students may desire to wander. However, for the safety of all, Upward Bound has established boundaries.
Unless given expressed permission, anyone leaving the residence hall after dinner hours will be given demerits to be determined by the Upward Bound staff member in charge. All participants are to stay within the parameters designated by the IU Indianapolis Upward Bound program. Female and male students will reside in separate areas. Participants are not permitted, under any circumstances, to be in rooms of persons of the opposite sex during any part of the Upward Bound activities.
Curfew is at 10:00 p.m. At this time all participants must be in their hall floor. After 11:00 p.m., students are to be in their assigned rooms; lights out at this time.
ILLNESS OR INJURY
If at any time a student is sick or injured, an Upward Bound staff member must be contacted immediately. If it is determined that the student needs medical treatment, the student’s parent or guardian will be notified so that appropriate treatment may be arranged. While away on visits, Upward Bound staff will follow the appropriate steps to seek treatment.
In the case of an injury, IU Indianapolis is a handicap-accessible institution; ramps are provided throughout the campus, and elevators are available in most campus buildings. Upward Bound staff will not transport students from one place to another on campus because of injuries. Students who experience such injuries during the summer (sprains, pulled muscles, broken bones, etc.) will be expected to attend all classes. Students will also be expected to participate in all activities to the extent possible. Students with medical limitations (to participate in certain activities) may be required to provide appropriate documentation. Injured or ill students who are not able to participate in the program may need to return home to recover.
RESIDENCE HALL GUIDELINES
The Upward Bound staff expects students to behave in a responsible manner while participating in the Upward Bound program.
The Upward Bound staff takes the responsibility of working with all program participants very seriously. A truly great summer can be had by all if participants adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Students must be accompanied by parent/guardian for check-in and check-out of residential component each week.
2. After carefully considering roommate preferences, the Upward Bound staff determines the final room assignments. Students are expected to be considerate and respectful of one another. If there are any conflicts or disputes, students should involve the residential assistants on duty or Upward Bound staff members to help mediate any differences.
3. Curfew is at 10:00 p.m. Students are to be on their floor no later than 10:00 p.m. If an Upward Bound activity or trip extends beyond curfew, once the bus returns to campus, participants have only 10 minutes to get to their residence floors.
4. Students are to be on their floor at 10:00 p.m. and in their room at 11:00 p.m. for a room check by the RA. “Lights out” goes into effect at 11:00 p.m. Lights out is defined as: no TV, no phone calls, and no stereo.
5. Students must remain in the residence hall between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Students are not allowed to leave the residence hall before 7:00 a.m. without permission from the RA. A student is in violation if this guideline is not kept, and the student's parents/guardians will be notified immediately.
6. RAs will conduct room inspections periodically. Students must make their beds and keep their rooms clean and orderly.
7. All students must adhere to the following:
- Do not hang anything on the walls, sprinkler, etc.
- Do not tamper with or disconnect the smoke detector in the rooms. If there is a problem with the smoke detector, contact the RA on duty.
- Do not cook (microwave, hot plate, etc.) in the room at any time.
- Do not light any incense, candles, or anything that requires a match.
8. Smoking is not permitted near or in any university building. Smoking inside any building will result in immediate dismissal from the summer program.
9. Students may not visit the room of a member of the opposite sex, and any type of sexual activity is forbidden. Violation of this rule will result in immediate dismissal from the program. Parents/guardians will be notified.
10. Students are not allowed to use campus transportation without a staff member.
11. Students may not return home (other than when scheduled), visit the homes of friends or relatives, attend church services, or other activities outside of the established boundaries unless an Upward Bound staff member has received permission from a parent.
12. The Upward Bound program shares the residential areas with IU Indianapolis college students. At all times, participants must be respectful of their surroundings and keep radios, stereos, and voices at reasonable levels in the rooms and in other places as well. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 p.m. and continue until 7:00 a.m.
13. Students will be held responsible for damages to residence hall rooms, furniture, fixtures, etc. Damage to any campus property or alterations within the residence hall will not be tolerated and may result in a monetary fee being assessed.
14. Participants are responsible for securing their items if necessary within the room and locking their rooms when out.
KEYS
Each student will be issued a room key. If the key is lost, the student will be charged an administrative fee for each missing, lost, or damaged key. University keys may not be duplicated. If the fee is not paid by the end of Summer Academy, the replacement amount will be deducted from the student’s last stipend or any future stipends until the debt is resolved.
MEALS
Students are required to attend all meals. Upward Bound provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meal times are planned and outlined on the daily schedule.
STIPENDS, SPECIAL EVENTS, AND FIELD TRIPS
The Upward Bound staff has developed an equitable system designed to reward each participant’s attendance, involvement, attitude, and behavior throughout the summer. Upward Bound is convinced that everyone in this program is capable of high achievement, and the program believes the Merit Program will provide the encouragement and motivation for each student to achieve his or her very best.
STIPENDS
Students who fully participate in the summer program are eligible to receive two stipends in the amount of $60 each to be distributed twice during Summer Academy. Stipends are awarded based on the criteria outlined in the summer contract. If a stipend disbursement day is missed for any reason, it is the participant’s responsibility to pick up the stipend within a week of disbursement. If not claimed during this timeframe, the stipend will be forfeited.
MERITS
Upward Bound students may have the opportunity to earn special merit points from teachers, residential, and administrative staff. These are merits given for efforts that go above and beyond (e.g., an exceptional attitude or great improvement in attitude, assisting staff with special projects, volunteering to help instead of being asked). The student who earns the most merits by the end of the summer will receive special recognition during the annual banquet at the conclusion of Summer Academy.
FIELD TRIPS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Several educational and entertaining trips and events are scheduled throughout Summer Academy. However, the right to participate in Olympiad (a statewide Upward Bound event) and residential evening activities must be earned. At different times during the academy, grades, attendance, attitude, and behavior will be assessed to determine eligibility for scheduled group activities. See the supplemental handout for a brief description of each of the events and dates of the trips. If a student signs up for an event and does not show up, the amount that was spent on the ticket will be deducted from the student’s stipend. Students must provide at least a 24-hour notice if unable to attend a special event.
THE MERIT TRIP
The merit trip is the final event for Summer Academy. This is an earned trip typically taken the week following the end of summer classes.
Rules of Conduct
It is expected that all students will:
- Pursue learning and set high academic and personal goals.
- Show respect for themselves, for other individuals, for other cultures, and for the environment, both the human and natural.
- Be role models with high standards of conduct, trustworthiness, and peaceful conflict resolution.
- Show responsibility by taking personal responsibility for oneself and for the well-being of the community.
- Respect the college environment as a place of learning by being respectful when others are studying or attending class and being respectful of all staff when teaching, working in offices, or walking on campus, both IU Indianapolis and others.
- Treat each other and the staff with respect at all times. Any racial or cultural slur or sexual harassment will be viewed as a serious violation of this expectation.
- Show respect to speakers and guests by engaging them in questions and displaying interest in presented topics during college visits and other group activities.
BEHAVIOR AND THE DEMERIT SYSTEM
Upward Bound staff members will reinforce the policies and rules of the program by dealing with behavioral problems as they arise. As a fair and just means of discipline, the Upward Bound staff has established a demerit system. The accumulation of an excessive number of demerits will result in the loss of privileges, stipends, dismissal from the summer program, and ultimately, exclusion from the merit trip.
The following is a partial, and certainly not a complete, list of behaviors that will result in demerits.
CLASS DISCIPLINARY POLICY
VIOLATION | 1ST OFFENSE | 2ND OFFENSE | 3RD OFFENSE |
Skipping Class | Demerit | Demerit and partial loss of stipend | Loss of stipend and termination from summer program |
Tardy to class/activities | Warning or Demerit | Demerit | Demerit and partial loss of stipend |
Failure to complete homework | Warning or Demerit | Demerit | Demerit and partial loss of stipend |
Sleeping in class | Demerit | Demerit and early curfew | Demerit and early curfew/loss of evening activities |
Disruptive or rude behavior (including profanity) | Demerit | Loss of Stipend | Dismissal from the summer program |
Refusal to participate in class/activity | Demerit | Demerit and partial loss of stipend | Dismissal from the summer program |
Cheating | Demerit/grade of zero | Loss of stipend | Dismissal from the summer program |
Use of electronic devices during class | Warning or Demerit | Demerits and confiscation of the device for the day | Demerits/confiscation and partial loss of stipend |
Residential Disciplinary Policy
VIOLATION | 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense |
Late for curfew and bed check | Warning or Demerit | Demerit | Demerits and partial loss of stipend |
Violation of "lights out" policy | Warning or Demerit | Demerit | Demerit and partial loss of stipend |
Failure to attend evening activities | Warning or Demerit | Demerit and partial loss of stipend | |
Violation of boundary lines | Demerits (determined by the severity of the offense) | Loss of stipend | Dismissal from the summer program |
Riding in a vehicle without permission | Demerits (determined by the severity of the offense) | Loss of stipend | Dismissal from the summer program |
Failure to present ID badge | Warning | Demerit | Demerit and partial loss of stipend |
Losing ID badge | Warning | Demerit | Demerit/payment for a new badge |
Rude or disruptive use of phones | Demerits (determined by the severity of the offense) | Demerit and partial loss of stipend | Loss of stipend |
Dress code violation | Warning | Demerit(s) | Demerit and partial loss of stipend |
Littering | Warning | Demerit | Demerits |
Public display of affection | Demerits (determined by the severity of the offense) | Demerit, partial loss of stipend, and parent/guardian conference | Dismissal for the summer program |
Using/taking someone's belongings | Demerits (determined by the severity of the offense) | Dismissal from the summer program | |
Use of profanity | Demerits (determined by the severity of the offense) | Demerit, partial loss of stipend, and parent/guardian conference | Dismissal from the summer program |
Practical jokes | Demerits (determined by the severity of the offense) | Demerit, partial loss of stipend, and parent/guardian conference | Dismissal from the summer program |
DEMERIT PROCESS
1 demerit = serves as first warning
2 demerits = 1 hour hall restriction
3 demerits = 2 hour hall restriction
4 demerits = 2 hour hall restriction and loss of $5 stipend
5 demerits = 2 hour hall restriction, loss of $10 stipend, parent/guardian contacted, and conference with director
6 demerits = 2 hour hall restriction, loss of $20 stipend, parent/guardian contacted, and conference with director
7 or more demerits = possible dismissal from summer program
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL
The following actions are grounds for immediate program expulsion without prior warning:
- Causing or threatening physical injury to another person, whether a fellow student, staff member, or other outside person.
- Bringing alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs on campus at any time (This is against state law).
- Smoking on campus.
- Possessing weapons (guns, knives, etc.) or fireworks.
As stated previously, being a part of the Upward Bound program is a privilege and much is expected from an Upward Bound student. While participants are encouraged to take advantage of the many cultural and social support services offered, this is an academic program with the main focus being to provide the necessary skills to succeed in and beyond high school. Each Upward Bound participant is expected to read this handbook carefully and adhere to all of the policies stated throughout.