Contact Us

Register Starting October 15th

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FAQs

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Contact Us

Email Address

info@hdcsw.org

Addresses

Before and After Workshop
Sherry Hall
324 Franklin St.,
Cambridge, MA, 02139

During Workshop
Sherry Hall c/o HDC Workshops
64 Linnaean St
Cambridge, MA, 02138

Numbers

Phone: (617) 495-4822

 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Costs

How do I make a payment?
You can make payments through the Student Portal (Click “Make Payments”). You can then enter the amount to pay and it will take you to a screen where you can complete the payment using a PayPal account or your Credit Card/Debit Card. You can also see your payment history on the same page. You can also mail a check to:
Sherry Hall
324 Franklin St
Cambridge, MA 02139
What is the refund policy?

For the 2020 workshop we have instituted a modified refund policy: All tuition payments beyond the $100 application fee are now refundable. 

Application fee and deposit are non-refundable at any time.
Cancelled by March 1st — refunded 50%
Cancelled by April 1st — refunded 25%
Cancelled after April 1st – no refund.

Is a key deposit needed?
A key deposit is not needed, but anyone who loses a key will be charged a $25 replacement fee.  We will call parents and ask for a credit card number to pay for the replacement key if the student does not have the cash.
Are there any additional costs beyond tuition?
It is likely that your student will need some additional money for snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and other incidentals. It is dependent upon the individual spending habits of your child. The tuition will cover instruction, housing, and meals.

Additional items available for purchase but not required for camp participation –
Linen Service: $50
Fan: $25

When are payments due?
  • With Application: $100.00 non-refundable application fee
  • 7 Days after Application: $500.00 deposit (Without this deposit, your spot in the workshop is not secured.)
  • April 1st: $1,000.00 second payment (Not required for 2020)
  • May 1st: $1,000.00 third payment (Not required for 2020)
  • June 1st: Remaining Balance

Residence

Do students need to bring linens?
Linens are not provided. You may either bring your own linens, or arrange to rent a set of linens through the workshop on the Student Portal on the Additional Purchases link of the website. Please be aware that linens must be ordered at least one week before the start of the workshop. The linen set includes a pillow, a blanket, a set of sheets and pillowcase, a washcloth and two towels.
Will students have phones in their rooms?
We assume that students will have cell phones and will not need phones in their rooms.
Will students have access to athletic facilities?
No. Workshop attendees do not have access to any Harvard athletic facilities.
What if students need medical treatment?
If your child requires medical treatment we will take him/her to the Mount Auburn Hospital, which is one mile away from the workshop. We have basic first aid supplies and over-the-counter medication in the office. We will dispense first aid and OTC medications per the parental consent given on the OTC form.
Is the residence hall in a safe area?
Yes, the residence hall is right on the Harvard campus and 24/7 security is provided.
Can students choose their own roommates?
Yes, if the request is made from both parties. You will be given an opportunity to select a roommate through the Student Portal once you apply and have been accepted to the program.
Is a key deposit needed?
A key deposit is not needed, but anyone who loses a key will be charged a $25 replacement fee.  We will call parents and ask for a credit card number to pay for the replacement key if the student does not have the cash.
What is the address for sending mail or packages?
Student Name
℅ HDC Summer Workshops
Currier House
64 Linnaean St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
Where will students live?
Students will live in the Currier House.

Currier House is located at 64 Linnaean Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Application

Is there additional paperwork that needs to be filled out?
Once you are accepted, you will receive a link to further information. Some of this information will include forms that must be completed and returned.
When will I learn that I have been admitted?
As soon as we can process your application. This can take from one to three days.
How do I make a payment?
You can make payments through the Student Portal (Click “Make Payments”). You can then enter the amount to pay and it will take you to a screen where you can complete the payment using your Credit Card/Debit Card. You can also see your payment history on the same page. You can also mail a check to:
Sherry Hall
324 Franklin St
Cambridge, MA 02139
Where do I send the forms?
You can fax them to (617) 876-1360 or mail them to:

Sherry Hall
Harvard Debate
324 Franklin Street
Cambridge, MA 02139

General

Where can I purchase supplies (pens, paper, etc.)?
Pens, highlighters, note pads, etc. can be purchased at RiteAid on the corner of Linnaean and Massachusetts Ave., or CVS at Porter Square.

A full array of office supplies can be found at Staples, located at 57 John F. Kennedy St. in Harvard Square.

When should students arrive and/or depart?

You should plan to arrive on the starting date of your session.  Registration runs from 10:00 am through 4:00 pm.  We will serve dinner that evening beginning at 5:30 pm, followed by the opening orientation where we go over the rules and expectations of the workshop.  Later, students will break into their individual program groups and meet with their instructors.

If you are unable to book arrival within this window please let us know.   Attendance at the opening orientation is mandatory.

You should plan to depart on the last day of the program.  As this is solely a checkout day, you can book departure as early as you want.  We need everyone to be checked out by 1:00 pm.

Arrival Information: Session 1: June 28th (9:00am to 4:30pm) Session 2: July 12th (9:00am to 4:30pm)
Departure Information: Session 1: July 10th (8:00am to 1:00pm) Session 2: July 24th (8:00am to 1:00pm)
What is the commuter schedule?
On the first Sunday, they need to come to Currier House to register between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm. We will begin at 5:3o pm with dinner and Welcome Message from the head coach of the Harvard Debate Team. Orientation will be immediately following. Then, the students will meet with their instructors. You should plan to pick your student up at 9:00 pm.

They will receive a more detailed schedule from their instructors for the individual programs, but you should plan on arrival at 8:30 am and pick up at 9:00 pm each day. Commuters should eat breakfast before arriving each morning. Lunch and dinner are provided.

Is July 4th a holiday for the workshop?
No, July 4th is recognized as a typical class day for the workshop. We turn on a local television station to display the firework show if anyone is interested in watching.

Safety

Are students permitted to leave campus?
Students are allowed to spend their free time within designated boundaries around Harvard Square.  They are allowed to be outside of the boundaries on the Free Day, provided that they comply with the appropriate check-out and check-in procedures.
Will we meet and learn on a safe part of campus?
All instruction is provided in the Radcliffe Quadrangle.  Both areas are very safe.  Attendance will be taken at morning assemblies, each time students reassemble after a meal break, and at 10:00 pm each night.

All Residential Staff including the Director will reside in the dorms to maintain supervision.

How do I get from the airport to campus?
There are several options available for getting to the workshop from Logan Airport and back again.

Public Transportation, the “T”:  Transportation via the Silver Line and Red Line from the airport to the Harvard Square stop is free.  It takes about 40 minutes.  The walk from the Red Line to the Harvard-Radcliffe Quadrangle, where the workshop will take place, is about 10 minutes.  The return trip cost is approximately $2.50. The T is safe and reliable.

Taxi Cabs:  Taxi Cab service from Logan is plentiful and reliable.  A one-way cab will run about $45.00.  Most cabs will take credit cards for payment.  Depending on the time of day, the trip will take between 20 and 40 minutes. Taxi cabs can drop students off directly at Currier House.

Cars for Hire: Uber has a designated location where travellers can walk up and hire a car to take them to Currier House. Follow the signs for Ground Transportation/Uber once you arrive at Baggage Claim.

Private Shuttles: Several companies will provide private shuttle transportation from the airport to the campus.  We have included a list of shuttle companies below if you wish to arrange private shuttle transport.

Contact: Transportation of New England
Phone: Toll Free (866) 526-4673

Computers

Is Internet available?
Internet is available in the residence halls and and classrooms at no additional charge
Do students need laptops?
Students need to bring laptops to the workshop given the amount of research involved. 

Food

When does meal service begin?
Meal service begins with dinner on the arrival date.
What type of food will be served?
In keeping with our Healthy Debater Initiative, the Workshop offers a wide variety of healthy food choices. Breakfast and lunch will be catered through local restaurants or University Dining Services and include vegetarian and vegan options at each meal. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always available.  In addition, all students will receive an American Express gift card to cover meals not provided by the Workshop for use at restaurants in Harvard Square or other restaurants within the Workshop boundaries.  This is a non-reloading, non-replaceable gift card.
If you have food allergies, special food needs or any type of dietary restrictions, please be sure to include this on your application through the Student Portal as well as on the forms to be mailed in. Consider kosher, halal, gluten free, etc.
Is food included in the tuition?
Yes, the price of food is included in the tuition. Lunch and dinner will be covered each day of the workshop for every student. Residential students will also be provided with breakfast.
Where can I purchase groceries?
There are several grocery stores within walking distance of Currier House. Star Market is located in the Porter Square Shopping Center at 49 White Street. There is a CVS Pharmacy located in Porter Square Shopping Center, as well as a CVS in Harvard Square. Both have a small food section.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to attend the workshop?

For the online workshop, students who will enter 7th-12th grades in the fall are eligible for the online workshop.

Only students who are currently enrolled in high school, or who will enter the ninth grade in the fall, are eligible to attend the physical workshop.

Register for 2020

Applications are due by June 1, 2020.

Register Now!