Who is allowed to apply for and come to AGS?
AGS is a residential program for gifted and talented students who are upcoming high school seniors and residents of the state of Arkansas. Interested students should contact their school counselor or gifted and talented coordinator about the nomination and application process. High schools must officially nominate a student before he or she can apply to AGS. A State Selection Committee selected by the State Department of Education reviews nominated students' applications and selects only 400 students to attend each summer. There is only one opportunity for students during their junior year of high school to be nominated, apply, and if accepted, attend AGS during the summer preceding their senior year of high school. Please note that schools may only nominate students who after attending AGS will be returning to school for their senior years. Students who plan to graduate from high school before attending AGS are not eligible to be nominated or apply to AGS.
How much does AGS cost?
There is NO CHARGE for tuition, room, board, or classroom materials. Participants will be responsible only for transportation to and from the school and for any personal expenses such as snacks, laundry, general school supplies, etc. There is no charge for use of any of the recreational facilities, libraries, or attendance at special events. There is also miscellaneous AGS merchandise available for purchase from The Burrow such as t-shirts, lanyards, etc.
What is the dress code?
Every day attire should be "casual but decent." "School clothes" are always appropriate. At all times, clothing should not be revealing or undersized. Many indoor spaces are well cooled so warmer attire is recommended indoors. Protective rain wear, an umbrella, pajamas, and robe are recommended. Shoes must be worn at all times. It is advisable to bring a pair of tennis or basketball shoes for use in the Wellness and Athletic Center (WAC).
What kinds of things can I do outside of classes?
Students have access to the campus library, computer lab, music practice rooms, swimming pool, gymnasium, and various recreational facilities. Afternoons and evenings are usually full of organized games, activities, performances, optional lectures, and discussion groups. Take a look at past weekly calendars to get an idea of the many possibilities: Weekly Activities.
When will weekly calendars of events be released?
You will receive your first weekly calendar of events the night you arrive to AGS. Subsequent weekly calendars will be distributed on preceding Sunday nights during the session. Residence Halls will receive paper copies and a digital copy will be posted to the AGS website.
What is a typical day like at AGS?
Every student attends classes in their concentration (Area I) twice a day Monday through Friday and once on Saturday. Three times a week students attend classes in General Conceptual Development (Area II) and Personal and Social Development (Area III). On Tuesdays and Thursdays students attend lectures with guest speakers. Most events and activities in the afternoons and evenings are optional, but sometimes there is required attendance for performances or films. Optional activities include Q&A sessions with guest speakers, recreational activities, games, social mixers, lectures, open mic nights, karaoke, and many other fun activities. Students must return to their residence halls by 10:30 p.m.
Where do I live during AGS? Will I have a roommate? How are roommates assigned?
Students live in single-sex residence halls on the campus of Hendrix College. Roommates are assigned at random (requests are not taken). You will learn your roommate assignment when you check in on the first day of AGS. Resident Assistants live in the residence halls with the students.
When will course descriptions be released?
Course descriptions are typically finalized during the week prior to the beginning of AGS. Please check the website's Course Descriptions a few days before the start of AGS for specific details about your Area I classes.
Will I be allowed to leave campus? Can I go to the nearby Hendrix Village to shop and eat?
Students are not allowed to leave campus unless granted permission by the AGS Director for significant events. Please see the AGS Leave Policy for more information about temporary leaves: Leave Policy. For safety and security, students are not allowed to visit the nearby Hendrix Village unless the student is checked out during Sunday leave. Students may be checked out temporarily from AGS on Sundays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. by a parent or a person listed on the student's "List of Approved Persons Allowed to Check Student Out of AGS."
How can my parent add names to my "List of Approved Persons Allowed to Check Student Out of AGS?"
A parent/legal guardian may add names by contacting the AGS Office by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday prior to that Sunday or the new names cannot be added to the student's list for that weekend. Parents must email or fax requests to the AGS Office with the additional name(s) and a copy/scan of the parent's driver's license. When the student is checked out, the name on the student's list must match the person's name on his or her driver's license.
Can I drive myself to and from AGS?
No, students are not allowed to keep a vehicle on campus, and students must be checked out by a parent/legal guardian or a person listed on the student's "Permission to Leave Campus Statement" in order to leave campus.
Can I have visitors while at AGS?
Students may have visitors on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors to campus must check in at the student's residence hall and receive a visitor ID badge. The ID badge must be worn and the visitor must remain with the student at all times while on campus. Visitors may not use campus computers or recreation equipment or facilities. Before departing, visitors must return their visitors' badges to the residence hall and sign out. Visitors who violate these policies may cause the student they are visiting to be dismissed from the program.
What should I bring to AGS?
Please refer to our list of "Stuff to Bring to AGS."
What should I NOT bring to AGS?
Please refer to our list of "Stuff NOT to Bring to AGS."
Can I bring my computer/laptop or tablet to AGS?
No, students are not allowed to bring personal computers or tablet devices (e.g. iPad, Kindle, Nook, and other internet devices). We expect students to be fully engaged in the AGS community, and we value face-to-face interaction. If students need access to a computer or the Internet, a computer lab is available for use on campus.
Can I bring my cellphone/smartphone?
Yes, students may bring their cellphones/smartphones to AGS, but they must remain in students' residence hall rooms at all times unless otherwise specifically permitted by AGS staff. Cellphone/smartphone use in class, during events, or outside of residence hall rooms during non-permitted times will not be tolerated. We expect students to be fully engaged in the AGS community, and we value face-to-face interaction.
Where do I eat during AGS?
Meals are provided in the campus cafeteria at no charge to students. Vegetarian options are always available. The Burrow, the Hendrix campus center and cafe, is open for students to purchase snacks. Students may also order delivery food from local restaurants in the evenings.
Can I attend religious services while at AGS?
AGS faculty and staff members drive vans to local churches and places of worship on Sunday mornings. Speak to your resident assistants about signing up for transportation.
What health care facilities are available at AGS?
A nurse is available on campus from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every weekday. Students with special health or medical needs who are considering attending AGS should contact the AGS Office to discuss their needs. A clinic and a hospital are within one mile of campus.
Can I smoke or drink alcohol at AGS? Can I bring illegal drugs to AGS?
No, smoking and drinking are absolutely forbidden for AGS students. Any student caught with illegal drugs while at AGS will be dismissed from the program.
Are there laundry facilities available? How much do they cost?
Laundry facilities are available in each residence hall. It costs $1.50 to wash a load and $1.50 to dry one. Students should bring quarters to operate the machines. Students are responsible for their own laundry.
Are there kitchens in the residence halls?
Yes, the residence halls have shared kitchen areas with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and sink. Cookware and cooking utensils are not provided.
Do I get any kind of credit for attending AGS?
No academic credit is awarded to students of AGS. Being a part of the program is its own reward.
How are AGS students kept safe and secure?
A variety of security measures are in place throughout the summer. 24-hour public safety officers can be reached by phone or at emergency boxes around campus. All students, faculty, staff, and guests are required to wear ID badges. This helps us easily identify people who don't belong on campus. RA's make regular rounds of the residence halls and grounds to keep an eye on students and make sure they attend classes. Additionally, students must check into their residence halls by 10:30 p.m. each night.
What do I do if I lose my room key or ID badge?
If you lose your room key or ID badge, please go to the AGS Office to request a replacement. Please be aware that there will be a replacement cost for any lost items.
Is there an AGS Lost and Found?
Yes, the Lost and Found is located in the AGS Office.
Where is the AGS Office? How do I contact the AGS Office?
The AGS Office is located in the Oathout Technology Center (OTC) within the Student Life and Technology Center (SLTC) during the summer session. You may contact the AGS Office via email at ags@hendrix.edu, phone at 501-450-1279, or fax at 501-450-4579.
For more information