What will this Short Course cost me?
Nothing! The ACST Short Courses are free to those accepted to attend. You must cover your own travel expenses to the Biosphere 2 campus. All other expenses, such as food and room costs are covered by the ACST.
How many recertification hours will a participant receive for attending?
All contact hours will be counted; this will usually total around 16 – 18 contact hours.
What is the agenda or the daily schedule?
Our weekend short courses typically begin on Friday evening and conclude on Sunday afternoon. The tentative agenda is blocked form 7:00 am until dinner at 6:00. There are nighttime activities, but most of the time sessions will run from 8:00 am until 4:00, with a rest/break before dinner at 6:00. Most Dinner sessions will have Guest Speakers. Each short course agenda varies.
Can my spouse/significant other, or children stay for any of the time?
No. As all our events are based on accepted applicants, there are always hundreds of prospective attendees that do NOT get to come. Space is limited at our events and in the B2 living quarters. It would be unethical and wrong to allow family members to attend when other teachers cannot.
Is the Biosphere 2 campus handicapped-accessible?
No – the Biosphere 2 is not handicapped accessible, and most of the campus requires extremely strenuous activity. The campus is contained on multiple elevations, with many stairs and hills to scale. Prospective participants must take their own health and physical needs into consideration when choosing to attend any event at the Biosphere 2.
What are the amenities?
Your room and meals are always paid for by the ACST. The accommodations are beautiful but sparse. You will be staying in a rustic, Santa Fe-style casita. Each casita has three to five private bedrooms and a central shared kitchen and living room. You’re welcome to bring food and beverages and to use the kitchen facilities, if you’d like, but meals will be provided throughout your stay. (We will not be serving alcohol but you're welcome to BYOB if you want.) Most bedrooms have private bathrooms, although in some cases there are shared bathrooms. The rooms are oversized and feature high-speed, wireless Internet access and central air conditioning. Be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and rain gear, as the weather in this area is unpredictable. Please remember to bring toiletries and any appliances you need or use on a daily basis. Bedding, a set of towels, shampoo, soap, and lotion are all provided. Additional blankets and an extra pillow are available in the closet, along with an iron and ironing board. At night, the casita village is well lit, but the surrounding property can be quite dark. There is a flashlight in each bedroom. Come prepared for encounters with native wildlife common to the area. The main gates are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Cell Phone reception is weak.
What is near the Biosphere 2 campus?
The Biosphere 2 campus is quite isolated. The nearest convenience store is at least 15 minutes drive away from the campus. Biosphere 2 is located between Tucson and Oracle.