Code of Conduct

As a reminder, you signed the following Code of Conduct Agreement as part of your enrollment:

The Congress is an academic conference and honors program requiring the highest standards of behavior. The Delegate agrees to conduct themselves in accordance with that standard; abide by the laws of Massachusetts; not use tobacco, alcohol or non-prescription controlled substances at any time; conduct him/herself in a civil and respectful manner at all times; follow the instructions of the Congress staff; and abide by all rules of the Congress. Except in cases of emergency, the Delegate must remain on the premises of the Congress during program hours.

The parent(s), guardian(s) and Delegate each understands that if the Delegate’s behavior is deemed an infraction of the Delegate Code of Conduct in the discretion of Congress staff, that infraction may result in the Delegate’s immediate dismissal from the Congress and denial of the Delegate’s Award of Excellence. The Academy and its affiliates cannot be held responsible for any actions the Delegate takes while operating outside of the terms set forth in the Code of Conduct.

The Academy does not intend to monitor the conduct of each Delegate beyond what is necessary to maintain the quality and academic demeanor of the Congress and its sessions, but it may take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with this Code of Conduct.

Please also be aware the Delegate is expected to be in their assigned  room for a bed check, which will be conducted between the hours of 11:30 PM and midnight each night. If the Delegate is not accounted for by 1:00am, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed, and the situation will be escalated to the local police.

Both the parent(s) and guardian(s) of the Delegate, and the Delegate, understand and agree with this Code of Conduct.

A few notes about the Delegate Code of Conduct:

Meal Breaks

The Delegate Code of Conduct states that “except in cases of emergency, the Delegate must remain on the premises of the Congress during program hours.” 

All Overnight Program Delegates are required to stay at the Tsongas Center during the Congress. However, during meal breaks, you may exit the Tsongas Center for the duration of the meal break only, with restrictions. The only locations you are permitted to go during meal breaks are the outdoor green space immediately adjacent to the Tsongas Center. You may not go off-campus, to downtown Lowell, or to any location that is NOT the Tsongas Center or the adjacent green space. You must return by the end of the meal break.

Bed Check

Please be aware that Delegates are expected to be in their assigned rooms for a bed check that will be conducted between 11:30 PM and midnight each night. If the Delegate is not accounted for by 1:00 AM, parents/guardians will be informed, and the police will be contacted. WE ARE NOT KIDDING!

Arrival Day - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

When to Arrive

Plan your travel so that you arrive in Boston at either Boston Logan International Airport or Amtrak’s Boston South Train Station between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. This will allow you enough time to travel to the UMass Lowell campus and check in before the Congress begins.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) — Terminals A, B, C, & E

Delegates arriving at these terminals should meet an Overnight Program Transportation Coordinator at the baggage claim in their arrival terminal. Transportation Coordinators will be wearing red vests and a white hat.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) — Terminal E (International Flights)

Arrive at the Information Desk after clearing customs, and call the Overnight Program support line (843) 284-3742 to arrange pickup.

Boston’s South Station (Amtrak)

If you are arriving at Boston South Station, you should meet a Transportation Coordinator inside the train station in the seating area between Starbucks and Au Bon Pain. Transportation Coordinators will be wearing red vests and a white hat.

Upon Arrival

First, follow signs to baggage claim and pick up any checked baggage, then go to the designated area listed above and look for the Overnight Program Transportation Coordinators, who will be wearing red vests and a white hat.

Once you have met the Transportation Coordinator, you will be instructed to contact your parent or guardian to make them aware that you have made it. Please do so immediately upon request.

Delays or Cancellations 

Immediately call the main Overnight Program Hotline at (843) 284-3742 to inform our team of your delay.  If your flight is canceled prior to the Congress start, please call the Admissions Office. Neither the Congress nor the Overnight Program staff is able to rebook canceled or delayed flights on behalf of any Delegate. The main Overnight Program support line will be available from June 26 – June 29th.

Contact 

If you cannot find a member of the Overnight Program staff, call the Overnight Program support line at (843) 284-3742. Please note this number will ONLY be operational during the Congress—June 26 – June 29, 2024.

Arriving by Car

If you are being dropped off at the Tsongas Center, you will need to arrive between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM on arrival day, June 26th. The Tsongas Center is located at 300 Arcand Drive, Lowell MA 01852. After arriving by car, follow signs to Overnight Program Check In.

Departure Day - SATURDAY, JUNE 29

When to Depart

Plan on taking a flight or train that departs on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Check-out 

Check out is before 10:00 AM. At this point, you should bring your bags down to the lobby level at least 30 minutes before your assigned bus leaves. Give yourself more time if you’d like to have breakfast (available from 6:00 AM). Roommates do not have to check-out at the same time. 

Buses to the Airport and Train Station

Meet to board a bus that will take you to the airport with enough time to make your flight. All shuttles will depart the hotel so that all delegates arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight’s departure time, and 1 hour before their train’s departure time. It takes approximately 30 minutes to transfer by bus from the hotel to the airport.

If you miss your bus, we will arrange a private transfer to the airport for you via UBER at your expense (min. $50).

NOTE: Ensure that you have successfully checked in for your flight on your airline’s website or mobile app 24 hours before departure. Notify us right away of any changes or cancellations to your flight.

Departure by Car

If you are being picked up at the hotel, you can be picked up between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM on departure day, June 29th. Please note that delegates being picked up by car must inform the Overnight Program team in advance. All delegates must be checked out of their room by 10:00 AM, and can wait in the lobby for their pickup.

Contact Us

What is an Unaccompanied Minor Program?

Most airlines have Unaccompanied Minor Programs in place. These programs can be booked for a fee as an add-on to a flight for children traveling without a parent or legal guardian. Depending on which airline you choose to fly to The Congress, and based on the age of the Delegate traveling, this program may be mandatory.

What Is The Overnight Program’s Policy On Unaccompanied Minors?

We are unable to accommodate any Delegates traveling as an unaccompanied minor unless it is mandatory by the airline due to the Delegate’s age. Each airline has its own policy for who is required to have Unaccompanied Minor services and what flights Unaccompanied Minors can take. Most airlines charge an additional fee for this service, so it’s important that you check the policy of your airline and determine whether Unaccompanied Minor status is required before you purchase your ticket. 

What To Do Now

Parents, if your airline requires your Delegate  to travel as an unaccompanied minor, you must make us aware by June 12, 2024 by requesting an Unaccompanied Minor Pass. We will provide you with the necessary steps to ensure that a member from our team is authorized to receive your delegate from the airline. Failure to do so will result in the airline’s refusal to release your child into the care of the Overnight Program.

Unaccompanied Minor Policies By Airline

Alaska Air

Allegiant Air

American Airlines

Breeze Airways

Delta Air Lines

Frontier Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines

JetBlue

Southwest Airlines

Spirit Airlines

Sun Country

United Airlines

Packing List

Basic Packing List

Keep in mind this list is intended to provide basic guidance for essentials and does not necessarily include every item that you may personally require.

In Your Carry-On

Keep it light! Pack one carry-on bag for all of your belongings, and one backpack or tote bag to hold your personal items that you’ll keep with you at The Congress.

☐ Cell phone charger

☐ ID

☐ Wallet/cash

☐ A card with your parent/guardian’s number and the Overnight Program number

☐ Pen(s)

☐ Small notebook

☐ An umbrella and/or other rain gear if rain is forecasted

☐ All medications you are currently taking

☐ At least one change of clothes (in case your luggage gets lost!)

Clothing

☐ 3 appropriate business casual outfits, one for each day at the Congress. Trousers/khakis and collared shirts, knee-length dresses and skirts, button down shirts, and blouses are examples of appropriate wear.

• No blue jeans or ripped jeans, no athletic wear

 ☐ Appropriate, comfortable dress shoes

 ☐ Pajamas/sweats for your overnight accommodations

 ☐ A travel outfit for your trip back home

 ☐ Socks and undergarments

Toiletries

 ☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste

 ☐ Deodorant

 ☐ Brush/comb

 ☐ Shampoo and conditioner

 ☐ Body wash

Ground Transportation at The Overnight Program

TRANSFER ON ARRIVAL DAY FROM AIRPORT TO THE TSONGAS CENTER

After you arrive, you’ll check in with our on-site team. Our team will be positioned in a specific area inside the terminal from 6:00 AM. We’ll provide instructions to you on how to find them closer to your travel day. From here, our team will help you board a bus to The Tsongas Center. Buses depart beginning at 9:00 AM and ending at 5:00 PM, ensuring that you get to the Congress on time.

If your plane or train arrives before 9AM on Wednesday, June 26th, you will need to wait with our team for the first bus. If you do not check in with our on-site transportation team by 5:00 PM to board the last bus, we will arrange separate transportation for you via UBER at your expense (min. $50). For this reason, you should plan to arrive between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to limit inconvenience.

TRANSFERS TO AND FROM THE TSONGAS CENTER 

On the 27th and 28th, buses will be lined up at the front entrance of the hotel to bring you to the Tsongas Center after you finish breakfast. Be sure to wake up on time, get a breakfast in (it’s included!), and be ready to board the bus starting from 8:30 AM. The last bus leaves at 9:30 AM. 

Each evening after The Congress, buses  will be lined up and ready to bring you back to the hotel in the pickup/drop off lot, located just outside the front entrance of the Tsongas Center. By the time you arrive, you’ll know which hotel you’ll be staying at, and the buses will have a sign displaying which hotel they are going to. The last bus leaves at 10:30 PM.

Don’t be late! If you miss the last bus, we will arrange a separate transfer for you via UBER at your own expense (min. $50).

TRANSFER ON DEPARTURE DAY FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT

Meet to board a bus that will take you to the airport with enough time to make your flight. All shuttles will depart the hotel so that all delegates arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight’s departure time, and 1 hour before their train’s departure time. It takes approximately 30 minutes to transfer by bus from the hotel to the airport. For full information on departure day bus schedules, click on the “Departure Day” tab.

Hotel Information

You will enjoy modern, clean hotel accommodations at either the Best Western Royal Plaza, or the Framingham Collection. Both are located a short drive from the Tsongas Center.  You will find out which hotel you will be staying at upon your arrival. Further information about both hotels are:

Roommates

Rooms will be single-gender, and double occupancy (with everyone in their own bed). You’ll meet your roommate when you arrive at the hotel after the Congress finishes on opening night. Roommate requests are not permitted.

Chaperones

Students will be overseen by a dedicated Overnight Chaperone Team during their stay.  Our chaperones are professional, courteous, and experienced individuals who are excited to meet you! Delegates are required to check in with the Overnight Team frequently. Chaperones will stay on-site in hotel rooms and will be available around the clock to address any concerns.

Bag Check on Opening Night

Upon arrival, you will head over to the Overnight Program check-in desk, which will be set up near the entrance to the Tsongas Center. At that location, you will pick up your Congress Badge, and drop your baggage.

In exchange for dropping your bags, you will receive a claim ticket. Keep this ticket on you at all times! We will store your baggage securely while you enjoy the Congress on opening night. You’ll give the ticket back to our team to receive your bags after the Congress ends before you board the bus. This bag check service is complimentary. Ensure that your bags are clearly labeled with your name and phone number.

Meals

Breakfast will be served June 27, 28, and 29 from 6:00 AM at the hotel. An all-you-can-eat buffet, with hot and cold choices, will be available. If you are arriving early on June 26, lunch is available for cash purchase at the Tsongas Center. You will be responsible for purchasing your own lunch and dinner. Bring enough spending money to cover both meals for each day of the Congress, plus any extra money you would like for snacks. The Tsongas Center offers multiple meal and snack options for students to purchase on the concourse level during meal breaks.

Meal Options at The Tsongas Center

The Tsongas Center, where the Congress will be held,  has a full range of hearty food and lighter sandwiches and salads, as well as snacks and assorted beverages. Complete combo meals will be in the $11-$13 range. There are also individual items like pizza, chicken tenders, etc., in the $4-$8 range. The Tsongas Center accepts cash, credit, and debit cards.

Contact Us

FOR NON-URGENT MATTERS during regular business hours during the Congress, contact our Overnight Program support line or email us at admissions@futuredocs.com.

This number will be available 2 weeks prior to the Congress.

FOR EXTREMELY URGENT MATTERS during or after regular business hours, contact our EMERGENCY Overnight Program support line.

This number will be available 2 weeks prior to the Congress.

Download Handbook

Click HERE to generate a download of the Overnight Program Handbook in a handy PDF format.