Can you explain the various types of sessions I see listed in the docket?
As you review the docket, you will note that there are a variety of types of sessions, or blocks, at the convention, each of which varies somewhat in format. The most common blocks are:
Debates: These are focused sessions in which participants debate their views about an resolution. Debates are moderated and have a main pro and a main con speaker. Subsequent speakers come from the audience and alternate between pro and con speeches and the debate closes with the main speakers.
Dialogue Sessions: These sessions are moderated discussions of a theme or topic. Anyone in attendance of the session may participate in the semi-structured discussion.
Keynote Speakers : These sessions feature a well-known individual speaking on a particular topic. Keynote addresses typically feature authors, figures in politics and government, or noted scholars.
Workshops: These sessions are programs based on teaching direct skills and theory application to workshop participants.
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Who developed the Fall Summit docket and how can I get involved?
Various groups organize and select sessions for the docket. The majority of the blocks are coordinated by the Docket Director. The Docket Director selects resolutions and topics from proposals submitted by delegates. Additional programming is developed by CSAmerica staff, the CSAmerica Council, and the CSAmerica Cabinet. CSAmerica programming is designed to present sessions that will be of interest to a broad cross section of delegates.
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What is a Block?
A Block is a time slot used to schedule sessions at the CSAmerica Fall Summit. Each Block has a number of sessions taking place during the same time period at different locations in the Convention hotel. You may attend one session per Block.
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How do I find where a session is located?
Each session listed in the program includes its room location. All sessions are located at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, the CSAmerica Convention Hotel. A map of the hotel is included in the CSAmerica Fall Summit 2008 Docket packet.
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What are some effective planning strategies for attending the Fall Summit?
Plan Early. As much as possible, we strongly recommend advance planning. Searching the CSAmerica Fall Summit 2008 Docket packet and identifying sessions at the last minute can be overwhelming. An advantage of early registration is that you will be e-mailed a tentative copy of the debate docket to begin your planning.
Pay Attention to Session Locations. There is always a 10 minute break between sessions. In addition, because some sessions may be moved after CSAmerica Fall Summit 2008 Docket packet has been printed and distributed, a change of location sheet should be picked up at the onsite Registration Area.
Predicting Session Seating Availability: For most sessions you will usually find plenty of available seating. However, despite the best efforts to schedule large rooms for sessions featuring popular and topics and speakers, these sessions may fill up to capacity. Other sessions that often include large numbers of attendees include the CSAmerica Opening session and CSAmerica Keynote address. To ensure a seat at a potentially popular session, we strongly advise arriving early.
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Do I need to wear my Fall Summit badge to attend sessions or other CSAmerica events?
Please wear your badge when attending all CSAmerica Fall Summit sessions and events. Admission to the CSAmerica sessions is restricted to persons wearing badges. However, once you leave the convention area after hours, you should remove your badge so that you are not identified as a visitor to the city.
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Can I leave a session before it is over or come to a session late?
Yes, if you are a session attendee. Attendees sometimes leave sessions early or arrive late for a variety of reasons and moderators are aware this will happen. If you plan to leave early, you should try to sit towards the back of the room to facilitate your departure.
No, if you are a participant in the session. If you are moderating the session or are a main speaker, it is expected that you arrived at the beginning and stay throughout the session to hear and support your co-participants.
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Can I record sessions?
Recording or videotaping sessions, for either private or commercial purposes, is not permitted.
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I have completed advance registration. Do I need to go to the onsite Registration Area?
Yes. Visiting the Registration Desk is important for several reasons. In addition to receiving a name badge holder, you get a copy of the CSAmerica Fall Summit 2008Docket packet.
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Should I register in advance or onsite?
We strongly recommend advance registration. First, you receive a reduced registration fee. Second, you will be e-mailed detailed information about the Convention in advance, which will help you in pre-planning your Convention activities.
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How do I select which hotel at which to stay?
Several factors should be considered in your selection of a hotel. For some attendees price may be an important consideration. An excellent rate is available with the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, the official convention hotel. Other hotels in close proximity to the convention hotel are perfectly acceptable, but will likely be more expensive.
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What should I wear to Fall Summit sessions?
Attendees are expected to wear business / professional attire wile at Convention events. Remember, meeting rooms in hotels and convention centers can be chilly. The air conditioning is usually on in anticipation of full meeting rooms.
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I have a disability. What arrangements are available to accommodate me?
The Collegiate Society Foundation would like all persons with disabilities attending the Convention to identify themselves so that arrangements may be made to facilitate Convention attendance. To ensure the availability of convention assistance, arrangements should be made prior to October 31, 2008.
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I've never been to Nashville, Tennessee. How can I learn about restaurants or other city information?
In addition to checking with the hotel concierge, information about Nashville and its restaurants is available for attendees at registration and on the internet here: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/cityguides/nashville/overview.htm
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