Step 1: Parent or Guardian must complete and sign the 2024 Summer Writing Academies Application Form by Monday, June 24, 2024.

Step 2: Herbert Writing Center Staff will notify you of the application status on or before Wednesday, June 25, 2024.

Step 3: Parent or Guardian must complete and sign our Consent Form, which you access in one of two ways:

–Option 1: Complete Online (click here to access)

–Option 2: Print & Scan PDF (click here to access) then email completed and signed form to writingcenter@utk.edu OR bring completed and signed form to drop-off on day of your student’s first workshop.

Step 4: Accepted Students attend Summer Writing Academies July 8-12!

Times: All workshops start at 9:00am and run until 12:00pm

Location: UT Conference Center, 600 Henley Street, room 417. (Click here for Conference Center Details).

1. Drop-off Instructions:  Please drop off your child no earlier than 8:45 am. Your child’s Consent Form must have been submitted online by July 2, or you must have a printed and signed copy with you that morning. Drop off your child at the pullthrough driveway of the UT Conference Center on the Locust Street side of the building. We will be waiting to greet students at the car and walk them to the room. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late from the start of the workshop, you must park and walk your child to the workshop room; please knock on the door to room 417, as you may not enter the room. 

Note: If you need to park, public parking is available at the Locust Street Parking Garage, 540 Locust Street, and entered on Walnut Avenue or Locust Street. Parking is free for the first ten minutes; after that, it’s $1 per hour (up to $7). We do not recommend that you park in the Hilton Garage, located across the street from the UTCC on Clinch Avenue and Locust Street.

2. Pick-Up Instructions: Please pick-up your child between 12:00-12:15 pm and no later than 12:30 pm. Pick up your child at the pullthrough driveway of the UT Conference Center on the Locust Street side of the building. We will be waiting there with students. If there is a line of cars, do not obstruct traffic; in that case you must park and walk over to get your child. If you are running late, you must call Dr. Matt Bryant Cheney at 865-974-9869. If you’re late, we will call the parent/guardian contact number. 

Note: If you need to park, public parking is available at the Locust Street Parking Garage, 540 Locust Street, and entered on Walnut Avenue or Locust Street. Parking is free for the first ten minutes; after that, it’s $1 per hour (up to $7). We do not recommend that you park in the Hilton Garage, located across the street from the UTCC on Clinch Avenue and Locust Street.

Q: What are the dates & times for the workshops?

A: Monday, July 8 – Friday, July 12 | 9:00 am-Noon each day

Q: Where are the workshops taking place?

A: UT Conference Center, 600 Henley Street, room 417. (Click here for Conference Center Details). See below for drop-off & pick-up information.

Q:  What should my student bring with them for the workshop?

A:  We will provide students with all necessary supplies for workshops. Students should bring a water bottle and may bring a sweater or light jacket in case the A/C is too cool for them. 

If written authorization has been given on the Consent Form for over-the-counter-medications the student may self-administer, those must be given to the Assistant Program Director upon arrival. They will be stored securely and dispensed as authorized according to specified dosage on the Consent Form. 

Personal “epi” pens and inhalers may be carried by a minor during the Summer Writing Academies workshops. (See “Emergency Plan” Below) 

Q: Are cell phones & other devices allowed?

A: Students will be asked to have their phones, tablets, and smart watches turned off and put away during workshops. If a student does not follow this guideline after two warnings, we will contact parents to come pick up the student early. 

Q: Is there a dress code? 

A: Please do not allow your child to wear anything they would not be allowed to wear at school.

Q: Will any snacks or meals be provided?

A: No. Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottle. We are unable to allow snacks in the room unless needed for a medical reason as stated on the Consent Form. In that case, give them to the Assistant Program Director, Dr. Matt Bryant Cheney, upon arrival, and request them when needed.  

Q: How will drop-off & pick-up work on the day of the workshop?

1. Drop-off Instructions:  Please drop off your child no earlier than 8:45 am. Your child’s Consent Form must have been submitted online by July 2, or you must have a printed and signed copy with you that morning. Drop off your child at the pullthrough driveway of the UT Conference Center on the Locust Street side of the building. We will be waiting to greet students at the car and walk them to the room. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late from the start of the workshop, you must park and walk your child to the workshop room; please knock on the door to room 417, as you may not enter the room. 

Note: If you need to park, public parking is available at the Locust Street Parking Garage, 540 Locust Street, and entered on Walnut Avenue or Locust Street. Parking is free for the first ten minutes; after that, it’s $1 per hour (up to $7). We do not recommend that you park in the Hilton Garage, located across the street from the UTCC on Clinch Avenue and Locust Street.

2. Pick-Up Instructions: Please pick-up your child between 12:00-12:15 pm and no later than 12:30 pm. Pick up your child at the pullthrough driveway of the UT Conference Center on the Locust Street side of the building. We will be waiting there with students. If there is a line of cars, do not obstruct traffic; in that case you must park and walk over to get your child. If you are running late, you must call Dr. Matt Bryant Cheney at 865-974-9869. If you’re late, we will call the parent/guardian contact number. 

Note: If you need to park, public parking is available at the Locust Street Parking Garage, 540 Locust Street, and entered on Walnut Avenue or Locust Street. Parking is free for the first ten minutes; after that, it’s $1 per hour (up to $7). We do not recommend that you park in the Hilton Garage, located across the street from the UTCC on Clinch Avenue and Locust Street.

Q: How can I contact my child during the Summer Writing Academies?

A: A parent or legal guardian may call or text the Assistant Program Director, Dr. Matt Bryant Cheney, at 865-974-9869.  

Q: How will I  be notified in the event of an emergency? 

A: The Assistant Program director, Dr. Matt Bryant Cheney, will contact a parent or legal guardian by phone call or text from 865-974-9869 in case of an emergency, including a medical problem, natural disaster, or other significant program disruption. (See “Emergency Plan” Below)

Q: What is the Code of Conduct for participating in the Summer Writing Academies?

A: All students are expected to behave in accordance with the following rules:

• Demonstrate respect for self and others
• Come each day with an open and positive attitude
• Participate in each workshop to the extent of your capabilities
• Attend each and every workshop day for which you registered
• Notify Summer Writing Academies Staff of any concerns that may impact your ability to participate in workshops
• Cooperate with Summer Writing Academies Staff when given guidance and direction
• Only leave the classroom with permission
• Respect others’ property
• Keep your hands to yourself
• Stay curious, not judgmental or rude, about points of view with which you may not agree
• Refrain from raising your voice, name-calling, or making threats of any kind
• Avoid violation of student code of conduct.

Q: What are the consequences of a student not complying with the Code of Conduct?

A: If a student does not comply with the Summer Writing Academies Code of Conduct, staff reserve the right to call the guardian or parent and/or send a student home early.

Summer Writing Academies

July 8-12, 2024

Emergency Plan

Communication with Parents/Legal Guardians

1. The Assistant Program Director, Dr. Matt Bryant Cheney, will contact a parent or legal guardian by phone call or text from 865-974-9869 in case of an emergency, including a medical problem, natural disaster, or other significant program disruption.
2. Parents/legal guardians can contact their child during the Summer Writing Academies workshop by calling or texting Dr. Matt Bryant Cheney at 865-974-9869.

Medical Treatment

A minor’s medications may be dispensed by the Summer Writing Academies Assistant Program Director or Workshop Leader (referred to below as a “Covered Adult” for this event, which is registered with UTK Programs for Minors) under the following circumstances:

1. A Covered Adult may dispense prescription or over-the-counter medication to a minor for the minor to self-administer if the minor’s parent or legal guardian has provided written authorization for the minor to self-administer the medication via the Consent Form.
2. Covered Adults shall keep medications in an appropriate and secure location.
3. At the appropriate time for dispensation of a medication, a Covered Adult shall allow the minor to self-administer the appropriate medication dose as shown on the container.
4. Covered Adults will maintain a record showing the date and time of each dispensation of medication and the signature of the person who dispensed the medication.
5. Personal “epi” pens and inhalers may be carried by a minor during Covered Program activities.