Engagement Institute FAQ

If any of your questions are not answered or if you would like clarification, please contact your local Hillel for more information or institute@hillel.org.

What is the Engagement Institute?
The Engagement Institute is a training where incoming student interns and leaders from around the country will gather to prepare for their jobs back on campus . It will consist of over 600 students and staff from over 70 campuses for 5 days of skill development and team building, and learning the essential building blocks of what it means to be an engagement intern and student leader.

When is the Engagement Institute?
The Engagement Institute will take place from Wednesday, August 8th until Sunday August 12th.

Where is the Engagement Institute?
The Engagement Institute will be at Washington University in St. Louis.

What will I need for the Institute?
See our suggested packing list.

As the Engagement Institute takes places on a college campus, and you should feel comfortable bringing anything there that you would to your own campus, and all interns and leaders will be staying in rooms that will automatically be locked and closed throughout your stay there.

While not required, feel free to bring a laptop if you have access to one for our computer based training. While computers will be provided, bringing your own will allow you to not have to share a common computer.

There is wireless internet access all across the Washington University campus as well as wired internet in the dorm rooms.

What is the weather like in St Louis?
The weather will be very hot and humid while in St Louis, with the possibility of rain. Check the 10 day forecast for St. Louis as it gets closer to the date, but the typical temperature in August includes highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s. While the dorms and all indoors will have air conditioning, it is recommended to bring light, summer clothing.

Do I need to pack my own linens?
No, a linen package will be provided consisting of two (2) bed sheets, one (1) pillow, one (1) pillowcase, one (1) blanket, two (2) bath towels, two (2) washcloths and (2) soaps per participant on the first check-in date.

Bed linens will be distributed on beds, prior to check-in; however, beds are not made. There will be a charge for missing linens at check-out.

Is this a religious program?
All Jews, regardless of background, affiliation or practice, are welcome on the program. Hillel's program will provide opportunities for participants to celebrate Jewish life together, though you will not be required to join in organized religious activities. In order to be as inclusive as possible, only kosher food will be served at meals and no travel or work of any sort will be required on the Jewish Sabbath.

Where will we be staying?
All students will be staying on the South 40 area of the Washington University Campus consisting of some of the nicest college dorms in the country. All rooms will have bedding (sheets, pillows and towels) as previously mentioned.

The South 40 is a "small town" with its own fitness center, dining facilities, technology center, meeting rooms, intramural fields, basketball and sand volleyball courts, recreation and game rooms, and music practice rooms.

Will we get to explore the city at all?
A little. We will have one night out, as well as some time that will be structured for however your individual campus would like to use it. While at the Institute, we will bring the best of St Louis to you!

What will I be eating?
There will be three meals a day during the Institute. All food served is Kosher, and there will be vegetarian and gluten free options available at all meals.

What will we be doing on Shabbat?
From Sunset on Friday until Sundown on Saturday the pace of the Engagement Institute shifts. There will be a variety of prayer and spirituality options, a festive dinner and activities which will accommodate all traditions and denominations. During Shabbat we slow down and spend our time getting to know each other better, hang out and enjoy Jewish learning.

Are there rules for going out?
During our training, there are several blocks of time to relax, hang out and take a breather. During the blocks of time during the day, we expect that you remain on campus. However, in the (late!) evenings after the program day is over, you are free to leave campus if you would like to spend time exploring St. Louis.

In order to protect your safety and respect the goals of our time together, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:

If you bring a car to Engagement Institute, you will not be permitted to use it during the duration of the training. If you are going to explore the city, feel free to walk, take the metrolink or a taxi.
You must stay with at least one other student
We request that you return to campus no later than 1 am
On Shabbat (from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sundown) , we request that you remain on campus to enjoy each other’s company and take advantage of special program opportunities we have built into the schedule.

If you choose to go off-campus during free time, you may consume alcohol if you are 21 years of age or older in accordance with the law. No drunkenness will be tolerated nor hangovers that impede on training. Additionally, in accordance with Washington University’s policies, no alcohol may be brought back to campus.

Violation of these policies may result in expulsion from the training at your own expense and jeopardize your internship at the discretion of your campus Hillel staff.

Are there rules related to alcohol, smoking or other substances?
No alcohol, tobacco products or any illegal substances are permitted on the Wash U campus at all. Let’s repeat that for good measure, no alcohol, tobacco products or any illegal substances are permitted on campus at all. If anyone is seen on campus with any of the previously mentioned items, there will be swift and certain consequences.

Violation of these policies may result in expulsion from the training at your own expense and jeopardize your internship at the discretion of your campus Hillel staff.