How will time be spent at the Hillel Institute?
Much like our work with students, Hillel Institute is designed as an “Immersive Experience” for all Hillel professionals. Because of this immersive nature, we highly recommend that professionals stay for the duration of the Institute – August 6th-9th. The majority of time spent at the conference will be in “tracks” of 20-30 professionals , composed of different Hillel staff teams and professionals. These tracks will allow for your entire team to be part of the core components of the training together and to collaborate in thinking about the ways in which each individual’s work (and the work of the collective team) can be improved and enhanced through learning at the conference. When not in tracks, professionals will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, learn, and reflect in a variety of experiential ways.
What about opportunities to network with professionals like me?
There will be professional network sessions during the course of the Institute which will provide ample opportunities for “like professionals” to network and use each other as resources. In addition to networking, these groups will have the opportunity to reflect on the track session work done in staff teams to consider how to the material applies to their particular role on campus. This year’s groupings will be smaller and more focused to enable richer professional networking and reflection.
If I have students attending Engagement Institute, how can I fully participate in the professional portion of Hillel Institute once my students arrive on Wednesday?
Dividing time between staff and students is definitely a delicate “balancing act.” That said, we have adjusted the schedule to significantly reduce the overlap between the two schedules by starting the Professional conference on Monday rather than Tuesday. We’ve also created a break during the professional experience on Wednesday that coincides with the arrival of students. We hope that will enable professionals to welcome their students without having to sacrifice their own professional development experience.
Why St. Louis?
Professionals at Hillel’s Schusterman International Center and around the field considered a variety of factors in selecting the best venue for our inaugural Hillel Institute:
• Cost was a major consideration in terms of choosing a central location, identifying a city with major airline hubs, and, in this case, Southwest’s low fares.
• Having the opportunity to convene on campus fits well with Hillel’s culture and provides a lower-cost alternative to hotel accommodations. Washington University in St. Louis has one of the most state-of-art facilities in the country featuring newly-constructed modern dorms for all of our participants and fantastic spaces for sessions, meals, and experiential components.
• The St. Louis Jewish and University communities have been extraordinarily warm and welcoming in working to be the inaugural host for Hillel Institute. We are excited for all Hillel professionals to be the beneficiaries of this incredible hospitality.
How much will registration go up on July 6th (after the July 5th early bird deadline)?
All fees will go up by $50.
What are the options for babysitting, if I need to bring children to the Hillel Institute?
If you are planning to bring children with you, the deadline to register and request childcare is Thursday July 5th.
A few things to know:
Babysitting will be covered by Hillel for:
• Parents with babies who are nursing
• Families where both parents are participating in Hillel Institute
• Babysitting will be available throughout the day and is available during evening programming if requested.
The St. Louis JCC Day Camp is offering 10% off standard fees (as listed on the JCC website). Parents would need to do daily drop-off and pick-up. Please contact institute@hillel.org for more information.
If your child does not fall under one of the above categories and you still require childcare, please do not enter your child's information in registration. Please contact institute@hillel.org to discuss options prior to early bird deadline, Thursday July 5th.
What is the dress code?
Dress for the Hillel Institute is campus casual (flip-flops encouraged!). Wednesday night, professionals will have the opportunity to celebrate our work and enjoy our time together at one of St. Louis’s most unique sites, the City Museum. Be prepared to dress “vacation festive,” but be comfy! For a complete packing list, please reference the document below.
HIPackingList.pdf (PDF File 484KB)
[Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or higher.]
What is the linen situation in the dorms?
Washington University’s residence hall rooms are “make-your-own-bed” style with linens provided. When you arrive, you’ll have bed sheets, a pillow, blanket, bath towels and washcloths. If there are other linens you would like to bring, feel free! Whether you bring your own or use those provided, just know that there is a charge for missing linens. When leaving your room, please make sure all University linens are accounted for or you/your Hillel will be charged.
Washington University also provides soap, and you can supplement that soap with your own favorite toiletries.
Finally, if you’re staying for over 4 days, don’t worry about laundry – the University has agreed to exchange your dirty linens with clean ones!
My question was not answered. What should I do?
If your question was not answered, please contact us.