Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a field camp this year?
Yes, a full six-week, in-person only, Field Geology course will be offered for the first time in two years!
How does a student from another school enroll in this course?
We are not accepting applicants from other schools.
What sort financial assistance is available through the Jackson
School?
Undergraduate support is available in four categories:
- Scholarships
- Grants on the basis of financial need
- Low-interest loans
- Professional development
To be eligible for a financial need-based grant, a FAFSA should also be on file in the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS). JSG grant eligibility is not necessarily dictated by OSFS eligibility; all students interested in financial assistance are encouraged to have a FAFSA on file, regardless of their OSFS status.
Summer scholarship application requirements change from year-to-year. See specifics for your year on the home page of this website.
Will a Brunton compass be provided? Do we need to consider purchasing a Brunton?
We no longer rely on analog compasses, instead using (free) smart phone Apps. The preferred App, used in Geo420k the past two years, is FieldMove Clino, which runs on both iOS and Android OS. Others include Stereonet Mobile and RockD. Should you wish, we provide a Brunton compass (really a "Brunton Pocket Transit") to use in addition. Probably because of the expense (~$250), students rarely purchase their own. If you choose to do so, several mail-order/internet companies have sales each spring. I have catalogs and some advice on which model to buy. The Silva Ranger compass can be used in lieu of a Brunton. You are highly encouraged to have either the App FieldMove Clino or Stereonet Mobile (both free) installed on your phone.
How much gear is too much to bring? What is the luggage limit per student?
We've never had a strict limit, but have relied on your good common sense to keep it to a minimum. Two or three well-organized bags are sufficient: a medium-sized duffel bag for clothing and personal items, a separate bundle or duffel for your sleeping bag and pad (+/- tent), and a small day pack for your field items are all you'll need. Your baggage should to be crushable - hard-sided luggage or backpacks with external frames aren't a good idea. Don't bring your entire wardrobe; a few changes of field clothing are all you'll need. As the gear recommendations state, it is to your and everyone else's advantage to go light. Those who have to monkey around with a bunch of stuff every day aren't happy campers after a few dozen stops. You will not need and should not bring: 1) all of your backpacking/camping gear (no matter how new and novel); 2) dress clothing; 3) laptop computers; 4) ice chests/coolers; 5) lawn furniture.
How often do we get to bathe and do laundry?
Showers have been available nearly everywhere we've camped, except typically during one project where we primitive camp. This is usually 3-5 days, and there is always a stream nearby. Except during this period, there have been laundry facilities within walking distance of most of the places we've stayed or camped. I expect the same to be true this year. Finding time to do laundry is another matter... you'll probably be happiest if you have enough stuff to go at least a week between washes.
When will the dates of the trip be decided?
Will we leave before the graduation ceremony?
What is the in- and out-of-state cost?
Answers to these questions are given below, but to reiterate: 1) dates will be decided by late January-early February. I'll post them on the message page as soon as I know; 2) we will not leave before the Spring graduation ceremony; 3) costs should be comparable (very close) to last year's, which are listed below.
If I wanted to send a "care package" to a student on 660 what should I do? Is there someplace where they will be able to pick up mail?
Addresses for all the places we are able to receive mail, as well as the dates when we will be there, are posted. Mail early! Mail forwarded after we leave each place rarely reaches us before we are on the move again.
Are we going to have an informational meeting before we leave?
Yes. We usually have two or three meetings before we leave. The last meeting is usually the last week of classes and covers logistical details; the other meeting(s) cover academic preparation.
How much does the class cost, including the class fee, summer tuition, and any money I may need along the way?
The price of the course is the sum of a course fee (currently $2550 for 6 weeks) and summer tuition. The course fee is recalculated each year and depends upon the number of students enrolled, where and how far we go, where we stay, etc. The total cost in 2021, including six hours of tuition for Texas residents registered for both halves, is expect to be $5400. All students last year received substantial scholarship support from the Friends of Student Field Experiences Endowment and other endowments/funds of the Geology Foundation, which will provide assistance again this year.
Spending money... at the very minimum you will need money for some meals on the road and when motels (it varies from year to year - see the handouts). Nearly all other food, travel and lodging are covered by the course fee. You may also want to do laundry a few times, have a few dollars to spend on days off, and have some money for snacks, postcards, etc and items you forgot to bring or lose along the way. Estimates of how much you might need for these things range widely; ask a former 660 student with a lifestyle like yours.
When do we leave and return?
Most years we depart on the week following commencement (usually the 3rd or 4th week of May) and return 6 weeks later, usually the last week of June or first week of July. A firm departure date will be available in late January - early February.
Can I drive my own car?
No. Reasons include limits on the number of vehicles at some of the places we work and stay, liability issues, and issues concerning group travel and course structure.
How many days off do we get?
Usually at least two. Very little gets done on long travel days, or on days we move, set up and grocery shop, of which there are several. See the calendar pages for specifics.
Can I have people visit me, or can I visit someone, during the course?
We would prefer you didn't. Aside from potential logistical difficulties, you will have very little free time. Most evenings are consumed preparing maps, writing reports, or working on the project de jour. This course is your chance to spend six weeks totally immersed in geology, your chosen profession. It's a unique opportunity. Friends, family, spouses, and others who might want to visit can usually appreciate this.
I'm a vegetarian. Is that a problem?
No. Vegetarian meals will be available at all of the places that provide us food when we aren't camping. It's never been an issue when we camp because there are always several student (+/- staff) who form veggie cook groups.