Acton University: Logistics Information

Conference Location

Acton University will take place in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, from June 15-18, 2010 at the L.V. Eberhard Center of Grand Valley State University.

Conference Fees and Financial Assistance

Student - Student applications are accepted on a rolling basis and if accepted, are expected to contribute a $100 conference fee. In combination with a generous fellowship, this fee covers the cost of double occupancy lodging, conference costs, lecture fees, and meals for the duration of the conference. In addition, a limited number of travel scholarships are available to assist with transportation costs to and from the conference. To apply, complete the financial assistance portion of the conference application. Students who receive a travel scholarship will still be responsible for the 100USD fee.

Non-student - Non-student participants may choose one of the following attendance packages.

  • Standard: This package includes conference and lecture fees, meals, and receptions for the duration of the conference. $550
  • Comprehensive: This package includes conference and lecture fees, meals, receptions, and single occupancy lodging in downtown Grand Rapids from the evening of June 15 to the morning of June 19. $900
Limited fee and travel assistance is available for part-time students, teachers, clergy and non-profit professionals. To apply, complete the financial assistance portion of the conference registration form. Non-student participants who receive scholarships may be lodged in double-occupancy rooms.

In case of cancellation, Acton will furnish full refunds up to two weeks prior to the event.

Participants who are unable to attend the complete conference program and are interested in a per diem rate should contact Kara Eagle at keagle@acton.org for further information.

Named Fellowship Programs

In addition to generally supported Acton University scholarships, named fellowship programs have been generously sponsored for applicants meeting specific qualifications. These fellowships are highly competitive, and may include additional requirements before or after the conference. Though all applications to Acton University are reviewed for named fellowships, a brief outline of selected fellowships is included below.

Juan de Mariana Scholarships: Named after the 16th century Catholic moral theologian, Juan de Mariana, these fellowships exist to bring young Catholic leaders from developing countries and transitioning economies to Acton University. Eligibility for this scholarship is dependent upon attendance at one of a series of free day-long conferences scheduled throughout the world. Candidates will be contacted regarding eligibility.

Kern Fellowships: Sponsored by the Kern Family Foundation, the Kern Fellowship Program is building a cohort of Protestant seminary professors to address issues of social justice, sound anthropology and economic understanding in US seminaries. Beginning with attendance at Acton University, recipients of this prestigious award are offered unique resources and opportunities for use in their classrooms and scholarly advancement.

Hansen Fellowships: Centered on the Acton Institute's widely esteemed Catholic High School Honor Roll program, and sponsored by the Robert and Marie Hansen Foundation, these fellowships are offered to Catholic High School teachers in Honor Roll schools. Recipients attend and contribute to special sessions, examining ways in which Acton University lessons can be utilized in a classroom setting.

Accommodations

Comprehensive Conference Package

Reservations at either the Courtyard by Marriott or the Holiday Inn (formerly the Days Hotel), adjacent to the L.V. Eberhard Center, will be arranged by the Acton Institute. This package includes room rates and taxes from June 15-19, 2010. Any incidentals and extra nights lodging will be the responsibility of the participant.

Standard Conference Package

Participants are responsible for booking their own hotel reservations. The hotels listed below are within walking distance of the conference center.

Travel

Participants travelling by plane should fly into the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). Further information regarding arrival, departure and provided ground transportation will be included in registration packets. Please carefully review this information prior to booking your flights. Note that all Acton University travel scholarships are reimbursed upon submission of receipts at the conference and are contingent upon attendance and full completion of the conference program.

Participants who are driving should plan on arriving at the L.V. Eberhard Center in time to register at 4:30pm on Tuesday, June 15. For directions to the conference site, please click here.

FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Contact Kara Eagle at (616)454-3080 or keagle@acton.org