Week of E3 2011 (WoE3) Frequently Asked Questions
Is Week of E3 required? Yes, Week of E3 is required for every full-time student in the School of Undergraduate Studies as part of Service Learning for the Spring semester.
Why is Week of E3 required? Week of E3, like Service Learning, is an integral part of a Lincoln Christian University education. Because it is our mission to train servant leaders, we believe that Week of E3 is a critical time for students to encounter God, be exposed to where He is at work in the world, and engage in that work. An intensive service experience through Week of E3 shapes students' hearts and develops their characters by engaging their gifts, passions, and sense of calling while teaching valuable life lessons. Week of E3 enables faculty and students to work side-by-side taking Christ's message of love through service to over 40 locations worldwide every year. We strive to step outside of our own lives and glorify God during this week.
Why is there a Week of E3 deposit on my Fall bill? We are particularly sensitive to the fact that the today's economy is making it harder for some students to raise the funds to cover their trip. One of the ways we are working to make Week of E3 finances more manageable is to spread out financing by adding a $150 Week of E3 deposit to the Fall semester bill. When you enroll full-time for the Fall semester, this charge will be added to your account, and will apply toward your Week of E3 trip costs in the Spring semester. If you already know that you will not be participating in Week of E3 during 2010-2011, please email Kate Hemmer to request an immediate refund for this charge.
If you apply for and are accepted to a $150 trip, you will have no additional charges in the Spring, and the deposit will be used to pay for your team's supplies, fuel, and food (the cafeteria is closed during Week of E3) during your Week of E3 project. If you apply for and are accepted to a trip that costs more than $150, your deposit will be applied toward the entire cost of your trip.
How much does Week of E3 cost? With over 40 trip offerings to local, domestic, and international service sites, there are trips sure to fit every budget and every heart. Trips begin as low as $25 and are always less than $3500.
How can I pay for Week of E3? With over 40 trips ranging in cost from $25 to $3500, there are trips to fit every heart and every budget. Week of E3 charges go on a student's school account, so financial aid can help pay for Week of E3 costs. Students are encouraged to raise support to cover their trip costs by reaching out to friends, family, and churches, and/or participating in fund raising activities. You may find a sample support letter here.
Are Week of E3 contributions tax deductible? No. Donations to cover Week of E3 costs are applied directly to a student's account. This is not the same as a tax-deductible donation to a not-for-profit organization. This is a donation to a specific individual to cover educational expenses.
How do I choose my trips? Students are invited to the Week of E3 Fair every year in October to browse the trips offered the following spring. Students submit an application listing their top four choices and their reasons for choosing those trips. Students should approach these trip selections in a prayerful, thoughtful mindset. Pray for wisdom and guidance as you select your trips. Consider how the trips align with your gifts and talents and your budget. For many students, it's important that parents be involved in the decision-making process before a student is committed to a trip. Once a student submits a Week of E3 application and is accepted to a trip, s/he is obligated to the entire trip cost, because trips are budgeted on an expected number of students per team, and the loss of any student increases cost for his/her teammates. As soon as a student submits an application and is accepted to the trip, the Week of E3 deposit and all other trip costs become non-refundable.
How am I assigned to a Week of E3 project? Students are invited to the Week of E3 Fair every year in October to browse the trips offered the following spring. Students submit an application listing their top four choices and their reasons for choosing those trips. Once the application is received and logged in the Service Learning Office, each application is sent to the leader of the trip that the student listed as their first choice. That leader will either accept that student on to his/her Week of E3 team, or return it to the Service Learning Office. Leaders evaluate their applications based on any number of factors related to their service site's needs: gifts and talents, class rank, gender division (for lodging purposes), and/or field of study or experience. Applications that are returned to the Service Learning Office are then sent to the student's second choice trip leader and the process is repeated. While most students do receive their first choice, there are many who do not. It's important to list choices you will be ready to commit to, because once a leader accepts your application, you are assigned to that trip and cannot change your mind (see "Can I change my Week of E3?). Every year there are some students who do not get assigned to any of their first four choices. This is typically due to the popularity of the trips chosen, or the quality of the application submitted, but it may be any number of things. When this happens, a student is asked to submit a new application listing new choices from the trips that remain open.
What if I don't know what my enrollment status will be in the Spring? If you have any uncertaint ies about your full-time status at LCU in the Spring semester, please do not apply for a Week of E3 project. If you return, your Week of E3 options will be substantially limited, as most teams will be full. However, this is better for everyone than to commit to a team and be forced to incur financial and workload obligations that you will be held to, regardless of your enrollment status in the Spring.
Can I change my Week of E3? Why not? In submitting your application, you agreed to the commitment policy listed on the application page which states "By submitting my application, I indicate that I understand that I am committed to the trip listed above for which my application is accepted and I am responsible for all trip expenses upon the acceptance of my application by the trip leader, regardless of when the charge shows on my student account or when the money is due. I understand that I will be held to this commitment regardless of any change in my interest or circumstances, including withdrawal/dismissal from LCU or non-registration for Spring 2011 semester. Medical excuses may be accepted with a doctors's note, but I will still be liable for non refundable charges or for my contribution upon which the team is depending. I am confident that I can raise money to cover my trip contribution." Every Week of E3 trip cost per student is budgeted based on a certain number of students in the trip. Taking one student off the trip raises the cost per student for each student on the trip, which is unfair to your teammates. Additionally, your trip leader chose you for the team based on any number of factors, including your gifts, skills, talents, and/or your mix in the class rank or gender for the team dynamic. Your team is counting on your contributions in these areas. Finally, often leaders receive more applications than they could possibly accept. Other students were turned away from this trip because you were accepted. It's unfair to them for you to gain a spot on the trip and then walk away from your obligation.
Do I need a passport? Any student traveling outside the U.S., including destinations in Mexico, Canada, and Puerto Rico, needs a passport. You must apply for your passport as early as possible: no later than the end of Fall semester for Spring trips. This is to allow ample processing and mailing time to receive your passport. If you are traveling outside the U.S., you will be turned away at the airport if you do not arrive with a passport, and your trip charges will not be refunded (See "Can I change my Week of E3?" to understand why your team needs your contribution even if you do not attend).
How do I apply for a passport? You may find instructions on how to apply for a passport by clicking here.
What if I'm afraid of flying? All international trips and many domestic trips will require flying. If you can't overcome your fear of flying, we suggest you choose local trip assignments.
Do I need immunizations? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes recommendations regarding immunizations for travel outside the U.S. We strongly recommend that our students follow the CDC recommendations, and we request a doctor's note from students who elect not to follow the CDC recommendations. You may find recommendations for your travel destination on the CDC website by choosing your destination from the list.
What if I'm afraid of needles? Many international trips will require vaccinations, so if you can't overcome your fear of needles we suggest you choose local or domestic trip assignments.
If you have Week of E3 questions that are not answered on this page, please submit them in an email to Kate Hemmer, and your question will be answered as soon as possible.