Advanced Placement Summer Institutes (APSI)

Week 1: July 15 - 19, 2024 I Week 2: July 22 - 26, 2024
Teacher talking to adult students in AP classroom

The Advanced Placement Summer Institute workshops are designed to support all aspects of AP courses, including methodology, curriculum, class assignments, and examinations. Each workshop is designed to meet the needs of each participant, while renewing confidence and providing new strategies to bring back to the classroom. 

Faculty and Staff

The Institutes are taught by expert AP instructors, readers, test designers, and university faculty with experience in AP, who have been endorsed by The College Board. Our dedicated instructors come back year after year. Our administrative staff who organize and run this event are available and present to help with any questions that may arise.

This summer, we will be offering both in-person and virtual workshops.

Two Options

Male and female student in AP classroom
July 15-19, 2024

In-Person Workshops

In-Person Workshops will run Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fitchburg State is ideally located in North Central MA, and is easily accessible by car, bus, or train from all areas of New England. There are endless options to explore further while you are here. Whether you are looking for an evening of fun or a full day adventure, this area is full of art and cultural experiences, as well as wonderful hiking trails and nature- focused activities. If you choose to stay on-campus in our residence halls, you will enjoy an air-conditioned, comfortable single occupancy bedroom in a suite with a large common area and two bathrooms.

Student using laptop
July 15-19 and July 22-26, 2024

Virtual Workshops

Virtual Workshops will consist of both synchronous and asynchronous learning that will occur Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fitchburg State is a national leader in online education offering you an affordable online option with the relevance, rigor, and experience of a well respected state university.  Attending a virtual workshop is a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse group of educators from across the nation, while getting the same high quality benefits and support as our in-person workshop attendees.

Week 1: July 15 - 19, 2024 (In-Person)

This year we are offering the following workshops:

30 PDPs
Cost: $1095
Course Numbers: PDEV 6307P CRN: 64039

3 Graduate credits
Cost: $1390
Course Numbers: PDEV 6307 CRN: 64038

The AP Art and Design Summer Institute for new and experienced teachers of AP will explore the 3D, 2D and Drawing portfolios, and facilitate the creation of valuable curricula with corresponding art making. 
The requirements of the portfolio will be examined in depth through digital presentations and discussions geared to generate curriculum development through collaborative work and studio practice. Topics addressed during the week, will include:

  • An overview of The College Board materials provided– the course and exam description (CED)
  • Unpacking and understanding the portfolio requirements
  • The evaluation process and rubrics
  • An overview of the training materials from the 2024 Reading
  • Engagement in inquiry and investigation through practice, experimentation, revision and reflection
  • Understanding the writing component      
  • Developing sketchbook strategies
  • Selecting art for the Selected Works section
  • Generating ideas for the Sustained Investigation that can support investigative research
  • Investigating themes from Contemporary Art to inspire curriculum

Our work will be collaborative and learner centered with an emphasis on ideation and strategies for assisting AP students to select sustained investigation topics that are viable and inventive. Studio sessions will be dedicated to the development of a mini concentration, using process research, investigation and exploration. 

Exercises will demonstrate how the synthesis of materials, processes and ideas can be conveyed through both images and words. Written responses to the portfolio prompts are linked to student understanding of the portfolio goals. Participants will engage in the same kind of creative problem solving and exploration that they will ask of their students.

The format of the Institute will include informal lectures, digital presentations, group collaboration and studio activities. All participants will be encouraged to share strategies, ideas and best practices. Group critiques and activities will be conducted with an emphasis on process and the development of a theme or idea that can generate continued investigation.

Participants will be asked to bring some studio supplies for their own art making. Please bring a laptop or tablet for sharing of teaching materials. Some materials will be provided and announced at a later date.

Claudia Michael APSI

Claudia Michael has been a College Board endorsed AP Studio Art Consultant and exam reader for twenty years. In addition to grading portfolio submissions, and serving as a table leader during portfolio evaluations, she has written published commentary for the College Board, providing rationale for the scores students receive. Claudia has been an art educator for more than thirty-five years.  Her experience includes teaching K-12 in private and public schools. As district mentor for the Manchester School District, she worked with new and experienced teachers across disciplines. She has taught studio art and teacher preparation classes in several New Hampshire institutions of higher education.  In recent years, she has focused on using Contemporary Art to inspire K-12 curriculum.  Claudia has created two courses that reflect her research for the NH Institute of Art, now the Institute of Art and Design at New England College, MAT degree program. She holds the title of senior lecturer in Studio with the School of Professional Studies at the University of NH. She has received two distinguished faculty awards and was Secondary School Teacher of the Year.  

An award winning artist and art educator, Claudia is the recipient of three Fulbright fellowships, a Freeman Foundation Grant, two Granite State College Faculty Development Grants and a University of NH Academic Technology Grant. She has painted in several countries including Canada, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, China, Morocco and the U.S. Claudia was recently an artist in residence in Assisi, Italy. She exhibits her work widely in New England and her paintings have won numerous awards. Her work is included in several private and corporate collections.  http://claudialmichael.wixsite.com/claudia-michael-art

30 PDPs
Cost: $1095
Course Numbers: PDEV 6300P CRN: 64037

3 Graduate credits
Cost: $1390
Course Numbers: PDEV 6300 CRN: 64036

This AP Summer Institute is designed with the new AP Biology Instructor in mind but that will also benefit experienced AP Biology instructors. By attending this course you will:

  • Begin to develop a course plan by unit and topic that incorporates the full scope of your AP course into your school’s academic calendar
  • Examine formative and summative assessment items to identify content and skill pairings that are the targets of these assessments and create lesson plans to reinforce content and skill connections
  • Practice applying the scoring guidelines from the most recent AP Exam to samples of student work
  • Identify student strengths and weakness using data available through AP Classroom and Instructional Planning Reports,
  • Explore ready-to-use strategies, instructional materials, and pedagogical tools pertinent to the content and skills required for success in your AP course
  • Develop meaningful connections within the AP community

We will accomplish this by digging deep into the AP Biology Course and Exam Description (CED) that will become our go- to resource for all questions about the course, and the online AP Biology resources available in AP Classroom. We will discuss the laboratory component of the course and learn how to identify labs that fulfill its requirement as well and how to use the data to understand data analysis skills required in the course. We will also, of course, discuss the most recent AP Biology exam and how to help students prepare for the exam next May.

Irene Mahoney picture

Irene Mahoney has been teaching biology for over 20 years, and is currently teaching at Everett High School, in Everett MA, where she teaches AP and Honors biology and AP Environmental. This year will be the seventh year Irene is a reader for the National exam. Since 2016, Irene has been qualified as a College Board Consultant to teach other AP Biology teachers. Currently Irene is a biology presenter for Mass Insight. Irene was awarded the 2013 National Math, Science Initiative AP Teacher of the Year, and also the Yale University Educator Recognition Award for “inspiring and supporting students to perform at high levels and to achieve excellence”. In 2014 she was selected as the Mass Insight Education Partners in Excellence Science Teacher of the Year. Irene holds a B.A. in Biology from the UMASS Amherst, and a Masters in teaching Biology from Salem State College.

30 PDPs
Cost: $1095
Course Numbers: PDEV 6306P CRN: 64043

3 Graduate credits
Cost: $1390
Course Numbers: PDEV 6306 CRN: 64042

This APSI will be a transformative week of professional development designed to empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to excel in teaching AP Spanish Language and Culture. This comprehensive training program will combine theoretical insights, practical strategies, and collaborative activities to create a dynamic learning experience.

In-Depth Curriculum Exploration:
We will delve into the AP Spanish Language and Culture curriculum and gain a deep understanding of the exam structure, content, and scoring guidelines, to ensure you are well-equipped to guide your students to success.

Innovative Teaching Strategies:
Discover innovative pedagogical approaches that cater specifically to the demands of the AP Spanish Language and Culture course. Explore project-based learning, technology integration, and differentiated instruction techniques that will captivate your students and foster a dynamic learning environment.

Collaborative Planning and Resource Sharing:
Foster a community of like-minded educators by participating in collaborative planning sessions. Share best practices, exchange teaching materials, and collaborate on lesson plans, creating a network of support that extends beyond the training week.

Assessment and Feedback:
Master the art of effective assessment and feedback, key components of successful AP instruction. Learn to create meaningful assessments, provide constructive feedback, and guide your students towards continuous improvement, all while aligning with the AP exam requirements.

Cultural Competence and Global Awareness:
Learn how to enhance your students’ cultural competence and global awareness, critical elements of the AP Spanish Language and Culture curriculum. We will discuss strategies on how to explore diverse perspectives, current events, and global issues, equipping yourself to inspire a sense of cultural curiosity and understanding in your students.

Technology Integration for Language Learning:
Harness the power of technology to enhance language learning in your classroom. Explore digital tools, resources, and online platforms that can amplify your teaching effectiveness and engage students in meaningful ways.

Get ready for a week of inspiration, collaboration, and professional growth as we embark on a collective journey to elevate the teaching of AP Spanish Language and Culture. Together, let's equip ourselves to cultivate linguistic proficiency, cultural competence, and a passion for Spanish language and culture in our students.

Yensen Lambert APSI

Yensen Sierra Lambert has been involved with the AP Spanish Language and Culture program for 13 years. Her experience ranges from teaching at the middle and high school level to participating in the annual AP Reading as a Table Leader to co-authoring an AP Spanish textbook. Her objectives as an educator have been to help students become culturally competent during their AP course experience, to prepare them for the world beyond AP, and to foster enthusiastic interest and love of the Spanish language.  

She has presented at APAC on behalf of the AP Spanish Language and Culture program and participated in AP Live/AP Daily videos for AP Classroom and YouTube Channels.

In 2022, she was named Connecticut's Language Teacher of the Year. She lives in Connecticut, where she teaches AP Spanish Language and Culture and chairs a world languages department at a private school.

30 PDPs
Cost: $1095
Course Numbers: PDEV 6308P CRN: 64041

3 Graduate credits
Cost: $1390
Course Numbers: PDEV 6308 CRN: 64040

This course is being offered for the new and experienced teacher of US Government and Politics who wants to learn how to teach the new course that went into effect for the 2018-2019 school year.  We will also dive deeper into some of the content and skills of the course.  You will learn how to prepare your students for the exam with specific tips and strategies for tackling the multiple-choice questions and FRQs. Participants will come away from the workshop with an understanding of the content of the course, how to pace the course and how to design assessments to maximize learning and AP exam preparation. Best practices and assessments will be provided and shared and at the end of the week all participants will be able to return to their classrooms with new skills, unit assessments prepared and ready to implement, and a solid understanding of how to prepare your students for the exam. I will also weave quite a few technological resources into the course that can be used by both student and teacher. 

Rachael Ryan AP Instructor Headshot

Rachael Ryan has been teaching AP US Government and Politics for 25 years. She began reading the AP exams in 2006 and is currently a Table Leader. Rachael received her BA in US Government from Georgetown University and a Master’s in Liberal Arts from Harvard University. She helped edit AMSCO’s American Government by David Wofford and edited the test bank for WW Norton’s American Politics Today. Rachael has been teaching at the Taft School in Watertown, CT, since 2000. She has worked on numerous political campaigns and is currently an elected member of the Watertown Town Council. In 2014, Rachael was awarded The Littlejohn Family Chair 2014, which “is awarded to a faculty member whose commitment to the whole student exemplifies the underlying philosophy of the Taft education, and who demonstrates a passion for his or her academic discipline, a profound caring for the emotional and intellectual life of students, and has made a significant and positive difference in the lives of her students.” She lives in Watertown, CT, with her husband and two children. 

Week 1: July 15 - 19, 2024 (Virtual/Online)

This year we are offering the following workshops:

30 PDPs
Cost: $850
Course Numbers: PDEV 6304P CRN: 64047

3 Graduate credits
Cost: $1145
Course Numbers: PDEV 6304 CRN: 64046

In this APSI, the week will offer teachers a wide range of highly effective strategies for inspiring students to develop their voice as writers and critical thinkers. Because students have an array of experiences and understandings, it is critical to take them “from what they know to what they don’t know” in a way that will help them create insightful understandings of literature.  By grounding their literary experiences with some deep, universal tensions, the students can engage with complex poetry, drama, and fiction with a bit more confidence and understanding. In short, offering frames of understanding can help students “accelerate their insight” into meaningful works of literature.

Teachers will be offered an array of approaches for assessing student writing and methods for assuring that students are held accountable for content/skills while also fostering a healthy work culture for both students and instructor.  As for exam specific direction, we will work with strategies for both the FRQ and MC questions that are direct and profitable for the students. Furthermore, we will explore how to best utilize the CED and AP Classroom so that students can benefit from the content, and the instructors can make targeted adjustments to their lessons.

Joyce Herr headshot

Joyce Herr has over 40 years’ experience teaching AP English Literature and Composition, and Freshman Composition and Literature. She lives in Winston Salem, North Carolina, and has served as the AP Vertical Team Lead Leader for Amarillo Independent School District and taught AP English Literature for the Amarillo Independent School District for 17 years. Prior to moving to Texas, she was an instructor at Syracuse University and Onondaga Community College. Currently, she is an adjunct instructor via distance learning at Amarillo College teaching Freshman English and Composition I and II and serves as a mentor to new and experienced AP English teachers in several states. Since 2003, Joyce has served as a reader, table leader and most recently,(2020-present) sample selector for the AP English Literature and Composition Exam.

For over 20 years, Joyce has served as a lead AP English Literature Consultant for the College Board presenting at weeklong AP Summer Institutes in person and online, and one and two-day workshops. She has presented several professional development breakout sessions at the AP Annual Conference as well as pre and post main conference sessions for new and experienced AP English Literature teachers. In addition to her College Board affiliations, she presents AP and Pre AP professional development programs through the National Math and Science Initiative’s College Readiness Program and Laying the Foundations and AP English Lit Student Study Sessions.

Joyce has a Bachelors of Arts in English from LeMoyne College, MA Syracuse University and MA Educational Social Policy with a concentration in Curriculum.

30 PDPs
Cost: $850
Course Numbers: PDEV 6319P CRN: 64045

3 Graduate credits
Cost: $1145
Course Numbers: PDEV 6319 CRN: 64044

This course will provide a comprehensive exploration of the structure and content of the AP Psychology curriculum. The course is designed to benefit new teachers of AP Psychology. Each of the 9 units in the Course and Exam Description (CED) will be addressed and participants will be exposed to the classic findings as well as recent discoveries in the field. We will address, in detail, any new changes to the content of the curriculum. A significant emphasis will be placed on bringing difficult content to life for students. Participants will leave with interactive demonstrations, activities and many new teaching strategies that they can implement immediately to enhance their course. We will explore various text and online resources that will help further the content knowledge of participants. 

Another focus of the institute will be on the AP Exam. Participants will be exposed to previously released multiple-choice exams and past free response questions. We will spend time exploring how the FRQ is graded at the reading and participants will engage in applying the rubric to samples of the most recent pair of FRQs. We will also evaluate strategies for preparing students for success on the exam.

Participants will leave with many new resources to enhance their teaching of AP Psychology. The tools provided in this course will help participants create an exciting course that equips their students with the skills needed to excel in the AP Psychology course.

Portrait of Mike Hamilton

Mike Hamilton has taught high school psychology for more than 20 years. He began his teaching career in Iowa before moving to Massachusetts where he currently resides and has taught at Hopkinton High School since 2005. Mike served on the AP Psychology Test Development Committee for six year and was Co-chair from 2016-2020.  He has also been involved in the AP Psychology Reading since 2011; starting first as a Reader, progressing to a Table Leader, Question Leader, and now is currently serving as an Exam Leader. Mike was hired as an AP Psychology College Board consultant in 2014 and has presented at various regional and national workshops on the teaching of high school psychology. 

Mike has been involved in various American Psychological Association (APA) initiatives first as a Member at Large for the Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) and then in 2013 he was elected Chair. In 2010, Mike co-led the APA/Clark University workshop for high school teachers funded by the American Psychological Foundation, Clark University and the APA. 

Mike has been recognized for exceptional teaching as the 2019 recipient of the APA’s Society for the Teaching of Psychology Moffett Memorial Teaching Excellence Award. He was also the recipient of the APA TOPSS Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013. Mike has long been dedicated to creating professional development opportunities for high school psychology teachers. One of his proudest accomplishments is founding the New England Teachers of Psychology (NETOP) workshop, which brings teachers together every year in August to share best practices and learn from regional university professors. In addition, Mike is the coauthor of the third edition of AP Psychology, an exam preparation book (D and S Marketing, May, 2011). Mike lives with his wife and two adorable sons outside Boston, Massachusetts.

30 PDPs
Cost: $850
Course Numbers: PDEV 6309P CRN: 64051

3 Graduate credits
Cost: $1145
Course Numbers: PDEV 6309 CRN: 64050

This year’s workshop will allow both new and experienced teachers to develop a deep understanding of the most up-to-date requirements of the AP US History Course and Exam. With a goal of developing apprentice historians through the study of America’s past from Settlement through the early 21st Century, our focus will include:

  • Strategies to maintain rigor while allowing for differentiation
  • Creating annual pacing guides/syllabi and unit/lesson plans
  • Comprehensive understanding of exams and rubrics
  • Assessment practice using 2021 DBQ/LEQ/SAQ samples among others
  • Analyzing historical evidence utilizing various writing strategies
  • Opportunities for sharing best practices
  • Incorporating AP Classroom and Score Reports to improve student learning

By the end of the week, participants will have a solid understanding of the elements required to develop student mastery in course content and themes, historical reasoning processes and thinking skills. Participants will explore the course and exam description (CED)  in detail and develop resources for classroom use while creating a pacing guide and syllabus for the school year. Our daily meetings will offer hands-on individual and group learning addressing the many challenging components of teaching APUSH.  Additionally you will gain familiarity with all the resources available in the AP Classroom and from the AP teacher community. I consider it my role to ensure that participants leave our week together ready to begin the first day of school prepared and confident. Throughout the week, we will build lasting collegial relationships and continue to share and support each other in the future. Participants are asked to bring any materials required for this process including texts, readings, lesson plans, syllabi and access to on-line resources.

Anna Keegan picture

Anna Keegan has 15+ years experience teaching AP US History at Lunenburg High School in Lunenburg Massachusetts. She has presented at various one day and weeklong summer institutes for the College Board and has participated at the AP readings grading US History exams since 2009. Additional teaching roles included CP US History, Modern World History, Psychology as well as introducing the economics elective at LHS. She also served as the Social Studies Department Chair and was active in the Midwach Social Studies Directors Community (central Mass) addressing common concerns including MCAS and the adoption of new Social Studies Standards. As District Curriculum Coordinator, Anna headed the three year curriculum task force, curriculum mapping workshops, and led district wide professional development workshops.

Anna and her husband recently relocated to Vermont after raising their family in Lunenburg. There she continues to teach and tutor APUSH students in a remote setting as well as providing educational consulting services and beginning a side gig as a free-lance writer. Her most recent writing appeared in the on-line magazine thebucketonline.com. She earned a B.A. in US History from Middlebury College (VT) and a M.ED. from Fairfield University.

30 PDPs
Cost: $850
Course Numbers: PRDV 6214P CRN: 64049

3 Graduate credits
Cost: $1145
Course Numbers: PRDV 6214 CRN: 64048

During this AP Human Geography Online APSI, you will gain a deeper understanding of the course framework, the AP exam, and many more resources that will help you plan and focus on instruction. We will go over the Course and Exam Description (CED), the seven units of instruction, AP Classroom, how to complete the digital activation on your teacher portal, as well as discuss how to develop the necessary critical thinking and writing skills that will help students be successful on the exam. Even though we will be working virtually, we will frequently share classroom experiences and allow time to ask as many questions as you need to ask. We all can learn from each other. You will also be given time to explore new resources and materials that will help you build new lesson plans. We will have live guest speakers to join us who will share their expertise on geography. I am excited to meet you and share my passion for geography with you and to be inspired by your passion for your students and your work. 

Celeste Reynolds APSI

Celeste Reynolds has been teaching at Mashpee Middle High School for twenty two years, and has been teaching Advanced Placement Human Geography for the past fourteen years. In addition to teaching AP Human Geography, she also teaches AP Psychology and is the coordinator for Senior Seminar. Celeste is also an Advanced Placement reader for College Board where she currently is an Early Table Leader, a 
member of the steering committee of TeachOSM, on the Teacher Advisory Board for the American Geographical Society, and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Geographic Education Council as well as the Massachusetts Council for Social Studies. She is passionate about geography education. She currently lives in Sandwich, MA with her husband and two daughters.

Week 2: July 22-26, 2024 (Virtual/Online)

30 PDPs
Cost: $850
Course Numbers: PRDV 6215P CRN: 64053

3 Graduate credits
Cost: $1145
Course Numbers: PRDV 6215 CRN: 64052

AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources. Unlike other AP social science course, students are not focusing on the adoption of one historical narrative; instead, they are going to learn about the origins of the African Diaspora, resistance to chattel slavery through testimonies and analysis of art while exploring the various movements that took place primarily in the United States.
During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to interact with the framework and learn new tools to recruit students to the course. Here are specifics about what to expect:

  • Day One - After introductions, participants will do a deep dive into the framework and learn about the structure of the weekly foci. In addition, they will interact with a sample lesson based on the updated rubric.
  • Day Two - Next, participants will be able to learn tips for establishing pacing guides while planning engaging lessons. Sample lessons and materials will be shared as well as strategies to ensure that the methods used are aligned to the framework.
  • Day Three - After a brief but detailed overview of the exam and tips for preparing, participants will have time to continue to develop plans that will ensure they are set up for success for the start of their upcoming school year.
  • Day Four - Participants will have the opportunity to share their plans and receive feedback as well as explore resources recommended by consultants.
  • Day Five - After exploring ways to network with new and previous APAFAM teachers, participants will be invited to create lessons for their first two weeks after reviewing a sample Unit One Exam. Using the backwards planning method, they will have the opportunity to create tailored activities that will help students build the skills outlined in the framework.

Rachel Williams-Giordano APSI

Rachel R Williams-Giordano currently serves as social science teacher at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. Since transitioning from her role as a principal, she has taught AP United States History, African-American History as well as AP United States Government and Politics. In addition, she has launched AP African American Studies in 2022 and is the lead consultant for the course. Rachel is also the teacher advisor of Student Government and has co-chaired one advisory committee to the principal of the high school.

Registration and Information

Registration is a 2-step process.

Please read the information below before you click on the registration buttons!

Steps to register

  • Step 1: Fill out the online registration form through Cvent. This step is required by the College Board.
  • Step 2: Go to our APSI Registration Page and then click on the Workshop that you are registering for.  Complete the form and submit.  This form is VITAL to complete your registration and hold your seat in the course.

Registration deadlines

  • July 1, 2024 for In-Person Week 1 (July 15 - 19, 2024) 
  • July 1, 2024 for Virtual/Online Week 1 (July 15 - 19, 2024)
  • July 8, 2024 for Virtua/Online Week 2 (July 22 - 26, 2024)

Please Read BEFORE registering

Registrations are NOT confirmed until the 2-step process is completed and payment is received. If your school district is paying with a purchase order, your seat is NOT confirmed until an electronic copy of the purchase order is received by the Center for Professional Studies.

Registrations not accompanied by full payment or copy of purchase order will not be processed until all of the information is received.

*College Board, AP, Advanced Placement Program and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.

Payment Information

Once your registration is processed, you will receive a series of emails within 3-5 business days from the Registrar’s office that includes information on how to make your payment for the course. Payment will need to be made within 72 hours of receiving your emailed confirmation. If you are paying by purchase order (PO), please forward a copy to our office ASAP to fully process your registration. If you have questions or have an unusual circumstance, please contact our office at 978.665.3636.

Cost Per Institute:

In-Person Workshop Registration*(Required) - $1095 Includes Institute fee, College Board Materials, Monday continental breakfast,  Lunch Mon-Thurs in the Holmes Dining Common, as well as daily snacks.

Online Workshop* (Required) - $850 Includes Institute fee, College Board Materials, and technology costs.

3 Graduate Credits** (Optional) - $295

On-Campus Housing (Optional) - $400 - Includes breakfast and dinner in the Holmes Dining Commons.

*If you choose to take the course WITHOUT graduate credit, you will receive 30 professional development points (PDPs) for successfully completing the institute.

**​If you would like to add graduate credit, you have until the second day of the institute to do so.

** To receive 3 graduate credits, an additional project plus 7 hours of additional asynchronous course work is required and due one week after course completion. 

APSI Refund Policy

  • Three weeks prior to the first class meeting - 100% refund 
  • Less than three week prior to the first class meeting - 50% refund
  • After the start day of class - 0% refund

Refunds are not issued after the start of class. To determine the refund amount due, the official date of withdrawal is the date on which our office is contacted. In the event that a class is cancelled by the university, a full refund of tuition and fees is granted. 

APSI Week 1 (in-person and online)

  • Withdraw by 6/24/24 receive a 100% refund
  • Withdraw by 7/14/24 receive a 50% refund
  • Withdraw by 7/15/24 receive 0% refund

APSI Week 2 (online)

  • Withdraw by 7/1/24 receive a 100% refund
  • Withdraw by 7/21/24 receive a 50% refund
  • Withdraw by 7/22/24 receive 0% refund

$400 per institute for institute participants

On-campus housing includes a room for each participant in the university's newest residence hall as well as breakfast and dinner in the university dining hall. Mara Village 2 (example pictures below from another similar Mara Village building), was renovated in 2010. Participants staying in Mara 2 will enjoy a wonderful, air-conditioned living space. Each suite consists of 4 single occupancy rooms (lowest floor has a 5-person, handicap accessible suite) with a common living space with a TV and two bathrooms. There is a community lounge on the main floor with a kitchen as well for social gatherings. Pre-registration and payment prior to the start of the institute is required.

Common space in Mara 8

Mara 8 exterior

We've done our best to anticipate some questions you may have and provided information below. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

What are my payment options?
Registrations are NOT confirmed until the 2-step process is completed and payment is received.

You can pay by:

  • Check, made payable to Fitchburg State University
  • Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  • Purchase Order

*If your school district is paying with a purchase order, your seat is NOT confirmed until an electronic copy of the purchase order is received by the Center for Professional Studies. If they cannot submit the purchase order until after July 1 (new fiscal year), contact us. 

*Registrations not accompanied by full payment or copy of purchase order will not be processed until all of the information is received.

May I register for more than one session?
You may register for two sessions if one is in Week 1 and the other is in Week 2, meaning that you would be spending two weeks with us. You may not register for more than one session running concurrently. 

What is included in the registration fee?
The course fee will include:

  • Instruction by a College Board endorsed consultant.
  • All course materials (College Board and workshop supplies)
  • College Board Materials will be Electronic and Contain:
  • The Course and Exam Description (CED)
  • The Subject Handbook (if applicable).
  • Monday continental breakfast 
  • Lunch Monday - Thursday in the Holmes Dining Common
  • Twice Daily Snacks
  • On-campus parking
  • Certificate of Completion

When do I need to decide if I want graduate credits?
Graduate credit may be added for an additional fee of $295. You can choose to register for graduate credits when you initially register or you can decide to add them on once you get here. 

If students have not registered for graduate credit and would like to, they must register for the graduate credit section no later than Tuesday (the week of your institute) at 4:30 p.m.  A CPS staff member will be present at check-in and lunch on Monday and lunch on Tuesday to assist students with registering for graduate credits.  

Is there a registration deadline?
The registration deadline is two weeks prior to the start of the institute.  If it is past the deadline and you would still like to register, please contact us! Sometimes we still have available seats and can accept a few more registrations.

What is the refund policy?

  • Three weeks prior to the first class meeting - 100% refund 
  • Less than three week prior to the first class meeting - 50% refund
  • After the start day of class - 0% refund

Refunds are not issued after the start of class. To determine the refund amount due, the official date of withdrawal is the date on which our office is contacted. In the event that a class is cancelled by the university, a full refund of tuition and fees is granted.

What happens if I need to cancel or change my registration?
To cancel or change your registration please contact us at 978.665.3636 or cps@fitchburgstate.edu.

Are the buildings accessible?
All of the instructional spaces and dining locations that the AP Summer Institute utilizes on our campus are accessible. If you require special accommodations here please contact our office at 978.665.3636 or cps@fitchburgstate.edu.

What are the hours of the workshop?
Our workshops are Monday -Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Can I stay on-campus? Are linens provided?
Yes!  The cost to stay on campus from Sunday –Thursday is $350 per institute for institute participants. Linens (2 flat Sheets, fleece blanket, pillowcase, pillow, hand towel, washcloth, and bath towel) are included.

On-campus housing includes a room for each participant in the university's newest residence hall as well as breakfast and dinner in the university dining hall. Mara Village 8, opened in 2009, was designed to incorporate sustainable solutions, energy efficiency and a healthy environment for residents of the building. Participants staying in Mara 8 will enjoy a wonderful air-conditioned living space, a large common area and two bathrooms. The building itself is equipped with multiple meeting rooms and a common room off the entrance as well as a centralized kitchen and laundry facility. 

Pre-registration and payment prior to the start of the institute is required.

I have special dietary needs, can you accommodate me?
Our dining hall is buffet style and offers option for many dietary needs including vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.  We do our best to accommodate all of our guests and their dietary needs. We will do our best to provide vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options for our guests. Please be sure to note your dietary needs when you register.
 

This AP Summer Institute has been endorsed by the CollegeBoard Advanced Placement Program

*College Board, AP, Advanced Placement Program and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.

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