I AM so excited for IMPACT!! How does the application process work?
After you look through all of the student-led trips under the Trips menu, you may begin the application process by going to the Apply page. Besides basic personal information, you will then rank the trips that you would like to attend from 1-25. You do not have to fill out all 25, but you have a higher likelihood of being placed on a trip the more trips you rank. You will not be placed on a trip that you do not rank.
Applications for WB trips will be considered until October 25, 2019. After that point, WB trips will be unlisted and only SB trips will remain on the application. SB trip applications will close February 7th, 2019. Because current applications are posted after our initial recruitment period, it is beneficial to apply sooner rather than later. There are many trips that are already filled. Therefore, the more trips rank, the better your chance is for being placed on a trip. Please only rank trip foci in which you are interested and willing to participate.
Participants will be placed on their highest ranking trip that has spots available. Participants can either accept or decline the trip they are placed on; we do not process requests for trip changes. If all of the trips that you rank fill up, you will be placed on the waitlist. Participants on the waitlist will be notified when a spot opens up on a trip that they have ranked. Upon notification, you can either accept or decline the trip; again, we do not process requests for trip changes.
Applications for WB trips will be considered until October 25, 2019. After that point, WB trips will be unlisted and only SB trips will remain on the application. SB trip applications will close February 7th, 2019. Because current applications are posted after our initial recruitment period, it is beneficial to apply sooner rather than later. There are many trips that are already filled. Therefore, the more trips rank, the better your chance is for being placed on a trip. Please only rank trip foci in which you are interested and willing to participate.
Participants will be placed on their highest ranking trip that has spots available. Participants can either accept or decline the trip they are placed on; we do not process requests for trip changes. If all of the trips that you rank fill up, you will be placed on the waitlist. Participants on the waitlist will be notified when a spot opens up on a trip that they have ranked. Upon notification, you can either accept or decline the trip; again, we do not process requests for trip changes.
Does IMPACT count towards my experiential learning credit?
Going on an IMPACT trip as a participant counts towards your experiential learning transcript, but does not count as an experiential learning course requirement. Questions about experiential learning credit can be directed to our advisor, Amanda Torrence.
can i switch trips with a friend?
Once you are assigned a trip, you may either accept or decline.
Can I bring my best friend or significant other on my trip?
Because the application process is randomized, we are unable to guarantee that any two people will be placed on the same trip and do not make exceptions to this process. That said, IMPACT is an incredible opportunity to meet students from all over campus and develop new, lasting friendships. Finally, the very fact that you and your best friend/significant other are going on IMPACT trips, even though they are separate trips, will give you plenty to bond over and talk about when you get back. IMPACT magic is a real thing ;).
I have a disability that may affect my experience. Does IMPACT offer accommodations?
The University of Georgia seeks to provide students with disabilities the opportunity to fully participate in all educational programs and services. In keeping with this philosophy, IMPACT strives to ensure that everyone can go on a trip regardless of ability. If selected to go on a trip and you would like to request an accommodation, be sure to mark so on the participant application and we will reach out to you so that we can work together to find the best trip that suits your needs.
What kind of service will we be doing?
Like all the other answers, this depends on the trip. Check the trip pages to find more details. Most trips incorporate a mix of direct service and indirect service. Direct service can include things like interacting with kids at an after school program, building a home with Habitat for Humanity, and picking up trash on a sea-turtle nesting beach (sound fun? Check out the South Florida Environmental Justice Trip). Indirect service is all about helping people/organizations that directly serve the community so that they can better focus on impacting their community - i.e. organizing a supply closet of a non-profit, digging trenches at a horse rehabilitation farm, or doing yard work at a home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
I have dietary restrictions. Is this going to be a problem?
This is not a problem at all! Be sure to check in with your Site Leader's so they can get the proper food items you will need on your trip.
Where do we stay?
This depends on each trip, but most times we will stay at local churches or community centers that we have developed strong relationships with over many years. So, be prepared for sleeping on the floor or on an air mattress. Contact your Site Leaders if you would like more trip-specific information
Will there be time for school work on the trip?
We encourage all participants and SLs bring their full selves to the trip and focus on the experience. However, we understand that it might be helpful to do school work on the trip. Most of this will depend on your trip’s schedule. Ask your SLs if there will be any “down” time that you can use to do homework.
I have to drive separately or fly back early; is that okay?
Generally, no. Each trip will travel together to the trip site and from the trip site. Due to liability issues we are unable to allow anyone to travel separately except in case of emergency or dismissal from the trip. If you know you will need special accommodations, contact your SLs
Am I allowed to drink or smoke on the trip even though I’m of legal age?
No. The IMPACT program is a substance, tobacco, and alcohol-free experience regardless of age.
How do we get there?
Each trip will take two 12-passenger UGA owned or Enterprise vans. As these are student-led trips, you and your fellow students will be driving. We highly encourage people to drive. All drivers must go through van-driver training and pass a motor-vehicle background check
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
You will be asked to pay for meals on days you travel to and from the trip’s location. Ask your Site Leaders for an estimate of how much this might cost if you feel unsure. Talk to your site leaders about how much money they think you will need on your trip. There should be very few things that you have to pay for yourself on your trip. For example, souvenirs are paid for on your own.
How much does an IMPACT TRIP COST?
2019-2020 IMPACT Winter Break and Spring Break Trips cost $155. Trips can be paid in full or in two installments. The first deposit is $95; the second is $60. There is no cost for participating in the Fall Break trip. You can pay for your IMPACT at the Tate Cashier’s Window or online. Note that you can only pay online if you pay in full. If you do not meet your first payment deadline, you will be dropped from the trip.
IS THE PAYMENT REFUNDABLE?
No, all payments to IMPACT are nonrefundable.
What is a Trip Fee Waiver?
The IMPACT Trip Fee Waiver offers a select number of UGA students the opportunity to participate in the IMPACT Service Breaks experience by waiving the participation fee. Selection is based on merit as well as established financial need. Instructions on how to apply for the Trip Fee Waiver can be found within the Participant Application.
If I didn’t get my first choice, can I go back on the waitlist for my first choice?
We cannot allow placed participants to switch trips nor be placed back on the waiting list. You may choose to go on your assigned trip or you may decide to drop; but if you decide not to go, you will not have an opportunity to be placed either on the waiting list or another trip.
Questions?
Is there something about IMPACT that you would like to know but is not on this page? Contact your Site Leaders or email Riley Carraher, our Participant Coordinator, at impactuga.pc@gmail.com or check out our Contact page here!
