Nursing babies are always welcome. Teens may attend if they register as attendees ($25 per person; $10 additional at the door). Please make arrangements for your other children. This event began 10 years ago as a ministry to homeschooling parents. We ask you to remember that it is not a family conference and that we are unable to accommodate children due to space, safety, and liability issues. Again, we welcome nursing babies and registered teens, but, for their safety, you must make appropriate arrangements for your other children. We realize that this can be challenging and we sincerely thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
are strollers allowed?
Yes. All workshop areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
do you have to be catholic to attend the conference?
No! All are welcome to attend.
how do i get there?
UST's St. Paul campus is located at 2115 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
You can park at any UST lot or ramp for no charge. Observe overnight parking restrictions. Recommended parking areas:
Anderson Parking Facility (corner of Cretin and Grand Avenues)
Morrison Parking Ramp (beneath Morrison Residence Hall) Enter campus at the intersection of Selby Avenue and Finn Street. Follow the drive aisle south, under the skyway, toward the stadium. Take a hard right at the end of the drive aisle. Large vans, buses, trucks with trailers must park on the south campus in Lot O (west of the Anderson Parking Facility).
Yes, ARC 302 (3rd level of the Recreation Center), is designated for nursing and diaper changing -- and it is stocked with supplies in case you forgot anything. There is also a lactation room in ASC (second floor). Request access at the Tommie Central desk (main floor, ASC).
Do I have to pay full price to come to the curriculum sale or the seminars on Friday?
Yes. You must register for the conference in order to attend the curriculum sale or the pre-conference seminars on Friday (even if you do not attend the conference). We keep the fees as low as possible, but we depend upon the registration fees to continue to offer a quality conference and cover the facility costs.
Can I volunteer to help at the conference?
Please send us an email if you are interested in helping with registration or hosting a room.
when is the used book sale?
The Used Book Sale will be Friday night only (4 - 9 p.m.). Home educators who reserve a table ($25) will be able to sell their used curriculum without missing the conference presentations on Saturday. Consider sharing a table with some homeschooling friends!
how do I get a table to sell my used books?
Reserve a table here. One or two workers may “man” the table without paying the conference registration fee if they attend the Used Book Sale only. However, if any workers plan to attend the workshops or any of the events, they must register for the conference and pay the conference registration fee in addition to the $25 table charge. (If you'd like to reserve a table for for both Friday and Saturday, the charge is $80 (send an email for more info).
will I receive a confirmation or name tag before the conference?
No. Name tags may be picked up at the Registration Table near the Vendor Area when you arrive.
Where are the closest Catholic Churches for Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday morning?
There are several options for Mass in the area. Go to http://masstimes.org/ and search for Masses near 55105. UST will have a 5:30 p.m. Anticipatory Mass at Aquinas Chapel. All are welcome.
Will the sessions be recorded?
Yes. Each workshop presentation will be recorded. Recordings will be duplicated and available as soon as possible during the conference or may be orderedafter the conference. Please note that vendor presentations will not be recorded.
What about Food?
Continental breakfast on Saturday morning is included in the conference fee. For Saturday lunch, there are several options:
Box lunches must be pre-ordered ($14 each): choice of pesto chicken, smoked turkey, roasted beef, ham, tuna salad or vegetarian sandwich or wrap (choice made that day) served with house-baked cookie, whole fresh fruit, & assorted canned soda or bottled water. (Distributed in ARC Field House at about noon.)
The campus Grill (T's) in ASC will be open Friday from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
UST Concessions outside of the ARC gym will be open Friday from 4 - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
What is the schedule?
Friday, June 1, 2018 Before Conference begins: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. All-day Seminars 3 p.m. Catholic Homeschool Support Group Leaders' Gathering
Conference events: 4 - 9 p.m. Curriculum Fair and Used Book Sale 4:30 p.m. Homeschool Bloggers' Gathering 5:30 p.m. Vendor Presentations 6:30 p.m. Vendor Presentations 7:30 p.m. Special Presentation (Arena/Gym) 9 p.m. Vendor Area Closes
Saturday, June 2, 2018 7:15 a.m. Mass - St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel Approx. 8:15 a.m. (after Mass) Complimentary Continental Breakfast After Mass until 5 p.m. Curriculum Fair 8:30 a.m. Vendor Presentations 9:30 a.m. Keynote (Arena/Gym) 11 a.m. Workshop Session I 12 p.m. Lunch 12:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn Special Needs Gathering 1:30 p.m. Workshop Session II 3 p.m. Workshop Session III 5 p.m. Vendor Area Closes; Conference Ends
Where can I stay? Is there on-campus lodging?
Many attendees stay on-campus and there are several nearby hotels. For more info: Lodging
Please email us if you have additional questions. Thanks for your prayers and support for the conference.