Hey Racer!
Our Gap Year leadership team has been hard at work preparing for you to come join us in September! We know that you’ve had a few questions about what your time in Georgia will be like, so our team put together an FAQ page with lots of details and answers about your semester this fall. Dig in and give it a read!
If you’ve got questions that we didn’t answer on the FAQ page, feel free to ask your advisor! In the meantime, we will be answering more of your questions by August 3rd, so be on the lookout for more info/answers heading your way!
Gap Year Fall Semester Q&A
Can I visit my friends and family on the weekends?
This will depend on the most up-to-date Covid state regulations. If regulations allow, you can visit friends and family during weekends starting in October. You will need to submit a request to travel to your squad leadership and get approval before traveling.
The current regulations in place will not allow people to leave the campus without obtaining a negative Covid test upon returning. We expect those to change over the coming months.
Can my friends and family visit me on campus?
Due to safety reasons, friends and family will not be allowed to visit our campus.
What are the expectations if I bring a car?
If you bring a personal vehicle, you will be allowed to use it Friday night-Sunday night as regulations allow (curfew is 9pm if you stay in Gainesville.) Gas cost is on you.
We will leave the ultimate decision about driving others, and riding with others, in your hands. However, if you drive others, there are liability issues that affect the car owner and/or driver, which may be your parents. It will be your responsibility to have a conversation with them about this before you bring your car, and to make sure that you are honoring any expectations your parents have related to this situation.
While the choice to ride in another Racer’s car is yours to make, and we will let your parents know that is our policy, we do recommend that you talk to your parents about this possibility before arriving in Gainesville.
Will there still be a fitness hike?
Yes, there will still be a fitness hike that will take place at the beginning of your time in Georgia. You must complete 2.2 miles in 38 minutes with your pack on. Time to start training!
Will we still have squad wars?
Yes, we will still incorporate squad wars. It’s never too soon to start coming up with a squad cheer!
Can I vote?
We encourage everyone to register for and complete absentee ballots — this includes Georgia residents as you can only vote at a specific location within your zip code.
Cell Phones:
To help you focus on what’s in front of you (including teachings, ministry, and your team and squadmates!), we will be holding onto your cell phones from breakfast until dinner. We will lock them in a safe place and give them back to you each night. You will have them on weekends.
What will the sleeping situation be like?
This will depend on the most up-to-date Covid state regulations. To comply with the current distancing requirements for sleeping arrangements, you will start off sleeping in your personal tent. As state regulations ease, there will be more options – including a move into our building (think sleeping on a sleeping pad on the floor.)
Is there a dress code for our time in Georgia?
While you are in the States, you will not have to adhere to our overseas dress code. We do, however, have a different dress code for your time in Georgia! This applies for both men and women.
-No see-through clothing
-Stomach must be covered
-Shorts must be as long as fingertips
-Shirts cannot cover shorts (“lampshading”)
-No bra straps or bralettes straps can be shown
-No low hanging tank tops (on the side of your body)
-Skirts and dresses must hit the top of your knee
-Leggings and biker shorts are allowed but booty must be fully covered with a top (top can’t be skintight)
-Full coverage one piece swimsuit or tankini
What is the packing list for my time in Georgia?
The packing list will remain the same with a few highlights: make sure to pack for both hot and cold weather! Georgia will be blazing in September and downright chilly come late fall. Layers are key! Make sure to bring some kind of waterproof protection for any electronic you may be bringing (cell phone, computer, iPad, etc.)
When will I be home for the holidays?
You will travel home for Thanksgiving on Tuesday, November 24 (if flying, flights should be booked 1pm or later) and return on Monday, November 30 (flights should arrive no later than 2pm.)
You will travel home for Christmas on Tuesday, December 15 (if flying, flights should be booked 1pm or later.)
Everyone will be expected to leave during these days. If going home isn’t an option for you, consider joining a squadmate for a taste of their home! If leaving is going to pose a big problem for you, let us know and we’ll see how we can help.
As soon as we have an official overseas launch date in January we will let you know. It is likely you will travel to a major U.S. airport and leave together as a squad to your first country from there.
*This is subject to change if needed for safety measures.
When/how will I be able to receive vaccines?
We do not require participants to get any specific vaccinations for travel. However, our strong recommendation is that you visit the CDC website and review their recommendations for international travel. Some countries that you may visit or travel to internationally will require a Yellow Fever Certificate to enter. Many countries strictly enforce this entrance requirement and deny entry to travelers who are not able to present a Yellow Fever Certificate. Once we confirm the countries you will be traveling to, you will be able to refer to the CDC for their recommendation for your route. If you choose to get vaccinated, we encourage you to get standard travel vaccinations before showing up to Launch. You can also go over Thanksgiving and/or Christmas break. If you will have a car in GA, you can find and go to a nearby clinic on the weekends. The cost will be covered by you.
I can’t apply for my passport/I’ve applied for my passport but it hasn’t come yet. What do I do?
Please check with your local passport agency to determine when they will be able to issue you your passport. When you have obtained your passport, please upload it to your profile ASAP. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Admissions advisor.
Do I have insurance when I come to campus in the Fall? Is it different from the international policy for overseas travel?
Yes, you will have a specific insurance policy for your time in Georgia and a separate policy for your international travel. The insurance policy for your time in Georgia is a secondary policy that is created to pair with your primary insurance. Make sure to stay on your current primary insurance policy when you come in the fall. Your advisor can help you navigate this, so feel free to reach out and ask questions!
What kind of Covid regulations will we have to follow?
We have a plan that adheres to all current Georgia state guidelines and will send you an email with all those juicy deets by August 3. In the meantime, we want you to know you will need to show up with a negative Covid test, taken within 12 days to arriving on campus. If you test positive for Covid prior to coming, please let your Admissions advisor know ASAP so that we can let you know a postponed arrival date.
