Frequently Asked Questions for Online and In-Person

Frequently Online Asked Questions

Sample Schedule in CST

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
Morning 8:00-12:00	4-hours Synchronous & Asynchronous	4-hours Synchronous & Asynchronous	4-hours Synchronous & Asynchronous	4-hours Synchronous & Asynchronous
Afternoon 1:00-4:30	3.5-hours Synchronous & Asynchronous	3.5-hours Synchronous & Asynchronous	3.5-hours Synchronous & Asynchronous	3.5-hours Synchronous & Asynchronous

What can I expect with a TCU online course?
Your online course will have live interactive synchronous sessions where instruction is facilitated virtually with Zoom video conferencing and digital access to resources and documents. Your experience from within the “virtual classroom” will be very similar to the face to face classroom. You will be able to see and hear your instructor via video conferencing. You will be able to collaborate with other participants as well as the instructor using your microphone and the chat feature. Your course will take place at a scheduled time specific to your consultant. Above is a sample schedule of what you can expect.

What do I need to participate?
You will need a computer with reliable internet access, a microphone, and a camera. This will enable you to access Zoom video conferencing, interact in your session, and access course materials. If your instructor is requesting specific session supplies, it will be emailed to you prior to start of the class.

How will I access my online class?
Prior to the start of your class, you will receive information from your presenter with details including, a schedule for the week, how to access digital resources for your class, and your Zoom video conference meeting ID number for the week.

For AP participants, you will receive your CED binder in an ELECTRONIC FORMAT ONLY. No hard copies will be mailed to participants by TCU. Participants may print the electronic College Board bundle if they choose. If a participant would like a printed copy of the CED binder, they may be purchased on the College Board’s Store Website for $35.

What is the difference between new and experienced sessions?
Sessions denoting for new teachers are intended for teachers who have taught AP for 3 or fewer years. Sessions denoting experienced teachers are intended for teachers who have taught AP for 4 or more years. Please note, sessions not denoting new or experienced are intended for teachers of all experience ranges.

What do I do if I am having difficulty accessing Zoom or class resources?
Call the Extended Education online help desk at 817-257-7132. Support is available from 8:00a.m.– 5:00p.m. CST Monday–Friday. For general questions and support you can email ap@tcu.edu.

Frequently In- Person Asked Questions

How do I find local information and resources? Visit our General Information Page

What do I bring? If your instructor is requesting specific session supplies, it will be emailed to you prior to start of the class. You will need a charged laptop or portable device to access digital materials. (If a district purchased devices, please ensure your device is enabled to connect to an external WI-FI server.) All materials including the CED binder will be provided digitally by TCU or your presenter. Participants may print the electronic College Board bundle if they choose. If a participant would like a printed copy of the CED binder, they may be purchased on the College Board’s Store Website for $35.

Are guest allowed? Only registered participants are allowed in the classrooms. We do not provide facilities for guests, babies, children or pets. A mother’s nursing room will be available upon request.

Are the buildings handicapped accessible? All of the instructional spaces and dining locations that the AP Summer Institute utilizes on our campus are handicapped accessible. If you require special accommodations while at TCU, before arriving on campus you must contact TCU’s Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities:

Laurel Cunningham, M.Ed.
Coordinator, Student Disabilities Services
Center for Academic Services
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817-257-7486

laurel.cunningham@tcu.edu

What are the hours of the workshop? Our Fort Worth workshops are Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Participants will have a one hour lunch break. Participant lunches are on their own and not provided by TCU.

Where do I park? When you receive your course confirmation, a link to campus parking will be included. To avoid ticketing and towing, TCU has asked that APSI participants park only in the designated parking lots, not in visitor or reserved parking spaces.

Where will my class be held? You will receive an initial email confirmation from TCU Extended Education that we have received your registration. It will list the course name and number, date, and time for the class in which you are enrolled. Please check this information for accuracy and contact Extended Education to make any changes. You will receive an additional email confirmation approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of your class, which will list the building and room number. You may use the TCU map to locate your building.

What is the difference between a “new” and “experienced” teacher? As a general rule, we define a new teacher as one who has been teaching Advanced Placement for 3 years or less. We realize there are special circumstances, so please contact us if you have a question about placement.

What if I have to miss a day or some hours during the week? As a College Board sanctioned workshop, the number of hours required for teachers to attend before a certificate of attendance can be awarded is pre-determined. Please notify your instructor of any pending conflicts.

What is the refund policy? Refunds (less the non-refundable deposit) will be issued for cancellations received in writing up to five working days before the beginning of each institute. No refunds will be issued after that date. Substitutions from the same school or school district will be allowed five working days before the beginning of each institute with a completed registration form for each substitute. Please contact the Office of Extended Education at 817-257-7132 for more information. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm.

Can my family attend the AP Summer Institute? No, this is a professional conference that cannot accommodate family members or pets.

How do I get my certificate? Certificates will be emailed to teacher participants once the required 30 hours of training is completed and all balances have been paid.