Student Rules

Rules for students participating in a Close Up program are based on respect for one another and for the institutions of government. The “respect rule” is invoked frequently by the Close Up staff to remind students that they are part of a national culture that is larger than themselves, their schools, or even their communities. Participation in civic life requires an inclusive perspective.

When a student signs the Close Up Participant Enrollment Form, he or she enters into an agreement to comply with Close Up’s rules and regulations. These rules are in effect upon arrival at the hotel and until departure at the end of the program.

1. At no time are male students allowed to visit female students’ rooms and vice versa. (Close Up defines “room” as the threshold of the door.)
2. Students are forbidden to possess and/or use alcoholic beverages.
3. Students are forbidden to possess and/or use drugs other than those prescribed for them by a doctor.
4. Students are forbidden to possess and/or use firearms or weapons of any kind.
5. Students are forbidden to abuse or deface facilities and to abuse, deface, or steal property.
6. Students will cooperate with the Close Up staff at all times.
7. Students are prohibited from smoking while on the program.
8. Students are assigned to rooms and workshop groups with students whose backgrounds may be quite different from their own. These assignments are strictly enforced. Students who are unable or unwilling to comply cooperatively with these assignments are subject to dismissal.
9. Students will respect the diversity of opinions expressed by other students and speakers.
10. Non–Close Up participants are forbidden from entering student rooms without prior consent from Close Up staff. This prohibition includes family members and is for the purpose of protecting students and their property.

Infractions of any of these rules will result in immediate dismissal of the student from the program. In case of such dismissal, the student’s parents or guardians and school are notified, the student returns home at his or her own expense, and no payments are refunded.

Compliance with laws. Students are expected to comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

Daily participation. Students are required to participate in all scheduled daily events unless excused by our medical staff. Students may not leave the program except with permission from the student’s parent or guardian and the
Close Up program supervisor.

Evening curfew. Students are required to be in their assigned rooms by 11:00 p.m. each night. Close Up staff will check to ensure that all students are in their rooms.

Restrictions on leaving the hotel. Students are expected to observe staff instructions about remaining in the hotel area at specified times.

Motor vehicles. Students may not rent, borrow, or drive a vehicle of any sort while participating in the Close Up program. Students may not be passengers in a private motor vehicle without prior written parental permission. This written permission must be given to the Close Up program supervisor before any plans are made to ride in a motor vehicle.

Visitors. Students, with permission from the student’s parent or guardian and the Close Up program supervisor, may receive visitors during independent time on Friday. Students may not spend a night away from the hotel or leave the group during the Close Up program.

Cell phones, beepers, and other electronic devices. Cell phones, beepers, and other electronic devices must be turned off during program activities.

Independent time. Teachers are expected to accompany students during their independent time.

Conduct in the hotel. Students are expected to behave in a mature manner in the hotel. They should be prepared to conduct themselves appropriately: keeping down noise levels, allowing others to pass in halls, and treating property and hotel personnel with respect. Participants will be held financially responsible for any damage in their rooms.

Participants should leave valuables at home. Close Up is not liable for lost or stolen items.

Rules and policies are strictly enforced. Students who do not wish to observe these rules should not participate in the Close Up program. Teachers are expected to help enforce these rules and policies.