Some consultants may bring material for sale.
These will only be available on the day of their presentation. Come prepared to shop.

Cell phones are to be turned off or to vibrate during the conference.
Please be considerate of your fellow participants.

Some frequently asked questions:

Q. When is the remainder of my registration due?
A. If you only made the deposit of $50, the remainder, $475 is due June 1, and should be made payable to Advantage Discipline.
Please mail your payment to Advantage Discipline 1001 Medical Park Dr. SE, Suite 213, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
Q. May I pay by credit card?
A. Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card are accepted for full payment only.
Q. Is the information specific to students or can I apply it to my children at home also?
A. Our consultants provide information, understanding and techniques which apply to ALL age levels and to a wide range of situations both at school and at home.
Q. Will other professionals such as social workers, psychologists, nurses as well as teachers and administrators find this information valuable?
A. Absolutely!!

Q. Can my learning experience and assignments be completed during class hours?

A. Yes.

Q. What are the class requirements?

A. Participants will earn credit for attendance during all class hours and by completing a daily six question reaction paper answering specific questions designed by that day’s consultant, e.g., "Why is self-concept so important to school achievement?"

Q. Is The University of St. Francis an accredited school?

A. The University of St. Francis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is working towards NCATE, a national accreditation in 2008.

The University is approved by the Illinois State Teacher Certification Board to offer education programs for elementary, secondary, special education, reading and educational leadership certifications. For more information about The University of St. Francis visit their website at www.stfrancis.edu.

Q. Is this credit applicable for teacher re-certification?

A. Yes.

Q. May I take the class for one or two credit hours?

A. No, the class is approved for three hours of graduate credit or CPDU's only.

Q. May I audit the class?

A. Yes, the cost for taking the class without credit is $375.00. We will award you a certificate of participation. The fee for one-day participation is $105.

Q. How can I obtain a receipt?

A. Receipts will not be mailed; however, they will be available at the conference desk during the conference.

Q. Where is the class meeting?

A. The Mid-America Conference will be held in the Moser Auditorium at the corner of Wilcox Street and Taylor Street.  Please download the map at the top of this page or go to the USF web site map page: http://www.stfrancis.edu/visitors/campmap.htm.
You may park in the lot marked 12 and 13 on the map download.  Then enter in the #3 entrance as a short cut from the parking lot to the auditorium. Follow the hallway to the front of the building and the auditorium.  The auditorium is in the center  portion just inside the beautiful entry doors off Wilcox Street. We will have signs on the campus and in the building directing attendees.

Q. What are the class hours?

A. Class will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be appropriate breaks both morning and afternoon and an hour + for lunch. Since people’s comfort levels vary and it is difficult to change heat in large conference rooms, it is advisable to bring a sweater or jacket to insure your comfort during the day. Coffee and cookies will be served each morning at 8:00 a.m.

Q. What is the cost of a hotel room?

A. We have reserved rooms at two hotels in Joliet, IL.

• We have obtained a special conference rate of $79 per night at the Hampton Inn I-55, 60431 Mall Loop Dr., Joliet, IL (3 minutes from USF), and
  the Hampton Inn I-80, 1521 Riverboat Center, Joliet, IL (5 minutes from USF). Please make your reservations early as these room fill up fast.
  Please mention the Mid-America Conference and the University of St. Francis when making your reservations.
• There are many other hotels in the Joliet area at both the mall Loop Dr and I-80 locations as well as Harrah’s Joliet, 151 N. Joliet St., Joliet, IL 60432.
  Conference participants may phone 1-800-HARRAHS, 815-470-7800 or go to their website www.harrahs.com.

Driving Directions

From the Northern Suburbs

Take Tollway 355 South to I-55 South; Take I-55South to the US-30 exit (exit 257) toward Joliet/Aurora. Turn Left. Follow US-30 South approximately 5 miles to Taylor Street, turn right. Parking is available on campus at the corner of Route 30 and Taylor Street.

From East or West off I-80

Take Interstate I-80 to Larkin Ave. North Exit. Take Larkin Ave. to Glenwood Ave. (fourth light), turn right. Take Glenwood Ave. to Raynor Ave. (light), turn left. Take Raynor Ave. to Taylor Street (one block), turn right. University is one block ahead.

OR Take Route 30 (Plainfield Road) to Taylor Street, turn right. Parking is available at the corner of Route 30 and Taylor Street.

From South off I-80

Take I-55 to I-80 East or take I-57 to I-80. Take I-80. Take I-80 to Larkin Ave. Take Larkin Ave. to Glenwood Ave. (fourth light), turn right. Take Glenwood Ave. to Raynor Ave. (light), turn left. Take Raynor Ave. to Taylor Street (one block), turn right. University is one block ahead.

From O’Hare Airport

Take I-90 East to I-294 South to I-55 South. Take I-55 South to the US-30 exit (exit 257) toward Joliet/Aurora. Turn Left. Follow US-30 South approximately 5 miles to Taylor Street, turn right. Parking is available on campus at the corner of Route 30 and Taylor Street.

From Midway Airport

Take Cicero Ave. North to I-55 South. Take I-55 South to the US-30 exit (exit 257) toward Joliet/Aurora. Turn Left. Follow US-30 South approximately 5 miles to Taylor Street, turn right. Parking is available on campus at the corner of Route 30 and Taylor Street.

For further directions visit the USF website: www.stfrancis.edu/visitors/almap.htm

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us.

Sarah Knapp, Conference Coordinator, Advantage Discipline

1001 Medical Park Dr. SE, Suite 213, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Phone: 616-949-3899, Fax: 616-588-6160, e-mail: asksarahnow@aol.com

Ann Walz, Conference Administrative Assistant, Advantage Discipline, Illinois Branch,
Phone: 630-961-3222, e-mail: ann@annwalz.com

Heather Werkema, Registrations, Advantage Discipline

Phone: 616-446-1579, Fax 616-588-6160 e-mail: heatherwerkema@sbcglobal.net

Website: www.advantagediscipline.com