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Location
The 2009 Mid-Atlantic Wildfire Training Academy will be held at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV. Morgantown is conveniently located 75 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. It is accessible from I-79 and I-68. Courses begin on June 6th and end on June 12th. The first course starts June 6th at 8:00 a.m. For direction to the WVU Percival Hall and the Evansdale Residential Complex (The Towers Dorm) please click on the following instructions.
Directions from Interstate 68 and 79.
Tuition
Registration fees for the courses vary. Please check the course description and registration form for fees by course selection. Registration fees will reflect an early registration discount if your registration form is received by April 24, 2009. Please indicate the number of nights and meals in the total cost. Registration forms received after April 24, 2009, will be charged the regular fee. Please note that registration forms must be received no later than May 15, 2009; no registration forms will be accepted after this date. Please provide payment with your registration form. Payment methods will be: Check (made payable to West Virginia University) or credit card (Visa or Master Card). If your tuition is to be paid by your agency, please indicate that on your registration form.
To view the course schedule please click here.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received after April 24, 2009 will be assessed a $25.00 processing fee. No refunds will be made after 5:00 p.m. on May 15, 2009. All cancellations must be made in writing. By registering you to allow any photos taken during the event by West Virginia University to be used in future web and printed publications.
Confirmation
A confirmation letter along with a payment receipt will be sent within two weeks of registering. If you have not received a confirmation letter within two weeks of registering, please call 304.293.2941 x 2490.
Parking
Parking is very limited! If you are bringing your State vehicle, you are permitted to park in Area 46 which is directly across from Percival Hall (where most of your classes will be held). Please do not park in the short term parking area to the rear of Area 46, you may receive a ticket. Also, please do not park in the first set of rows; this is reserved for The Division of Forestry faculty and staff personnel. In the event that you bring your personal vehicle, please let us know in advance and we will obtain a temporary pass for the area across from The Towers.
Lodging
On-Campus lodging will be available at The Towers. This is dormitory style lodging is located within a five minute walk to Percival Hall classrooms. The low cost option is: $42.00 for a single room and $22.00 per person for a double room (please indicate your option on the registration form). If you are checking in the day before your course, we encourage you to check in between 2-6 pm. If this is not feasible, the registration desk at The Towers is open 24-7. Check out time is 12 noon, if checking out after 12 noon, you will be charged for an additional night. If you are requesting lodging, complete the “Lodging/Meal” section on the registration form.
Full service accommodations includes: sheets, pillow, blanket, pillowcase, two towels and washcloth, as well as drinking glasses, bath soap and shampoo. Beds are made prior to guest arrival. Housekeeping staff will service rooms daily Monday through Friday. Rooms are not serviced on Saturday and Sunday, although; extra towels and washcloths will be left in rooms on Friday. Sheets for groups/guests will be exchanged every Friday. Custodial staff will clean all common bathrooms and public areas on a daily basis.
Please remember to bring an alarm clock with you. You may also bring a small coffee pot for those who are early risers.
Alternative lodging located near Percival Hall include: Hampton Inn, Euro-Suites, Quality Inn, and Residence Inn.
If you choose WVU Towers Lodging, remember that this is a West Virginia University Dormitory. There is no smoking in the rooms and no alcohol is allowed. Please adhere to a professional code of conduct.
Meals
Along with lodging in Towers, you may wish to purchase breakfast and lunch at Evansdale Café located in The Towers (please indicate this on your registration form). Evening meals are not provided. There are many good restaurants within walking distance from The Towers. For those who do not require lodging, you may wish to purchase breakfast or lunch at Evansdale Café (please mark meals only on the registration form). If you are participating in a "Field Day Exercise", please indicate Boxed Lunch on the registration form. Prior to arriving for your course, you will receive a Field Day lunch menu to choose from. This must be sent back before your arrival to the Academy.
Cookout and Things to do around town
On Wednesday, June 10th we will have our annual cookout sponsored by Wildland Warehouse, Suppliers of Wildland Gear. More information will follow. If you are interested in joining us for the cookout, please indicate that on your registration form.
If you are interested in learning more about what is going on in Morgantown during your stay, please go to: http://www.tourmorgantown.com/index.php. This is the link for Morgantown's Visitors Bureau where you can download the brochure.
If you would like information about biking and hiking, please go to: http://www.morgantown.com/trails.htm
If you would like to stay fit while in Morgantown, there is a fitness center that offers daily rates of $5.00. The center is approximately one mile from The Towers. Please visit their website at: http://suncrestgym.com/home.htm
Academy Wear
Golf shirts will be available for purchase at this year’s academy. The cost will be $21.20 (cost includes tax) per shirt. Academy hats will also be available this year for $10.60 (cost includes tax). Please complete the section on the registration form for your shirt and/or hat.
Vendors
There will be a number of vendor’s participating in this year's academy. A list will be provided to you at registration.
Prerequisites
Read the course descriptions closely as several of the courses require prerequisites.
Dress Code and Code of Conduct
Please select proper attire for classroom instruction. It is the student’s responsibility to provide their own PPE for field days.
Please conduct your self in a professional manner during your time at the Fire Academy. Your actions reflect not only you as an individual, but your agency/department and the fire service as a whole.
Americans with Disabilities
If you have any special needs, contact WVU at 304.293.2941 x 2490 immediately. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your needs.
Liability Waiver
The Mid-Atlantic Wildfire Training Academy will attempt to provide a training program in the safest and most efficient manner as possible. It is not possible to eliminate all of the potential hazards to a student’s safety. Some of the courses are "hands-on" training that may exhibit physical and mental stress. By accepting to participate in The Mid-Atlantic Wildfire Training Academy, you acknowledge that you are aware of the risks associated in such courses and are voluntarily agreeing to assume all risks.
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