Code of Conduct

As a reminder, you signed the following Code of Conduct Agreement as part of your enrollment:

The Congress is an academic conference and honors program requiring the highest standards of behavior. The Delegate agrees to conduct themselves in accordance with that standard; abide by the laws of Massachusetts; not use tobacco, alcohol or non-prescription controlled substances at any time; conduct him/herself in a civil and respectful manner at all times; follow the instructions of the Congress staff; and abide by all rules of the Congress. Except in cases of emergency, the Delegate must remain on the premises of the Congress during program hours.

The parent(s), guardian(s) and Delegate each understands that if the Delegate’s behavior is deemed an infraction of the Delegate Code of Conduct in the discretion of Congress staff, that infraction may result in the Delegate’s immediate dismissal from the Congress and denial of the Delegate’s Award of Excellence. The Academy and its affiliates cannot be held responsible for any actions the Delegate takes while operating outside of the terms set forth in the Code of Conduct.

The Academy does not intend to monitor the conduct of each Delegate beyond what is necessary to maintain the quality and academic demeanor of the Congress and its sessions, but it may take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with this Code of Conduct.

Please also be aware the Delegate is expected to be in their assigned  room for a bed check, which will be conducted between the hours of 11:30 PM and midnight each night. If the Delegate is not accounted for by 1:00am, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed, and the situation will be escalated to the local police.

Both the parent(s) and guardian(s) of the Delegate, and the Delegate, understand and agree with this Code of Conduct.

A few notes about the Delegate Code of Conduct:

Meal Breaks

The Delegate Code of Conduct states that “except in cases of emergency, the Delegate must remain on the premises of the Congress during program hours.” 

All Overnight Program Delegates are required to stay at the Tsongas Center during the Congress. However, during meal breaks, you may exit the Tsongas Center for the duration of the meal break only, with restrictions. The only locations you are permitted to go during meal breaks are the outdoor green space immediately adjacent to the Tsongas Center. You may not go off-campus, to downtown Lowell, or to any location that is NOT the Tsongas Center or the adjacent green space. You must return by the end of the meal break.

Bed Check

Please be aware that Delegates are expected to be in their assigned rooms for a bed check that will be conducted between 11:30 PM and midnight each night. If the Delegate is not accounted for by 1:00 AM, parents/guardians will be informed, and the police will be contacted. WE ARE NOT KIDDING!

Departure Day - SATURDAY, JUNE 28

When to Depart

Plan on taking a flight or train that departs on Saturday, June 28th, 2025 between the hours of 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Check-out 

Check-out is before 10:00 AM. At this point, you should bring your bags down to the lobby level at least 30 minutes before your assigned bus leaves. Give yourself more time if you’d like to have breakfast (available from 6:00 AM). Roommates do not have to check out at the same time. 

Buses to the Airport and Train Station

Meet in the lobby to board a bus that will take you to the airport with enough time to make your flight. All buses will depart the hotel so that all delegates arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight’s departure time and 1 hour before their train’s departure time. It takes approximately 30 minutes to transfer by bus from the hotel to the airport.

If you miss your bus, we will arrange a private transfer to the airport for you via UBER at your expense (min. $50).

NOTE: Ensure that you have successfully checked in for your flight on your airline’s website or mobile app 24 hours before departure. Notify us right away of any changes or cancellations to your flight.

Departure by Car

If you are being picked up at the hotel, you can be picked up between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM on departure day, June 28th. Please note that delegates being picked up by car must inform the Overnight Program team in advance. All delegates must be checked out of their room by 10:00 AM, and can wait in the lobby for their pickup.

Packing List

Basic Packing List

Keep in mind this list is intended to provide basic guidance for essentials and does not necessarily include every item that you may personally require.

In Your Carry-On

Keep it light! Pack one carry-on bag for all of your belongings, and one backpack or tote bag to hold your personal items that you’ll keep with you at The Congress.

☐ Cell phone charger

☐ ID

☐ Wallet/cash

☐ A card with your parent/guardian’s number and the Overnight Program number

☐ Pen(s)

☐ Small notebook

☐ An umbrella and/or other rain gear if rain is forecasted

☐ All medications you are currently taking

☐ At least one change of clothes (in case your luggage gets lost!)

Clothing

☐ 3 appropriate business casual outfits, one for each day at the Congress. Trousers/khakis and collared shirts, knee-length dresses and skirts, button down shirts, and blouses are examples of appropriate wear.

• No blue jeans or ripped jeans, no athletic wear

 ☐ Appropriate, comfortable dress shoes

 ☐ Pajamas/sweats for your overnight accommodations

 ☐ A travel outfit for your trip back home

 ☐ Socks and undergarments

Toiletries

 ☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste

 ☐ Deodorant

 ☐ Brush/comb

 ☐ Shampoo and conditioner

 ☐ Body wash

Ground Transportation at The Overnight Program

TRANSFER ON ARRIVAL DAY FROM AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL

After you arrive, you’ll check in with our on-site team. Our team will be positioned in a specific area inside the terminal from 6:00 AM. We’ll provide instructions to you on how to find them closer to your travel day. From here, our team will help you board a bus to the hotel you'll be staying at. Buses depart beginning at 9:00 AM and ending at 5:00 PM, ensuring that you get to the Congress on time. 

If your plane or train arrives before 9 AM on Wednesday, June 25th, you will need to wait with our team for the first bus. If you do not check in with our on-site transportation team by 5:00 PM to board the last bus, we will arrange separate transportation for you via UBER at your expense (min. $50) direct to the Tsongas Center, and we will bring your bags to the hotel. For this reason, you should plan to arrive between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to limit inconvenience.

TRANSFERS TO AND FROM THE TSONGAS CENTER 

On the 26th and 27th, buses will be lined up at the front entrance of the hotel to bring you to the Tsongas Center after you finish breakfast. Be sure to wake up on time, get a breakfast in (it’s included!), and be ready to board the bus starting from 8:00 AM. The last bus leaves at 9:00 AM. 

Each evening after The Congress, buses will be lined up and ready to bring you back to the hotel in the pickup/drop off lot, located just outside the front entrance of the Tsongas Center. By the time you arrive, you’ll know which hotel you’ll be staying at, and the buses will have a sign displaying which hotel they are going to. The last bus leaves at 10:30 PM.

Don’t be late! If you miss the last bus, we will arrange a separate transfer for you via UBER at your own expense (min. $50).

TRANSFER ON DEPARTURE DAY FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT

Meet to board a bus that will take you to the airport with enough time to make your flight. All shuttles will depart the hotel so that all delegates arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight’s departure time, and 1 hour before their train’s departure time. It takes approximately 30 minutes to transfer by bus from the hotel to the airport. For full information on departure day bus schedules, click on the “Departure Day” tab.

Hotel Information

You will enjoy modern, clean hotel accommodations located a short drive from the Tsongas Center.  You will find out which hotel you will be staying at upon your arrival. 

Roommates

Rooms will be single-gender, and double occupancy (with everyone in their own bed). You’ll meet your roommate when you arrive at the hotel after the Congress finishes on opening night. Roommate requests are not permitted.

Chaperones

Students will be overseen by a dedicated Overnight Chaperone Team during their stay.  Our chaperones are professional, courteous, and experienced individuals who are excited to meet you! Delegates are required to check in with the Overnight Team frequently. Chaperones will stay on-site in hotel rooms and will be available around the clock to address any concerns.

Bag Check on Opening Night

Upon arrival, you will head over to the Overnight Program check-in desk, which will be set up near the entrance to the hotel. At that location, you will pick up your Congress Badge, and drop your baggage.

Ensure that your bags are clearly labeled with your name and phone number.

Meals

Breakfast will be served June 26, 27, and 28 from 6:00 AM at the hotel. An all-you-can-eat buffet, with hot and cold choices, will be available. If you are arriving early on June 25, lunch and snacks are available for cash purchase at the hotel. You will be responsible for purchasing your own lunch and dinner each day. Bring enough spending money to cover both meals for each day of the Congress, plus any extra money you would like for snacks. The Tsongas Center offers multiple meal and snack options for students to purchase on the concourse level during meal breaks.

Meal Options at The Tsongas Center

The Tsongas Center, where the Congress will be held,  has a full range of hearty food and lighter sandwiches and salads, as well as snacks and assorted beverages. Complete combo meals will be in the $11-$13 range. There are also individual items like pizza, chicken tenders, etc., in the $4-$8 range. The Tsongas Center accepts cash, credit, and debit cards.

Contact Us

FOR NON-URGENT MATTERS during regular business hours during the Congress, contact our Overnight Program support line or email us at admissions@futuredocs.com.

This number will be available 2 weeks prior to the Congress.

FOR EXTREMELY URGENT MATTERS during or after regular business hours, contact our EMERGENCY Overnight Program support line.

This number will be available 2 weeks prior to the Congress.