Pennsic University Frequently Asked Questions

These are questions that have come up in the course of working with Teachers in setting up classes.
If your question is not answered here, feel free to e-mail the Chancellor or the Registrar.

Do you really mean "No Limits" when it comes to class size?

YES. While you may put a limit on the number of handouts or materials kits you will be bringing, you are not allowed to stop people from coming to your class and "auditing" it.

How much can I charge for classes?

Like other Pennsic classes, teachers are volunteers – you cannot charge for your time or labor. Materials, including handouts, can be charged at their "fair value". In other words, while you may never charge for a student to simply attend a class, you may ask for a fair, non-labor cost fee for materials and handouts the students use in that class.

Will Pennsic Management reimburse me for my time, travel fees, or other expenses? Or pay a honorarium?

No. Pennsic University - like all of the SCA – is based on the idea of "knowledge freely shared". No instructors are compensated for any reason – except in the ability to attend other, excellent classes.

Do I really need to check in on site?

Yes. Please. When you check in at University Point, it assures us that you are actually on site and will be available to teach your class at the scheduled time. If any conflicts in your schedule have arisen, you can resolve them at this time. And – best of all – you can pick up your teacher token.

Can Pennsic University aid me in making copies of my work?

We can give you directions to the nearest copy store. Other than that, no. Sorry. However, in the past, Mystic Mail has provided copying services as well as providing additional copies of instructors' handouts.

I want to teach a class during a number of wildly varying times. How do I tell you this?

Simply put it in the "Additional Information for Scheduling" box under "Teaching Days", A format such as:

8/5 9am to noon 8/6 any time is good 8/7 3pm to 6pm

works well for showing us what we need to note.

Does Pennsic University have teaching equipment (Writing implements, paper, chalk or whiteboards, projectors, etc.)?

We have a limited number of whiteboards and markers, and that's about it. If a teacher wishes to bring projectors or other electrical equipment, they are welcome to request electricity to power them. (Also see the "Can I use electrical equipment?" question.)

Can I use electrical equipment at Pennsic University?

Some of the University tents do have electricity. If you request it via the "Special Needs" section of the Teacher Registration Form, you will be assigned to a tent with power. However, it is strongly recommended that teachers find a "period" method of sharing visual information. Among other issues, if the power goes out, Pennsic University staff can do nothing to aid you during the disruption of your class.

Can I teach a class in my encampment or at my merchant booth?

While for safety and logistics reasons we prefer all classes to be taught in University tents, we do allow Pennsic University classes to be held in a private camp or merchant space if there is a good reason to allow it, for example:

• You have heavy equipment that would be difficult to move (i.e.: blacksmith forges, wood lathes, or large looms)
  or
• There is some ambiance that contributes greatly to the mood of the class (i.e.: Mongol culture classes being held in a yurt, Japanese tea ceremony in a Japanese style encampment, Middle Eastern music in a merchant booth specializing in ME instruments).

A class intended primarily for children may not be held in a private camp or merchant booth.

You must provide University Point with detailed directions to your camp or merchant booth. You can do this when you arrive onsite and check in with University Point.

Can I get a grant of land for extra space to teach classes in my encampment?

There is no such thing as a "grant of land" for private camps to host classes.