Pennsic University

 

Greetings unto the scholars and students of the Known World!

We of Pennsic University are looking forward to helping you learn.

There are more than a thousand classes to choose from – peruse the class schedule and prepare to be amazed at the breadth and depth of the knowledge that can be found in our SCA.

Pennsic University is only made possible by the dedication and talents of every one of our hundreds of instructors who volunteer their time and expertise to inspire and teach. Thank you all so much for sharing your SCA with the rest of us!

Visit the University’s Facebook page for info and updates about this year’s classes!

Pennsic University FAQ

FAQ Page
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.

Can I request a specific tent or location for my class?

ALL tents at Pennsic University are a limited resource but we will attempt to meet specific location requests. If we have to make a change, we will make every attempt to contact the teacher and let them know. When registering, please use the "Scheduling additional" box on the form to request specific locations, including holding the class in the Bog University.

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

For safety and logistics reasons we prefer that all classes are 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)
  • 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 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 Pennsic University aid me in making copies of my handouts?

Sorry, no. We can give you directions to the nearest copy store. We recommend bringing 10 copies of any handouts, or more if you're teaching a class that has been very popular in the past. You could also make arrangements to send your students emailed copies of the handouts after Pennsic.

Can you give me another slot for my class? Or a different time?

Contact the Registrar and we'll try our best. Please keep in mind that for certain days and times, tent space is very scarce -- we're not trying to be difficult, but to ensure everyone gets as good a slot as possible. Preference will be given to those requesting a time first. We will try to accommodate requested changes, but can make no guarantees.

Do I really need to check in at University Point before my class?

Yes, please. When you check in, 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.

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

YES. While you may state 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.

Pennsic University FAQ

Please log in with the same email and password as last year; all your teacher information should still be there.

You will be asked to update your profile. Please take the time to make sure all your information is up-to-date and correct: date of arrival at Pennsic, Kingdom, Phone, Email, etc.

You will be able to import your classes from last year:

  • On your Classes page you will see last year's classes.
  • If you click on the "Request for This Year" button, a class form will open up with all the data already filled out (except anything related to date or scheduling).
  • Please review the class information, make sure it is current and correct, and then enter your day/time requests and any other special scheduling info.
  • Click the "Create Class" button and you are done!

After you arrive at Pennsic, please check in at University Point at your earliest convenience, to let us know you are on-site and ready to teach, and to pick up your teacher tokens.

If your class will be held in a private camp, merchant tent, or other location, please provide University Point with detailed directions to your camp from the Point.

University Point is open Tuesday, August 1 through Friday, August 11

Teachers are not required nor expected to check IDs or ages of anyone attending their classes. We trust that parents will use good judgement in sending their children to appropriate classes; and that the teachers will use good judgement and inform the responsible adult with any youth if material in the class is unsuitable for minors.

Attending Classes

There is no charge to attend any Pennsic classes. Some classes have handout and/or materials fees, but you may audit any class without cost, subject to safety considerations. There are no signup lists permitted for any class. All class materials should be provided in a first come/first serve basis.

Please do not come to "reserve" your place far ahead of your intended class when there is a class in session in the tent. Please use an empty tent to wait.

For help in finding class times and locations, or for directions to classes held at other locations around Pennsic come to University Point – we are located between on St. Lawrence Way in the Pennsic University block.

Minors

  • Minors are welcome to attend Pennsic University classes, except for those noted as "Adults Only".
  • Any minor (under 18) who wishes to attend a University class in a private encampment, a merchant booth, or in Bog University tents must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who stays with them during the class.
  • Children under 12 may attend classes in the regular University tents but must have a parent or legal guardian within direct eyesight for the duration of the class.
  • Children under 12 may attend YouthU and TeenU classes in the University tents unaccompanied.

Pennsic Event Guide

The schedule of classes is listed in the Pennsic Event Guide. However, this book goes to press well before War starts.

Additions, deletions, and changes to classes will be posted each day at University Point and printed in the Pennsic Independent newspaper. You can also use Thing online (look under "Schedules/Changes from Book").

Up-to-date class listings

The full class schedule is available at the online University Class scheduling site, Thing. Use the "Schedule/All Classes" menu to view printable/mobile device-friendly versions of the calendar.

You can also create an account on Thing to follow the classes you want to take, and create your own personal schedule of classes to print off or view on your mobile device.

Facebook Page

If you have any issues using Thing or any bugs or Kudos you wish to pass on to the developers, then please report them at https://github.com/skandragon/thing.

Pennsic University activities take place in several locations. 

  • University Square (St. Lily's Commons) 
    Class tents 1 - 13
  • Dragon Trace tents 
    Class tents 14 - 16
  • TumbleHome Square  
    Class tents 17-20
  • Bog U (block E24, southeast side of the lake) 
  • Dance Pavilion, Games' Tent
  • Battlefield Tent, Battlefield Loud 1 and Battlefield Loud 2 tents, Main Battlefield, Tourney Fields (east side of the Battlefield), Archery Range, Thrown Weapons Range 
    (see map)
  • College of Performing Arts, Amphitheater 
    (see map - behind the merchants on the Great Middle Hwy)
  • Performing Arts Rehearsal and Classroom Tent - Located by amphitheater (near willow tree)
  • Youth Point, Heralds' Point 
    (by the Playground)
  • Middle Eastern Pavilion 
    (east side of the Great Middle Hwy, on top of the hill)
  • Æthelmearc Scribal Pavilion, Private Camps, Merchant Booths: directions available at University Point

We strongly encourage volunteers to become part of the Pennsic University team. Many hands make light(er) work! Please contact The University Point Coordinator

Positions: Five people are needed for each 2 hour shift:

University Point desk staff - 2 per shift, to answer questions and assist students in finding classes.

Pennsic University Ambassadors - 2 per shift, to rove around the University area providing directions, along with some other duties around the University.

University Point Shift Supervisor - 1 per shift, to answer questions and man the database.

All positions will be documented with easy-to-use reference cards, so you don't need any special knowledge, except the knowledge that we will think you are awesome!

Students:

  • to get in touch with one of last year's teachers
  • to get information about a previous year's class, or
  • to request that a class be taught again this year

    please contact the Registrar or the University Point Coordinator (see top of page) by email or through our Facebook page.

For Teachers

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Teachers/Class Registration

Teachers – please familiarize yourself with the University Policies and FAQs, then register to teach at thing.pennsicuniversity.org. You can enter, update, and even delete your classes yourself.

If you have questions about teaching a class or about the on-line Teacher Registration, contact the Registrar, Baroness Gwynnyd of York. She will be happy to answer any questions, but all requests to teach must be submitted in writing.

At Pennsic – Please come to University Point to register new classes.

Deadlines

On-line class scheduling closes on July 23. After that date, you can still schedule classes by coming to see us at Pennsic, at University Point.

Classes are generally scheduled as they are submitted, so to get the time slots and locations you want, register early!

Classes that were registered by the publication deadline (June 1) will appear in the Pennsic Guide Book.

Classes registered after that date will appear in the on-line schedule, and will be posted at University Point.