Hints, Tips, and Important Information
for Seminar Applicants
(Print this information for future reference)

 

TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION

At Poynter, we keep our classes small (most consist of only 16 participants) to encourage lively discussions and to allow faculty members to give lots of focused attention to individual participants. Here are some helpful hints to assist you in applying for a Poynter seminar.

Are you eligible? Generally, participants for Poynter seminars and conferences should be full-time employees of a print, broadcast, or online news organization, or journalism educators. Freelancers, however, are welcome to apply. For additional information, check the "Who will benefit" section for each course in the Poynter catalog or visit the seminar sites at www.poynter.org. If you’re still not sure if you’re eligible, telephone or e-mail the contact person listed for each seminar.

Don’t procrastinate. Allow yourself sufficient time to develop a package of informative application materials. Send the entire package all at once, and be sure you get it to Poynter by the deadline date.

Information please. Complete ALL questions on the application form - front and back. We encourage the application of women, minorities, persons attending a Poynter seminar for the first time, organizations nominating a staff member for the first time, and individuals who have applied for previous seminars but were not accepted.

Generally, we accept only one participant from a newsroom (except for conferences and seminars designated for teams), however more than one candidate from an organization may apply. We're also sensitive to how many participants we accept from a single ownership group. We try to create a seminar group that reflects a rich mix of people and consider the factors of experience, race, gender, ethnicity, circulation/market size, and geography.

Polish up your resume. Be sure it presents your experience and accomplishments in their best light.

Introduce yourself. Write a brief professional biography (about 100 words) for us to include in the seminar syllabus. This is not the same as (or in place of) your resume.

The boss’s letter counts. Your boss's recommendation letter is every bit as important as the other pieces of your application package. The letter should provide details about your strengths, your value to your newsroom, and your commitment to journalism.

Now it’s your turn. Develop a terrific 250-500 word essay describing your daily duties, how this seminar is relevant to your job, your goals for the seminar, and how you will apply your training when you get back to your newsroom. Tell us about your journalistic passions and how you'll take back what you learn to your colleagues.

And don’t forget! Some seminars require you to include samples of your work. If so, take the time to put together examples of your best work that meet the requirements of the seminar.

How To Apply for Seminars
Use the Seminar Application Form. This official seminar application is a downloadable PDF file. You may print it out, fill it in, and mail or fax it to the Institute with your other application materials. You'll also find full instructions for downloading and viewing the PDF file.

Use the Online Seminar Application Form. You may complete an online form and submit it over the Internet. If you choose this method, you should print out the form before clicking "Submit" and send a copy with your other application materials. We will not consider an application to be complete unless all required materials are received before the seminar application deadline.

Please observe deadlines shown in the course descriptions. It is important that you check the course descriptions for detailed information and required supporting materials before submitting your application. Send applications to:

Seminar Admissions
The Poynter Institute
801 Third Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 821-9494
Toll Free: (888) POYNTER (888/769-6837)
Fax: (727) 821-0583

 

QUESTIONS?
If you would like more information on which seminar is best for you or your staff, contact the appropriate faculty member or program assistant.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Tuition & Fees
Tuition for week-long professional seminars is $400; Conference tuition is $300. Tuition covers all materials, instruction, and hotel for a predetermined number of nights depending upon the length of the program (see section on Accommodations).

NOTE: Do not send check for tuition until you are notified of acceptance into the seminar for which you are applying.

Financial Assistance
A limited number of fellowships will be available for those in need of assistance. Applicants seeking financial assistance should attach a letter to their application form stating the particular aid they are seeking (tuition and housing waiver and/or help with travel costs), and explaining why their organization is unable to pay for their tuition/housing and travel should they be selected.

Cancellations
A $100 cancellation fee is retained for cancellations within three weeks of the beginning of a seminar, unless a substitute attends. Refunds will be made within 30 days.

Schedules
Most seminars begin with dinner Sunday evening and end the following Friday afternoon. Daily sessions begin promptly at 9 a.m. and last until at least 5 p.m., with some evening meetings. Dress throughout the week is casual.

Participants
Participants are urged to attend seminars without their spouse, children, or other company, prepared to devote full attention to the seminar.

Accommodations
All participants and faculty stay in the same hotel, and informal evening and breakfast conversations are part of the learning experience. Lodging is included in tuition fees. Additional hotel nights in St. Petersburg are $92 plus tax.

Travel and Transportation
St. Petersburg is served by Tampa International Airport, located 25 miles from the Institute. Almost all major airlines serve Tampa. Transportation from the airport to the hotels is available by taxi ($30-$45) and van/limo ($15). Hotels are within walking distance of restaurants and shops, and the Institute provides transportation when necessary, so there is no need to rent a car.