Alternative Spring Breaks (ASB)
ASB 2013 FAQ’s
1. What if I register for more than one trip?
YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM ALL TRIPS AND BECOME INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM. THIS INCLUDES REGISTERING FOR A TRIP AND THE WAITLIST.
2. What is the refund policy?
Payments are non-refundable.
3. How do I apply for a scholarship?
ASB scholarships are need-based only. Typically scholarships go only to students who are Pell Grant eligible. There are a limited number of scholarships available. Scholarships are not offered for flying trips.
4. Where do I key in the promotional code if I will be applying for a scholarship?
The promotional code field is located on this registration just above the MasterCard and Visa logos.
5. How do I use the promotional code if I will be applying for a scholarship?
Click on the words “Click Here to Enter Promotional Code” just above the MasterCard and Visa logos. Key in your promotional code “400Dollartrip” for a $400 trip or the promotional code”350Dollartrip” for a $350 trip or “200Dollartrip” for the Boston trip only.
Next, click on the “apply” button and then click on the Register button. Using this code will require you to immediately pay a $150 deposit.
6. How much do I pay if I am applying for a scholarship and how do I use the promotional code?
Using this code will require you to immediately pay a $150 deposit. After you have entered the code, you will be asked to submit a short essay (max 250 words). The promotional code must be used only for students requesting to be considered for an ASB scholarship (Pell Grant eligible or high financial need students). Your registration will be dropped and you will become ineligible to participate in the ASB program if you use the promotional code for any other purpose.
7. If I am under 18, where do I find the Waiver of Liability?
Click here! for the Waiver for Students Under the Age of 18
8. What if I cannot download the Waiver of Liability PDF?
You can print the webpage itself by going to ‘File’ and then ‘Print.”
9. What do I do if I have trouble registering?
Please call the CSC at 617-353-4710 and leave a message or email altbreak@bu.edu with any questions.
10. Do I need to be van trained if I want to drive for ASB?
Yes. ASB participants who are willing to drive will need to be van trained this year by the CSC through ASB regardless of any previous van training experience. We highly recommend that students choosing to register for driving trips get van trained. We will need as many willing drivers as possible on each trip.
11. How can I be waitlisted if the trips are sold out?
Click on the last trip type “Is the opportunity you’d like to sign up for sold out?” to bring you do the waitlist site. Input the requested information.
12. How will I know if I am pulled off the waitlist?
You will be contacted via telephone if a spot opens up. If you cannot be reached by telephone, we will send a follow-up email. You will have 24 hours to respond if you are interested in registering.
13. When will I know if I am pulled off the waitlist?
We will keep offering open spots until the week before Spring Break (March 7). If you are pulled off the waitlist, you will receive a phone call or an email.
14. If I need to return to the previous page can I use the back arrow on my computer to do so?
No. The system will not allow you to go back. We recommend that you read over all the FAQs before registering.
15. If I am a CELOP at Boston University (Center for English Language and Orientation Programs) student can I register for an ASB trip?
No. A CELOP student will not be able to register for ASB due to our limited number of spots.
We are now accepting applications for chaperones! Please visit the ASB BLOG for more information.
The trips that currently still need chaperones are:
Macon, Georgia
Alternative Spring Breaks (ASB) promotes community service, develops leadership skills, and creates strong bonds among its participants. Since it’s founding in 1988, Boston University student and faculty/staff volunteers spend their Spring breaks participating in volunteer work throughout the country addressing issues such as environmental protection, children, affordable housing, hunger, education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and disabilities. Each of the trips is comprised of two coordinators, ten to twelve volunteers, and one faculty/staff chaperone.
Last year, ASB had over 300 volunteers, 74 coordinators, 36 chaperones, 5 committee chairs, and two program managers traveling to 37 places throughout the US and Puerto Rico. This year, ASB will be bigger than ever and travel to 39 trips all over the country in vans, planes, and buses, and stay in a variety of accommodations. Service projects ranged from working with organizations like Habitat for Humanity in Fort Smith, AR building houses for local communities, to working with children at the Target House in Memphis, TN. ASB also offers students an opportunity to stay in the city of Boston and do service with a variety of organizations. Overall, the program provides Boston University students with a unique and memorable week of service as an alternative to the traditional college spring break.
This year, trips costs are based on transportation. Flying trips are $900, driving trips are $400, public transportation trips are $350, and the Boston trip is $200. The trip fee covers food, housing, and transportation expenses for the week, and can be offset by a limited number of need-based partial scholarships.>For more information on becoming involved in ASB, please contact this year’s program managers, Bethany Reynolds and Alys McAlpine at altbreak@bu.edu.
