Frequently Asked Questions
Questions from Students
Questions from Parents
From Students
Yes. Either a computer or ipad will be needed for WAVU. We also have restrictions on the use of these devices, which we will ask you to follow. PTY is not responsible for lost or stolen items. PTY has a limit number of loaner laptops. Please contact our office prior to the start of WAVU if you will be unable to bring an iPad, tablet, or laptop to campus.
From Parents
We provide lunch for the students.
Yes. Please make notes of all dietary restrictions in the Required Forms after admittance.
Check-in begins at 8:00 AM CT on the day of the program. Driving directions and general WAVU information will be communicated to you via email upon admittance prior to the program start date.
All students are expected to bring a notebook and a writing instrument. If your child is in a math or science course, a calculator is recommended. For students in a science-based course, pants and closed-toed shoes are required for labs and fieldwork.
Either a computer or ipad will be needed for WAVU. We also have restrictions on the use of these devices, which we will ask you to follow. PTY is not responsible for lost or stolen items. PTY has a limit number of loaner laptops. Please contact our office prior to the start of WAVU if you will be unable to bring an iPad, tablet, or laptop to campus.
The $50 application fee is nonrefundable for all applicants.
No refunds will be granted after the tuition deadline for the session. Please visit the WAVU Tuition and Financial Assistance webpage for specific dates and deadlines.
If Vanderbilt University determines that it is in the best interest of VSA participants to delay or cancel the WAVU program, VU staff will issue a timely statement to participants via email and the PTY website to advise of the delay or cancellation. No tuition reimbursements will be given for delays. If a cancellation is announced prior to the program start date, tuition paid, less the nonrefundable application fee, may be applied to a future program of the family’s choosing, or if preferred, a tuition reimbursement may be issued. In the event of a cancellation during a program, VU may, in its sole discretion, elect to provide partial tuition reimbursements. As is the WAVU application policy, the application fee and deposit are nonrefundable. VU is not responsible for any expense or cost incurred by you in preparing for or arising or resulting from a delayed or cancelled program, including without limitation, the cost of non-refundable airfare, other transportation, lodging and meal expense and the cost of any additional or alternative arrangement you elect or are required to incur or make as a result of a delayed or cancelled program.
COVID-19 Statement
Programs for Talented Youth’s on-campus experiences are designed to provide students with the opportunity to take part in a unique community of learners. Our policies uphold the university’s mission and values and are grounded in decisions in science, expert advice, and protecting our community members.
The policies outlined below remain subject to change. Deposit and tuition payments for PTY programs are nonrefundable after the communicated deadlines regardless of any changes in COVID-19 policies.
After admission into the program, individual COVID-19 vaccination status reporting is optional as part of the PTY health forms and paperwork needed for program participation. Vaccination reporting is not required for students or staff and will not be used during admission consideration.
What is your policy on masking and distancing?
The university continues to follow the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based on Davidson’s County’s COVID community level. PTY participants are encouraged to follow CDC guidance based on Davidson’s County’s COVID community level.
At this time, our programs do not require masking or physical distancing indoors. “Mask optional” means it is an individual’s choice whether to wear a mask or not. PTY students and staff have the option of bringing and wearing a mask, including in classrooms, dining spaces, and community spaces. PTY will continue to support those who want to wear a mask at any time for any reason and expects all community members to respect one another as well. There are currently no physical distancing requirements, whether an individual is masking or not.
What if my child tests positive for COVID-19 while in a PTY program?
As your child’s health and the health of others at PTY programs are our priority, parents will be contacted if their child shows signs of illness during a program. PTY requires parents, guardian, or authorized individuals to pick up a student within two hours if a student is symptomatic.
If a student tests positive before a PTY program day, the student may attend the next PTY program day 5 days after their symptoms started or they received their positive test result, whichever is earlier, if the student has improving symptoms and no fever. Upon returning to a PTY program, students who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 are required to monitor symptoms and wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 additional days.
Please note, we understand that COVID-19 may impact a student’s ability to attend a program. Regardless, the application fee and tuition are nonrefundable after the tuition due date.
Does PTY contact trace?
PTY does not contact trace and/or communicate close contacts to students, families, and staff.