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Vacation College

Elder couple enjoying college retreat on beautiful campus

Vacation College 2025: August 10-15

Vacation College is a wonderful opportunity to combine a Cottey experience with personal enrichment, and have some fun along the way. Participants experience Cottey from the inside out as they stay in one of the residence halls, eat in Raney Dining Room, and attend classes taught by Cottey College faculty and staff – all without the pressure of mid-term exams or finals! Nightly entertainment, recreational activities, and extraordinary chances for fellowship are all a part of this exciting week. It is bound to be an experience you will never forget! P.E.O.s, BILs, alumnae, and friends of the College who are over the age of 21 are invited to attend.

 

Group enjoying Cottey's Vacation College

Cost and Registration

Cost includes tuition, room and board, recreational activities, and entertainment. Many classes fill up quickly, so plan to reserve your spot early!

Registration opens March 2025!

Additional Information

THE FOLLOWING REFUNDS FOR VACATION COLLEGE WILL BE AVAILABLE.

  • If guests are unable to attend Vacation College due to extenuating circumstances and cancel their registration in writing before June 15, they will receive a partial refund amount of $550 and they will be credited with $50.00 toward their registration fee the following year.
  • If guests are unable to attend Vacation College due to extenuating circumstances and cancel their registration in writing June 16 to July 15, they will receive a partial refund amount of $350 and they will be credited with $50.00 toward their registration fee the following year.
  • Because items for classes and evening activities/giveaways are purchased in advance, no refunds will be made after July 30, but they will be credited with $150.00 toward their Vacation College registration fee the following year.
  • Cancellations must be received in writing.
  • Cancellations made after July 30 may not be credited as tax-deductible gifts to the College, but registration cancellations received prior to July 30 may be donated as a tax-deductible gift.

A Cottey College residence hall will be your home during Vacation College. Air conditioning is provided in all bedrooms. The suite area is made up of a living room; a shared, multi-unit bathroom; and a small kitchenette. Double and single bedrooms surround the perimeter of the common area, housing about 10 people. A small number of single rooms are reserved for those with health concerns on a first-come, first-served basis. Suites are located on the first through third floors with designated couples suites located on the third floor; shared bathrooms are designated women’s or men’s. Robertson Hall is equipped with a wheelchair ramp, an elevator, and air-conditioning.

FLYING

Participants flying into Kansas City International (MCI) may rent a car and drive approximately 100 miles to campus or take advantage of Cottey’s shuttle service. A car will not be needed once you are on campus, and shuttles will be available for activities that are not within an easy five-minute walking distance.

Shuttle to Cottey: Cottey arranges a shuttle to campus for those who arrive at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) before 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 10. As it is approximately a 2-hour commute from the airport to campus, the shuttle will arrive at Cottey in time for dinner. To ensure you meet the shuttle, your flight should arrive no later than 3:00 p.m.

The shuttle is an additional cost; shuttle times are non-negotiable.

Return Shuttle: The return shuttle on Friday, August 15, will depart campus at 6:30 a.m. and arrive at the Kansas City airport at 10:00 a.m. Your flight should depart after 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 15.

The shuttle is an additional cost; shuttle times are non-negotiable.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Driving south on Interstate 49 to Nevada: Upon leaving the airport, take I-29 South downtown. I-29 merges with U.S. Highway 71. Follow the signs downtown to stay on Highway 71 South. Highway 71 becomes Interstate 49 and leads directly to Nevada. The trip from the airport to Nevada will take 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. Follow the directions below to find Cottey once you have reached Nevada.
When you arrive at Nevada heading south on Interstate 49, you should take the fourth, and last, exit. This exit is Austin Street but is listed on the exit sign as “K Highway, Camp Clark.” Once exiting the highway, turn right, or west, onto Austin.

Driving north on Interstate 49 to Nevada: If you are arriving on Interstate 49 north into Nevada, you should take the first exit, which is listed as “Camp Clark, K Highway.” Turn left, or west, onto Austin Street.

Once on Austin Boulevard: Proceed west for approximately 2.2 miles. You will pass Main Hall on your right and the Rubie Burton Academic Center on your left. Immediately beyond the stop light at College Street, you will see the circle drive in front of the Chapel on your left. You may park temporarily in the circle drive to unload your bags and check in at Robertson Hall. Parking is available behind Robertson off of Tower Street. The handicap entrance is located at the rear of the building.

Classes

Classes represent a wide range of interest areas in locations across campus. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may not switch classes upon arriving on campus or during the week. When registering, please indicate first, second, and third choice for classes. If your first choice is full or the class is canceled, you will be placed in your second choice.

Shuttle transportation is available for all activities that are not within an easy five-minute walking distance, but transportation to and from class is not provided by the College. Classes have limited enrollment and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The size of a class is limited to ensure a pleasant experience for all guests. The limits are set by Cottey faculty and are non-negotiable.

Classes will be either 2 ½ hours in length or one hour and 15 minutes in length, with a schedule that includes options so that attendees may schedule in free time, if they so desire.

Vacation College Class Catalog

View Vacation College 2024 class catalog. The class catalog for Vacation College 2025 will be published in March 2025.