Summer Registration Frequently Asked Questions

When can I register for a class?

You may register for a class anytime! We accept applications up until the day the class begins. Usually, about one-third of our summer classes fill in the February lottery. But it is important to note that in June we often have fifty or more classes with spaces.

What is the lottery and how does it work?

Each year about one-third of our summer classes have more applicants than there are places in the class. We needed a method for enrolling applicants into classes that was as fair as possible. Catalog mail delivery varies greatly based on location, which meant that people who got the catalog first could apply first--giving them an unfair advantage in a first-come, first-served situation. Our website helps get information to people more quickly, but it could be a disadvantage to people who do not have access to the Internet. The only fair solution we could find was to set a lottery deadline and treat equally all applications received by that deadline.

Once the application deadline for the lottery passes, students are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. We continue enrolling students right up to the day a class begins.

Fall and spring registration is generally on a first-come/first-served basis as these classes fill much more slowly than summer classes.

Why is it so hard to get into a Penland class?

Actually, it’s not. Most applicants are enrolled in their first choice class. Some of our classes are so popular that they have very long waiting lists and people who only give us one class choice have a hard time getting into a class if they pick one of the most popular classes. People who give us three or more class choices almost always get into a class. We keep an updated list of unfilled classes on our website; we get cancellations all year long, so it’s worth checking regularly

How can I increase my chances of getting into a summer class at Penland?

Be flexible and apply for more than one class. Last summer, out of ninety-eight classes offered, thirty-one were filled through the lottery. However, applicants who listed more than one class choice were almost always accepted into one of their choices. (The exception being people who only applied only for hot glass classes, because we have so many requests for those classes). It has been our experience that at least one person cancels prior to the beginning of almost every class, even those filled by lottery. When this happens, we go to the next person on the waiting list to fill the available slot. Again, being flexible about classes and sessions increases your chance of getting into one of the classes that interest you. Getting your application in before the lottery (February 13) is also helpful. Many classes are still open in April and May and even into the summer--you are welcome to call at any time to inquire about open classes.

There is only one class I really want to take. Do I have to put a second choice
on my application?

We encourage applicants to list more than one class choice to increase their chances of getting into a class. But don't list a class as a second or third choice unless you'd really like to take it.

How do I know if I have enough skill to take a class at Penland?

Most of our classes are open to students of all skill levels, including beginners. If a class says "all levels" at the end of the course description, this means that the instructor is willing to work with students regardless of their prior experience. Bear in mind, however, that Penland classes can be very intense and you will be expected to work hard and to push yourself, whether you are a beginning or an experienced student. We often have classes where beginners work side by side with people who have years of experience or may even be making their living from their craft. In most cases, everyone benefits from this contact. An experienced student might be able to help a beginner; less experienced students often bring great energy to a class and may have fewer preconceptions about what they are doing.

Some of our classes require or recommend some prior experience. This information is stated at the end of the course description. A very few classes ask you to send a letter of intent or images of your work so the instructor can select the students.

If I am enrolled in one of my alternate choices of classes, will I remain on the
waiting list for my first choice?

Yes, if you are enrolled in one of your other class choices we will keep you on the waiting list for your first choice. If a space opens, and you are next on the waiting list, we will be sure and call you. We always try to give people their first choice.

How do I get on the waiting list for a class that is full?

You need to fill out an application and either fax it (to 828-765-8174) or mail it in with your $45 nonrefundable processing fee. However, IF YOU APPLY AFTER MAY 1st and you are placed on a waiting list, your application fee will not be processed UNLESS YOU ARE ENROLLED.

If a class is full do I have to pay the $45 nonrefundable processing fee to be on a
waiting list?

Our general policy is that you must pay a processing fee to be on a waiting list. However, IF YOU APPLY AFTER MAY 1st and you are placed on a waiting list, your application fee will not be processed UNLESS YOU ARE ENROLLED.

I want to attend Penland with my spouse/partner, can I guarantee that we both
get into a class during the same session?

We do not give couples/partners priority in the lottery process. Again, being flexible is good. If you are both interested in classes offered in First and Second Sessions, for example, and you are not both enrolled through the lottery, you can choose to switch to a session that has class spaces for both of you, or one person can remain on the waiting list, with fingers crossed.

When will I be notified whether I got into a class?

If you apply in January, February, or March, you will be notified of your status by March 31, via the mailing address you indicate on your application. If you apply after the March 31, you will be notified within a few weeks of mailing or faxing your application.

If I am notified that I am on the waiting list, what are my chances of getting in
the class(es) I want?

There is no way of predicting this, but we often have cancellations in classes that are full. Once a spot becomes available, we start calling people on the waiting list until we fill the spot. Again, the more flexible you are, the better your chances of getting into a class.

Is there a fee for canceling if I drop my class after I am enrolled?

Yes. This is our cancellation and refund policy for summer classes: If you cancel any time up to thirty days before the beginning of the class, you will receive a full refund minus $100 cancellation fee and the $45 nonrefundable processing fee. If you cancel later than thirty days before the beginning of the class, there is no refund.

How many classes can I take at the same time?

One. To take a class at Penland is to immerse oneself in one studio, one class. Each class is structured by the instructor, but most classes are a mix of demonstrations, lectures, individual studio work and field trips. Most classes start around 10 AM and go into the evening. You are welcome, of course, to visit other studios and observe the work being done there.

Can I bring my pet?

No. Students are not permitted to have pets with them at Penland.

What is the housing like on campus?

Penland housing is quite simple. Buildings are not air-conditioned—the climate is moderate and it is often cooler at night. Furnishing is basic: a bed and a place to put your clothes. Dormitories are housing units with between four and thirteen beds per room (no bunks). Some of our housing is located one-half mile from the center of campus. Many folks welcome the extra walk, but please let us know if this will present a physical hardship for you. We do our best to match students with the type of housing they request, but this is not always possible. Housing assignments are made shortly before the session begins.

If I have a friend or spouse come with me, but they do not take a class, can they
stay on campus with me?

No. Penland has limited housing so we can only house students enrolled in classes.

How do I apply if I want to take more than one class in a summer?

When filling out your application, you may number your choices in priority order. If you want to be enrolled in more than one session, include a $250 deposit FOR EACH session you want to be enrolled in, and be sure to indicate more than one first choice. If you only want one class, include only one $250 deposit.

May I apply to attend several sessions with a scholarship?

No. Our goal is for our scholarships to benefit as many people as possible, and we get many more scholarship applications than we can accommodate. For this reason we can only award one scholarship per student per summer. Occasionally, scholarship students cancel during the summer and their spaces are filled by scholarship students who are already here and are willing to stay for another session, but this happens only after we have tried to award that scholarship to someone who did not already receive a scholarship for that year.

If I want to apply for a work-study scholarship, where should my two letters
of recommendation come from?

We suggest you get letters from either teachers or employers, or one from each. We look at your interest in the classes you are applying for and your commitment to the work you will do in the studio (i.e., are you a good student?) and we want to know that you will work hard for the school as part of your scholarship (i.e., will you show up on time and wash pots and pans on your work-study shift?). Your letters should be from people who best speak to these qualities.

If I apply for a scholarship and do not receive one, may I then apply as a
full-paying student?

Yes. If you are not awarded a scholarship you may then apply as a full paying student (bearing in mind that the class you are interested in may be full by then). You cannot, however, apply simultaneously for both a scholarship and as a full-paying student. You can only apply as the full paying student once you are notified that you did not receive a scholarship. We generally get about two hundred more scholarship applications than the number of scholarships available, so it is important that people applying for these scholarships really need them.

Who should I address my scholarship application letter to?

The "scholarship selection committee" is fine.

Can I apply for a work-study scholarship if I am not a citizen or resident
of the United States?

State Department regulations do not permit us to accept or sponsor foreign students for work-study scholarships or studio assistantships. We have been clearly informed that we are not permitted to allow foreign students to work in exchange for reduced tuition, room and board. Foreign students can, however, apply for the full scholarships which do NOT have a work requirements and, of course, they may apply as regular/full-paying students. This restriction does not apply to foreign citizens who are already permitted to work in the United States (i.e. residents with green cards).

When does summer registration begin and when is the deadline to apply?

You may send an application as soon as you have correct class and application information--either from our catalog or the website. Applications for scholarships (including studio assistants) must be received by February 13. Regular student applications received by 5 PM on February 13 are treated equally through the lottery process. We continue to enroll students on a first come, first served basis throughout the spring and summer--there are always some classes available.

May I select a meal plan?

Students who are staying off campus can select a meal plan. Students who are staying on campus pay for meals as part of the room and board charge.

Can I take just one week of a two-week class?

While we can't stop anyone from leaving early, our instructors carefully plan their classes based on their allotted duration. We don't offer the option of enrolling in only a portion of a class.