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OxBow has a variety of unique single and double rooms with shared bathrooms.
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OxBow Information and Policies
LOCATION: OxBow is located at 3435 Rupprecht Way, Saugatuck, MI 49453, about 2 1/2 hours from Chicago. You must provide your own transportation to and from Ox-Bow.
BY CAR: Please drive cautiously, no more than 10 miles per hour, up OxBow’s driveway (at the end of Park Street, past the dead end signs). The one-lane driveway is narrow with several blind spots. Cars driving downhill have the right-of-way. If you encounter an oncoming vehicle, please back safely down the hill.
After you’ve made your way up the steep hill, there is a parking lot for students on the left.
BY BUS OR TRAIN: Schedule your bus or train from your location to Holland, Michigan
BY PLANE: Closest Airport: Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI (50 miles/1 hour from campus). Unfortunately, we cannot provide a pick-up at the airport. Oneway taxi fare from the airport to OxBow is approximately $75, but this rate should be confirmed. We recommend Saugatuck-Douglas Car Service (269-543-3355). Lyft and Uber are also options.
ARRIVAL: Plan to arrive between noon and 3 pm EST on Friday, May 1, 2020. Check-in is located in the Old Inn dining area. There you will be given your housing assignment, unloading instructions, and schedule.
DEPARTURE: Breakfast on Sunday is the last meal provided. Snacks such as toast, peanut butter, jellies, fruits, and beverages are available until 3 PM. All attendees are welcome to stay on campus until 5 PM, but rooms must be vacated by 3 PM.
PHONES: Cell phone reception can be spotty at OxBow. As such, phones do not work well as alarms; please try to bring an alarm clock with you. There is a phone available in the old inn for anyone to make local calls or receive calls. The number (which is posted above the phone) is 269-857-1682.
INTERNET: General access computers are not available, but wi-fi is available in the inns for use with wireless devices. Please note, we have the best wi-fi available to campus but service is sometimes very weak.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Students are housed in 2 dormitory-style spaces at the center of the OxBow grounds: The Inn, and The Marshall. The older portion of the Inn, built in the late 1800’s, still stands as rustic and as charming as ever, with student rooms on the second floor, a gallery space, the original dining room and the primary student services office. Here, (weather permitting) you will also find our relaxing porch equipped with hanging swings and festive chairs for meetings and resting. The New Inn houses student rooms, the kitchen, dining room and lecture room. Faculty & staff stay in cabins around the grounds.
ROOMS: Most rooms are single, or double occupancy. Roommates are paired by request only. Each room provides you: a twin bed, side table and dresser. The rooms also do not lock from the outside. We've never had problems with theft, being so remote and also such a tight community, but if there are concerns it's possible we could lock valuables in one of our offices.
LINENS AND LAUNDRY: All beds are twin size and have a mattress cover, bottom sheet, top sheet, light comforter, pillowcase, and pillow. You must provide your own: • extra blanket/sleeping bag • Washcloths, and bath towels. There is no laundry facility available for use on campus. A 24 hour laundromat is located in town, two miles from campus.
*If you forget to bring anything, please don’t hesitate to let staff know!
BATHROOMS AND SHOWERS: All bathroom and shower facilities are shared. There is no storage in the bathrooms. Be sure to bring a carrier for toiletries. There are several bathrooms equipped with showers in the Inns and the Marshall dormitory.
GUEST/COMPANION POLICY: No companions, guests or visitors are permitted during your stay. All residential housing and studio facilities are limited to artists enrolled in courses. We may be able to assist participants in finding accommodations for individual family circumstances, but these arrangements will be made on a case by case basis and must be in advance of your course. There is no guarantee that alternate accommodations can be established.
MEALS: Continental breakfast, lunch & dinner are served daily. Meal times are at listed in the schedule. Snacks such as toast, peanut butter, jellies, fruits, and beverages are available 24 hours a day. Vegetarian, pescatarian & vegan diets can be accommodated and requested when you arrive on campus.
HOUSEKEEPING: The housekeeping staff work hard to keep common areas clean, but do not enter rooms during sessions. Everyone is responsible for maintaining their own room. Do not leave personal belongings around the buildings or grounds. There is a lost-and-found area near the office.
TRASH & RECYCLING: Please dispose of any trash in the containers provided. If you see something lying on the ground, please pick it up and throw it away. Michigan has a 10-cent deposit on bottles and cans. There are labeled recycling bins located at the back of the New Inn.
BELLS: The bell is rung • by staff only • 30 minutes before meals and again when meals are served • for scheduled events (lectures, slide shows, films, performances, etc.) Repeated ringing of the bell indicates an EMERGENCY. If this happens please come to the front of the Inn immediately.
WHAT TO BRING SUGGESTED PACKING LIST:
TOILETRIES:
ENVIRONMENT: Nestled between Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River, OxBow provides a richly varied landscape of lagoon, woods, dune, and meadow. Feel free to take a hike in the woods and enjoy the unique environment that OxBow has to offer. Please be aware that some areas of the landscape are fragile and demand special attention. Please stay on paths while in the woods. It is especially important to avoid walking on the face of the sand dune below the Crow’s Nest lookout point.
WILDLIFE: OxBow’s natural setting plays host to many different types of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, squirrels etc. While these animals tend to stay away from the main portion of campus, it is important to consider their presence and not leave food outdoors at night. During parts of the summer, mosquitos can be quite a nuisance on campus. Remember to bring bug spray and cover up in the evenings when they are out in full force to avoid being bitten.
Ticks, a small mite-like arachnid, can also be found on campus, especially in the woods or tall grasses. Ox-Bow is located in an area that has the tick known to carry Lyme’s Disease. We encourage everyone to do a “tick check” daily. More information can be found by the office area and the staff can help you to identify or remove a tick. Please visit cdc.gov/ticks for further information prior to your stay.
WATER SAFETY: It is recommended that you do not swim in the lagoon, which is a haven for wildlife and seaweed. If you do choose to swim in the lagoon, it is strictly at your own risk. Night swimming is not permitted. A short canoe trip will take you to Saugatuck’s Oval Beach on Lake Michigan, a beautiful beach perfect for swimming. Students are welcome to canoe on the Lagoon. Life jackets are provided with each canoe and are required for each passenger.
BOATERS: are asked not to go into lily pad areas. The lily pads grow in thick silt, which makes it difficult to maneuver a canoe or swim. There is a $500.00 fine for picking the water lilies, which are protected by Michigan law.
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES:
SMOKING & FIRE SAFETY: Smoking is only allowed at the fire pit by the lagoon. A can is provided for the disposal of cigarette butts and matches. Please do not throw butts into the fire pit. Be aware of fire danger! Many of OxBow’s buildings are old and extremely flammable.
ALCOHOL: It is permissible for students who are 21 and older to consume alcohol at OxBow after class time. Underage drinking is not permitted. Anyone found to be drinking under age or providing alcohol to minors will be subject to a student conduct meeting, as explained in the Ox-Bow Policy & Procedures Handbook.
CONDUCT ISSUES: Anyone who has complaints about participant behavior should file a complaint with the Campus Director immediately.
HEALTH: Upon your arrival, please inform the campus office of any serious health conditions or allergies that may require treatment or attention during your stay. Notify the campus office if you have allergies/sensitivities, and explain where to find your medication. We must be able to access your medicine in an emergency.
All accidents must be reported to the office staff immediately. There is a first aid station near the front desk for minor injuries, insect stings, etc. Medical facilities (a major hospital and an urgent care center) are available in nearby Holland (30 minutes away). Telephone numbers are posted at the desk and on the telephone. Maps and driving directions are available in the hallway of the Inn near the office. The OxBow staff is trained in basic first aid, CPR and our in-house defibrillator (AED).
OxBow has two ADA-compliant bedrooms with an attached bathroom. Participants who require the assistance of an ADA recognized service dog should notify us upon registration.
RULES OF CONDUCT: OxBow reserves the right to dismiss any student, without refund, for behavior considered unacceptable, including but not limited to, the following:
BY CAR: Please drive cautiously, no more than 10 miles per hour, up OxBow’s driveway (at the end of Park Street, past the dead end signs). The one-lane driveway is narrow with several blind spots. Cars driving downhill have the right-of-way. If you encounter an oncoming vehicle, please back safely down the hill.
After you’ve made your way up the steep hill, there is a parking lot for students on the left.
BY BUS OR TRAIN: Schedule your bus or train from your location to Holland, Michigan
BY PLANE: Closest Airport: Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI (50 miles/1 hour from campus). Unfortunately, we cannot provide a pick-up at the airport. Oneway taxi fare from the airport to OxBow is approximately $75, but this rate should be confirmed. We recommend Saugatuck-Douglas Car Service (269-543-3355). Lyft and Uber are also options.
ARRIVAL: Plan to arrive between noon and 3 pm EST on Friday, May 1, 2020. Check-in is located in the Old Inn dining area. There you will be given your housing assignment, unloading instructions, and schedule.
DEPARTURE: Breakfast on Sunday is the last meal provided. Snacks such as toast, peanut butter, jellies, fruits, and beverages are available until 3 PM. All attendees are welcome to stay on campus until 5 PM, but rooms must be vacated by 3 PM.
PHONES: Cell phone reception can be spotty at OxBow. As such, phones do not work well as alarms; please try to bring an alarm clock with you. There is a phone available in the old inn for anyone to make local calls or receive calls. The number (which is posted above the phone) is 269-857-1682.
INTERNET: General access computers are not available, but wi-fi is available in the inns for use with wireless devices. Please note, we have the best wi-fi available to campus but service is sometimes very weak.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Students are housed in 2 dormitory-style spaces at the center of the OxBow grounds: The Inn, and The Marshall. The older portion of the Inn, built in the late 1800’s, still stands as rustic and as charming as ever, with student rooms on the second floor, a gallery space, the original dining room and the primary student services office. Here, (weather permitting) you will also find our relaxing porch equipped with hanging swings and festive chairs for meetings and resting. The New Inn houses student rooms, the kitchen, dining room and lecture room. Faculty & staff stay in cabins around the grounds.
ROOMS: Most rooms are single, or double occupancy. Roommates are paired by request only. Each room provides you: a twin bed, side table and dresser. The rooms also do not lock from the outside. We've never had problems with theft, being so remote and also such a tight community, but if there are concerns it's possible we could lock valuables in one of our offices.
LINENS AND LAUNDRY: All beds are twin size and have a mattress cover, bottom sheet, top sheet, light comforter, pillowcase, and pillow. You must provide your own: • extra blanket/sleeping bag • Washcloths, and bath towels. There is no laundry facility available for use on campus. A 24 hour laundromat is located in town, two miles from campus.
*If you forget to bring anything, please don’t hesitate to let staff know!
BATHROOMS AND SHOWERS: All bathroom and shower facilities are shared. There is no storage in the bathrooms. Be sure to bring a carrier for toiletries. There are several bathrooms equipped with showers in the Inns and the Marshall dormitory.
GUEST/COMPANION POLICY: No companions, guests or visitors are permitted during your stay. All residential housing and studio facilities are limited to artists enrolled in courses. We may be able to assist participants in finding accommodations for individual family circumstances, but these arrangements will be made on a case by case basis and must be in advance of your course. There is no guarantee that alternate accommodations can be established.
MEALS: Continental breakfast, lunch & dinner are served daily. Meal times are at listed in the schedule. Snacks such as toast, peanut butter, jellies, fruits, and beverages are available 24 hours a day. Vegetarian, pescatarian & vegan diets can be accommodated and requested when you arrive on campus.
HOUSEKEEPING: The housekeeping staff work hard to keep common areas clean, but do not enter rooms during sessions. Everyone is responsible for maintaining their own room. Do not leave personal belongings around the buildings or grounds. There is a lost-and-found area near the office.
TRASH & RECYCLING: Please dispose of any trash in the containers provided. If you see something lying on the ground, please pick it up and throw it away. Michigan has a 10-cent deposit on bottles and cans. There are labeled recycling bins located at the back of the New Inn.
BELLS: The bell is rung • by staff only • 30 minutes before meals and again when meals are served • for scheduled events (lectures, slide shows, films, performances, etc.) Repeated ringing of the bell indicates an EMERGENCY. If this happens please come to the front of the Inn immediately.
WHAT TO BRING SUGGESTED PACKING LIST:
TOILETRIES:
- Soap & shampoo
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Toiletry carrier
- Flip flops/shower shoes
- Towel & washcloth
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Alarm clock
- Flashlight (there are no streetlights)
ENVIRONMENT: Nestled between Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River, OxBow provides a richly varied landscape of lagoon, woods, dune, and meadow. Feel free to take a hike in the woods and enjoy the unique environment that OxBow has to offer. Please be aware that some areas of the landscape are fragile and demand special attention. Please stay on paths while in the woods. It is especially important to avoid walking on the face of the sand dune below the Crow’s Nest lookout point.
WILDLIFE: OxBow’s natural setting plays host to many different types of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, squirrels etc. While these animals tend to stay away from the main portion of campus, it is important to consider their presence and not leave food outdoors at night. During parts of the summer, mosquitos can be quite a nuisance on campus. Remember to bring bug spray and cover up in the evenings when they are out in full force to avoid being bitten.
Ticks, a small mite-like arachnid, can also be found on campus, especially in the woods or tall grasses. Ox-Bow is located in an area that has the tick known to carry Lyme’s Disease. We encourage everyone to do a “tick check” daily. More information can be found by the office area and the staff can help you to identify or remove a tick. Please visit cdc.gov/ticks for further information prior to your stay.
WATER SAFETY: It is recommended that you do not swim in the lagoon, which is a haven for wildlife and seaweed. If you do choose to swim in the lagoon, it is strictly at your own risk. Night swimming is not permitted. A short canoe trip will take you to Saugatuck’s Oval Beach on Lake Michigan, a beautiful beach perfect for swimming. Students are welcome to canoe on the Lagoon. Life jackets are provided with each canoe and are required for each passenger.
BOATERS: are asked not to go into lily pad areas. The lily pads grow in thick silt, which makes it difficult to maneuver a canoe or swim. There is a $500.00 fine for picking the water lilies, which are protected by Michigan law.
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES:
SMOKING & FIRE SAFETY: Smoking is only allowed at the fire pit by the lagoon. A can is provided for the disposal of cigarette butts and matches. Please do not throw butts into the fire pit. Be aware of fire danger! Many of OxBow’s buildings are old and extremely flammable.
ALCOHOL: It is permissible for students who are 21 and older to consume alcohol at OxBow after class time. Underage drinking is not permitted. Anyone found to be drinking under age or providing alcohol to minors will be subject to a student conduct meeting, as explained in the Ox-Bow Policy & Procedures Handbook.
CONDUCT ISSUES: Anyone who has complaints about participant behavior should file a complaint with the Campus Director immediately.
HEALTH: Upon your arrival, please inform the campus office of any serious health conditions or allergies that may require treatment or attention during your stay. Notify the campus office if you have allergies/sensitivities, and explain where to find your medication. We must be able to access your medicine in an emergency.
All accidents must be reported to the office staff immediately. There is a first aid station near the front desk for minor injuries, insect stings, etc. Medical facilities (a major hospital and an urgent care center) are available in nearby Holland (30 minutes away). Telephone numbers are posted at the desk and on the telephone. Maps and driving directions are available in the hallway of the Inn near the office. The OxBow staff is trained in basic first aid, CPR and our in-house defibrillator (AED).
OxBow has two ADA-compliant bedrooms with an attached bathroom. Participants who require the assistance of an ADA recognized service dog should notify us upon registration.
RULES OF CONDUCT: OxBow reserves the right to dismiss any student, without refund, for behavior considered unacceptable, including but not limited to, the following:
- Possession or use of alcohol while underage or providing alcohol to anyone under 21.
- Use, possession, or sale of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.
- Verbal abuse and/or harassment.
- Hazing, physical abuse, physical violence or threat of physical harm.
- Sexual assault, abuse, harassment, or indecent exposure.
- Discriminatory conduct directed at a particular person based on race, gender, religion,
- sexual preference, age, national origin or disability.
- Use, possession, or sale of fireworks or other incendiary devices.
- Disruption of the normal functioning of the OxBow community, breaching of the peace, disrupting the work of others, violating the rights of others.
- Damage to, destruction, theft, or other misuse of OxBow property or the property of others.
- Behavior which violates local, state, or federal laws.
- Behavior which jeopardizes the safety of self or others.