Adelante

1. How does the Adelante Summer Conference differ from the Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI)?
   
   The Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI) is geared towards schools seeking to recruit and serve Latino students, where each principal is placed in a small group with an LEI coach who supports the principal throughout the school year. The focus of the Adelante Conference changes every year, and the theme for 2025 is Powerful Practices for Serving Multilingual Learners. 

2. Who should attend Adelante?

   
   We encourage the participation of superintendents and diocesan leadership, principals, PK-12 grade classroom teachers, instructional coaches, dual language educators and advocates, resource teachers, and anyone else who is engaged in this mission to advance educational opportunities for multilingual children. We also encourage school teams to attend.

3. What is the timeline for registration?
   
   Registration for the Adelante Conference and add-on ENL 20-Year Celebration close on May 15, 2025. Spots are limited, so register today!


4. What is the cost to attend the Adelante Summer Conference?
   • Adelante Conference: $400 per person (Base conference fee includes meals and materials beginning with dinner on June 16th and concluding at noon on June 18th. Does not include lodging.)
   • ENL 20-Year Celebration: +$200 per person (Includes meals and materials for the add-on retreat beginning at 1:00p.m on the 18th and concluding at 10:00a.m. on June 19th.)
   • University Housing Option: +$200 per person for up to three nights (June 16th, 17th, and 18th). This option includes a two-night stay (June 16th and 17th) for the Adelante Conference and an additional night (June 18th) if staying for the 20-year Celebration.

   *Travel is not included in registration

5. What is the English as a New Language 20-Year Celebration and who may attend?
   
   This year’s Adelante Conference also marks the 20th anniversary of the English as a New Language (ENL) Hernandez Fellows program. Conference participants and ENL graduates are welcome to extend their stay to and participate in the ENL 20-Year Celebration (June 18 - 19, 2025), featuring an afternoon retreat, celebratory dinner, and breakfast gathering. The 20-year Celebration will kick off following the conclusion of the traditional Adelante Conference events. See the Cost and Registration tab for additional details.

6. Am I able to use Title funds to pay the registration fee?
   
   We strongly encourage schools to access Title II and Title III funds to defray the cost of attending the Adelante Conference. On the registration form, you may request to pay via Title funds and we will provide an invoice, a Notre Dame W9 form, and an agenda.
    
7. What if I register and can no longer attend?
   
   In order to be eligible for a refund, cancellations for the Adelante Conference must be submitted to Katy Lichon (kwalter5@nd.edu) via email 30 days prior to the event. 


8. What is the closest airport to the University of Notre Dame?
   
   The closest airport is South Bend International Airport (SBN), which is about a 12-minute cab ride to the University of Notre Dame. It is often more expensive than other major hubs, but this largely depends on where you are traveling from. Midway International Airport and O'Hare International Airport are both in Chicago, and the commute, on average, is about two hours. Both airports are considerably less expensive to fly into. Midway is a bit closer to campus than O'Hare, and is also the smaller of the two airports. Please note that South Bend is on Eastern Standard Time and Chicago is on Central Standard Time.
    
9. What are the lodging options for the conference?
   
   Lodging is not included in the registration fee, but we offer the option to stay in an on-campus residence hall during the conference and celebration ($200 fee). We understand that dorm life may not be for everyone, so participants may opt for a nearby hotel at their own expense. Recommended hotels: The Inn at Saint Mary’s and the Hilton Garden Inn (both offer complimentary breakfast and shuttle service).
   
   On the registration form, you may select to stay in an air-conditioned residence hall on campus at the University of Notre Dame. All rooms are single occupancy with a sink, while the bathrooms and showers are shared and gender-specific by floor.

    

   



10. Can I stay in the residence hall an extra night should I choose to arrive a day early or stay an extra day?
    
    Yes, you may come a day early or stay one extra night if you so choose. We understand that for some people, especially those traveling from the west coast, it can often be extremely difficult (and sometimes impossible) to arrive in time for the opening session of the conference when departing that same day. Conference participants also frequently choose to extend their stay an extra day to explore Notre Dame's campus, which is beautiful in the summer. There will be an additional fee of $70 per night should you choose to stay an extra night in the dorm. If this is something you plan to do, please select this option on your registration form. If you are planning to stay at the hotel and would like to extend your stay, please make arrangements directly with the hotel.


11. What should I bring to the conference?
    
    Other than walking shoes, clothes, and maybe an umbrella (we do have an occasional summer shower at random times), there is not much to bring. If participants are staying in a dorm on campus, the dorm is air-conditioned and each room has a sink, but not a private bath or shower (there are community bathrooms). All rooms have bedding and towels and blankets. Now, while this is a nice dorm, we realize that everyone has their own idea of "comfortable." The vast majority of past participants have been fine with the dorm accommodations, but others, in the past, have suggested you might want to bring:
    • shower shoes
    • your own pillow, if this is something you are particular about
    • your own blanket, again, if this is something you are particular about
    • bathrobe
12. What is the suggested attire?
    
    We just want you to be comfortable and relaxed during your time here. Please be welcome to dress casually.
    
     

If you have any further questions, please contact Katy Lichon (kwalter5@nd.edu).