Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

Early registration is essential to avoid disappointment since workshops fill quickly. Please fill out the comprehensive registration form provided on the Smart Center Website and use our Paypal Account to make your deposit and ensure enrollment in your choice of workshop. The registration deposit is $243.28 (Tax included) at the time of enrollment. The balance of $486.56 can be made in one full payment or in two payments of $243.28 on or before 45 days before the beginning of the scheduled workshop.

The Smart Center Santa Fe Telephone: 505.995.0274

What are the workshop costs?

The cost for each three-day workshop is $675.00 + $54.84 (NM Sales Tax) for a total of $729.84. That includes tuition, breakfast, lunch and snacks. Lodging for the workshop will be provided through the Lodge at Santa Fe and will cost $142.50 double occupancy, tax not included. You are responsible for making your own reservations with the Lodge at Santa Fe. New Mexico sales tax is additional for all workshops and accommodations. The Smart Center Santa Fe may need to amend prices, and we reserve the right to do so without prior notice. An increase in workshop prices shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of funds paid for the workshop other than as determined by the terms of our cancellation policy.

How do I register?

A one third deposit of $243.28 is required for each Santa Fe based three-day workshop at the time of registration. Deposits can be made to Jack.Sprague@thesmartcentersantafe.com via Paypal that is noted at the bottom of the registration page on the Smart Center registration page. When your deposit is processed through Paypal you will be notified via email that you have a spot in the workshop. The final balance of $486.56 is due on or before 45 days prior to your workshop date. If final payment is not received by this deadline, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation, as per the Withdrawal & Refund Policy.

Is there a registration deadline?

Yes, Monday March 7th 2011 or until the workshop meets minimum enrollment. Workshops fill quickly, so we urge you to apply as soon as possible on or before March 7th 2011 to avoid disappointment.

Do you offer a payment plan?

Yes. After your initial down payment of $243.28 (Tax Included) we offer a two a two-stage payment plan of $243.28 each to be paid prior to the workshop for those who cannot pay the full $729.84 (tax included) tuition upon registration.

Are there any discounts?

Yes. We offer a 15% tuition discount for those who have taken previous workshops with The Smart Center and on a second workshop within the same workshop series. Discounts are not transferable and must be used in the same year and may not be compounded.

Is there a wait list?

Yes. If you apply for a course that is full, we will place your name on a wait list. As with most workshop programs, there are usually people who withdraw at the last minute because of work, leaving space for those on a wait list. A $50 fee is required at the time of your application and will be refunded if we cannot provide you a space in the workshop you applied for.

What confirmation will I receive after registering?

At the time of registration with Paypal, you will receive via email, a letter of confirmation of your reservation. You will be expected to make final payment on or before 45 days before your workshop date.

What is the withdrawl and refund policy?

Enrollment is limited in our workshops, so once you have been accepted your participation is important – we expect you to attend. If you must withdraw from a course, we must receive written notice of your cancellation via email or regular mail service, and then apply the following refund policy: Withdraw more than 45 days before the start of the workshop and we will refund all monies paid, less $125. Withdraw 44 days or less before the start of workshop and we regrettably will be unable to offer a refund of your workshop fee due to the fact that we will have made accommodation and instructor commitments that cannot be changed. No exceptions. We do not make partial refunds for unused portions or services of a workshop for any reason whatsoever. Refunds are not transferable. If you need to transfer to another workshop, there is a $125 transfer fee.

What happens if a workshop is cancelled?

In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a workshop we will refund all monies paid, in full. Notification of our cancellation will be made via either a telephone call or e-mail to you at least 14 days prior to the beginning of a workshop. We cannot be responsible for phone messages and e-mails not being received in a timely matter due to your service providers. We cannot be responsible for non-refundable airline tickets unused or other travel arrangements because of a workshop cancellation. Therefore travel insurance is highly recommended.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Yes. Since many unforeseen events do occur we highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your workshop and travel expenses. Former participants have had success with Access America Travel Insurance. Go to their website at www.accessamerica.com. Access America to review and register for products that do more than protect the money you invest in your trip — they protect you in unforeseen circumstances. We suggest a plan which offers coverage for medical and dental emergencies, lost baggage, missed connections, and trip cancellation should you have a medical problem that prevents you from attending.

What skills are required for a workshop?

The Smart Center Website provides all necessary workshop requirements adjacent to each workshop description along with information about the ideal workshop candidate.

Will I receive individual instruction?

Yes. Since each workshop is very small in number of students you will receive individual instruction as necessary. Our experienced instructors will help work from whatever level you are at.

What happens if my instructor can't teach the workshop?

If a conflict arises that requires a change in an instructor's schedule we reserve the right to provide an instructor of equal experience and ability.

How do I get to Santa Fe, New Mexico?

By driving, Santa Fe is only 6 hours from Denver, 9 hours from Dallas, 10 hours from Austin or 7.5 hours from Phoenix AZ.
By air, most major airlines fly into the Albuquerque International Sunport, which is approximately 60 miles south of Santa Fe. Once in Albuquerque, we suggest you rent a car or take the Rail Runner Train service to Santa Fe where a representative from the Lodge at Santa Fe will pick you up.

When should I check in to the Lodge at Santa Fe?

For three-day workshops in Santa Fe we recommend that you check-in between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. at the Lodge on Sunday afternoon or Tuesday afternoon before you workshop begins on Monday or Wednesday. Your participation in all of the workshop sessions is important and since each workshop will begin approximately 8:30 a.m. we advise arriving the evening before the workshop begins.

What if my family comes; What can they do in Santa Fe while I take the workshop?

Santa Fe is a major tourist destination in the world today, with hiking, camping, rafting, archeological sites and many world-class museums, festivals and children’s activities going on throughout the year, besides the abundance of great restaurants and art galleries. Please visit the city and state information sites for additional information.

What should I know about Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is a walking city and one of the oldest cities in the USA with a population of approximately 60,000 and is primarily Hispanic, Anglo and Native American. The city is located at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level at the base of the southern Rocky Mountains in north-central New Mexico. Founded in 1607, by Spanish explorers it is considered both the highest and oldest capital city in America. Santa Fe is considered the third largest art market in the U.S. and is one of the premier U.S. destinations and is regularly featured in a variety of articles.

Will I have any free time during the workshop?

No. The schedule for each workshop is very full from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for each of the three days. We highly recommend if you wish to plan something extra, to either come in a few days before your workshop or stay later to partake of all that the region offers.

What should I bring?

The Santa Fe weather during the early summer ranges in temperature from the upper 40's to the high 70's during the summer months. Evenings can be cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater. Also, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat if you are light-complected.

Will evening meals be provided?

No. Only breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks will be provided for each of the three days. You will be responsible for evening meals at the Lodge or there are many inexpensive restaurants within a short walk from the Lodge as well as two grocery stores with comprehensive deli counters.

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