May 12, 2003

 Dear Colleagues,

 We are very happy to hear that you will be joining us in Santa Barbara during the summer for the 2003 Fulbright American Studies Institute on the theme Religion in the U. S.: Pluralism & Public Presence.

 With this letter, we hope to answer some of the initial questions you may have and to help you prepare in advance for your stay in the United States. 

 Upon your arrival, you will be distributed a comprehensive orientation package that will help you steer comfortably through all academic and practical details related to your visit in the United States.  In the meantime, we encourage you to review this letter and to check frequently for updates on the Institute website, http://www.religion.ucsb.edu/projects/fulbright2003/pages/index.htm

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE: WHAT TO EXPECT

ORGANIZERS: The principal organizer of the UCSB-Fulbright Summer Institute is the Department of Religious Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).  The Department of Religious Studies at UCSB is one of the major centers in North America for the study of religions and currently is ranked number two in the nation.  It has strong faculty and resources and typically is involved in teaching up to 2,000 undergraduates and some 75 graduate students each quarter.  More information about UCSB and our department is available at http://www.ucsb.edu and http://www.religion.ucsb.edu ...

OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE INSTITUTE:  Religion in the United States is, among other things, extraordinarily diverse and complex.  There are over 2000 organized religious bodies originating from all the great world religious traditions, plus some religious and spiritual movements that are distinctly American.  No matter what their origin, all religious groups are pressured to adapt to a pluralist order that requires, more or less, acceptance of one another despite tensions.  The Fulbright American Studies Institute at Santa Barbara looks at this religious situation by focusing upon the theme of Pluralism and Public Presence.  In the American context, religious pluralism refers to the long-standing pattern of religious diversity.  By public presence,we call attention to religion's role and influence in society, as religious communities in our democracy espouse public visions and compete with one another in trying to exercise influence over moral and civic agendas.

Our program, unlike theology, treats religion and religious phenomena from the perspective of a secular academic discipline.  Religious Studies is a relatively new academic enterprise, dating largely from the 1960s when it broke away from theology and established itself as a descriptive, analytic mode of inquiry.  Hence, the Summer Institute will focus on Religion on the groundas opposed to discussing what it ought to be.  Considering that you and your fellow institute participants have very diverse backgrounds in your approaches to religion, we shall strive to arrive at a mode of discourse for analyzing religion in its social and political context without making normative judgments.  The topics that will be considered include the following:

§         History of religion and religions in the USA, their many sources and cultural influences

§         Demography and sociology of religion in the USA

§         Gender, region, race, and ethnic patterns

§         The growing public presence of Latinos and Muslims

§         Religion, civic groups, and faith-based initiatives

§         Religion and domestic politics

§         Religion and multiethnicity in Los Angeles

§         Religion, journalists, and the media

§         Religion and film

§         Curriculum development

§         Study visits to Salt Lake City (Utah), Indianapolis (Indiana), Atlanta (Georgia), and Washington, DC

LIVING, STUDYING, AND TRAVELING TOGETHER: WHAT TO PLAN

ACCOMMODATION:  In Santa Barbara, you will be staying in UCSB owned apartments (Santa Ynez), which are located about fifteen minutes (walking) from campus.  The neighborhood is close to Isla Vista, home to a unique student lifestyle, and close to the ocean.  Upon your arrival, you will be provided with a public bus schedule to allow easy access to any location in or around downtown Santa Barbara, which has numerous restaurants, museums, cafes, bookstores, and shops for you to explore.  More information about Santa Barbara is available on the links posted on our website.

You will share a two-bedroom apartment with one other participant of the same gender.  Each apartment has its own kitchen and common area.  Each bedroom, however, has an individual lock and key to insure your privacy and safety.  If you have any preferences that you wish us to consider in choosing your suite-mate, please email Shawn Landres at landres@religion.ucsb.edu and Holly Grether at grether@religion.ucsb.edu. 

Each Santa Ynez apartment is furnished with the following items:

§         Living and Dining Room: Couch and chair, dining table with four chairs, end table, and one lamp.

§         Bedrooms (2 per apartment): Two single beds with linen and bedding, a double closet, two desks with bookcases, and two dressers.  Linens are exchanged once per week. 

§         Kitchen:  Oven/stove, table, service for four, including knives, forks, spoons, cups, plates.

§         Bathrooms (1½ per apartment): Shower curtain, towels, and washcloths.  Towels are changed twice per week.

In addition, we have irons, study lamps, pots and pans, blankets, coffeemakers, etc. that will be distributed within the first couple of days of your arrival.  You will probably want to bring some toiletries along, as there will be no soap, shampoo, etc. provided in the rooms and these items tend to be rather expensive in the U.S. 

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES: The United States relies on alternating current, 60 cycles, 110 volts.  If you bring electrical equipment (such as hairdryer, shaver, computer), be sure it is compatible or bring an adapter.

YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION WHILE IN THE UNITED STATES: We will post information on the website for how your family can contact you while you are in the U.S.

TELEPHONE / TELEVISION / INTERNET / MESSAGES: Please note that no active telephone line, cable TV, or Internet connection will be provided in your apartment.  Instead, we shall set up an additional apartment that can be used by participants as a community lounge.  We shall install cable TV, with a TV/VCR unit, an active telephone line, and at least two computers with Internet access.  Participants will have access to the lounge during the residency in Santa Barbara.

Additionally, there is a service desk (Apartment 118), which will be open from 7:00 am to 1:00 am in order to receive messages for participants, collect mail, and help participants with any concerns or questions.  Participants should feel free to go by the office at any time for any questions.  The Conference Services Message number is (805) 893-2626.

FOOD AND DINING:  There are a number of grocery stores in Isla Vista within walking distance of your apartment, as well as a supermarket that is a short bus ride away.  Additionally, there are numerous eateries to choose from on campus as well as in Isla Vista.  Most of these establishments cater to student lifestyles, which makes grabbing a bite to eat fast and inexpensive.

WEATHER: Temperatures in Santa Barbara are pleasant nearly year round.  Expect temperatures ranging between 16 and 21 degrees Celsius during the day and between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius at night.  However, temperatures in Salt Lake and Indianapolis and especially in Atlanta and Washington, DC, will be rather hot and humid.  You will want to make sure that you have clothing that "breathes" and dries easily, particularly since we will be moving back and forth between air-conditioned rooms and the hot and humid outside environment.

DRESS: Santa Barbara attire is casual.  A sweater or jacket is recommended for cooler summer evenings.  Dressier clothing is appropriate for some restaurants and nightspots, but the atmosphere is generally informal, and comfortable sportswear is usually appropriate.  In Santa Barbara generally, and at UCSB in particular, dress is usually casual: light dresses, shirts, and blouses with short sleeves and light skirts and trousers (or short pants) certainly are appropriate for regular classroom days.  You may wish to bring one or at most two dressier outfits for special events and site visits (which will include visits to places of worship).

TRAVEL DATES AND DEPARTURE FROM SANTA BARBARA: During the residency, you will take part in two study tours.  The first is to Salt Lake City, Utah, from July 5 to July 7.  The second is to Los Angeles, California, from July 10 to July 14.  On July 24, you will depart from Santa Barbara for Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Washington, DC.  The Institute ends on August 4 and we expect that you will be returning to your home country from Washington, DC.  However, if you would like to stay in the United States longer than August 4, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements and accommodations.  Please keep this in mind as you make your travel plans.  We strongly recommend that you discuss any such travel plans with the appropriate personnel at the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or Fulbright Commission before you leave for the U.S.

LUGGAGE: As you will see from the schedule, we will be traveling frequently, especially during the last two weeks of the Institute.  For each study tour, due to space restrictions, we must limit each grantee to one (1) small suitcase and one (1) small carry-on per person.  We recognize that you may bring and acquire additional luggage, we shall be arranging to send excess luggage directly from Santa Barbara to Washington, DC, so that you may collect it before you depart the USA at the end of the Institute.

SECURITY: Many have described UCSB as a "paradise" for its natural beauty and beachside setting.  Statistics show that in comparison to other large urban college campuses, UCSB is a relatively safe environment.  Nonetheless, individuals in our community still must take personal responsibility for their own safety by being aware and alert.

The UCSB/Isla Vista neighborhood generally is very safe, even at night, although some people prefer to walk in groups of at least two.  The most prevalent problem is theft.  Illegal entry and theft of valuables from residences on campus and in Isla Vista can occur, but you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this crime by following some simple guidelines: always lock your doors and windows when leaving, even if just for a few minutes.  If you are bringing anything particularly valuable, you may wish to insure it before you leave home: photograph and record the serial numbers of your valuables.

Unfortunately, many students have had their backpacks stolen from the Library and the University Center.  Thieves frequent these two areas on campus looking for unattended property.  When in the Library, do not leave your backpack unattended while you look for a book, use the restroom, or take a snack break.  When you visit the Bookstore, lock your backpack in the lockers near the door to the Bookstore.  Do not use the unlocked cubbyholes to store your valuables.

LIBRARY AND COMPUTERS: Upon your arrival, you will be provided with a Visiting Scholar's library card and will have full access to the library and computer facilities at the university.  You will receive a campus tour as well as a library tour, which will include instructions on how and where to access the computer labs.  In addition, as mentioned previously, you will have access to a computer/TV lounge at Santa Ynez apartments.

FINANCES, HEALTH CARE AND INSURANCE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

EXPENSES:  The UCSB-Fulbright Summer Institute will pay for your housing in Santa Barbara as well as hotel rooms and travel expenses in Indianapolis, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Washington, DC.  The Institute will also cover postage costs to mail up to three boxes of books at the completion of the program.  Upon your arrival, you will receive a stipend check to cover all your meals and incidentals (except an occasional group meal provided for special events), as well as a research support allowance for buying books, making copies, and cultural activities.

Should you decide to bring some money of your own, we advise you to bring it in the form of traveler's checks or a credit card, as it is not advisable to carry a lot of cash with you.  Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, and Master Card) and travelers checks are readily accepted in the United States.  Automated tell machines (ATMs) are also widely available throughout the country and, for a fee, may provide a means to withdraw cash from your personal bank account at home (please verify with your bank before departure).  Please also note that taxis and American stores are often reluctant to accept large bills (over $20).

If you wish to use hotel room telephones, pay television, or other personal amenities during the group travel to Indiana, Georgia, and Washington, you will need to bring a credit card with you to guarantee your expenses.  The UCSB-Fulbright Summer Institute will pay ONLY for the cost of your accommodation.

HEALTH CARE: In order to take full advantage of your stay in the United States, you should be in excellent health.  If you are using any medication on a daily basis we advise you to check with your doctor prior to your departure and purchase any medicine you may need during your stay in the United States.  Please bring adequate supply of any prescription medicine you may need, and take them along with you as a carry-on luggage in the airplane in case your luggage is delayed.  You must have a current written prescription IN ENGLISH for any unusual or controlled drugs you may require.  If you use contact lenses or glasses, please make sure to bring an extra pair. 

INSURANCE:  Upon your arrival, you will be issued a health insurance card that will be valid during your stay in Santa Barbara.  Should you need to see a doctor, however, there is a $25 co pay that you will need to provide at the time of service.  The insurance covers all accidents, illnesses, and emergencies. 

GETTING TO SANTA BARBARA: WHAT TO ANTICIPATE

TRAVEL TO AND ARRIVAL IN THE USA:  Getting to the United States is much more complicated than it used to be.  Please expect long delays (up to three hours) at your initial port of entry into the United States due to increased security measures.  We plan to send you a letter confirming your participation in the UCSB-Fulbright Summer Institute, which you should use (along with this letter) in the event that immigration or customs officials seek additional documentation about your stay in the United States.  We encourage you also to bring photocopies of any documentation provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your J-1 visa package.

 You should pack at least one outfit and a few toiletries in your carry on luggage, as check-through baggage often is delayed on international flights and you may have to wait a day or two for your things to arrive.

 We strongly encourage you to consult the travelersand consumersweb page of the Transportation Security Administration, http://www.tsa.gov/public/theme_home1.jsp, the air travelersinformation page of the Federal Aviation Administration, http://www2.faa.gov/index.cfm/apa/1076, and the travel information web page of the Customs and Border Protection service, http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/. 

 If there are any complications at your airport of entry into the United States or at the Santa Barbara airport, we ask that you call either coordinatorShawn Landres (1-805-689-9108), or Holly Grether (1-805-252-8307), and one of us will be able to advise you how to proceed.  To make a phone call from the Santa Barbara airport you will need 50 cents, but from another city, it may cost about $3.00 to call.  If the complications are due to airline delays, please do not hesitate to ask the airline to help you make the call.

 AIRPORT ARRIVAL IN SANTA BARBARA: Most of you will be arriving in Santa Barbara on Sunday, June 22.  The Santa Barbara airport is very small and quite close to the Santa Ynez Apartments where you will be staying.  Upon arrival, please use a pay phone at the airport to call the Santa Ynez shuttle service.  They will send a shuttle to pick you up within minutes, then check you into your apartment as well as answer any initial questions.  Please note that local pay calls cost 50 cents, so please make sure you have at least a little US currency upon arrival to make the call.  If you are in a pinch, anyone at the airport can assist you.  The number to call for pick up in Santa Barbara is 893-2626. 

 We will be in regular e-mail contact with you before, during, and after the program.  If you have any questions regarding the program, please feel free to contact us before hand at via e-mail, phone, or fax.  The entire staff of the Institute and I look forward very much to meeting your and working with you at UCSB.  We hope the upcoming six weeks will prove to be just the beginning of long-lasting scholarly ties for both you and us.

 With warm regards,

Wade Clark Roof
Professor and Chair, Department of Religious Studies
Academic Director, UCSB-Fulbright American Studies Institute
Department of Religious Studies
University of California
Santa Barbara, 93106
Tel: (805)893-3564  Fax: (805)893-2059