FAQ

What are the program facilities like? Our facilities are a lab for what you will be learning, with an emphasis on experimentation. Our facilities are simple and rustic. We have dorm-like accommodations for long-term courses. This means you will be sharing sleeping space (bunk beds) with at least one other person. We have ample room for camping, and many students bring their tents. If you would like to bring a camper or RV, please contact us. We are usually able to accommodate this.  It should be noted we have no water, sewer or electric hookups.

Do you have hot showers? Yes. Solar showers are backed up by fossil fuels if necessary.  You can always take a hot shower. 

Do you serve vegetarian food? Yes. Our kitchens are vegetarian.  If you have special dietary concerns please inform us and we will work to make accommodations.

What is your affiliation with Maharishi University of Management? The Sustainable Living Coalition is not affiliated with Maharishi University of Management (MUM).  The SLC has collaborated with MUM on several education and community projects.  Several of the SLC Board Members have professional affiliations with MUM. 

How can I contact the SLC faculty or staff? If you have a question about our classes, facilities, organization, or website, send an email to: infosustainablelivingcoalition [dot] org or telephone Briggs Shore at 641-430-1089.

Why do you charge so much for your courses?  Shouldn’t they be free so we can all save the planet?

This is where idealism meets reality. There's no getting around the fact that preparing for and hosting a quality PDC takes money. But true to our idealism, we work hard to not turn anyone away.  We offer limited scholarships and internships for program offerings. 

The cost per student for a two-week residential training is $1500. The low end of our sliding-scale tuition, $1300, is less than our cost — an automatic scholarship. We make up the difference in fundraising and from lovely generous people who are willing and can afford to pay more than cost.

If you are interested in donating, please see our donation information by clicking on the "donation" button. Our costs include: facility maintenance, quality food catering, class materials, teachers, equipment rental, transportation, insurance, website development and hosting, advertising, administrative costs, etc.  All income over expenses is used for improving our facilities and program offerings.

I'd like transportation info, please. 
If you are coming from a distance, we can pick you up at the train stations in either Mt. Pleasant or Ottumwa, or the airport in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Moline.  Please make pick-up arrangements with us before buying your ticket.
If you are driving we would like to help fellow students set up carpooling, but you are welcome to park your car at our site.

Can I arrive a day early? Stay a day late?
The standard permaculture answer to almost any question is: It depends!  If your cross-country carpool needs to drop you off early -- in order to make Chicago by the weekend -- we will do our best to accommodate.  Be sure to let us know in advance so there is someone available when you show up (same goes for staying late).

Can PDC Students attend for some days and leave for others?
Not during a PDC.  We occasionally allow individuals to attend a special class session.  Additionally, we have several evening programs open to the local community. We encourage everyone who signs up to make the space in their life and attend from start to finish. Class lectures build upon one another, missed material will lead to confusion.

How about communications? Can I call home, friends, and clients? Is there a place to check email? Get regular mail?
You are welcome to bring your own cell phone and/or laptop to keep in touch.  We have good cell phone reception and wireless internet access in the classroom.  We have a single public computer available for webmail access.  A house telephone is available, please have a personal calling card available for long distance calls.  Postal mail may be sent care of the SLC and to the address listed on the contact page of this website. 

May I tape record the lectures?
Only for personal, private use -- and please send us a copy.

Can I bring my cat? my dog? my children? my partner? my friends?
Pets: Please leave all beasties at home and with a good friend.  Do not bring your dog, cat or python.

Children: Only if you are prepared to supervise them and make sure they aren’t disrupting classes, dismanteling projects, or drowning in the pond.  Currently, we offer no childcare at our courses.  Family friendly courses with childcare are being planned for the future and will be dependent on facilities and funding. 

Adult Visitors: There are constant drop-in visitors to the site, and your friends are welcome for short durations.  We do ask that anyone staying the night make a good will donation to cover cost of their room and board and development of the facilities.  We do ask that visitors during the PDCs not stay more than one day or night as this is an intensive learning opportunity and we need to minimize distractions. 

How will a Permaculture Certificate benefit my professional or academic career?  Is it recognized by my professional or academic institution?
As with any other training, it is ultimately up to your future employer to recognize a PDC. The same is true for any academic institution (college, university) - these all have their own policies regarding accepting or declining credit transfer from any other training, in any field.  If you are seeking college credit for a PDC or BGS class, we can help you arrange this, but it is always accomplished on a case by case basis.

Most permaculture trainees take the class because it benefits them and their learning and practice, NOT because it is widely accepted by colleges or employers. Permaculture training is something that enriches you directly, but may not impress someone reading your resume (though there are indications that this is rapidly changing).

Many professionals take the certification course each year and find it invaluable for practicing whole system thinking and desig.