Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a week-long immersion experience where student volunteers dedicate their Spring Break to assist service agencies and make a difference to various communities.
The dates for Alternative Spring Break 2012 are March 11-17, 2012.
Please see the bottom of the page for more information on :
- Overview
- Registration
- Payment
- Cancellation Policy
- Acceptable Methods of Payment
- Important Dates
- Required Forms
Registration for Alternative Spring Break is Now Closed!
View videos from last year's ASB trips
ASB Meetings
For All Registered Participants |
For RUOs and Site Leaders Only |
ASB Orientation for Registered Participants Wednesday, January 25th 10-11am Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) OR 4pm-5pm Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) To register for the 10am session, click here. To register for the 4pm session, click here. |
Site Leader and RUO Meet & Greet Thursday, January 19th 4pm-5pm Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) |
Mandatory Pre-Trip Orientation with the Dean of Students Thursday, March 8th 12pm-1pm Galaxy Room C (SU 2.602) OR Friday, March 9th 2:00-3:00pm Galaxy Room B (SU 2.602) |
Site Leader and RUO Leadership Meeting Site Development and Logistics, Part I Wednesday, February 8th 10am-11am Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) |
ASB Reflection Reception Friday, April 20th 6pm-8:30pm Faculty/Staff Dining Hall Dinner will be served! |
Site Leader and RUO Leadership Retreat Friday, February 10th 5:00pm-8:30pm Residence Hall North Dinner will be served! |
CPR Training Sessions for RUOs and Site Leaders (please choose one) Friday, February 10th 11:30am-1:30pm Activity Center OR Saturday, February 18th 10:00am-12:00pm Activity Center |
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Site Leader and RUO Leadership Meeting Site Development and Logistics, Part II DUE: Proposal of Possible Side Trips Wednesday, February 22nd 10am-11am Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) |
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Site Leader and RUO Leadership Meeting ASB Travel Protocols DUE: Team Agenda, Budget, Meal Plan, Team Roles Wednesday, February 29th 10am-11am Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) |
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Site Leader and RUO Leadership Meeting Wednesday, March 7th Final Preparations 10am-11am Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) |
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Site Leader and RUO Leadership Meeting Wednesday, March 21st Reorientation and Post-Trip Logistics 10am-11am Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) |
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Site Leader and RUO Leadership Meeting Reception Team Preparations, Part I Wednesday, April 11th 10am-11am Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) |
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Site Leader and RUO Leadership Meeting Reception Team Preparations, Part II Wednesday, April 18th 10am-11am Phoenix Room (SU 2.508) |
Required Forms for ASB Participants
Medical Information Release Form
Release and Indemnification Agreement
Responsibilities of Participants
Talent Release Form
Hunger and Homelessness
Location: Washington, D.C.
Agency: National Coalition for the Homeless
Mode of Transportation: Airplane
Each year, 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness. Children make up 23% of our homeless population. Join your fellow participants as we seek to make a difference in the lives of those affected by homelessness in the nation's capital.
Service Projects
This group will serve with various non-profit agencies serving the homeless and advocating for the poor. Volunteer tasks may include: Serving meals at soup kitchens, sorting and organizing donations, and basic facilities maintenance.
Lodging
Lodging will be provided by a church facilty. Housing is dormitory style with bunk beds, a shared kitchen, and limited internet access. You will need to provide your own linens.
ASB Fee
$450 - This fee includes transportation (airfare and metro card), baggage fee for one checked bag, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
The Site Leader for this trip will be Kevin Nguyen.
Ecosystem Restoration
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Agency: Community Collaborations International
Mode of Transportation: Airplane
Increase your understanding of coastal ecosystems and watersheds and how they are affected by manmade and natural disasters. Join your fellow Comets as we complete environmental restoration projects and serve those who suffer the economic impact of these disasters.
Service Projects
Volunteers' tasks may include: Native plant propagation, sea grass restoration, wildlife habitat improvement, dune restoration, storm water treatment, public land restoration and invasive species removal.
Lodging
Volunteers will stay in climate-controlled cabins with bunk beds. Each participant will need to provide his/her own linens or sleeping bag.
ASB Fee
$450 - This fee includes transportation (airfare and shuttle), baggage fee for one checked bag, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
The Site Leader for this trip will be Frederick Owusu.
Disaster Relief
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Agency: Community Collaborations International
Mode of Transportation: Passenger Van
On April 27, 2011, the Birmingham-Tuscaloosa area was hit by a 1.5-mile wide F4 tornado that resulted in 47 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and massive devastation to local neighborhoods. Use your time, talent and sweat equity to help rebuild this community one project at a time!
Service Projects
Volunteers' tasks may include: Rebuilding homes, park restoration, supporting after school programs, working at the Boys and Girls Club, and environmental restoration.
Lodging
Lodging adheres to the Red Cross standards for emergency evacuation shelters. Cots are provided, as well as three meals per day. Residing in such facilities is meant to give volunteers an insight into the reality of disaster relief efforts on families in crisis.
ASB Fee
$200 - This fee includes transportation, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
The Site Leaders for this trip will be Timothy Young, Jr. and Peris June Nganga.
Education
Location: New York, New York
Agency: Junior Achievement of New York
Mode of Transportation: Airplane
Are you ready to inspire a child? Join us as we bring "real world" experience into the classroom and show young students the importance of staying in school. We will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Service Projects
Lead fun, hands-on activities with students that teach workforce readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Lodging
Hostel lodging is provided in dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. Linens and towels are provided.
ASB Fee
$450 - This fee includes transportation (airfare and shuttle), baggage fee for one checked bag, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
The Site Leader for this trip will be Matt Wyder.
Immigration
Location: El Paso, Texas
Agency: Annunciation House
Mode of Transportation: Airplane
Gain a new perspective on the immigration experience. Through the Border Awareness Experience, participants will increase their understanding of the realities of migration from Mexico to the United States. While working and residing in hospitality houses for migrants and refugees, we will be immersed in the daily lives of our housemates.
Service Projects
Assist in the operation of hospitality houses for migrants and refugees along the U.S./Mexico border. Volunteer activities may include: Visiting a U.S. Border Patrol, listening to the stories of migrants and refuges, touring a maquiladora, and meeting human rights activists.
Note: All U.S. citizens are required to bring a passport or original birth certificate. All international participants are required to bring correct documentation and Visas.
Lodging
Simple accommodations are provided in the hospitality house in which participants work. Lodging is dormitory style and bedding is provided. Three simple, but filling, meals will be provided each day.
ASB Fee
$250 - This fee includes transportation (airfare and shuttle), baggage fee for one checked bag, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
The Site Leaders for this trip will be Tharun Paruchuri and Queen Murage.
Park Preservation
Location: Hulbert, Oklahoma
Agency: Oklahoma State Parks
Mode of Transportation: Passenger Van
Looking to go green this spring break? Plenty of fresh air and hard work await at Sequoyah State Park in Oklahoma. Participants will help maintain the natural beauty of this regional gem.
Service Projects
Participants will join Three Forks Nature Center staff to clean up and restore the park, as well as maintain the extensive natural trail system.
Lodging
Participants will reside in state park cabins with bunk beds. You will need to provide your own sleeping bag or linens.
ASB Fee
$100 - This fee includes transportation, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
The Site Leaders for this trip will be Vincent Pan and Aakriti Gupta.
Social Services
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Agency: Dear Neighbor Ministries
Mode of Transportation: Passenger Van
The Hilltop neighborhood of Wichita, Kansas is afflicted by high unemployment and crime. In 2001, the Sisters of St. Joseph resolved to help their "dear neighbors" by providing food, home repair and resources. Join the Dear Neighbor Ministries and help Hilltop residents improve their neighborhood.
Note: Participant must be a member of the Terry Scholars Program.
Service Projects
Volunteers' tasks may include: Cleaning and minor home repair for families who have been victims of domestic violence, preparing garden plots in the Community and Peace Gardens, and sorting and distributing food to Hilltop neighbors.
Lodging
Participants will reside in a home-like convent. Beds and linens will be provided.
ASB Fee
$100 - This fee includes transportation, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
The Site Leader for this trip will be Natasha Gupta.
Animal Rescue
Location: Memphis Tennessee
Agency: Collierville Animal Shelter
Mode of Transportation: Passenger Van
Collierville Animal Services is an animal care and control agency that promotes, motivates, and enforces responsible pet ownership. Animal Services takes in about 1600 stray, abandoned, misplaced and unwanted animals each year. It spays/neuters every animal adopted. It investigates animal cruelty and abuse, and enforces animal control laws in Collierville. It provides a comprehensive pet adoption service and has an approximately 80% adoption rate.
Service Projects
Volunteers may walk dogs, groom and play with animals, and clean kennels. Volunteers may also perform landscape maintenance.
Lodging
The group will be staying in a nearby church facility with simple accommodations. Participants may bring a sleeping bag.
ASB Fee
$150 - This fee includes transportation, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
The Site Leaders for this trip will be Leah Collum and Beth Wang.
Affordable Housing
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Agency: Habitat for Humanity
Mode of Transportation: Passenger Van
Lend a hand and build a home! Since 1986, Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson has built 470 homes in the metro Jackson area. Join us as we fulfill Habitat for Humanity's mission to: Revitalize the appearance of neighborhoods, encourage connections within the community and preserve affordable housing stock in low-income neighborhoods.
Service Projects
Volunteers will renovate, repair, and construct new homes for residents in downtown Jackson. Tasks may also include painting and landscaping.
Lodging
Lodging is provided at a nearby church facility with simple accommodations. Participants may bring a sleeping bag.
ASB Fee
$150 - This fee includes transportation, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
The Site Leaders for this trip will be Haley Bilbray and Shravik Sethi.
Sustainability
Location: Elm Mott, Texas
Agency: World Hunger Relief, Inc.
Mode of Transportation: Passenger Van
Address hunger needs around the world, right here in Texas. Since 1976, World Hunger Relief has promoted sustainable farming techniques to end world hunger. Dig in and learn about intensive vegetable production, goat husbandry, drip irrigation, and agroforestry. If you're ready to be challenged to live simply and learn how developing farming countries live on a daily basis, this is the trip for you.
Service Projects
Volunteers' tasks may include: preparing vegetable beds, planting, livestock care, and composting.
Lodging
In order to provide the best immersion experience on conservative and sustainable practices, lodging will be extremely basic in a Nicaragua model house with no indoor plumbing and no electricity. Participants may bring a sleeping bag. Compostable toilets and a shared kitchen will be accessible. Most of the meals served will be food produced on the farm.
ASB Fee
$150 - This fee includes transportation, lodging, and three meals per day. Participants are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to recreational activities and personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
Leadership Team
Ths Site Leaders for this trip will be Katherine Walser and Tian Carol Wang.
Overview
Trip dates are March 11-17, 2012. ASB participants must travel and stay with their group throughout the duration of the trip.
During this weeklong immersion experience, participants dedicate their Spring Break to perform outreach and assist service agencies in making a difference to various communities. For a reasonable cost, participants will have the opportunity to travel and serve with other UT Dallas students and a designated UT Dallas staff as their ASB Advisor/Responsible University Official (RUO).
All ASB trips are alcohol and drug-free and participants are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct. While there will be some recreational activities included in the agenda, the primary focus of ASB is to serve.
Participants perform approximately 40 hours of community service while away on an ASB trip. Each trip is uniquely designed with a particular social issue and will vary in types of (simple) lodging arrangements, (rigorous) service projects, and (fun) team activities.
Registration
General registration is now closed. Please note that once you are registered for a trip, you may not transfer to a different trip.
Payment
ASB fee covers transportation, lodging and three basic meals a day for the week. All trips require full payment at time of registration. Payments are non-refundable.
AIR TRAVEL trips include Education NY, Ecosystem Restoration FL, Hunger and Homelessness DC, Immigration Services TX. Upon confirmation, the Office of Student Volunteerism will make arrangements with the university travel agency to book plane tickets for the group. Airplane tickets will be booked under each individual's name and are non-refundable and non-transferable and if cancelled, may incur additional fees.
Cancellation Policy
The ASB fee is non-refundable. Please ensure that you can commit to this trip before registering. If you registered for an air travel trip and cancel, your airplane ticket is non-refundable and non-transferable and may incur additional fees.
Acceptable Methods of Payment
Credit/debit cards, cash or money order made payable to UT Dallas. If paying by cash or money order, please come by the office, Student Services Building 3.600, to register beginning noon on Thursday, December 1st. First come, first served. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:30pm and Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Important Dates
All participants are expected to attend ASB events, including, but not limited to:
- A minimum of one team meeting per month, beginning in January. The majority of the group members' availability will determine specific meeting dates and times.
- Mandatory Pre-Trip Orientation with the Dean of Students -- Thursday, March 8th, 12pm-1pm, Galaxy Room C (SU 2.602) OR Friday, March 9th, 2:00pm-3:00pm, Galaxy Room B (SU 2.602). Participants should choose one session.
- ASB Trip Dates: Sunday - Saturday, March 11-17, 2012. Exact travel dates may vary depending on location and start/end date of service. Participants must travel and stay with their group throughout the duration of the trip and must not have schedule conflicts on these dates.
- ASB Reflection Reception – Friday, April 19, 2012 at 6:00pm-8:30pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Hall.
Required Forms
All participants must fill out and return the following forms to the Office of Student Volunteerism, SSB 3.600 by Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Medical insurance is required for travel. Participants needing to purchase medical insurance for the duration of ASB should contact Monalisa Amidar.
Medical Information Release Form Release and Indemnification Agreement Responsibilities of Participants
