DEN Summer Institute 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
There is no registration fee! Attendees are responsible for their own travel to and from DENSI. Discovery Education will cover your lodging and meals during the event.
Will I receive CEU credit for attending?
You will receive a certificate of attendance which you can submit to your school/district for credit. Please work with them to determine how it will be accepted. If you need supporting letters or material, the Community team is happy to assist.
When are the general start and end times so I can plan my travel?
DENSI kicks off at 5:00 PM CT on Monday, July 21 and concludes by 1:00 PM CT on Friday, July 25. Please plan travel accordingly to be present for the full event
How do I get to Loyola?
Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). Many attendees coordinate to carpool from the airport. You won't need a rental car, DENSI includes all necessary transportation during the event.
Loyola University’s Lake Shore Campus is directly accessible via Chicago’s public transit system, including the CTA Red Line (Loyola Station is steps from campus). Or you may choose to take an Uber or Lyft.
Campus Address: 1032 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
Dorm Address: 6455 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626
Do I need a rental car?
That is totally up to you. If you rent a car, it’ll likely sit parked all week. DENSI is a fully immersive, residential experience, and all event transportation is provided.
Parking Permits
If you are local to the Chicago area or are planning to drive to the conference, Discovery Education will provide a parking permit when you check in for the event.
Where do I park on campus?
*Coming Soon*
Discovery Education is paying for lodging. So, do I get my own room?
Yes! You’ll have your own bedroom and bathroom. Some dorm setups include shared common areas (like a living room), but sleeping spaces are private.
I’m not really into sleeping in dorms. Can I get a hotel room?
No, please plan to remain with the group in the dorms. Shared time and community-building are key parts of the experience, and lodging is pre-paid as part of your registration. (Trust us, you’re going to love it.)
Do the dorms have air conditioning?
Yes!
Do I need to bring my own sheets and towels?
What’s provided:
Basic bed linens including two sheets, blanket, pillow case, two towels (small and large), and one pillow.
What to bring for comfort:
An extra blanket and pillow if you prefer more coziness
A larger towel or two if you’d like something more plush
Will Wifi be available?
Yes! You'll be able to connect multiple devices to Loyola's wifi. We’ll share login details when you arrive so you can stay connected throughout the week.
I have a special diet. Will I have to bring my own food?
Feel free to pack some of your favorite snacks, but any special dietary needs will be accommodated by the dining hall staff at Loyola. Be sure to indicate your dietary restrictions on the registration form.
What is the dress code?
Casual and comfortable! Think jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and comfortable shoes for walking. We'll send a helpful packing list before the event.
Will there be laundry facilities available?
Yes! Loyola dorms have laundry rooms available (and best of all, they're free over the summer).
Can I use the campus gym while I’m at DENSI?
Yes! Loyola’s on-campus gym is available for attendees throughout the week. It’s open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and costs $17 per day. Please note the facility is cashless, so you’ll need to pay with a card or mobile payment.
We’re also planning to offer DEN Fit activities. Details and sign-up info will be shared closer to the event!
Will there be a place to store my luggage before the event starts on Monday and on the last day of the event after check out?
Yes! On Monday, July 21, luggage storage will be available starting at 8:00 AM. We’ll share more details closer to the event.
We start DENSI on Monday at 5pm CT, but I want to fly in the day before. Will Discovery Education pay for my room on Sunday?
Lodging is covered for Monday through Thursday nights. If you're arriving early, you’ll need to arrange and pay for accommodations on your own for Sunday night.
Can I arrive late, leave early, or explore the city on my own during DENSI?
DENSI is a fully immersive experience, with programming, group outings, and meals planned for the entire week. Full participation is expected—from Monday evening through Friday afternoon—as the connections and learning happen throughout each day.
If you’d like to explore more of Chicago (we don’t blame you!), we recommend arriving early or extending your stay after the event wraps.
Can I bring a guest with me (e.g., spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend)?
DENSI is for registered attendees only. The experience is designed to maximize professional learning and community engagement, and we are unable to accommodate guests.
When can I expect a detailed agenda?
We cater the agenda to those attending and will use the information in your registration to design a meaningful conference. You can expect a detailed agenda by July 1.
How is DENSI pronounced?
Think DEN - es - eye and you will have it right.
What does a typical day at the Institute look like?
DENSI is an immersive conference-like experience. However, it is not a typical education conference like those run at a state or national level. Most days will begin at 8am with activities and sessions planned into the early evening. We understand that this is a lot to take in and will include breaks throughout the days.
Our agendas are designed to meet the needs of the participants. During the registration process, participants are asked to share what they are most interested in learning about, and we develop our schedule based on their feedback.
While we expect attendees to participate and stay engaged throughout the programming, if there is a medical or situational concern, we encourage attendees to connect with the Discovery Education team.
I have a question, who can I ask?
Reach out to our Community Team at DECommunity@discoveryed.com — we're here to help!
