Eligibility—PACE welcomes adult members of The Mother Church and/or one of its branch churches, alumni of Principia, and their spouses. A friend may attend with you who is sincerely studying Christian Science but is not an alum or a church member. Sorry, we cannot accept children under 18 at PACE programs.
Meals—Served cafeteria-style, meals are attractive and varied. Breakfast offers the choice of hot items, cereals, breads, and fruit. A selection of entrées at lunch and dinner is com- plemented by fresh fruits and vegetables, a salad bar, homemade bread, soups, and desserts. A vegetarian entrée is available at each meal. Each person carries his or her own tray into the Dining Room. Seating is not reserved, and both attire and atmosphere are casual.
The Piasa Pub also offers meals and snacks. A favorite gathering place for friends, the Pub serves sandwiches, pizza, ice cream, and shakes until late at night. Food from the Pub must be paid for in cash.
Accommodations—Students stay at the Principia Guest House. Each room includes a private bath, desk, and seating area. The Guest House has a fully stocked kitchen, including breakfast items.
Arrival Day—Autumn Session begins Saturday evening September 24 with dinner (5:00–6:30 p.m.) and evening activities. A mid-afternoon arrival is ideal so that you have time to unpack and explore the campus. Those coming just for the second week arrive Saturday, October 1, with rooms available after 2:00 p.m.
Airport Shuttles—On opening and closing days (September 24 and October 1 and 8), shuttle service is available 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost is $55 round trip, including tip, which is added to your Summer Session bill. Arrival outside of these hours may incur higher costs. Principia College is about an hour from the airport.
Departure Day—Departure flights earlier than 9:00 a.m. may incur higher costs for the airport shuttle. Those attending the second week of Autumn Session should plan to leave campus by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8.
Books and Supplies—Some books are suggested, but none are required. The College bookstore carries most books and supplies that will be suggested by the faculty. The bookstore also carries gifts and personal care items.
Day Students—Prices include classes and on-campus activities, but no meals.
Recreational Vehicles—A limited number of RV hookups are available. Reserve yours early! Day student charges apply, plus an additional charge of $15 per night.
Distances on Campus—A seven- to ten-minute walk between your room and the dining room or classes is the average. A limited tram service runs between housing and the campus center.
Stairs—Most buildings on campus do not have elevators, and many classrooms are located on the second floor. If your guest room must be located on the ground floor, please be sure to let us know.
Disabilities—Guests needing special assistance with personal care or mobility will need to bring a companion at their expense. Principia is located in a rural area and has no medical facilities or personnel on campus, nor are there any such facilities in the immediate area. The nearest hospitals are in Jerseyville and Alton, each about 30 minutes from campus. If you have questions about our ability to accommodate any special needs you may have, please contact the PACE office before applying—800.277.4648, ext. 2829.
Christian Science Community—Participants in PACE programs are joining a community of practice with specific expectations of behavior. Application to participate constitutes the participant’s agreement to abide by those expectations and to cooperate with group leader(s) and program administrators.
All PACE events are tobacco-, pharmaceutical-, and alcohol-free activities. If you have questions about eligibility, please call us. All participants expect a harmonious, fulfilling experience. If any participant is found, in the judgment of the group leader(s) or program administrators, to be in violation of the standards described here, that person may be required to leave the program without refund, transportation assistance, or any other form of compensation.