Great Educational Developers Seminar
Frequently Asked Questions
Are we required to stay at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre?
The nature of the program requires GEDS participants to be present for the full retreat, including staying overnight at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre.
Where is the Ignatius Jesuit Centre?
Ignatius Jesuit Centre
5420 Hwy 6 North
Guelph, ON, Canada
N1H 6J2
The GPS Coordinates for the Ignatius Jesuit Centre are: 43.571059, -80.280553. Please click on the coordinates to access a Google Map of the Centre.
Which airport is the most convenient to get to the GEDS?
Individuals travelling by air to attend the GEDS may consider traveling to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, the Hamilton International Airport, or the Waterloo International Airport.
For more travel information, please visit the Travel to the Centre page.
What are the rooms like?
The Ignatius Centre is a retreat centre and so accommodations are simple and the amenities are different than those provided by hotels. Each bedroom includes a single bed, counter with sink, mirror, and lounge chair. Bed and bath linens are provided. Please bring your own personal toiletries and any other accoutrements you need (e.g., hair dryer, iron).
Single stall toilets and showers are available on each floor in the shared washrooms. Slippers or flip -flops are recommended
Can we double up in a room?
The bedrooms are single occupancy, with single beds.
Are meals provided?
Breakfasts and lunches are provided on April 24, 25, and 26, and dinners on April 23, 24, 25. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are also provided. Please note that the Centre is a bottled water free environment. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.
Are snacks and beverages provided?
Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are provided. If you have strong preferences for snacks or would enjoy an alcoholic beverage, please bring them. The retreat centre has glasses for wine and beer.
Please note that the Centre is a bottled water free environment so, please do not bring bottled water. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.
What do I need to bring?
The Ignatius Centre is a retreat centre and so accommodations are simple and the amenities are different than those provided by hotels. Please bring your own personal toiletries and any other accoutrements you need (e.g., hair dryer, iron). The Centre is a bottled water free environment, so, please do not bring bottled water. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.
Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are provided but if you have strong preferences for snacks or would enjoy an alcoholic beverage, please bring them. The retreat centre has glasses for wine and beer.
There will be preparation that participants will be required to do in preparation for the retreat. Registrants will be e-mailed those details in advance of the retreat by the GEDS facilitators.
Will we receive a detailed schedule in advance of the retreat?
Following the tradition of the Great Teachers Seminar (GTS), the GEDS has what is termed a ‘rigid minimal structure’. The agenda is not set in advance but there is a structure that allows participants to collaboratively establish an agenda that enables them to probe issues of import deeply and critically. This rigid minimal structure is one of the most unique and important aspects of the GTS and, thus, the GEDS model. Please see the Program web page for rough timelines for the retreat to help you make arrangements (e.g., travel to and from the retreat centre).
What if I can only attend part of the retreat?
The nature of the program requires participants to be present for the full retreat, including staying nights at the retreat centre.
What if I have other questions?
Please contact us at geds@uwo.ca
