There seems to be a wrinkle in the plans. The HR director for Semester at Sea is requiring that we bring a caregiver for our children. Apparently this is a new policy that our executive dean wasn’t aware of and it was not clearly stated on the website when we applied, or in the letter of appointment when we were offered our positions. It’s referenced in our binders we received at the end of September but I didn’t pay close attention because of the conversation the dean and I had. He said it would be sufficient if we made arrangements with another SAS family to watch our kids in the event that I wasn’t available (such as illness or an unforeseen circumstance.)
Well, we aren’t able to bring along a babysitter, and the bottom line is we don’t need a caregiver since our kids will be with me throughout the day. As the Dependent Learners Coordinator, my job is to meet with the 12 dependents each morning for “ship school” and my kids will be full time students at ship school! Our afternoons will be free for games and activities, and again, there’s no where else for the kiddos to go besides with me. Their dad will be busy as AV Media Coordinator, setting up the technology for all the college classes.
I sent two urgent e-mails to the dean yesterday. I hope he checks his e-mail sooner than later and calls us so we can rectify the situation. Having a conversation with him before I call the HR director would put my mind at ease. Another pressing factor is the room and board payment for the kids is due this Friday, or else SAS slaps a $500 late fee on the bill. I’m holding out hope this all works out and SAS doesn’t “need to make other arrangements before the voyage” (in the words of the HR director’s email.)
Experiential Passage 