OctopodiCon 2012

This Handbook will soon be available for free from Smashwords.  As soon as we have the link, we will post it here and at our Facebook Page.  All of our definitions, policies, and functions are in these pages.  It’s a quick read, and the Smashwords version allows you to quickly find the areas you need most.

 

OctopodiCon

Student Handbook

2012

 

 

OctopodiCon, LLC

Founded 2011 for the Steampunk Community

 

This publication is issued under the authority of OctopodiCon, LLC.

Student Attendees:  Much of the information in this handbook is provided so you will know how OctopodiCon operates, what OctopodiCon does to meet the needs of the students, and so you will understand all the expectations, academic and behavioral, you may have. Other information, such as the policies we expect to be followed, the amenities we offer, and enrollment information, is also provided. The Course Catalog is a separate publication.

Administration:

• President -   Noddy Brothers
• Vice-President Bursar Affairs   -   Annette Asprin
• Vice-President Negotiations  -  Bev Hale
• Vice-President Webmistress  – Duvy Gilchrist-Montgomery
• Director of Mercantile  -  Mandolin Cole
• Registrar – Margaret Decker
• Director of Public Information  -  Noddy Brothers, Bev Hale
• Director of Development – Noddy Brothers, Nico Cinocco, Annette Asprin
• Art Gallery Curator – Carrie Bella Blackburn
• Chief Engineer – Martin Cole
• Campus Security Chief  -  Chris “Zenon” Awful
• Professors Lounge Director – Tyburn Blossom
• Mysterium Master – Curtis Blackburn
• Minion Mistress – Laura Hartley
• Mad Queen of the Masquerade – Jennifer Cinocco
• TetraPod Head – Nico Cinocco

 

Distinguished Faculty:

 

• Peter Pixie – MC
• Professor Elemental – Performance
• Dr. and Mrs. Grymm – history and props
• Ay-Leen the Peacemaker – multiculturalism
• Tom Smith – filking

 

Faculty:

 

• Prof. Brad Sinor
• Prof. Sue Sinor
• Prof. Jeff Provine
• Prof. Peri Charlifur
• Prof. Bill Allen
• Prof. Bev Hale
• Prof. Lynn Yates
• Prof. Julie Barrett
• Prof. Jean Stuntz
• Prof. Mel. White
• Dr. John Dee
• Prof. Lee Martindale (provisional)
• Prof. Rie Sheridan (provisional)

 

Table of Contents

 

• General Information

• History and Mission of OctopodiCon
• Philosophy
• Setting
• Safety and Security
• Cost
• Mascot
• Academics
• Philosophy
• Minimum OctopodiCon Requirements
• Graduation Requirements
• Academic Honesty
• Attendance
• Mentorship and Special Projects
• Academic Expectations
• Review of Student Performance
• Concert Hall
• Laboratorium
• Scriptorium
• Classrooms
• Mysterium
• Tea Parlour
• Promenade
• Junior Sprockets
• Artifact Club
• Anime Room
• Student Services
• Advisor
• Guidance and Counseling
• Testing Programs
• Library Services
• Food Services
• Tentacle Classes
• Residence Life
• Philosophy
• Residence Hall Facilities
• Pods
• Approved and Non-Approved Items
• Moving in and Out of the Residence Hall
• Housekeeping and Maintenance
• Roommates
• Party Floor
• ATMs
• Restaurants and Shopping
• Postal Services
• Policies, Practices, and Procedures
• Behavioral Expectations
• Procedure for Major Infraction of OctopodiCon Policies or Rules
• Minor Infractions
• Security
• Privacy
• Alcohol/Drug/Tobacco Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Appropriate Dress
• Masquerade Policy
• Promenade Policy
• Weapons Policy
• Party Policy
• Shuttles
• WiFi
• Vehicles
• Contrivances and Automata
• Registration
• Badges
• Professors’ Lounge
• Faculty Information
• Postscript
• Important Contact information
• Message from the Presidents

 

General Information

History and Mission of OctopodiCon

OctopodiCon was created May 31, 2011 by an act of will according the laws of the State of Oklahoma.  The Principal authors of OctopodiCon were Noddy Brothers, Bev Hale, and Annette Asprin.

The By-Laws, adopted by the Executive Committee of OctopodiCon on June 1, 2011, state that the purposes of OctopodiCon shall be:

To foster the educational development of steampunk enthusiasts who wish to expand their knowledge and experiences of all things steampunk through a participatory setting in an annual weekend-long seminar and through tentacle classes held at various other conventions throughout the year.

To develop an annual convention which emphasizes instruction in all the diverse fields of steampunk.

To develop, evaluate, and disseminate, through the main campus in Oklahoma City and through tentacle classes throughout the United States, instructional programs and materials on steampunk.

To serve all steampunk enthusiasts through research, outreach activities, and programs.

History

OctopodiCon is the result of more than 60 combined years of positive vision, hard work, and dedication from steampunk enthusiasts, teachers, meeting planners, artists, authors, scientists, mathematicians, and businesspeople, all of which reached its tipping point from virtual to actual in April, 2011, when Oklahoma’s first Steampunk convention demonstrated the overwhelming desire for a continued annual steampunk event and a larger steampunk presence in the community.  The Oklahoma Steampunk Exposition (OSE) organizers decided to follow their hearts elsewhere, and thus was born OctopodiCon.

OctopodiCon is designed as a 3 day, semi-residential public convention with an ultimate enrollment of 8,000 steampunk enthusiasts (the maximum that can fit in facilities currently available in Oklahoma City), and with an on-going outreach program to send our staff and Visiting Professors into schools, universities, museums, libraries, other conventions, and other public venues to share steampunk Tea and information.

OctopodiCon officially opens October 5, 2012, with an Academic Convocation for the Inaugural Class.

Philosophy

Attendees, students, faculty, and staff continue to chart the course of history for OctopodiCon.  With this honor comes the responsibility of ensuring the success of OctopodiCon for future generations of steampunk enthusiasts, makers, artists, engineers, mechanics, and dreamers.

The programming is tailored to provide a scholastic program of excellence in the fields near and dear to steampunk enthusiasts, with exemplary instruction in the humanities, arts, sciences, and other areas of steampunk.  Advanced studies are available in many disciplines to encourage individual differences, preferences, and competencies.

In addition to an exciting and challenging academic curricula, OctopodiCon provides plenty of opportunities for informal interaction among peers through individual and small group social activities and entertainments.  The availability of special interest programming in broad categories stimulates the students to create their own art and devices and automata, to dig and probe into areas that will challenge them and satisfy them.

One key to success for OctopodiCon is the development and nurturing of tentacle classes at other conventions, nurturing the innate desire of steampunk enthusiasts to learn new skills and new ways to use old skills.  In building this integration, the faculty and staff of OctopodiCon strives to provide an atmosphere that fosters creativity, friendship, and the exchange of ideas.  We encourage regular and frequent involvement – individually and collectively – in the recreational and social programs presented by OctopodiCon throughout the year:  Teas, Room Parties, Picnics, Tentacle Classes, and the main Convention.

Setting

OctopodiCon has no permanent location, contracting with meeting facility providers for space, or holding events outdoors.

For OctopodiCon 2012, being held October 5, 6,and 7, 2012, OctopodiCon has contracted with Meridian Convention Center, a 30,000 square foot facility with 2 hotels; the Hilton and the Magnuson.

In addition, OctopodiCon has arranged with local area libraries for the use of their meeting rooms for monthly Teas.

Safety and Security

Student safety is a high concern of OctopodiCon.  Supervision and security are provided throughout the temporary campuses by licensed security guards holding loyalty to OctopodiCon as well as door checkers.  Faculty and staff maintain a high degree of direct contact with the matriculating body of students in order to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Campus security is provided by OctopodiCon’s in-house, trained and CLEET licensed personnel.  There is at least 1 security guard on duty during the sleeping hours for the duration of the any OctopodiCon event, and a minimum of 5 security guards during waking hours.

OctopodiCon expects students and attendees, merchants, Visiting Professors, minions, and other personnel to be aware of safety issues at all times.  OctopodiCon is not responsible for lost or stolen property, nor does OctopodiCon insure the property of students, attendees, merchants, artists, Visiting Professors, minions, security guards, or other personnel.

Each person must play an integral part in his/her own safety.

Cost

Students and all attendees except Distinguished Visiting Professors are responsible for costs associated with travel to and from home, school supplies, damage to property or facilities, and incidental expenses (phone calls, laundry, snacks, meals, photocopies, shopping, etc.).

Fees for enrolling in OctopodiCon 2012 is as follows:

At the door:

• Adult 3 day enrollment:  $50.00
• Child 3 day enrollment (when accompanied by an adult): $25.00

• Adult 1 day enrollment:  $25.00
• Child 1 day enrollment (when accompanied by an adult):  $15.00

Pre-registration enrollment is on a sliding scale based on the calendar date, the closer OctopodiCon comes, the more expensive it becomes.

In order to attend workshops with full credit, students must pre-register and select the workshop(s) they wish to take.  The supply fees vary according to the class and must be paid in full 2 months before OctopodiCon 2012.  The supply fee costs are listed in the Course Catalog.

Mascot

Our mascot is Baron Octavian von Calamari, Esq., Ph.S., an octopus of tremendous accomplishments.  He has a tentacle in nearly everything, knows it all (he doesn’t think so, but he’s a veritable vont of unending information), and will happily share everything he knows.  For him, there is no such thing as too much knowledge and it delights him when others gain new skills and new knowledge.  Steampunk is his life, and he constantly seeks new frontiers of knowledge.  He could be anywhere, poking a tentacle into an experiemtn, peering through his monocle, doffing his top hat to the ladies as he sips his tea, adjusting gears and regulating steam.

Baron O, as he’s affectionately called, loves steampunks.

Academics

Philosophy

Students choosing to attend OctopodiCon have a high interest in steampunk and have often already embarked on their own in discovering what steampunk is and how it relates to themselves.  The faculty and ConCom of OctopodiCon are committed to providing academic excellence that will enhance what they already know and pave the way for future learning, as well as providing the lighter spots of entertainment that provide a welcome break from the classwork.  OctopodiCon students will experience a well-rounded program filled with plenty of opportunities for making friends and discovering new sources of supplies, for leisure activities as well as academic ones.

Many students choose to live on the temporary campuses in order to share the community experience with peers and others who share similar interests.  This nurturing environment is paramount to the full enjoyment of OctopodiCon students.

Minimum OctopodiCon Requirements

OctopodiCon is a very egalitarian establishment, and we refuse entry to no potential student, providing students aged 15 and under are accompanied by their legal guardian/parent (said guardian/parent must also be enrolled in OctopodiCon).

Students aged 16 and older need not be accompanied by a guardian/parent, although we would prefer contact information for their parent/guardian definitely if they are under age 18.  Students between the age of 16 and 21 may have some age-related restrictions in that some workshops, classes, lectures, panels, or demonstrations may contain references to items they are not yet legally allowed to encounter.  As is proper, we shelter the younger students from such items.

Students aged 21 and older are required to safeguard the innocence and wonder of their younger classmates, to treat one another with courtesy and kindness, and to be excellent in all they undertake to accomplish.

Graduation Requirements

This is the Inaugural Year of OctopodiCon, so it will be several years before our first Graduation Class.  This is the Class of 2016.  Students enrolling now must meet the following requirements in order to earn their OctopodiCon Bachelor of Steampunk Degree:

Freshman:  10 credit hours plus 4 community or campus service hours.  4 of these credit hours must be through workshops with supply fees.  Workshops with supply fees count as 2 credit hours.  The other 6 credit hours may be earned through attending classes, lectures, demonstrations or panels, or by auditing workshops.  Auditing a workshop – watching but not participating – earns 1 credit hour.  Students do not have to collect all 10 credit hours at OctopodiCon – they may also earn credit hours at other conventions by taking one of our Tentacle Classes (see Tentacle Classes).  For the Inaugural Year only, community and campus service hour requirements are waived.  Students who make their 4 hours of community or campus service hours this year only may apply those hours towards 1 credit hour towards earning their Freshman Pin.

Sophomore:  10 credit hours plus 4 community or campus service hours.  4 of these credit hours must be through workshops with supply fees.  Workshops with supply fees count as 2 credit hours.  The other 6 credit hours may be earned though attending classes, lectures, demonstrations, or panels, or by auditing workshops.  Students are welcome to repeat classes if they desire, but repeating classes taken as a Freshman will not count towards Sophomore completion.  Students may earn needed credit hours by attending Tentacle Classes at other conventions and events.

Junior:  10 credit hours plus 6 community or campus service hours.  4 of these credit hours must be through workshops with supply fees.  Workshops with supply fees count as 2 credit hours.  The other 6 credit hours may be earned though attending classes, lectures, demonstrations, or panels, or by auditing workshops.  Students are welcome to repeat classes if they desire, but repeating classes taken as a Freshman or Sophomore will not count towards Junior completion.  Students may earn needed credit hours by attending Tentacle Classes at other conventions and events.

Senior:  10 credit hours plus 6 community or campus service hours.  4 of these credit hours must be through workshops with supply fees.  Workshops with supply fees count as 2 credit hours.  The other 6 credit hours may be earned though attending classes, lectures, demonstrations, or panels, or by auditing workshops.  Students are welcome to repeat classes if they desire, but repeating classes taken as a Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior will not count towards Senior completion.  Students may earn needed credit hours by attending Tentacle Classes at other conventions and events.

Community and Campus Service Hours:  OctopodiCon provides very special opportunities for students, and so expects students to recognize and appreciate these special opportunities by supporting their communities in their hometowns and our convention.  Students may earn these anywhere at any time.  Students may email, mail, or submit forms with their community service hours on them to any OctopodiCon Staff member or email them to:  octotranscripts@gmail.com.

Students who complete significantly more than the minimum requirements become eligible for the Baron’s Aide de Camp Award.

Advanced Degrees

Plans are in the works to afford OctopodiCon students advanced degrees in Steampunk.  The requirements and projects for these degrees will extend beyond credit hours, although credit hours must still be acquired.  Both M.S. and Ph.S. degrees involve a concentration in a specific field or area of Steampunk (monstrumology, performance, prop design, costuming,  literature, artifacts, theosophy, food history, culinary arts, graphic art, 3D art, etc.)

Master of Steampunk:  16 credit hours (not repeated from the B.S.), plus a dissertation project, reviewed by a committee of peers.

Philosophy of Steampunk:  16 credit hours (not repeated from B.S. or M.S.), plus a thesis project, reviewed by a committee of peers.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is the hallmark of any fine academic community, and OctopodiCon students are expected to embrace this principle.

Students may freely cooperate on projects and assignments, sharing notes and information in class with one another.

Formal acknowledgement must be given for all ideas and/or information belonging to someone else, whether it is quoted, summarized, or paraphrased.  Proper documentation of source material is required.

If a student has questions regarding academic honesty, the advisor or any faculty member should be consulted.  Remember:  seek permission, not forgiveness.

Attendance

Because OctopodiCon is a strictly attendance-based campus, students are expected to actually attend for the full length each class for which they claim credit hours.  The Visiting Professors will take roll (badge numbers) and send the roll call sheet to Registration, where the credit hours will be tallied for each attending student.

Mentorship and Special Projects

We are working on establishing a Mentorship Program with various gifted steampunks throughout the world.  Future editions of this Handbook will contain more information on this topic.  Mentorship work will count towards OctopodiCon Steampunk Degrees.

Academic Expectations

Each student is encouraged to achieve academic excellence at OctopodiCon.  The academic challenges facing students who attend only a single 3-day campus a year, and perhaps a few scattered Tentacle Classes, create the need for a supportive program, and we are in the process of creating those supportive services.

Review of Student Performance

The academic progress of each student is maintained under their assigned Badge Number.  In order to reduce confusion and to facilitate speedy documentation of credit hours earned, OctopodiCon asks our Visiting Professors to collect Badge Numbers at the start of each session, and sends those Badge Numbers to Registration, where the Class Session and Credit Hour(s) are entered into each student’s transcripts.

In this manner, OctopodiCon will know before Commencement Ceremonies which students have completed their (this year) Freshman level and have earned their Freshman Pin.  Registration will then be able to print a Rising Sophomore Certificate to be awarded at Commencement along with their Freshman Pin.  In future years, students will receive, as earned, Rising Junior and Rising Senior Certificates, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Pins, Graduation Certificates, and Graduation Pins.  Students earning M.S. and Ph.S. degrees will receive Graduation Pins reflecting those degrees.

Concert Hall

The Concert Hall contains the Main Programming for OctopodiCon – we will hold Convocation (Opening Ceremonies) there, all of the performers will be there, the auctions will be there,  the Masquerade will be there, some of the dance classes may be there,  the Gears and Gizmos Dance will be there,  and Commencement will be there.

When you need an entertainment break, the Concert Hall is the place for students to gather.

Laboratorium

Workshops and demonstrations take place in the Laboratorium.

Workshops are approximately 2 hours long, involve supplies, and end with the students acquiring both a keepsake and the skill to repeat it.  Students must pre-register for workshops no later than July 25, 2012 if they wish to fully participate in the class and make the item described.

A limited number of students who have not pre-registered may, on the Visiting Professor’s discretion, be allowed to observe the class without participating.  They will not have supplies and will not engage in making the item, but they can take notes!

Demonstrations allow students to observe how various contrivances and devices function and to ask questions regarding them.  The length of a demonstration depends entirely upon what is being demonstrated.  Students do not have to pre-register for demonstrations.

Scriptorium

Our Visiting Professors who are also authors or graphic artists will meet their fans in the Scriptorium to sign autographs and chat amiably.

Students may collect autographs in their Autograph Books and have the opportunity to purchase books and prints created by our Visiting Professors.  Some of these books and papers will not be available anywhere else.

Classrooms

We have five classrooms at OctopodiCon. One is dedicated to the Junior Sprockets and the Artifact Club, one is dedicated to readings by our Visiting Professors, and the other three will be filled with discussions and/or lectures on assorted intriguing topics.  The full offering will be listed in the Class Schedule you receive at Registration.  Students do not have to pre-register for these classes, they are on a first-come basis, until the room is filled.

Mysterium

Our Mysterium is a place of challenges, particularly of the card and game variety.  The Class Schedule will list precisely which games are available in the Mysterium, both to play and to learn.

Students do not have to pre-register to take any of the classes to learn to play these games, but they are on a first-come basis.

To give you a hint of what will be available, we list for you both the games we already know will be there and the games we hope will be there:

• A tabletop Curling game
• Card Games such as Whist, Piquet, Loo, Euchre, Quadrille, and Poker
• Parlour Games such as Alphabet Minute, The Scientist’s Cat, The Shopkeepers, and The Dumb Orator
• Charades
• Dominoes, Checkers, Chess
• Board games such as A Trip to Mars, Shut the Box, and Mancala
• Marbles
• And Steampunk RPGs such as Wierd West, Space 1889, and others.

 

Tea Parlour

OctopodiCon is pleased to present the first ever Tea Parlour at a convention.  The OctopodiCon Tea Parlour is a place where students, faculty, and staff can gather to purchase hot or cold tea, hot or cold coffee, sodas, or energy drinks and accompany them with finger sandwiches, cookies, snack crackers, cupcakes, or cut fruits or vegetables for a small fee.  Most will be under $1.00.  If resources allow, the Tea Parlour may also prepare and sell box meals:  sandwich, fruit, chips, juice, and a cookie.  These may be consumed in the hotel’s breakfast room/lobby.

Remember, the Convention Center itself is a Food-Free Zone.  Actually, it’s a Smoke-Free, Drug-Free, Alcohol-Free,  Food-Free, Fire-Free, Explosion-Free, Glitter-Free Zone!  At least it’s not a Fun-Free Zone!

Promenade

The Promenade is also unique to OctopodiCon (at least it was when we started).  This is a social are composed of a Walk, where students may show off their fashions and accessories, and a seating area where they may chat.  Steampunk clubs are encouraged to place small tables with information about their clubs to attract new members and friends.  Photographers will be available to take charming photos, some against steampunk backdrops.  The students are encouraged to take their own photos as well.  And there will be an area where everyone can have a yearbook photo taken.

The Promenade’s main area will be inside the Convention Center, extend down the West Hall, out the north door and across the parking lot into the main lobby of the Magnuson Hotel.  It does wend past the smoking area.  Those with smoke allergies may circumvent the smoking area by exiting the West Door and crossing the parking lot to Promenade up the sidewalk and into the Magnuson Lobby.

The Promenade ends at the Magnuson Lobby, where Promenaders may take a respite in the Tea Parlour before walking the short distance back to the Convention Center.

Junior Sprockets

One of the Class Rooms is dedicated to both the Junior Sprockets, children aged 6 – 10, in the mornings, and the Artifact Club, children aged  11 – 15.

For three hours in the mornings, the Junior Sprockets will engage in steampunk activities appropriate to their age.  They may conduct science experiments, play games, hear stories, and make crafts.  If parents wish their children to join the Junior Sprockets, they must pre-register no later than July 25, 2012, so we may be sure we have enough supplies on hand for them.  Parents can choose to enroll their child(ren) in one day or the other or both days.  There will be different activities each day.

At least one parent must accompany their child(ren) to the Junior Sprocket Sessions.

Artifact Club

The Artifact Club is similar to the Junior Sprockets, but designed for older children, and held for three hours in the afternoons.

The Artifact Club has age appropriate activities for children aged 11-15, and may encompass stories, science experiments, crafts, and games.  If parents wish their children to join the Artifact Club, they must pre-register no later than July 25, 2012 so we may be sure to have plenty of supplies on hand for them.  Parents can choose to enroll their child(ren) in one day or the other or both days.  There will be different activities each day.

At least one parent must accompany their child(ren) to the Artifact Club sessions.

Anime Room

Our final programming room is the Anime Room.  There will be classes and discussions on cosplay, anime, and manga, as well as films. Anime clubs and anime Visiting Professors will also be here to recruit new members and meet fans.

In addition to the formal Anime Room, we will have a film room in one of the suites with continuous anime films showing.

Student Services

Advisor

Students may choose an advisor, and this advisor may be another student or a member of the faculty or staff of OctopodiCon.  The responsibilities of an advisor include:

• Assisting students in selecting courses
• Advising students on mastering techniques and skills taught in those courses
• Supporting students performance in academics and social life during their stay at OctopodiCon.

Guidance and Counseling

OctopodiCon’s Guidance and Counseling services are designed for the special needs of our students.  These services, like OctopodiCon, are in their infancy and will expand as the years pass.  At the moment, these services include:

• Directing students to resource materials pertinent to steampunk
• Provides access to Distinguished Visiting Professors, people who are advanced and skilled in their area of Steampunk
• Establishes a network of Visiting Professors and skilled students
• Assists students in understanding the costs associated with pursuing a steampunk career or lifestyle

Library Services

OctopodiCon does not have a physical library, but is working on compiling a virtual library of  YouTube Tutorials, links to databases, journals, reference materials, and books related to steampunk.

Food Services

OctopodiCon provides a Tea Parlour during the run of the annual convention where students may purchase hot or cold teas, hot or cold coffees, sodas, energy drinks, finger sandwiches, cookies, and cupcakes.  If funds permit, we may also provide box meals:  drink, sandwich, chips, cookie for a small sum.

Tentacle Classes

Much of convention time is spent having fun and socializing with people one only sees once or twice a year.  Spending the entire convention in classes, while those classes are exciting and fun, becomes work if overindulged in.  Part of the reason it takes so few credit hours to complete each grade level is so students may enjoy a rich social life at OctopodiCon in addition to earning credits.

To allow students to still earn a grade level in a reasonable amount of time, we are negotiating with other conventions to allow OctopodiCon’s Visiting Professors present a class or two at those conventions that allow the student to earn credit hours.

The Visiting Professors will collect badge numbers at the start of class, and will then email those lists to our Registrar, who will add them to the students’ transcripts.

At the next OctopodiCon, those credit hours will be tallied and if the student has earned a new grade level before arriving at OctopodiCon, they will receive their new grade level awards at the Convocation Ceremony.  If they complete a grade level during OctopodiCon, they receive their grade level awards at the Commencement Ceremony.

Residence Life

Philosophy

The residence component of OctopodiCon operates primarily in support of a high degree of sociability and rapid access to OctopodiCon events and room parties.  Residence life is a “vacation home”.  It is a safe and secure environment where students are expected to be civil to one another and the staff and faculty, as well as housekeeping, maintenance, and the hotel staff.  Students can relax when they need to, and engage in intense academic pursuits as well as exciting social opportunities.

Residence Hall Facilities

OctopodiCon 2012 is being housed in 2 separate hotels, connected to the main Convention Center by a parking lot.

The primary hotel is the Magnuson Hotel, a long, low hotel comprised of approximately 300 rooms.  Room rates are $69.00 a night for up to 4 people per room.  There is a pet section for those who want to bring their well behaved, vaccinated, and parasite-free pets.  It is recommended that pets have a crate in which to rest when the student is out of the room.  Pets are not allowed in the main Convention Center, the Tea Parlour, or the secondary hotel.  Service animals are welcome in all the facilities.  We have negotiated a free breakfast buffet for all residents of Magnuson.  The Tea Parlour and the Professors’ Lounge are also located in the Magnuson.

The secondary hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn.  Room rates are $89.00 a night and are in the room block for OctopodiCon.  People who use powered mobility devices may prefer to stay in the Hilton as the accessibility features are superior to those in the Magnuson.  Magnuson’s accessibility rooms are nice and meet the minimum ADA accessibility requirements, but are somewhat difficult to enter using powered mobility devices.  The Hilton exceeds the minimum ADA accessibility requirements.

Pods

To enhance the experience at OctopodiCon, students are sorted into Pods for light-hearted competitions and sociability, for contests and events throughout the year.   Students may switch Pods only when they pre-register.  Selecting a Pod is for 1 (one) year, from OctopodiCon to OctopodiCon,

Students may purchase Pod Pins or Patches or stickers to show their allegiance, and may place a banner on their website or use it as an icon.

Pods earn points throughout the convention for the Inaugural Convention and the Pod with the most points wins prizes at the Commencement (Closing Ceremony), among which is a special banner to place on their websites and extra points for the next year’s Pod Competition.

After the Inaugural Convention, Pods can earn points throughout the year (or lose them!).  Points are given and taken away by the Head of each Pod, generally at OctopodiCon, tentacle classes, Teas, and other steampunk events and by the OctopodiCon ConCom, also at the aforementioned events..  Points and de-points must be sent to:  octo.points@gmail.com

The Pods are:

• ArthroPod
• CephaloPod
• GastroPod
• OrnithoPod
• OctoPod
• PolyPod
• SauroPod
• TetraPod

The Inaugural Year Students have the privilege of creating the history and traditions of these Pods, which will appear in future editions of the Student Handbook.

Approved and Non-Approved Items

Peace-tied steampunk weapons are allowed at OctopodiCon.  Thye must not look like real, existing  weapons.  Be prepared to be vetted by Security if you bring a weapon, to make sure it is not a real one and that it is properly peace-tied. If it fires a projectile, the muzzle must be orange-tipped.

Not allowed:

• Fire (candles, incense)
• Smoke machines
• Glitter
• Fog machines
• Illegal drugs
• Combustables
• Explosives

Moving in and Out of the Residence Hall

Check-in time is 3:00 pm, and early check-in may be possible.

Check-out is 12;00 pm and there are no late checkouts.  The Hotel Registration Desk will hold your luggage, or you may leave your luggage at ConOps.

Housekeeping and Maintenance

If you have serious issues with Housekeeping or Maintenance, you must contact our Residence Hall Supervisor.  S/he will help you resolve any issues with Housekeeping or Maintenance.  The Residence Halls are modern, clean, relatively well-maintained, but things do happen.  Allow us to mediate so you have a more pleasant experience.  For minor issues, you may speak to the clerk at the Hotel Registration Desk.

Please remember to leave a tip for your Housekeeping staff.  If they clean every day you are there, leave $1.00 per day, and an additional $2-$3 dollars on checkout.  If you prefer that Housekeeping not clean your room while you are there, leave a $5 tip when you check out. Being kind to Housekeeping will make them much more pleasant and helpfulwhen next your return.

If any hotel staff do extra work for you, tip them for their efforts.  $1 is average, unless they’ve done something extraordinary for you.

Roommates

Up to 4 people may share a room.  Students are responsible for the roommates they select.

Party Floor

The lay-out of the hotel precludes a designated “party floor”.  We have asked the hotel to group those who plan to host room parties together.  If you plan a room party, please contact our Residence Hall Supervisor so s/he may make sure you are given a room near other party rooms.  If you wish a quiet room, please let our Residence Hall Supervisor know this so we may find you a room far from the party rooms.

ATMs

There are ATMs for your convenience located in the hotel lobbies.

Restaurants and Shopping

The first and best place to shop, of course, is our very own Mercantile because the merchants in there have been carefully selected to provide a wide and fascinating range of steampunk supplies and accessories and other items.

In addition to the Mercantile, we have a lovely Art Gallery filled with original art, both graphic and 3-D.  The Scriptorium presents another opportunity for book shopping – the books of our Visiting Professors will be available there, as well as opportunities to speak with your favorite Visiting Professor who is also an author and to secure an autograph or four.

Registration will have maps and lists of nearby restaurants, and there are plenty of choices.  In the parking lot, we have both an IHOP and a Burger King, and from there the choices expand.

For those who wish to remain on campus, we have the Tea Parlour, which is offering hot and cold tea, hot and cold coffee, finger sandwiches, cookies, cupcakes, and possibly box meals (sandwich, chips, fruit, juice, dessert) for reasonable prices.

Postal Services

If you’ve purchased art and need to ship it, the nearest Post Office is 4901 West Reno, near the corner of Meridian and Reno, just west of Harvard Ave on the north side of Reno.  There’s a UPS Drop Box at 300 North Meridian.  There is a Self Serve FedEx drop box at 909 South Meridian, just outside the bank there.

The hotel will also ship packages for you for a fee.  Ask at the Hotel Registration Desk.

Policies, Practices, and Procedures

Behavioral Expectations

OctopodiCon is a steampunk convention, set in a time when manners mattered.  Even the pirates and outlaws had manners towards those with whom they associated every day and in neutral places.  OctopodiCon is a neutral place.  We expect everyone from our youngest student to our oldest, our staff and faculty, and all our patrons and visitors, to be on their best company manners.  We are all, for the space of these 3 days, ladies and gentlemen.

Procedure for Major Infraction of OctopodiCon Policies or Rules

We are not expecting any major infractions of OctopodiCon policies or rules because we trust everyone to be on their exceptionally well-behaved manners.

That said, just in case someone does decide to egregiously violate a policy or rule, we do have licensed security guards wandering the facilities.  They are easily recognizable by their armbands and badges that say in bold letters MARSHALL.  In addition to the Marshalls, our staff (their badges say STAFF) also have the responsibility to assist in guarding the premises.  If someone with a MARSHALL or STAFF armband/badge tells you to please stop whatever it is you are doing, a prompt and courteous apology and cessation are in order.

Should you continue engaging in undesirable behavior, a MARSHALL or STAFF member may escort you to ConOps for a time out.

If the time out does not result in an improved behavior and better manners, the local official police will be summoned to deal with you.  Trust us when we say you don’t want it to get that far!

If we must remove you from OctopodiCon, you forfeit all your enrollment fees.  You are still responsible for your hotel expenses with the hotel.

If a staff or aide must be banned from OctopodiCon, they must pay for a 3 day enrollment plus the cost of accessing the Professors Lounge and are forbidden to participate in the next OctopodiCon in any capacity including student. Depending on the nature of their infraction, we may allow them to return after that.

If a faculty member is banned from OctopodiCon, they forfeit all fees paid them for their presence and/or the value of all benefits of being a faculty member, including the cost of using the Professors Lounge, scholarships, per diems, transportation costs OctopodiCon paid, and hotel expenses OctopodiCon paid.

Our policies are stated in the sections below, but for clarity’s sake, we will list here what we consider constitutes a Major Infraction (in no particular order of severity):

 

• Shop lifting
• Breaking or damaging someone else’s property
• Drunkenness
• Violence in manner and speech
• Sexual harassment
• Pedophilia (and we interpret this very, very strictly – no sexual contact or speech with anyone under the age of 18, and very circumspectly with those between the ages of 18 and 21)
• Illegal and/or non-prescription drugs and/or non-OTC drugs
• Alcohol outside of the bar or the Gears and Gizmos Dance
• Alcohol to anyone under the age of 21
• Littering and rudeness when asked to pick it up
• Excessive rudeness or belligerence

Anyone who feels they have been the target of a major infraction needs to immediately approach a MARSHALL or STAFF member or go to ConOps for assistance.

Minor Infractions

Minor infractions have lesser penalties because the behavior, while still not nice, isn’t as horrid as a Major Infraction.  Because that list is much longer, and relies much more on context, we leave it to the discretion of our MARSHALLS and STAFF to make that determination.  Minor infractions include rowdiness, excessive high spirits, unwanted innuendos, rudeness, inappropriate language, harassment and/or heckling, hogging the podium if you’re not a Visiting Professor, and so on.

Anyone who feels they have been the target of a minor infraction needs to immediately approach a MARSHALL or STAFF member or go to ConOps for assistance.

Security

OctopodiCon will have a minimum of 5 licensed security officers wearing MARSHALL armbands on the grounds, along with an uncounted number of trained but unlicensed security officers (wearing MARSHALL armbands when on duty) making sure everyone is safe and secure during OctopodiCon.  All of our STAFF are also trained as security officers and can assist in any security matters.  Our AIDES (often referred to as “Minions”) can assist you in locating a MARSHALL or STAFF member or can escort you to ConOps at need, but they are not trained or licensed as security.

Privacy

OctopodiCon respects your privacy.  We will not sell or give your registration information to anyone.  If you choose to use a steampunk alias on your badge, we respect that.  Your transcripts will be stored under your badge number.  If you take Tentacle Classes, it is only your badge number that will be transmitted back to the Registrar by the Professor conducting the qualifying class or sitting on the panel.  Only the Bursar and President will have access to the databases that match your real name to your badge number, the Registrar will have your Badge Name and Badge Number (and your Badge name can change as often as you like, from year to year and from Tentacle Class to Tentacle Class, but the Badge Number remains the same) to track your progress and make sure you receive your Year Pins and certificates.

Alcohol/Drug/Tobacco Policy

Oklahoma is technically a dry state, which means they frown on alcohol. It doesn’t mean it’s not available – we will have a cash bar for the Gears and Gizmos Dance – it just means that it must be discrete and that only those who have reached their legal majority may indulge. In Oklahoma, that’s 21. So, our alcohol policy is:

• No one under 21 gets alcohol.
• No public drunkenness.
• No alcohol inside the Meridian Convention Center (except during the Dance, with the Convention Center supplied Cash Bar).
• No alcohol in the Tea Parlour.

It is a Major Infraction to give alcohol to anyone under 21. It might be a Major Infraction to be publicly drunk, dependingon hte degree of drunkeness and behavior. It is a Major Infraction to have alcohol inside the Meridian Convention Center (except during the Dance – the Convention Center will provide a Cash Bar). It is acceptable to have alcohol in your hotel room in either the Magnuson or Hilton (but not for anyone under 21!). It is probably a Minor Infraction to have alcohol in the Tea Parlour (unless you’re under 21 or giving it to someone under 21).

The Meridian Convention Center will set up a Cash Bar during the Gears and Gizmos Dance. In order to purchase drinks from the Cash Bar, you must pick up a “Bar Wrist Band” from Registration. The bartenders will still have the right to ask for proof of age because Bar Wrist Bands may fall off and be picked up by a minor.  The Bar Wrist Band does not cost, but the drinks do. The bartenders get the money for the drinks.

Illegal drugs are just that:  illegal. If you cannot show us a valid current prescription (the container suffices) upon request, this is a Major Infraction.

The hotels and Meridian Convention Center are completely No Smoking indoors.  There are smoking areas for your puffing pleasure outside. You must use the available ashtrays for your used butts. Littering is a Major Infraction, especially if it’s with cigarette butts because you’ll have ashtrays available. Smoking indoors in public areas is a Major Infraction.

Appropriate Dress

Steampunk, street wear, formal wear, we have a fairly liberal dress policy, with these exceptions:  body paint/tattooing does not count as clothing. You must comply with Oklahoma’s Decency Standards:  no nudity, private body parts must be fully covered – no g-strings, no pasties – full opaque briefs or panties and breasts must be covered by the same area a full opaque bra would cover. Men might want to make sure their packages are fully covered, and if they have man boobs – those must also be covered.

That aside, gears, bustles, pipes, plastics, metals, whatever you can pound into clothing shape is mighty fine.  Aliens, furries, matrons, saloon girls and boys, monster hunters, school teachers, pirates, accountants, chimney sweeps, whatever combination pleases you that can pass for steampunk or for modern street wear is acceptable – including slogan T-shirts.

Inappropriate dress (defined as “showing one’s private parts”) is a Major Infraction.Masquerade Policy

Costumes for the Masquerade must comply with the Appropriate Dress Policy insofar as it must be family friendly.  Body paint/tattooing does not count as clothing and may not replace covering private body parts.

Those who wish to display and compete in the Masquerade must fill out a form, available at Registration, and turn it back in no later than 1:00 pm on Saturday, and must attend the Masquerade Muster on time.  Tardiness to the Masquerade Muster may result in you being disqualified for the Masquerade.

Promenade Policy

The Promenade is a place for people to gather to See and Be Seen. Impeccable manners should be on display all along the Promenade. Movement must be steady unless seated in the provided chairs. There will be small tables set up along the edges of the Promenade area for Steampunk Clubs to advertise themselves, and there will be professional photographers available for you to have you photo taken. Your photo may, with your permission, appear in the OctopodiCon 2012 Yearbook. You may also take photos and pose for photos in the Promenade.

The Promenade is the open area in the Convention Center and extends down the West Hall and outside to the Tea Parlour.  Stopping to talk and thereby blocking the flow of movement in the Promenade will result in a MARSHALL or STAFF member asking you to “move along”.  One may quite easily walk and talk at the same time. It is a simple skill and one we highly encourage developing.

No weapons may be drawn for a photograph without first notifying bystanders and Promenaders so they may clear the way and remain unharmed.  Pulling a weapon out of its peace-tie without first giving sufficient advance notice to those about you is a Major Infraction.

Weapons Policy

Weapons are allowed at OctopodiCon.  We, the Management and Security of OctopodiCon, appreciate the time and effort put into the creation of your costumes, props, and replica weapon-like items, and understands that non-working replica, prop, and imitation “weapons” are often a part of steampunk and anime costuming. To ensure the safety of all those attending OctopodiCon, we maintain this strict Weapons Policy. It is imperative that costume “weapons” comply with this policy and with local, state, and federal laws.

This policy is not a summary of the laws nor does this policy constitute legal advice. You are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws. OctopodiCon reserves the right to refuse the entry of any prop or weapon it decides is unfit for the convention. All props or weapons must support the overall look of a costume or character. Wearing a prop or weapon for its own sake is not allowed. Misuse of a prop or weapon can be considered grounds for removal or ejection from the convention. Any display of an item in an aggressive or threatening manner, real or implied regardless of intent, or any other activity thought to be unsafe in the view of the Security Staff is strictly forbidden. All Prop Weapons will be checked upon entrance to OctopodiCon at the Registration desk.

Brandishing: Brandishing any weapon-like item is NOT permissible. Brandishing is defined as drawing, exhibiting, or using any weapon whatsoever in a rude, angry, or threatening, manner or using a weapon in any fight or quarrel. OctopodiCon Staff and Security, as well as Convention Center Security are empowered to determine whether a particular act constitutes “Brandishing” in their sole and absolute discretion. Even foam weapons can injure others and create unsafe situations. Anyone brandishing a weapon-like item in an unsafe manner will be told to remove it from the convention spaces. However, you are allowed to pose for photographs with a weapon-like item in a brandishing manner so long as no reasonable person would interpret the pose as anything but safe and no real threat and a safe space has been cleared for the brandishing before the weapon-like item is drawn.  OctopodiCon has provided backgrounds for photo ops and these are the best places for posing with weapon-like items.

You may not carry or possess any working weapon, openly or concealed, AT ANY TIME or around the convention spaces. Working weapons, firearms, curio or relic to include antique firearms, and all forms of ammunition are strictly forbidden. Even items that may be legal to carry such as small knives or stun guns are not welcome at OctopodiCon. Please leave them at home. “Air Soft”, water guns, squirt guns, and any toy that is capable of actually firing a projectile, liquid, or object of any type are not allowed.

Futuristic Replicas and fake period weapons may be displayed as long they are recognizable as obvious fakes. Any non-working projectile weapon being used for a prop must have a 1/2 inch of bright orange plastic or tape around the end of the muzzle. Be prepared to show any OctopodiCon Security Staff, Convention Center staff and/or police officer, your weapon to make sure that it conforms with the rules.

Sharp edges on any material are not permitted, and must be filed, padded, or otherwise protected against unwanted contact. A point on any material that is not soft to the touch (such as soft foam or fabric) is not allowed. Soft to the touch should at least have a one half inch give to it when pushed with a finger on the actual tip. If a soft tip is created, the underlying structure must support safely as well in case the underlying structure is exposed. The use of varnish, shellac, or any other coating to make a soft weapon have a hard exterior is forbidden. The definition of “hard” in this case is a hardness that exceeds that such as raw balsa or fir woods. Materials that can shatter, such as glass or brittle plastics, are not permitted.

Any firearm that has the firing pin removed or barrel filled to make it unusable is still considered a “real weapon” and is not allowed, as it can be misconstrued by the police department or convention staff to be a threat.

Replica and futuristic firearms are allowed only if such weapon cannot be misconstrued by Security Staff to be a real firearm. A cap made of bright colored plastic (orange, red, yellow) may be placed OVER the end of the barrel and secured against removal. This includes any weapon that may be “fired” such as a homemade replica meant to duplicate a character’s weapon that you are portraying. While an obviously non-lethal weapon such as a water gun or a bubble gun is allowed as a prop, filling said prop with water or loading it with bubble juice passes it into non-acceptable weapons group and is subject to removal from the convention.

Bows or other manual projectile replicas are allowed only if they are rendered incapable of firing a projectile.

Airsoft weapons in any configuration are not allowed as props. Because Airsoft and other weapons may be sold in the dealers room, a distinction must be made: all items purchased in the dealers room are merchandise until they are removed from their packaging, at which time they fall under the weapons policy, including, but not limited to knives, staves, airsoft weapons, projectile weapons, and combative clothing (such as metal wrist spikes.)

Misc. props such as metal costume spikes, metal lacing on costumes or other modification that could harm another with contact are forbidden. Any weapon purchased at the dealer’s room must be wrapped before leaving the vendor’s table so that it is not recognized as said weapon and then immediately taken to a room or car.

Personal firearms are not allowed into any convention space regardless of reason. Any individual caught with such weapon in a convention space will be asked to leave convention space and/or reported to local authorities.

ORANGE SAFETY TIPS ON ALL GUNS: In most areas, toy guns are legally required to have a non-removable bright orange plastic tip, to make it easy to spot that they are fake. Almost all toy guns you find in the store or online will have this tip already, but when you are making one yourself make sure to put an orange tip on it. DO NOT put an orange tip on a real gun to disguise it as a toy – that is very, very, very illegal.

WEIGHT AND LENGTH MATTER: Any material, be it metal, wood or plastic, can hurt someone if it’s heavy enough. Basically, the bigger a weapon is, the lighter you need to make it to keep it con safe. No matter what kind of weapon it’s supposed to look like, any long, heavy object is legally a “staff” which counts as a weapon in many states. This does NOT mean that you can’t bring Cloud’s giant sword to a con, it just means you should make it out of foam or hollow plastic rather than heavy wood. A small wooden sword is usually fine, but any weapon more than about four feet long should be light or hollow to avoid problems – the bigger the lighter. This problem is the major reason why our security staff will never approve a weapon without seeing it. If you email and say, “I have a dual steam engine power pack laser emitting monster vaporizer ray gun, is that okay?” we can’t say “yes” or “no” since we can’t actually see or feel the thing to see how heavy it is, and thus how dangerous.   We will have a weapons check line beside the Registration Desk in the Meridian Convention Center – all weapons MUST be checked there before you can proceed to Registration.  If you are staying for the entire 3 days – ALL the weapons you brought MUST be checked before you go to Registration.

Short list of the most important steps to make sure your weapons will be okay at OctopodiCon:

GUNS:  no ammunition in the gun, must have orange tip, orange handle if it looks real when holstered.

SWORDS: not too heavy, make sure to have a sheath, dulled edge.

OTHER WEAPONS: avoid metal, avoid chains, nothing too heavy.

Room Party Policy

The way the hotel is organized, there really isn’t a specific “floor” where room parties may be held, but we have requested that a wing of the hotel be set aside for those who are loud and who wish to stay up really late on Friday and Saturday nights.

If you wish to host a room party, you must notify OctopodiCon at least 3 weeks in advance so we can arrange for your room to be in the loud section.  If we know of the Room Party early enough, we will gladly publish it in the Class Schedule Book.

We will announce Room Parties at the Convocation, and we will have a Party Board near our Registration Desk for listing Room Parties.

Shuttles

The Hotel provides a free shuttle service to and from the airport, and will also arrange to take parties to nearby restaurants and shops – and back again.  Arrangements for the shuttle service must be made with the hotel staff at the hotel check-in desk.

WiFi

Both the hotel and the Convention Center have free WiFi for the convenience of our students, faculty, and merchants.

Vehicles

Free parking is available all around the hotels and convention center.   Vehicles should be locked and nothing valuable left in them.  The parking lot is open and close to many other facilities as well as being near a major highway.  OctopodiCon is not responsible for any damages or losses suffered while your vehicle is parked in the hotel/convention center’s parking lot.

Contrivances and Automata

Steam driven vehicles and contrivances too large to fit into the Convention Center may be parked in a designated area close to the Convention Center.  The area will be marked.  If you are not driving a steam-powered vehicle, please do not park in their space.

Registration

The Registration Desk is a confusing and hectic place at times, and many things besides registration happens there.  To smooth the process, we will have several lines:  Pre-registrations, One Day Enrollments,  Three Day Enrollments, Information, Pre-Enrollments for 2013, and the Contests/Masquerade Line.  Please pay attention to which line you are in, for if you are in the wrong line and actually reach the desk, expect to be sent to the back of the appropriate line instead of being helped in the wrong line.

Badges

Badges are color coded.  Access to various areas of OctopodiCon depends upon the color of your badge.

• Vendors, their assistants and volunteers:  red
•  OctopodiCon Aides:  orange (they will wear sashes when on duty)
• Visiting Professors:  blue
• Staff:  green
• Adult Students:  kakhi
• Minor children:  yellow

The badge will contain the OctopodiCon logo, the chosen name of the bearer (this can change from year to year), a badge number (this never changes), and the name of their Pod. If they are here with a steampunk club and we were told in advance, the name of their steampunk club may also be on the badge.

The badge number is the transcript number and will be the student’s number for life.  We will store all credit hour information, certificates and year pins earned, and other awards given by OctopodiCon under this badge number.  It’s how we will track what you’ve earned.  At the Commencement Ceremony each OctopodiCon, you will receive your Year pins, certificates, and awards.

Professors’ Lounge

The Professors Lounge is a private area where the Visiting Professors may go to refresh themselves, compare notes, plan out their schedules, and meet up for special activities. We ask that the OcotopodiCon students respect their privacy. Only Visiting Professors and their family members accompanying them, Staff, and Aides may enter the Professors’ Lounge. If your badge is the wrong color, you may be asked to leave. If you feel you should have access to the Professors Lounge, you may appeal to the Executive Con Committee and Registration.

Faculty Information

Distinguished Faculty:

• Peter Pixie – MC
• Professor Elemental – Performance
• Dr. and Mrs. Grymm – history and props
• Ay-Leen the Peacemaker – multiculturalism
• Tom Smith – filking

Faculty:

• Brad Sinor
• Sue Sinor
• Jeff Provine
• Peri Charlifur
• Bill Allen
• Bev Hale
• Lynn Yates
• Pat Elrod
• Julie Barrett
• Jean Stuntz
• Mel. White
• John Dee
• Lee Martindale (provisional)
• Rie Sheridan (provisional)

Postscript

Important Contact information

• President and Chair:  Noddy Brothers    octopodiconchair@gmail.com
• Webmistress:  Duval Gilchrist-Montgomery  duvy.dsfm@gmail.com
• Bursar:  Annette Asprin  octofin@gmail.com
• Negotiations and Shhhh!:  Bev Hale  octoneg@gmail.com
• Director of Mercantile:  Mandolin Cole  octovendor@oksteam.org
• Director of Minions:  Laura Hartley  octominion@gmail.com
• Registrar:  Margaret Decker  octotranscripts@gmail.com
• Art Gallery Curator:  Carrie Bella Blackburn
• Mad Queen of the Masquerade:  Jennifer Cinocco  octomask@gmail.com
• Chief Engineer: Martin Cole
• Mysterium Master:  Curtis Blackburn
• Director of Steampunk Clubs:  Noddy Brothers  octoairship@gmail.com
• Tallyman (tracks Pod Points):  Noddy Brothers  octo.points@gmail.com
• Director of Development (several people):  octosponsor@gmail.com
• TetraPod Head: Nico Cinocco

Definitions

Because we use a lot of terms and such that aren’t common at many conventions, we are providing their definitions here:

Audit – to take a workshop that requires supplies without participating in the supply-using portion of the class – to observe the class.  Auditing students receive only half the credit hours for this.

Bursar – the person responsible for handling all the finances and scholarships.

Class – a hands-on activity or lesson that doesn’t require a supply fee – dancing, card game lessons, and costuming are among the classes.   Attending a class earns the student 1 credit hour.

Commencement – Closing ceremonies wherein the winning Pod is revealed, rising sophomore certificates are awarded, other awards are presented and winners of various contests run throughout the weekend are revealed.

Convocation – Opening ceremonies, where the Visiting Professors are introduced, last minute schedule changes are announced along with room parties and Teas.

Demonstration – We are expecting to have steam engines available and operating, and the operation of these will be periodically demonstrated, along with other contrivances, for the edification and enjoyment of our students.  Attending a demonstration earns a student 1 credit hour.

Distinguished Visiting Professor – these are our special headliner Professors, coming from all around the world to share their steampunk knowledge and skills with our students. They are the Department Heads.

Lecture – A Visiting Professor shares information on a topic via a slideshow or talk or other device, followed by discussion.

Minion -  official volunteers for OctopdiCon, distinguished by the sash they are wearing when they are actively on duty.

Panel – A group of Visiting Professors presenting a topic for discussion.  Students earn 1 credit hour for attending.

Pods -  Teams, called “pods” because the names of the teams all end in -pod.  Teams compete for Pod Points and other things throughout the weekend, and may collect points at other events throughout the year where OctopodiCon hosts Room Teas and presents panels or classes.

Promenade – the social area of OctopodiCon, where airships and steampunk clubs recruit new members, students can talk with one another, and where photos, both professional and amateur can be taken.  The Promenade extends in a U shape inside the MEridian Convention Center and then exits the building to encompass the Smoking Corner and wends its way into the Tea Parlour.

Service Hours – students can earn credit hours for volunteering at steampunk conventions and activities.

Steampunk - retrofuture Victorianism, a fantasy of what life would be like if steam power prevailed, with airships, gears, goggles, and all manner of modern contrivances punked out to give that retrofuturistic look. An aesthetic, a lifestyle, an art form, and a literary style as well as an RPG and more.

Tentacle classes – to helpour stidents earn their degrees faster, whenever OctopodiCon attends another steampunk convention, we will host a Room Tea where students can earn a credit hour, and possibly we might be invited to offer programming in the form of lectures, panels, classes, or demonstrations that will also allow students to earn credit hours to apply towards their OctopodiCon steampunk degrees.

Visiting Professor – talented people sharing their skills and knowledge at OctopodiCon by giving classes, lectures, workshops, and demonstrations or leading panels.

Visiting Scholar – people who’ve purchased a packet which includes a T-shirt and special privileges at OctopodiCon.

Workshop -  a 2 hour class that involves making something. There is a supply fee involved.  Students earn 2 credit hours for taking a workshop.  Students who audit a workshop do not get supplies (or pay for them) and do not get to make whatever the workshop is about.  They get to observe and earn 1 credit hour.

Message from the President

Welcome to OctopodiCon, the place to learn how to make and be a steampunk!  We have listened to our fellow steampunks and have gathered an astonishing amount of talent and creativity to share around among all of us.

Steampunk is not just a genre, it’s an aesthetic. It’s a color palette, not a single subject. It’s context more than content. It’s the facade, based on many foundations. It works differently; it’s applied differently. Steampunk isn’t *about* anything and yet it can pervade everything. It’s not something built upon rules with boundaries and limits. It’s something that sends out tentacles to touch and sucker-on to anything and everything, a bit here, a touch there, stir in a bit of manners and sip it with tea. Everything can be steampunk and nothing completely is. It’s all illusion and desire, hope and artifice. It’s style and imagination and attitude.

And that is what OctopodiCon is about.

I don’t know how many of y’all are foodies, but I want OctopodiCon to be a lot like Mr. Chang’s “Lucky Peach” magazine – at least philosophically. Like Mr. Chang, we want to put the effort in to give our attendees something they value. Mr. Chang’s first edition of his new food magazine – put out in a time when food magazines are dwindling and Conde Nast’s Gourmet Magazine folded! – is dedicated to ramen noodles and it sold out its first TWO printings. He made the magazine high quality, with good content in a form that just isn’t suitable for online.

In the magazine industry, they printed mass-produced, steeply discounted glossies in order to build an audience for advertising. They failed because people didn’t want ads with a little bit of content – they wanted lots of content and the ads needed to support the content.

A lot of conventions have sort of become the same thing – a venue for people to sell stuff with very little meaty content.

OctopodiCon is more like “Lucky Peach”, lots of meaty content with a tasty sauce of advertising and sales to complement it. The sales are not the focus of OctopodiCon – providing content is. The sales are there to sweeten things, to make it easier for the students to get supplies and to get parts and pieces and to acquire the arts and novels and gizmos of the steampunkers they admire.

OctopodiCon is a place of excitement, innovation, connection, and ideas, a place of enchantment where people participate and create and share – and earn pins and certificates, play in Pods, and tell stories together.  And if they want, they can earn an OctopodiCon Bachelor of Steampunk degree – or continue on to earn a Master of Steampunk or even go all the way to a Doctorate of Steampunk, like Baron Octavian von Calamari, Esq. Ph. S.

OctopodiCon was created for us.  All of us.

Have fun!

Sena Noddy Brothers

####