FAQs About BMS is a page that contains a list of questions and answers relating to Bryn Mawr since it has a unique culture. I have selected ten commonly asked questions about Bryn Mawr and paired them up with answers that are easily understood. You may find information about some of the topics on the school website. This FAQs page is useful because all the answers are from students' points of view. In this page you will see through our eyes and get a better understanding on what our lives look like here.
Q: What is Honor Code?
A: “Well, in my opinion, it is a “Sacred Covenant” that embeds trust in students (laughter). Instead of telling you what not to do, the code gives you freedom and trusts that you will be responsible to yourself. Under the Honor Code, people may take an un-proctored test. One can also leave bags unattended without worrying they will be stolen. It creates a really trustworthy environment that fosters integrity and self-discipline.”
Q: What is Retreat?
A: “Basically it is an annual grade bonding overnight activity away from school. Each grade has its own place for retreat. My favorite part of the retreat is that there are always nighttime campfires and s’mores involved. The group activity also includes a lot of interesting conversations.”
Q: What is an Advisory?
A: “Random group of students that are assigned to one or two faculty members when they enter high school. The group typically stays together for the entire four years. Advisory happens on Day 3 and Day 8 in the cycle, so instead of having the regular Convocation, we will gather in a designated place. The best part of the advisory is that there is food! Each advisory does this differently but I know in my advisory, we do sign-up sheet so that we are almost guaranteed to have food. We sometimes share interesting things that happen in our life, play fun games, discuss recent news or meditate."
Q: How do off-campus classes work? And should I take them?
A: “At Bryn Mawr, we are given the option to take classes at Gilman and Roland Park in our Junior and Senior year (Freshman and Sophomores sometimes take off-campus classes too). The reason why you should do this is because it helps you to step out the Bryn Mawr bubble and try out a different class vibe. One thing to keep in mind though, the walk can be very nasty on a rainy or snowy day. It usually takes about 18 minutes to walk to RPCS, 10-12 to Gilman. It can get really tiring.”
Q: What is Convocation?
A: “ It’s a 25 minute gathering of all upper school students and faculty that takes place between 2nd period and lunch in Centennial Hall. Each day a senior will deliver a speech. Sometimes we will have assembly which takes about 30 minutes. During assembly, we usually invite speakers to come to share their wisdom with us. We also have special convocations such as Winter convocation, Halloween Convocation, etc. “
Q: What are the school hours?
A: The school opens at 7:30 am. The doors are locked prior to the school hours but you can always stay in the cafeteria. School ends at 3:30pm and will stay open until 6:00pm.
Q: How does campus security work?
A: They can let you into a locked building after the school hours. If you have any emergence, such as losing a key or having a flat tire, you can always find campus security and ask for help. If you can't find one, the reception desk in Howell building opens until 6:00pm. You can always reach out to them.
Campus Security phone number: (443)- 552- 8896
Q:How does the 10-day- cycle work?
A: The Cycle is divided into Odd and Even days, Half of your classes will take place on one day and the rest will take place on the other day.
Q:What is BrynMark?
A: A privilege to have to get off campus during your free period. Starbuck is acrossed Roland Park. You can only get it if you didn’t get any detentions in the previous year.
Q:What is Detention?
A: When you do something bad, a little pink notes will be laid gently in your mailbox. When you see the note, it usually means two things, do extra works during the week or weekend, and losing BrynMarks for next year.
Q:What is Diversity Day?
A: A day the students led group CAFE gathers the students together to talk about issue of diversity present in the school.
Q:What is Serenade?
A: “During Valentine’s day, Dayseye (audition for our amazing singing group!) the singing group goes to Bryn Mawr and Gilman and singings love songs to people they adore. In addition, Gilman’s Traveling Man will also come to our campus. It is a good time to embarrass your friend especially the Gilman people will kneel to whoever they are singing.”