Conclaves, Moots, and More

Gatherings give members of the Grey School opportunities to study together, meet beyond their usual classes, and put learning into practice. Their scope ranges from a small local meeting to a virtual Moot or a planned residential Conclave. The form of the gathering determines its arrangements, while School conduct expectations continue to apply.

Campus and Conclave conduct

Members attending a School campus or Conclave are expected to observe the following rules. Requirements concerning avatars and virtual Lodge visits apply at vGSW; the boundary rule applies to the physical grounds.

1. Apprentices, Magisters, and Faculty must conduct themselves as responsible representatives of the School.

2. Apprentices and Magisters must attend the classes in which they have enrolled. Excessive unexcused absences are not permitted.

3. Collect all objects and belongings you bring onto campus, whether physical or virtual.

4. Public nudity, sexually explicit conduct, violence, and disturbance of the peace are forbidden on campus.

5. Avatars used at vGSW must be human and should represent the person using them.

6. When visiting a Lodge other than their own, Apprentices and Magisters should be escorted by a member of that Lodge.

7. Firearms, explosives, intoxicating substances, and weapons are forbidden on School grounds unless the Headmaster has given explicit permission.

8. Campus conversations are subject to the same conduct rules as the School forums.

9. Exploration beyond the boundary of the nine-acre wood without a Faculty member is forbidden.

Violations should be reported to the Headmaster and may result in immediate ejection and banning from the grounds. Ejection and banning from campus grounds will also result in temporary suspension and/or expulsion from the Grey School. The case will be reviewed at a later date to determine the pupil's final status, according to the circumstances.

Visitors to the physical campus should also read the Highspire Campus guidance and the conditions published for the particular event.

Informal gatherings

An informal gathering is a casual meeting of two or more School members and, where appropriate, their families. Apprentices, Magisters, Faculty, and staff may arrange these meetings to spend time together and become better acquainted. They usually involve people living near one another and have no formal teaching program.

Such a gathering may be spontaneous or casually advertised, and its time and scope are normally limited. Examples include meeting to see a film or attending a local festival together. These arrangements differ from the planned program and School oversight associated with a Moot or Conclave.

vGSW Moots

Moots are organized by Apprentice Leadership on the School's virtual campus in Second Life. They bring Apprentices, Magisters, Faculty, and staff together for celebrations, workshops, discussions, debates, and other activities. A Moot may occupy several hours or a full day, with a published program that allows members to plan their attendance.

Participation requires a computer capable of running Second Life and access to the virtual campus. Current event notices and dates are published through the School events page.

The following months are reserved for the regular Moots. Apprentice Leadership chooses the specific date within each month and prepares the program for approval.

Lodge celebrations

A Lodge Moot usually takes place chiefly within the hosting Lodge's grounds and may be smaller than an Equinox or Solstice celebration. Members of every Lodge are welcome. The program introduces the hosting Lodge's character and role within the School through discussion, workshops, and activities connected with its element and associations.

The hosting Prefect is responsible for seeing that the celebration takes place. Other members of Apprentice Leadership, particularly the Captaincy, can provide advice and practical help. Prefects should also involve members of their own Lodge as presenters and organizers. A well-prepared Moot gives pupils experience in sharing knowledge and undertaking work on behalf of their community.

Equinox, Solstice, and additional Moots

The Captain is responsible for ensuring that the School-wide Equinox and Solstice celebrations take place. Apprentice Leadership works together on their preparation, with contributions from the different Lodges. The range of the program depends on that cooperation and on involving clubs, pupils, and Faculty who can contribute useful activities.

Apprentice Leadership may propose additional vGSW events. Before creating one, Leadership must submit a draft schedule and a brief description to the Master of Pupils for approval.

Preparing and approving a Moot

Every Moot must have a clear outline of its activities, discussion topics, and themes. Submit this to the Captain for review before the event takes place. After reviewing the proposal and providing feedback, the Captain forwards it to the Master of Pupils for final revision and approval. This process keeps the program consistent with the School's teaching and policies.

The hosting Prefect or Captain determines the structure of the proposed program. Include time for breaks, allow presenters realistic intervals, and give clubs and other contributors a clear understanding of their responsibilities. The following is an example planning outline, rather than the schedule of a current event. Actual notices supply the date, times, and applicable time zone.

Events in the wider community

School members also participate in organized public events, as contributors or observers. These gatherings have a formal program and may last one or more days. They offer opportunities to share knowledge, meet people beyond the School, and take part in the life of a wider community.

Although an event may be advertised to the whole School, attendance often depends on proximity to its location. The Bigfoot Festival in Whitehall is an example of a community event in which Grey School pupils and Faculty have participated.

Physical Conclaves

A Conclave is a structured School gathering planned months in advance. Its program brings Apprentices, Magisters, Faculty, and staff together for classes, ritual work, and other practical experiences within the Grey School curriculum. Conclaves are advertised across the School and may draw participants from a wide geographical area.

School Conclaves are held at Highspire, the physical campus in Whitehall, New York, and usually last three to seven days. Their length allows time for sustained practical work and for members to become acquainted through shared study and daily activity. The published event information sets out the particular program and arrangements.

Youth Apprentices attending School events must be accompanied by an adult over eighteen, preferably a legal guardian. Attendance with another family requires the appropriate signed waiver. Contact the Master of Pupils for the details before making arrangements. Highspire's visitor guidance and the conditions of the particular Conclave also apply.

Merit eligibility for Moots and Conclaves is described in the Challenge and Merit System. Organizers and participants should consult those requirements in advance where an outline, approval, or other evidence is required.