Observing with the VLA for University Classes

We have formalized a program for university classes in observational astronomy to obtain small amounts of VLA or VLBA observing time as an integral part of their class time. Typically we will allot two hours per class. A requirement for granting this time will be a statement from the instructor that at least ten classroom hours or equivalent contact time will be devoted to the observing project.

In order to apply for this time, a short request of one or two paragraphs should be sent by e-mail to Barry Clark and Jim Ulvestad. This request should include a description of the class, the time period when it will meet, and the most desirable date for time to be assigned, as well as the statement that ten classroom hours will be devoted to the project.

The time for classes will be coordinated with the time given for regular scientific observing proposals, and will be scheduled at LSTs where the latter have the least demand for the instrument. The instructor will be notified of the particular time slot allocated 2 - 6 weeks in advance, and should reply stating what will be observed in the time, before the actual observing. We also will require a short report on the outcome of the project, either written jointly by the class or the best of the project reports tendered by the students as part of their classwork.