MLAG 2025 Frequently Asked Questions
In-Person MLAG Questions
What should I know about your COVID policy for the 2025 Gathering?
Attendees at MLAG 2025 will not be required to provide proof of vaccination or to use masking, but are strongly encouraged to follow the current CDC guidelines for primary vaccinations and for updating vaccinations based on their risk group. Attendees are expected to follow current CDC guidelines for Isolation and Precautions for People with Covid-19 if they test positive prior to arriving or while attending the Gathering.
When is the Gathering?
The main gathering is Wednesday 6/4/25 through Sunday 6/8/25. We offer pre-Gathering classes at an extra charge on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Where is the Gathering held?
We meet at Shippensburg University, in Shippensburg, PA. See our page on directions which includes a campus map. We are scheduled to be in Naugle dorm in 2025.
What is included in the Gathering?
Workshops, concerts, a contest. jamming, a vendor area, and fun with musical friends! Here is a sample schedule.
Where do I stay?
We offer on-campus shared dorm rooms with 2 people to a room and one in-room bathroom per room. If you do not want to share a room, limited private rooms are available. Of course, you can also stay off campus in a hotel or campground of your choosing in the area.
Are Meals included?
If you’re staying in a dorm room, meals are included in your dorm cost. If you’re not in a dorm room, you can purchase meals at the cafeteria counter with a credit card.
Can I camp?
Limited dry camping is available on campus, but there are no electrical hookups, water hookups, or sewer hookups. We do have bathrooms and showers available for campers a short walk from the camping area. You’re camping in a parking lot if you’re in an RV, or a grassy area if you’re in a tent.
Is the Gathering accessible for those with limited mobility?
All buildings and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Virtual MLAG Questions
What is included in Virtual MLAG?
Workshops, concerts, contest and virtual social hours; see a sample schedule .
What do I need to attend Virtual MLAG?
You will need a computer, tablet, or phone with the latest version of the Zoom software.
When can I sign up?
Registration will open May 1, 2025.
What if the workshop or concert times aren’t convenient for me?
You can watch recorded versions of the workshops up to 3 weeks after the gathering, concerts can only be seen live and are not recorded.
Can I cancel my Virtual MLAG order?
See our Virtual MLAG order policy.
In-Person or Virtual, which should I pick?
Events
In-Person
Virtual
Workshops
Concerts
Contest
Autoharp Toss
Silent Auction
Bazaar
Jams
Social Hours
Travel
Lodging
Cost
Flexible Viewing
Workshop Materials
Full List
Full List
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Full Cost
No
Yes
Selected List
Full List
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Very Economical
Yes (workshops only)
Selected List
In-Person
Workshops – Full List
Concerts – Full List
Contest – Yes
Autoharp Toss – Yes
Silent Auction – Yes
Bazaar – Yes
Jams – Yes
Social Hours – Yes
Travel – Yes
Lodging – Yes
Cost – Full Cost
Flexible Viewing – No
Workshop Materials – Yes
Virtual
Workshops – Selected List
Concerts – Full List
Contest – Yes
Autoharp Toss – No
Silent Auction – No
Bazaar – No
Jams – No
Social Hours – Yes
Travel – No
Lodging – No
Cost – Very Economical
Flexible Viewing – Workshops Only
Workshop Materials – Selected List
Registration and Orders
What is Early Bird pricing?
Early Bird pricing is in effect until February 15. Full Ticket pricing begins February 16.
What forms of payment do you accept?
For the 2025 Gathering, we only accept major credit or debit cards; Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, or JCB. We do NOT accept PayPal, checks, or money orders.
Can I pay with an International Credit Card?
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB. Depending on the country you’re in, you may be required to use your card PIN or to use Secure3D with your card, as all transactions are completed as a US transaction, you may need to let your bank know you’re making an international purchase.
Can I change or cancel my registration?
You can cancel or change your in-person registration until 11:59 pm on May 22, 2025. After that date, no refunds or changes are available due to the nonrefundable costs from Shippensburg University. Please see our terms and conditions for the full details.
Why is travel insurance a good idea?
Travel insurance may provide protection against late cancellation or other travel-related issues. Policy coverage differs greatly, many policies have minimum travel distance requirements, and not all policies include cancellation coverage for any reason. Travel Insurance Dot Com is a site where you can compare and purchase travel insurance policies. If you choose to insure, make certain that the policy covers what you need.
What is a Facilities Use Fee?
This fee covers the University’s charge to us for the use of the CUB and other related services and is the same for all attendees irrespective of the time on campus. It is included in the dorm fee.
What are the ticket options?
-
- Full Ticket: includes all workshops, concerts and events from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday closing.
- Weekend Ticket: includes all workshops, concerts and events from Friday noon through Sunday closing.
- Full Non-Workshop Participant Ticket: includes concerts and special events but not workshops from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday closing.
- Weekend Non-Workshop Participant Ticket: includes concerts and special events but not workshops from Friday afternoon through Sunday closing.
- Child Under 16 Ticket: includes all activities for the period of time they are on campus.
- Pre-Gathering Class Only Ticket: is good for the Tuesday all day/Wednesday morning level focused class. It does not include any of the main Gathering events.
Lodging and Meals
How are roommates assigned?
Book one of the two Twin XL beds in a dorm room. You will share the room with one other paying person. If you wish to room with a specific person, you will both need to list each other on your registration forms. If you do not list a specific roommate, we will randomly assign someone of your same gender to room with you.
Can I have a private room?
Book a whole room for yourself, no sharing! You will pay a supplemental fee that covers the cost of the second bed, but not the second set of meals.
What are the rooms like?
The rooms are in a modern dormitory, but they don’t have a lot of amenities, all dorm rooms have two twin XL beds, two sinks, two desks, two chairs, two dressers, two closets, one single private bathroom, air conditioning, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
What should I plan to bring?
We have a limited number of linen packages available for rent that include a twin extra-long sheet set, pillow, blanket, bath towel, hand towel and washcloth. If you do not rent a linen package, you must bring your own linens and pillow. Other things that are NOT provided in the dorm rooms are soap, shampoo & conditioner, cups, and night light. Other optional items you may find useful if it’s possible for you to bring them are a shower caddy, clothes hangers, sleep mask, non-skid bathmats (one for the shower and one to use as a mat), desk lamp, and mattress pad. Walmart and Dollar Store are approximately 2 miles from campus. The University bookstore also has a good selection of toiletries.
Can I arrive on Monday even if I don’t want to take a pre-Gathering class?
Most definitely! Simply register for the Full Gathering Ticket and, when the housing section of registration comes up, choose the Monday through Sunday option. Arriving on Monday gives you an opportunity to meet up with other attendees and get some extra time to jam.
What are the camping arrangements?
Bring your tent, camper, or RV. There are no hookups (water, electric, or sewer); you will have access to bathrooms and showers in the dorm. A one-time facility use fee per person in each party will be charged. MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS OPTION. People not staying in the dorm can use a credit or debit card (no cash accepted) to purchase meals at the dining hall.
Can I stay off-site?
You can stay where you like off-campus, and pay a one-time facility use fee per person, MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS OPTION. People not staying in the dorm can use a credit or debit card (no cash accepted) to purchase meals at the dining hall.
Meals
Dorm dwellers get a hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, starting with dinner on the day of arrival and ending with lunch on Sunday. People not staying in the dorm can use a credit or debit card (no cash accepted) to purchase meals at the dining hall. All meals are cafeteria-style; multiple food options are available at each meal, including vegetarian and gluten-free.
Where do the jams take place?
There are lots of outdoor spaces and every floor of the dorm has 3 or 4 good sized common areas that can be used. During the day you may also jam in any of the unused classrooms in the CUB.
Campus Facts
How far is it from the dorm to the dining hall?
Our estimate is about 300 yards to the dining hall and about 25 more to the concert/workshop space in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB). There is a very wide, fairly level sidewalk and all entrances have accessibility ramps. If you feel you are unable to walk that distance while carrying your autoharps, consider bringing a rolling cart or mobility aid. See a campus map.
Are there rental mobility aids?
Yes, Med Mobility in Chambersburg will deliver and pick up scooters and wheelchairs. See the Med Mobility website. ALL ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE BETWEEN YOU AND THE COMPANY.
How far is it from the dorm to the library/Starbucks?
It is about 600 yards and, again, fairly flat.
What about parking?
Permanent parking is located behind Naugle dorm at the back door and there is an elevator immediately inside the back door of the dorm. Several large laundry carts are available in the dorm to assist with baggage transfer. Once you have everything you need in your dorm room, a car is not necessary during the week unless you want to go to town.