U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

How far is the airport from the Clarion Hotel and the Eastern Management Development Center? Is there a shuttle? What is the cost?
Dulles Airport in approximately 65 miles from the Clarion Hotel. It takes about an hour and half each direction during normal traffic and road/weather conditions. The Clarion Shuttle is $78.50. The Clarion Hotel also has a partnership with the National Conservation Training Centers (NCTC) to provide a shuttle to and from Dulles Airport for all Eastern Management Development Center guests at a fee of $35 each way.

Can my spouse or guest accompany me?
Yes, but it is not recommended due to the intense nature of our seminars. For each additional night you elect to stay beyond the term of the Seminar, you will be charged the government rate for the hotel which is $84 plus tax per night. For specific information please call Angie Kutcher, Clarion Hotel EMDC Liaison, at (304) 870-7021.

Can I stay in the hotel any additional nights not included in the tuition?
For those participants not based in the Washington, D.C. area and its surrounding environment, who cannot arrive in time for class on opening day, the Eastern Management Development Center will provide one additional night's stay as part of your attendance at the Seminar. For each additional night you elect to stay beyond the term of the Seminar, you will be charged the government rate of $63.00, plus tax per night. Please note on your lodging and transportation sheet any additional nights along with your Governmentwide Purchase Card number. For further information please call Angie Kutcher, Clarion Hotel EMDC Liaison, at (304) 870-7021.
(Do not use your personal credit card to purchase training or services from this website.)

Do I need a rental car?
Transportation is not required as the Clarion Hotel, the Eastern Management Development Center, and the hotel's health club are co-located in the same complex. Shuttle service is provided between Dulles Airport and the EMDC. If your agency has authorized a rental car, one can be rented at your arrival airport or the Clarion Hotel. Many participants get together to rent a car for weekend trips. Enterprise Rental has weekend discounts available for Clarion Hotel guests, and parking is free at the hotel and the center.

How far is Shepherdstown, WV, from Washington DC?
Shepherdstown is approximately 85 miles from downtown Washington DC.

How do I find out about course content?
There are a number of ways. Our course catalog and this Web site both have course content as part of the course description. The Program Director of the specific class can answer in depth questions about the curriculum. The Program Coordinator can answer logistical questions.

How can I access my email while I am at the EMDC?
If your agency has set up Web-based email, you can access that email from the computers in the EMDC's Technology Center, all of which have internet access. If your agency does not have Web-based email (i.e., if you have to dial in to a separate number to connect), then you will have to do it through the telephone jack in your hotel room; the Clarion Hotel Front Desk will assist you if you have problems connecting. The telephone lines in the Center are digital phone lines; these will not work with analog modems, and trying to connect through these lines could damage your modem. There is also Wi-Fi connection availability throughout the EMDC if you choose to bring your laptop or notebook with you.

What is the weather like?
The Eastern Panhandle of WV is approximately 85 miles west of Washington DC and located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. Therefore, the weather in Shepherdstown, WV, is similar to weather in DC, but often a few degrees cooler. Even in summer the evenings can be cool, so it would be advisable to bring along a sweater during the summer.

Is there evening work? What is there to do in the evenings and weekends?
Normally there are no formal sessions in the evenings or weekends. However, participants should be prepared to meet with their presentation teams/consulting groups during evening hours. Shepherdstown and the Eastern Panhandle have much to offer in the way of entertainment. Participants often get together for sightseeing, movies, shopping - the Prime Outlets in Hagerstown, MD, are approximately 15 miles from the EMDC, and Charles Town Races and Slots is less than ten miles away. In the spring, summer, and fall, the B&O Canal towpath is a delightful place for hiking or bike-riding, and there is nearby skiing during the winter months. The Clarion Hotel Front Desk can provide further information. And please follow this link: http://www.shepherdstownvisitorscenter.com/, for a complete overview of events in this area.

Will I receive Per Diem?
The tuition for your course covers all meals and lodging so the per diem is $3.00/day for incidentals, depending upon your agency.

Where can my agency purchase a seminar registration and how do we get billed for class attendance?
To apply for participation in Management Development Center seminars contact your agency Training Officer. You can also enter a registration request online on this website. For information about registering for MDC seminars, call 304-870-8008 or email us at register@opm.gov. You will be directed to the National Sales Representative who works with your agency. Tuition that is covered by a training document will be billed at the end of the course. If a purchase card is used for registration it will be processed at the time of registration.

What is the dress code?
The dress code is casual: slacks and open collar shirts are the usual attire. We want you to be comfortable while you're here. Bring athletic wear for working out.

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