Bread Loaf Writers' Guest Page
Dear Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference Guests,
We’re looking forward to seeing you in August!
Below you will find details about the information and materials we will need in order to prepare for your visit.
Thank you for taking a close look at the information noted here and submitting the materials requested. If you think of any questions, please let us know.
Noreen Cargill, Administrative Director
Jason Lamb, Coordinator
Forms Required for Honorarium Payment
1. W9 and Contract
Guests are processed as independent contractors through Accounts Payable. Please complete thetwo forms below and return them to us by Friday, July 17
These two forms are fillable online. To complete the document on your computer (1) download the document; (2) save the document with a new title, such as your name; (3) open the saved copy not the downloaded copy; (4) select “fill and sign” on the right of the PDF; (5) complete the document and save and return to us by email or mail.
Please be sure to list your name in the same way on both documents.
Please note that the dates on the Limited Engagement Agreement reflect the dates of the entire conference, not specifically the dates you will be visiting Bread Loaf.
The payment will be processed following the session. Payments are sent by check or direct deposit (see the direct deposit option included on the W9).
Please send the W9 and contract by email or mail:
Email: blwc@middlebury.edu
Mail: Bread Loaf Writers’ Conferences, Middlebury College, 204 College Street, Middlebury, VT 05753
2. Online Information Form
Please submit this online form so we receive it by Friday, July 17.
In order to complete the form, you should have the following on hand:
- Short bio that will be distributed to participants
- Photo that will be distributed to participants
- Emergency contact information
- License plate number (if driving to Bread Loaf)
Conference Materials and Upcoming Deadlines
- Guest Handbook: The handbook includes a packing list, information about your meetings, and WiFi access, among other details.
- Initial Schedule of Meetings: August 7, 2026
A Middlebury Email For Guests
New this year, Bread Loaf guests will be assigned a temporary Middlebury email for use during the conference. Bread Loaf staff will continue to use the personal emails on file for conference communications, but the Middlebury email will be necessary to: access the measles proof-of-immunity form before the conference and then while on campus to access Wi-Fi and to use and print from the computers in the Library.
During the week of July 20, Bread Loaf guests will receive a Middlebury email activation note sent to the email that we have on file for them. Please be sure to activate your Middlebury email upon receipt so you can use it to access the Measles proof-of-immunity upload form. As mentioned earlier, a Measles proof-of-immunity document is required in order to take part in the conference this summer. Please see more details in the Health section below.
Health and Safety on Campus this Summer
Update Regarding Covid-19 Protocols
We received a final clarification regarding Covid-19 protocols for August and are sharing it here. As a program of Middlebury College, the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference follows Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Vermont Department of Health (VDH) guidance regarding Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses; and it is not possible for the Conference to require certain things, such as masking, testing, isolation housing, or workshop attendance via Zoom. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Bread Loaf staff.
Measles Vaccination Requirement
As we move into summer and welcome a whole new group of faculty, guests, and students to the Middlebury College campuses, it is especially important to protect your health and that of the campus community. Measles cases have been recently documented in Vermont and are rising both domestically and internationally. For this reason, documented proof of measles immunity or an official vaccination exemption is required for all summer attendees. There are no exceptions to this requirement. More details will be shared in the time leading up to the conference, including the process for demonstrating immunity or submitting an exemption, frequently asked questions for summer programs, and access to a secure form for uploading your proof-of-immunity document. (The Middlebury email mentioned above will be used to access the secure form for uploading the proof-of-immunity document.)
In the meantime, we want to share the below to help attendees with planning. Valid proof of immunity means one of the following is true and you have provided the associated information to Middlebury via the forthcoming secure upload form (all documentation must be in English or accompanied by an English translation):
- You have provided valid documentation of at least one dose of measles vaccine, ideally received at least two weeks before your program start date.
- You have provided valid documentation of blood test results showing immunity against measles (Measles IgG test).
- You have provided valid documentation of blood test results showing that you were previously diagnosed with measles.
- Your date of birth is prior to January 1, 1957, you are assumed to be immune, and you have attested to this on the form and uploaded a document that includes your date of birth.
Exemptions are for those who should not take the vaccine for medical reasons or who may not on religious grounds. Students seeking approved exemptions must complete a required exemption form that will be made available in advance of the conference.
Notes:
—Those who attended a Bread Loaf conference in 2024 or 2025 and already received official approval for a proof-of-immunity document have fulfilled the requirement for this summer.
—Individuals born prior to January 1, 1957 are assumed to be immune to Measles and do not have to provide proof of immunity; instead of uploading a proof of immunity document via the secure form, these individuals will provide a document showing their date of birth.
You’ll find more details about Measles and the College’s approach on Middlebury’s Measles information website.
Community Guidelines
Bread Loaf fosters communities where open-mindedness, respect, and appreciation are truly valued and where each person can thrive and benefit from their time on the mountain. Before your arrival, please take time to read the Bread Loaf Community Guidelines. In order to participate fully during the conference, all are expected to read and be familiar with the information included there.
Middlebury College Policies
In support of our community effort to promote a campus and workplace environment that is safe and welcoming for all Middlebury students, faculty, guests, and staff, we ask that you review the Middlebury College Policies. Please plan to review this important information before your arrival on campus this summer.
Should you have any comments, questions, or concerns in the time leading up to or during the conference, please let us know by contacting one of the Bread Loaf staff members below:
Jennifer Grotz, Director, jgrotz@middlebury.edu
Lauren Francis-Sharma, Assistant Director, lfrancissharma@middlebury.edu
Noreen Cargill, Administrative Director, ncargill@middlebury.edu
Jason Lamb, Coordinator, jlamb@middlebury.edu
Arrival and Departure
Please refer to the arrival and departure dates you have confirmed with Bread Loaf staff.
Bread Loaf Guests should check in at the Front Desk of the Bread Loaf Inn upon arrival to get your housing information. Then, look for us in the Bread Loaf Inn Back Office (located at the back of the building). We’ll have your guest folder. The folder will contain details about the conference including a schedule of conference events. Note: If you will arrive later than 5 p.m., please call the Bread Loaf office at 802-443-5286 to let us know.
Travel Information
Please see the Travel Page for driving directions, details on how to make taxi arrangements, travel from the Burlington Airport to the Bread Loaf campus, and other information.