Frequently Asked Questions
What/Who is M.A.R.D.I. G.R.A.S.?
M.A.R.D.I. G.R.A.S. stands for Making a Real Difference in Gulf Regions and Areas Surrounding.
Check out our About Us to learn more about our history!
Is M.A.R.D.I. G.R.A.S. religious?
No, M.A.R.D.I. G.R.A.S. is a nondenominational organization.
What is your Drug and Alcohol Policy?
NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL WILL BE TOLERATED ON ANY AND ALL TRIPS
If caught violating the drug and alcohol policy the student will be sent home at their own expense.
How many trips are there per year?
There are 5 trip cycles a year.Trips are in August before school starts, during the Fall semester, January before school starts, Spring Break, and May after finals! Lots of options to participate :)
Where does M.A.R.D.I. G.R.A.S. currently travel to?
We are sending Marquette students to
Panama City, FL
Fort Myers, FL
New Orleans, LA
Houston, TX
Milwaukee. WI
Service days/ Fall Trip
When do trip applications go out?
We will send out an email and post on our social medias when apps go out!
MARQUETTEMARDIGRAS@GMAIL.COM is the best way to be notified when applications are live.
Not on the newsletter? Give us an email and we’ll add you!
INSTAGRAM: @MU_MARDIGRAS
FACEBOOK: MARQUETTE MARDI GRAS
Are the applications really blind?
YES!!!!! The only person that is able to see names is the Vice President of Administration. This is only because they are in charge of transferring the apps to be blind in order for coordinators to read them.
*Integrity and accountability are prioritized in our app process.
Where do I apply?
Trip applications are found on the website you are on now!
Who can apply?
Any undergraduate Marquette student.
What does a typical day look like on a M.A.R.D.I. G.R.A.S. trip ?
7 AM Wake up
9 AM Start Work
12 PM Lunch Break
4 PM End Work
5 PM Community Outreach
7 PM Dinner/showers
Free time: Speakers, reflection, exploration of city!
What kind of work do you do on trips?
Drywalling
Installation
Mudding
Demolition
Flooring
Sustainability Projects
Painting
Finishing Touches
How do you get to the cities/ do you stop anywhere to stay the night?
Minivans that we rent from Enterprise!!
*We drive straight through the night and stop every 4 (or less if driver or co-pilot is tired) to switch. The co-pilot is required to stay awake.
Our group leaders and executive board members are trained in University-approved emergency protocol; therefore, we will constantly be checking the weather and will make smart, safe decisions accordingly.
Participants who are not comfortable driving at night (or at all) are encouraged to inform their group leaders.
Unfortunately, there’s no perfect way to travel, but we have confidence in the proactive safety measures we have in place to continue making our travel a positive experience, as it has been since our founding in 2006.
Who runs the trips?
M.A.R.D.I. G.R.A.S. is a student run, student led organization. Each trip cycle, there are 2 coordinators per city that work with the Executive Board to plan logistics.
How does financial aid assistance work?
When applying there is an option to click to be considered for need based assistance.
*Needing it WILL NOT affect your placement on the trip.
How much does it cost to go on a M.A.R.D.I. G.R.A.S. trip?
Trip fee is dependent on number of participants attending. However this past year it has been $200-$220 for the week.
What does the trip fee cover?
Housing, rental of Enterprise vans, majority of meals and if the nonprofit or organization we work with charges a volunteer fee.
Have a question?
Email us at marquettemardigras@gmail.com! We would love to chat :)