TCBG Cluster Workshop

Frequently Asked Questions

Contacts:

* Please first try e-mail to reach the workshop contacts. *

Please contact workshop+cluster@ks.uiuc.edu, so that your question can be directed to the TCBG member best able to respond.  If a matter is particularly urgent, contact David Brandon, Manager, TCBG, or Tim Skirvin, Senior Systems Administrator, TCBG:

David Brandon
Phone: 217-265-6480
Fax: 217-244-6078

Tim Skirvin
Phone: 217-244-1855

Registration and Fees

Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: No.  There are no fees associated with the workshop.

Q: Does the workshop provide any financial aid?
A: Unfortunately we are unable to provide any financial assistance.

Travel/Transportation

Q: I am not sure whether I could legally stay in the US for the workshop without a visa, or if this is not the case, what visa I would need. Do you know what the current regulations are and can you sponsor my visa application?
A: Please check all US entry-related matters on your end, as different countries have different immigration agreements with the US. We are not able to help with the entry process to the US. As of October 26, 2004, there are some changes that international travelers to the U.S. should be aware of.  For the latest information about obtaining visas, visit the web site:  http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html

Q: What airport should I fly to?
A: Willard airport in Champaign is the closest airport (10 min. driving) to the campus of university of Illinois. You can also fly to Chicago O'Hare airport (3 hr. driving to Champaign), to Indianapolis International airport (2 hr. driving), or to Bloomington, IL (45 min.). From Willard airport you can take Taxi (about $12) or Bus to the campus. From other airports, please check this question for the shuttle information.

Q: Is there any shuttle service between Chicago/Indianapolis airports and the University campus?
A: Yes. Bluebird Charter Coach and LEX (Lincolnland Express) provide shuttle services from Chicago O'Hare, Midway airports and Indianapolis International airport to our campus. You need to make a reservation beforehand. From Chicago area you may also check Suburban Express, Baldwin Shuttle and Greyhound for transportation to Champaign-Urbana

Housing/Accommodations

Q: Is housing provided by the workshop?
A: Participants who need it must arrange their own housing.  The closest hotel to the Beckman Institute is the Hampton Inn, you may also check other hotels located in Champaign or Urbana.

Dining

Q: Are there catered breaks during the workshop?
A: No, participants are on their own during breaks.

Q: Where can I eat?
A: There are many restaurants with good price in the campus town within a few minutes walking distance. Please check Champaign/Urbana restaurant guide for more information. We estimate meals cost about $20 to $30 daily.

Miscellaneous

Q: Am I registered as a UIUC student for the workshop?
A: No. The workshop participants are not legally registered as students at UIUC. Attending the workshop is comparable to participation in any conference or a professional meeting and does not establish any formal association with UIUC.

Q:  Will I have internet access at the Beckman Institute?
A:  UIUC students will have access to the campus network; visitors from outside of the campus community may not have access.