Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Contacts:

Please first try e-mail to reach the workshop contacts. workshop+GPU_Aug2010@ks.uiuc.edu.

If a matter is particularly urgent, contact David Brandon, Manager, TCBG:
Phone: 217-265-6480
Fax: 217-244-6078

Registration and Fees

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

Q: What is covered in the registration fee?
A: There is no registration fee. Workshop materials and other instructional costs are provided. However, meals are not included.

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 processes 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.

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.

Q: What are the city bus schedules?
A: Search the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit CUMTD bus site.

Q: How about renting a bicycle?
A: There are local options for bike rental, click here to read about bike rental options.

Q: How do I get from the Hampton Inn to the Beckman Institute?
A: The Beckman Institute is across the street (University Avenue) from the Hampton Inn, to the right of the parking garage you see when you exit the front of the Hampton Inn. Once you have crossed University Avenue, follow Mathews Avenue south and turn right to follow the circular drive to the doors of the Beckman Institute (see also this google map).

Housing/Accommodations

Q: Where should I stay?
A: Participants are on their own to pay for their housing. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn on 1200 W. University Avenue, Urbana, Illinois, across from the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology which houses the Theoretical and Computational Biophysics Group. Names of selected participants will be passed along to the Hampton Inn; those participants will need to provide credit card information directly to the hotel to secure their room. Other housing options may need to be found for participants enrolling after July 10. Additional housing options can be found here.

Dining

Q: Where can I eat near the hotel and the Beckman Institute?
A: There are restaurants with good prices within a few minutes walking distance of the hotel and the Beckman Institute - click here for a list and map. Also check the Champaign/Urbana restaurant guide for more information. We estimate meals cost $20 to $30 daily.

Miscellaneous

Q: Am I registered as a University of Illinois 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.