Registration • Preparing for the Conference • During the Conference • Information for Administrators

Registration
What is the cost of registration?
Costs:

Regular Registration (April 13 – May 15, 2013)

• Residential conference registration — $445
• Commuter conference registration — $325

What is included in the registration fee?
NCCWSL residential and commuter registration includes:

Conference programming –Opening Session, Group Networking, the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony & Reception, Movie Night, Keynote Speakers, the Graduate School Fair, Workshops, Friday Night in D.C. , and Closing Session.

Scheduled Meals –The meals included in registration are lunch and dinner on Thursday, May 30, breakfast and lunch on Friday, May 31, and breakfast on Saturday, June 1.

Transportation–NCCWSL provides free bus transportation on Friday night (7pm – midnight) for participants to visit Washington, D.C. Additionally, there are free buses available on Saturday after the conference to/from Washington D.C.’s Union Station (noon – 4pm) and to the Greenbelt Metro station (noon – 3pm).

NCCWSL residential registration additionally includes:
Housing–Registrants receive housing for two nights (Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31). Extra nights’ housing can be added on Wednesday, May 29 and/or Saturday, June 1 for an additional $60 each night.

NOTE: The registration does not include:
The pre-conference activities available on the morning of Thursday, May 30. All residential and commuter attendees can register for any one pre-conference activity for an additional $25.

May I stay on campus for additional nights?
Yes. Housing for two additional nights — Wednesday, May 29, before the conference, and Saturday, June 1, after the conference — will be available for an additional $60 per night.

May graduate students attend the conference?
Absolutely! Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to attend.

May international students attend the conference?
Yes, of course. International students are welcome and encouraged to attend the conference. In 2012 alone, women from as far away as the West Indies, Guam, and the West Indies attended the conference.

If I’m not in college, can I attend the conference?
Undergraduate and graduate women are the intended audience of the conference. If you are, however, entering your freshman year of college, or are a recent college graduate of any degree, the conference will still offer a wonderful experience. We do welcome college men, as “allies”, to attend the conference as well.

Where will I stay during the conference?
The residential conference registration fee includes housing, in a dormitory, at the University of Maryland, College Park, for two nights — Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31. Although there is no daily housekeeping service, bed and bath linens will be provided, and clean towels may be requested daily. Please also note that the University of Maryland’s dorm accommodations come in double, triple, and quadruple rooms.

Commuter registration does not provide housing.

If I do not make a roommate request, will I have my own room?
We will do our best to satisfy all requests for specific roommates. If you do not request a roommate, however, someone will most likely be assigned to share a room with you. If you are an administrator, or have a special need for your own room, however, please request this in the “special needs” section of registration. Please also note that the University of Maryland’s dorm accommodations come in double, triple, and quadruple rooms.

Are family accommodations available?
There are no family accommodations available on campus. If you are accompanied by a spouse, or other family members, we recommend that you stay in a nearby hotel during the conference. Hotel accommodations are not included in your registration for the conference and cannot be substituted for housing at the University of Maryland. If you choose to stay at an off-campus hotel, be sure to register for the conference as a commuter attendee.

How do I apply for a NCCWSL national scholarship?
NCCWSL national scholarships will be available when early-bird registration opens. To apply, you will need to follow this process: Complete your online registration, and select the “NCCWSL national scholarship” button. You will then receive a confirmation e-mail with your NCCWSL national scholarship application attached to it. You will need to follow the instructions to complete the application, save it, and e-mail it to nccwsl@aauw.org by the deadline in order to be considered for a scholarship. All applicants will be notified as to whether they received an award. Scholarships cover all programming, scheduled meals, and housing for Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31. They also cover an optional pre-conference activity and optional additional nights on Wednesday, May 29 and/or Saturday, June 1. National NCCWSL Scholarships do not cover travel  expenses.

As a student, how can I raise money to attend?
Many students contact their local AAUW branch or state, and/or their university for funding. Please note that if you are receiving registration funding from one of these sources, you will not be eligible for a NCCWSL national scholarship. Learn more about local support and scholarship opportunities.

Who is eligible to apply for a NCCWSL national scholarship?
Any currently enrolled college student who registers for NCCWSL as an individual may apply for a scholarship to attend this event. Scholarships are available to both residential and commuter registrants. Scholarships are not available for those registered within a group. Nor are they available for students whose registration is being funded by other sources. Scholarship recipients are, however, encouraged to ask outside sources i.e. their college/university, AAUW states and branches, etc. for help to fund their travel expenses.

Are partial National NCCWSL Scholarships available?
No, there are no partial NCCWSL national scholarships.

What is the difference between NCCWSL national scholarships and local AAUW branch/state scholarships?
NCCWSL national scholarships are provided through the NCCWSL Scholarship Fund (#2504).Local branch/state scholarships are supported through AAUW branches and states in your area. With these local scholarships recipients’ receive funding directly from an AAUW branch/state. For a local scholarship please work with the branch/state directly.

What are pre-conference activities and how do I sign up for one?
Attendees may choose to participate in one of four pre-conference skill-building or community-service activities on the morning of Thursday, May 30. Registration for a pre-conference activity will incur an additional $25 to the basic registration fee. Because pre-conference activities begin at 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning, plan to either stay on campus Wednesday night (at the additional cost of $60) or have other accommodations that will allow you to be present for your scheduled activity.

Can I cancel my registration?
If you cancel your registration by Wednesday, May 15, 2013, you will receive a refund of the registration fee minus a $100 cancellation fee. After May 15, 2013, no refund will be processed. In order to cancel please contact us via e-mail at nccwsl@aauw.org or by phone at 800/326-2289.

Who should I contact for registration assistance?
Please contact nccwsl@aauw.org or call 800/326-2289.

Preparing for the Conference

What’s the schedule?
The 2013 schedule is posted online.

Which of the three airports in the area is the closest?
Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport to the University of Maryland, College Park.

What should I bring with me to the conference?

1. Bring clothing, personal toiletry items, and any prescription medications to last for the two-and-a-half day conference. Please see the dress code for clothing suggestions.
2. Bring spending money for local transportation, tourism activities, and meals not included in registration. Several dining options are available on and off campus.
3. Bring a camera to capture your NCCWSL memories.
4. Consider bringing business cards to hand out to all of your new contacts.
5. Bring an umbrella in case of summer showers.
6. You will be using communal bathrooms, so bring a bathrobe, shower shoes, and — if you wish — extra towels. The University of Maryland provides bed linens, a blanket, and pillows for your stay.

What is the dress code for the conference?
The recommended dress code for the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders is business casual. For all general conference sessions, you do not have to dress up in a formal dress or high heels. Consider nice pants, blouses, a suit, dress, or skirt for each day of the conference. Jeans, however, are not business casual attire. Wear comfortable dress shoes such as low heels, boots, or flats that you can walk in for a full day. For accessories, keep it simple.

For the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony and reception, please dress more formally; wear a full suit, dress, or skirt. This is a special evening, and participants will be meeting and networking with the Women of Distinction.

If you are participating in any of the community service events, dress comfortably and casually.

The Washington, D.C., area can be very warm and humid on summer days. It can, however, also get chilly at night. Please consider the weather forecast when planning your wardrobe.

How much money should I bring?
Bring enough money to cover any local transportation costs, such as taxi or Metro fares, and additional meals and tourism activities.

How can I prepare to attend the Graduate School Fair?
1) Bring a list of questions you want schools to answer.
2) Bring your resume and/or transcript if possible.
3) Decide who you want to see beforehand by viewing the floor plan.
4) Try to talk to as many schools as possible. Sometimes the right match is a school you never even considered!

What can I expect the weather to be like?
The weather in the Washington, D.C., area can range from quite pleasant to warm and humid during the early summer, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s during the day to the 60s at night. Rain is also likely, so please take these conditions into consideration when planning your wardrobe. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast at www.weather.com before you arrive.

Should I bring business cards?
We recommend that you bring business cards since you will be meeting hundreds of women from across the United States. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on them; instead, make them yourself at home. Learn about making your own business cards at http://office.microsoft.com/enus/help/HA011912461033.asp and http://support.microsoft.com/kb/170130. If you are a student and creating business cards for the first time, include: Your name, college/university, state in which your school is located, academic year, major, e-mail address, phone number, and any clubs or activities that you are involved in. Also indicate if you are on Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter so you can network online.

How close is the University of Maryland, College Park, to Washington, D.C.?
College Park, Maryland, is eight miles from Washington, D.C. There will be several opportunities during the conference, including the pre-conference sessions and Friday evening free time, to visit area sights. If you are interested in more time for touring the capital city, consider arriving before the conference or staying after it ends.

During the Conference

Will I have Internet access on campus?
Yes. You can request an Internet access code for wireless access when you check in. Internet access is available in most buildings (including Stamp Student Union), and at various “hotspots” around campus.

Do I really need to “fear the Turtle“?
You may be asking what the “turtle” is and why should you fear it. Testudo, the official mascot of the University of Maryland, is one of the University’s many traditions, and he is not your ordinary Diamondback terrapin. For more than 60 years, Testudo has been the symbol for the University of Maryland, College Park, and rubbing his nose is supposed to bring good luck (hence Testudo’s unusually shiny nose). Since the early 1990s, students have left Testudo offerings of any imaginable kind — food, soda, poems, computer disks, candy, flowers, coins — hoping that Testudo will bring them luck at final exam time. Replicas of Testudo can be found at five locations on campus, including the Stamp Student Union where NCCWSL is held.

May I use the University of Maryland, College Park, exercise facilities?
NCCWSL attendees may use the exercise facilities by displaying an access card (which they will receive at registration) at the Eppley Recreation Center member services desk. The per-day fee is $7.

Should I choose the workshops I want to attend before the conference?
No. You choose the workshops you wish to attend on the day the workshops are scheduled — Friday, May 31.

What are the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony and reception?
The Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony pays tribute to women leaders who have made extraordinary contributions in their professions and in their communities. The award winners are leaders in their fields, innovators of unique programs and services, and prime examples of women with lifelong commitments to promoting equity for women and girls. The reception immediately following the awards ceremony gives students the opportunity to meet and visit with the awardees.

Residential Parking
If you are staying in the University of Maryland residence halls, temporarily park in the reserved spots or pay station spots outside Queen Anne’s Hall.  If you are parked in reserved spots, you do not have to pay at the stations.  For your convenience, bring your luggage with you into registration in Queen Anne’s Hall and request a parking permit when you check in. You will receive instructions for parking your car in a long-term parking area at registration. After you check in, leave your luggage with the registration staff while you move your car to a valid long-term visitor parking lot. University of Maryland staff will direct you to the lot. Once you have parked your car, return to Queen Anne’s Hall to retrieve your luggage and proceed to your assigned residence hall.

 

Commuter Parking
If you are a commuter participant, park on the side of Queen Anne’s Hall temporarily for conference registration as instructed above. You will receive instructions for parking your car in a long-term parking area and directions to the Union Lane parking garage at registration.

Is a convenience store located on campus?
The Union Shop, which sells soft drinks, candy, snacks, sandwiches, Krispy Kreme donuts, newspapers, magazines, and sundries, is located in the Stamp Student Union but has limited hours during the summer. The Stamp Student Union is the location for all NCCWSL sessions.

A 7-Eleven store and a CVS pharmacy are located in downtown College Park within a 10–15- minute walk from the North Hill Residence Halls.

Is there food court on campus?
The food court on campus, which includes many options such as Chick-Fil-A, Saladworks, Taco Bell, and McDonald’s, is located on the first floor of the Stamp Student Union, which also includes a Coffee Bar, Subway, and the Union Shop. A number of other restaurants are located in downtown College Park.

Is there somewhere on campus to mail things?
Mailboxes Etc. is located in the Stamp Student Union, which is where all NCCWSL sessions will take place.

How can I spend my free time?
There are many options for spending your free time while at NCCWSL. Consider exploring the University of Maryland, College Park, campus or downtown College Park, or make your way to Washington, D.C. Be sure to plan your time wisely so that you are on campus for all NCCWSL events. Please note that some free time is built into the schedule on Friday night, and buses will be available to transport interested participants to downtown Washington, D.C. A list of suggested activities will be included in your conference welcome bag.

What medical services are available on campus?
The University Health Center is located across from the Stamp Student Union and is generally open during regular business hours Monday through Friday. In case of a medical emergency, call 911 from any campus phone or 301/405-3333 from a cell phone. For non-life threatening health concerns when the University Health Center is closed, call the After Hours NurseLine at 301/314-9386. Other options include the following local hospitals:

Area Hospitals
Washington Adventist Hospital
Main Hospital Number	301/891-7600
Emergency Dept.	301/891-5070
Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Main Number	301/868-8000
Emergency Services	301/877-4500
Prince George’s Hospital Center
Main Number	301/618-2000
TTY/TDD	301/618-3170
Emergency and Trauma Services	301/618-3162
Doctor’s Community Hospital
General Information	301/552-8118
Emergency Center	301/552-8665
Laurel Regional Hospital
Main Numbers TTY/TDD	301/725-4300
	410/792-2270
	301/490-7098
Emergency Services TTY/TDD	301/497-7954
	301/497-8775

How can I stay involved after the conference?
NCCWSL is just the beginning of the many ways you can be involved with AAUW and NASPA. AAUW offers many opportunities for students to participate in AAUW’s mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Check out some of the programs AAUW offers to students.

For instance, if your college or university is an AAUW college/university (c/u) partner member, you can join AAUW for FREE as a student affiliate and take advantage of discounts on textbooks and test preparation services. You can also continue to build your student leadership experience with programs such as Campus Action Projects, the Student Advisory Council, Elect Her, Legal Advocacy Fund Campus Outreach, and $tart $mart Salary Negotiation workshops.

NASPA also invites you to network with other undergraduate students and student affairs professionals from across the United States and around the world. Explore careers in student affairs and professional development opportunities through an Undergraduate Student Affiliate membership; the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP), a semi-structured mentoring program for undergraduate students; regional workshops and conferences; and any of NASPA’s 25 Knowledge Communities. Take your NCCWSL experience to the next level by joining NASPA today.

Frequently Asked Questions for Administrators Who Are Sending Student Leaders

What is the attendance at NCCWSL?
Nearly 600 students attend the conference.

How do students pay for the conference?
Most students are supported by their college/university and/or AAUW members, branches and states. To assist students with registration fees, AAUW headquarters also provides some National NCCWSL Scholarships.

As an administrator, can I send more than one student leader from my campus?
Yes, please do! Many institutions send several student leaders to the conference each year. We encourage campuses to identify a central administrator to coordinate student participation and registration and act as a clearinghouse for conference information. Additional discounts are available for AAUW college/university (c/u) partner members or NASPA members who register delegations of four or more students as a group.

Are any discounts available?
A 15 percent group registration discount will be available for AAUW college/university partner members and NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education members who register groups of four or more students.

How do I register a group of students?
To register a group of students, you will need to follow the instructions in the online registration.

I am an administrator/guardian accompanying a group of students from my college/university. What kind of lodging is available to me during the conference?
If you register as a residential conference attendee as an administrator/guardian accompanying a student group, you may request a single room in the ‘Special Needs” section of the online registration at no additional cost.

A number of affordable hotels are also located near the campus. Hotel accommodations are not included in your registration for the conference and cannot be substituted for housing at the University of Maryland. If you choose to stay at an off-campus hotel, be sure to register for the conference as a commuter attendee.

I am the point of contact for my campus. What has helped administrators in the past?
Here are tips from several administrators who have coordinated groups to attend the student leader’s conference:

• Write or call the deans on your campus and ask each one to fund one student to represent the school. Provide a copy of the conference program. Follow up with each one.
• Make sure your institution’s president knows of the conference. Stress the importance of women’s leadership and ask for full funding for at least one student.
• Make sure your institution’s vice president for student affairs knows of the conference. Ask for funding there, too.
• In March, gather all of the students on campus who are interested in attending the conference. Hold a strategy meeting with them about where they plan to find funding. Give them guidance about how to approach other administrators on your campus. If more than one student intends to ask the same student organization or administrator, discuss a strategy that will be effective in getting funding for all.
• Hold additional strategy meetings so that you can keep tabs on how your students are doing in getting funding.
• Many schools have had so many women attend the conference over the years that they have developed an extensive database of conference alumnae. One dean of students contacted these alumnae each year and asked them for small contributions to help fund students. Even conference alumnae who were still in school wrote checks for small amounts ($5 or $10) to help out. The funds grew until at least five women were totally funded by the NCCWSL alumnae fund each year.
• Contact your local AAUW branch. The branch may be willing to contribute financially or may be aware of local funding sources you can tap.
• Talk with your colleagues on nearby campuses. Joint car rental or rental of a bus could save on airfare and might be more efficient than flying if your campuses are reasonably close to the Washington, D.C. area.
• Help students with online airfare purchases, train or bus tickets, and other cost savers. Make sure they make reservations early to take advantage of advance purchase airfares.
• Attend the conference yourself. If your institution is sending several students, it may be useful for you to go along. Many sessions are relevant to the work of the women’s center, student affairs, and academic administrators.