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Frequently Asked Questions

Professional Development Conference for Undergraduate Seniors Interested in Graduate Training in Family and Child Sciences

What will I need to pay for?

There will be no cost for attending the conference. ASU’s School of Social and Family Dynamics will be paying for all of your travel-related expenses, as well as lodging and meals. The only out-of-pocket expenses will be any personal items you would like to purchase during your stay.

How will I be reimbursed for travel-related expenses I’ve incurred?

There may be some expenses you have to pay for out of your own pocket (like parking at the airport, shuttle to the airport). You will receive a form that you will need to fill out and mail back to us with your original receipts after returning home from the conference. It will take approximately 2-3 weeks to process your completed form, upon which a check will be mailed to your permanent address.

What will I need to bring to the airport?

Please bring a photo ID that matches the name on your airline ticket, along with a copy of your emailed confirmation.

How will travel to and from my home airport be arranged?

Each student is responsible for arranging his or her own transportation to and from their home airport. If there are other students who are traveling from the same airport, you will be informed of this in an email from the Event Coordinator. Remember that you will be reimbursed for any travel-related expenses, including cab/shuttle/bus rides to and from your home airport, as well as meals.

Where will I be staying?

Reservations have already been made for all the students attending the conference at the Marriott Courtyard Tempe Downtown hotel. Their phone number is (480) 966-2800, and you can learn more by visiting http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxte-courtyard-tempe-downtown/.

Can I choose my roommate for the conference?

Because one of the goals of the conference is to give students the opportunity to connect and network with other students and professionals, students from different schools will be placed together.

How will I get to the hotel after arriving in Phoenix?

Upon your arrival to Phoenix, please call the Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Tempe at (480) 966-2800 after picking up your luggage. After calling the Marriott, a shuttle will take you to the hotel. The Marriott will also advise you where to go from baggage claim to meet the shuttle outside. Please call the Event Coordinator, Kourtney Greving (480-965-4233), if you have any questions or concerns once you arrive in Phoenix. You will be sent a wallet-sized business card with important phone numbers - please remember to take this with you to the airport so that you have it when you arrive in Phoenix.

When will I receive a program schedule for the conference?

You will be emailed an itinerary in early September and the updated itinerary will be posted online.

What if I arrive before check-in on Friday or my flight leaves after check-out on Sunday?

Your rooms are guaranteed ready by 3:00pm on Friday and you will need to check out of the hotel by 12:00pm on Sunday. The Marriott hotel, however, has agreed to hold your baggage if you have extra time before the conference on Friday or afterwards on Sunday. The Downtown Tempe district, within walking distance from the hotel, offers shopping, restaurants, and a movie theater.

How will I get from the hotel to the airport on Sunday?

The same Marriott shuttle that picked you up from the airport on Friday will take you to the airport on Sunday. You will need to let the front desk know on Saturday which shuttle you plan to take on Sunday. The shuttle leaves on the half hour.

What is the weather like in Arizona in late September?

In September, the weather will still be warm. The average high temperature during the month is 99 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. September also marks the end of our monsoon rainy season. While Arizona’s monsoons are mild, you may want to bring an umbrella as there is still occasional rainfall in late September.

What type of clothing should I bring?

The conference is casual, so bring comfortable and appropriate clothing. Although there will not be a lot of walking, you may want to bring comfortable shoes.

What if my address or phone number changes?

Please let the Event Coordinator know if any of your contact information changes at any point. She can be reached at Heidi.Haggas@asu.edu or at (480) 965-4233.

What if I have certain dietary restrictions or a physical handicap?

If you have dietary restrictions, a physical handicap, or any other special needs, please let the Event Coordinator know so that we can properly accommodate you.

What do I need to bring and what do I need to do to prepare for the conference?

The conference is designed to inform students about graduate training in family and child sciences. You will be listening to experienced faculty and graduate students from the School of Social and Family Dynamics give you insights into the field and into the process of applying for graduate school and being successful in graduate school. The only thing we ask of you is to take advantage of this opportunity ? ask questions, engage in discussions, take notes, and be an active participant. That is what graduate school is about ? those students who are engaged and involved are usually the most successful.

The environment is designed to make this a casual but meaningful experience. We hope to offer this conference every year and we would appreciate any feedback you might have on how to improve things. You will be given an evaluation form at the end to provide such feedback.

Come prepared to learn and take part in this unique opportunity. You were selected because of your accomplishments and interests. This conference should help make you a better applicant and graduate student. You also will meet students from all over the world who are interested in the same things. It is a chance to network and learn from them as well. The more you are involved, the more you will get out of it.