Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How do I register for the conference?

Participants are invited to register here for the conference. You will first be prompted to login to our registration system either by using an existing account or by creating a new account. Once you login you will be brought through the registration form, where you will select the appropriate registration option.

How much does it cost to attend the conference?

The 3rd Biennial Conference on Intergroup Dialogue planning committee is pleased to offer this conference at cost, and thanks Five College, Inc and its member institutions for their generous contributions. Below are the pricing dates and fee structure:

Faculty, Staff, and General Public

∙ $289 - Early bird rate (prior to April 22, 2019, 11:59 p.m.)

∙ $329 - Regular rate (after April 22, 2019)

Students, K-12 Teachers, and Community Educators

∙ $99 - Early bird rate (prior to April 22, 2019, 11:59 p.m.)

∙ $129 - Regular rate (after April 22, 2019)

Payment is accepted online by credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover), or you can select to mail payment by check. For additional registration/payment related assistance, please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Office (413) 577-8102.

Is funding support available to help cover the cost of registration?

Five College, Inc. Faculty/Staff/Students

We have a limited number of funded conference spots. If you need funding support to participate, please contact your campus representative by clicking on the institution name below:

• Amherst College: Angie Tissi-Gassoway
• Hampshire College: Kristen Luschen
• Smith College: Julianne Ohotnicky
• Mt Holyoke College: Latrina Denson
• UMass Amherst: Margaret Arsenault

Are meals included in the cost of conference registration?

Registration includes: conference sessions; the opening reception; breakfast Saturday and Sunday; the Saturday Conference Dinner; the Sunday Closing Reception.

How do I get to the conference?

The conference will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. All conference sessions will be held in the Integrative Learning Center. The Integrative Learning Center (ILC) is located at 650 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003. On-campus lodging is available in the North Apartments, located on Eastman Lane, Amherst MA 01003 (view campus map).

Visit our Travel & Accommodations page for more information.

Where can I park once on campus?

North Apartment Guests

Guests staying in the North Residential Apartments will receive a complimentary parking pass to Lot 44, the large surface lot located adjacent to the North Residential Complex, at check-in (located in the lobby of your assigned building). Once you obtain this pass you must fill out the required information and display the pass on your dashboard throughout the conference to avoid any ticketing and/or towing. Lot 44 is located a 10 - 15 minute walk from conference activities (Directions to Lot 44).

Commuting and Off-Campus Attendees

There are two parking options for commuting attendees:

• Discounted parking will be available in the Campus Center Parking Garage, located at 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. We recommend traveling down to park on level 2. Park, taking your gate ticket with you, and enter the Campus Center via the marked walkway. You will then be able to follow the signs to walk through the Campus Center concourse and exit to the Integrative Learning Center. At registration we will provide you with a discounted parking coupon that will allow you to park for, at most, $6.50/day (valid for one exit). As you leave each day, but before you get to your car, stop at one of the garage paystations (located on levels 2, 3 and 4 of the garage). Insert the gate ticket you received as you pulled into the garage and, when prompted, scan the parking coupon we provide. This will offer you a discounted rate of, at most, $6.50/day (or less depending on how long you were parked). Repeat this process each day. Turn-by-turn directions to the Campus Center Parking Garage.
• After 5 p.m. on Friday and throughout the weekend many surface lots around campus offer parking at no charge, including Lot 63 and Lot 65. To park in a surface lot at no charge you must arrive after 5 p.m. on Friday or anytime on Saturday or Sunday, avoid any spots marked as "restricted" or "reserved," and avoid any lots marked as "24-hour restricted" or "24-hour permit required." Interactive Parking Map.

Accessible Parking

Attendees with a valid state-issued reserved accessible license plate or placard may park in any marked Handicap Space or any nonrestricted, nonreserved space or lot, at no charge, as long as your plate or placard is clearly displayed at all times during your stay. To locate reserved accessible parking, visit the UMass Parking Map, select the blue parking icon on the right, and click the "Handicapped Parking" option. Campus Accessibility Map.

Please note: you should not park at UMass without first obtaining a valid permit as detailed above: parking on campus without a valid permit, pass, placard, or license plate will result in ticketing and/or towing.

What housing options are available for the conference?

On-Campus Lodging

North Residential Apartments - $60/person/night

The North Residential Apartments combine the convenience of being on campus with the affordability of Residence Hall living. North consists of suite-like, air-conditioned apartments, each with four single bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen. The individual, lockable bedrooms have a twin bed, desk, and bureau, providing you with your own private retreat, while the shared common spaces offer you the opportunity to get to know your colleagues. The kitchen has a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, and stove-top oven ready for your use, but silverware, cookware and plates are not provided. Toiletries are not included. Complimentary parking is available in a surface lot located adjacent to the North Residential Area (Lot 44). Guests will be housed with other conference attendees based on age and gender, but specific suitemate requests and/or accessibility needs can be detailed during registration and will be accommodated accordingly.

Rooms are available in North for $60.00/person/night for the nights of Friday, June 7, through Saturday, June 8 (checking-out on Sunday, June 9). Rates include linen (two flat sheets, a pillow with case, a blanket, and two towels). Check-in is available after 1:00 p.m. on your date of arrival. Check-out is by 11:00 a.m. on your date of departure. Reservations are accepted online during conference registration.

If you wish to learn more about the North Apartments please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Office at 413-577-8102.

Off-Campus Lodging

The Amherst area is full of many hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts. A variety of hotel chains offer their familiar comforts just a short 5 - 10 minute drive from the UMass Campus on Route 9/Russell Street in neighboring Hadley, while charming independent inns and B&Bs dot the area, offering a true taste of Pioneer Valley living.

Below are some popular off-campus lodging options, including the estimated drive time to the Campus Center. Visit the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce for a list of area lodging. Interested in staying at a local Bed and Breakfast? The Five College Area Bed and Breakfast Association has information on what the Pioneer Valley has to offer.

Amherst

Allen House Inn - 413-253-5000 (9 minutes)

Amherst Airbnb

Black Walnut Inn - 413-549-5649

Lord Jeffrey Inn - 413-253-2576 (10 minutes)

University Lodge - 413-256-8111 (6 minutes)

Hadley

Courtyard Marriott - 413-256-5454 (8 minutes)

Econo Lodge - 413-582-7077 (9 minutes)

Hampton Inn - 413-586-4851 (16 minutes)

Holiday Inn Express - 413-582-0002 (7 minutes)

Howard Johnson - 413-586-0114 (10 minutes)

Rodeway Inn - 413-584-9816 (13 minutes)

Deerfield

Deerfield Inn - 413-774-5587 (27 minutes)

Red Roof Inn - 413-665-7161 (19 minutes)

Northampton

Hotel Northampton - 413-584-7660 (21 minutes)

Quality Inn & Suites - 413-586-1500 (21 minutes)

How can I make requests for accomodations?

If you have any accessibility needs you would like to share with conference organizers, please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Office.

What is the cancellation policy?

Conferees canceling their registration before the close of business on May 31, 2019 will receive a full refund of their fees minus a $60.00 cancellation-processing fee and any administrative fees. All cancellations must be in writing by email to the UMass Conference Services Registration Office or fax (413-577-8130). Telephone cancellations will not be accepted unless they are immediately followed by a letter of cancellation by way of email or fax.