Local Conference Overview

Conference Information

Middlebrook Dorm

• Please see sections on Procedures and Restrictions.
• 412 22nd Avenue S.; Minneapolis, MN 55455
• The outside doors to the dormitory will lock at 11 pm every night. In order to enter after this (for example if you arrive late on Wednesday), there is a phone outside the dormitory to call for assistance. Otherwise, you should be able to use your key to gain access after 11 pm.

Radisson Hotel Metrodome

• This hotel is on the East Bank along Washington Avenue on the east end of campus. (612) 379-8888
• 615 Washington Av Se

Holiday Inn Metrodome

• This hotel is on the West Bank located at the 7-corners area. (612) 333-4646
• 1500 Washington Av S; Minneapolis, MN 55454-1067

Sample of Minneapolis temperatures in mid July:

• Average high: 84° F
• Average low: 63° F
• Mean: 74° F
• Record high: 102° F
• Record low: 51° F

Most Minnesotans might describe July in Minnesota by saying, "It's not so much the heat, but the gosh darn humidity..." Hopefully this will alleviate the rumors that Minnesota is covered in snow and ice most of the year!

We urge you to bring an umbrella if you are planning to walk to the East Bank Thursday night and Saturday.

Wednesday and Sunday

You are on your own for meals Wednesday and Sunday. A list of Restaurants (with some recommendations) is available on the conference web site. For further descriptions, please ask a "local."

Thursday, Friday, And Saturday

All meals will be provided on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Locations and times are listed in the conference program.

Airport

Conference organizers will not provide transportation to campus or hotels. We recommend that you buy a ticket with the SuperShuttle. This shuttle leaves from the main Linbergh terminal with ticket counters located in the Ground Transportation Atrium, accessible via the Tram level. Be sure and check what terminal your flight arrives and departs from. If you are traveling via the Humphrey terminal, then you will have to take a shuttle to the Linbergh terminal.

A one-way trip costs $13; a round trip ticket is $24. For more information, prices and details go to www.supershuttle.com.

Airport returns on Sunday will be coordinated by the conference with SuperShuttle. More details on this will follow during the conference.

A cab ride from the airport will cost approximately $25.

Around Campus

No local transportation is provided by the conference. All local sites are within easy walking distance. Some hotels do provide shuttle service.

Check-In

Normal check-in time at dorm is from 1 pm to 9 pm.

Early Check-In

You will not be able to check-in to the dorm before noon on Wednesday.

Late Check-In

Please notify us if you think you might be arriving after 11 pm on Wednesday or on Thursday so we can notify the front desk of the dormitory to make preparations. If you arrive at the dorm after 11 pm the door will be locked, use the phone to call for assistance.

Packages and Deliveries

Please do not have anything delivered to the dorms. Packages and deliveries made to the dorm will not be accepted.

Children

If you are planning on staying in the dorm and bringing any children, please notify us. There are some restrictions on having minors in the dorm.

Long Distance Phone Calls

The long distance option will be turned off on all dormitory phone lines. Please make preparations by bringing a calling card.

Student Recreational Center

• What's there: You will have access to numerous types of exercise equipment, free weights, racquetball and basketball courts, swimming pool, and locker room facilities. Located: On the East Bank Campus north of Washington Street about 1 block behind (north) the Radisson Hotel.
• Cost: Show your conference credentials and $8.00 a day (or $25.00 for an entire week). Your name tag or registration receipt should be sufficient.
• Note: Guests staying at the Radisson can access the Rec. center free of charge Ð see front desk for details. This does not apply to the Holiday Inn.
• Summer Hours: Mon-Friday: 5:45 am - 8 pm; Saturday: 10:00 am - 4 pm; Sun.: Noon-5pm

Outside Jogging

Enjoy an outside jog or walk along the Mississippi river. It offers a scenic view along a nicely paved path.

Located: The path is on the West Bank side, just half a block down the road from Middlebrook dorm.

Political Science Departmental Access

The U of M Political Science Department is located on the top three floors of the Social Science Tower (267 19th Ave. S. Floors 12-14), and the computer lab is on the 12th floor. The Social Science building is located just a block from Middlebrook, the Humphrey Institute, and the Carlson School. For access, the computer lab will be open between 8 am to roughly 4:30 pm Wednesday through Friday. For Saturday access to the computer lab, please find the designated staff that will be responsible for escorting you to the computer lab and opening the door.

To gain access once inside the computer lab, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the computer, if necessary.
2. Hit Control+alt+delete to bring up log on screen
3. Leave the user name and id spaces empty and click on the box that says workstation only and then hit ok.
4. This should give you access to internet explorer.

University Kiosks

There are several internet kiosks available on campus located throughout various buildings. Ask any "local" for the nearest one, or view a list of locations online.