What is CUWiP?
The APS Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics at Syracuse University is one of a group of three-day regional conferences for undergraduate physics majors. They take place in January each year at sites throughout the U.S. Our conference will be held in the Life Sciences building, Syracuse University, Syracuse NY 13244.
Who can attend?
Any undergraduate may apply to attend the conference. The conference is intended for undergraduate physics majors and minors from all kinds of schools and colleges. You do not have to be a physics major, but if you aren’t interested in physics at all, then the conference won’t be very interesting to you. We expect that a number of the conferences will be oversubscribed. Therefore, it is very important to complete all parts of the application and to write a thoughtful Applicant Statement. Priority will be given to applicants who (i) are undergraduate physics majors, (ii) have never attended an APS CUWiP, and (iii) are applying to attend the conference that is geographically closest to their expected location January 15-17, 2016.
I attended last year. Can I come to this year’s conference, too?
The content of this year’s conference won’t be exactly the same as last year’s, so you can attend again. However, if we receive more applications than we can accommodate, preference will be given to students who haven’t attended before.
Do I need to have research to present in order to attend the conference?
No. While we encourage you to present a talk or a poster if you have been involved in research, you are welcome just to attend the conference and participate in the activities.
What will increase my chances of being accepted to the conference?
First, make sure you submit your application by the deadline. Second, make sure you put some thought into why you want to attend and what you want to get out of the conference. Make sure you answer all questions on the application fully and honestly. Offering to present a talk or a poster will not affect your chances of being selected to attend.
Will I have the opportunity to present my research?
Yes, there will be undergraduate research talk and poster sessions. Talks and posters are now listed on the website.
How is this funded? What does it cost to attend?
Students who are accepted to attend the conference will have a one-time fee of $25 to offset the costs of the conference, but all local expenses (food and lodging) will be covered by the conference. We expect that the students’ home departments will cover the costs of travel, but some travel funds are available if the department in which you are enrolled cannot fully support your travel to the conference. Please see our Sponsors page to see the generous donors who are providing funds so that students and speakers can attend.
What time on Friday will the conference begin?
You should plan to arrive by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, when the official conference activities will begin. The lab tours earlier in the day are optional.
Can I come late? Can I leave early? Can I skip things that I’m not interested in?
Because your travel costs are reimbursable, it is expected that you will attend all of the official events as scheduled. If you have special circumstances, please contact us to discuss them.
What do I need to do before registering?
You need to talk to your department chair or director of undergraduate studies before registering to see if they will fund your travel. You should think about how you would get to central New York for the weekend (whether you would drive or fly). If more than one student attends from the same institution, we expect you to coordinate your travel and carpool if at all possible to reduce the travel costs.
Do I need to book my travel before registering?
No, but you should have an estimate of the cost. If you are traveling by air and your travel cost is not covered by your department, your airfare must be approved by the conference organizers before you book your travel. Due to the limited nature of our travel funds, we ask that you find an economical means of transportation to and from the conference.
I am a local student. Do I need to register?
Yes, all attendees must register by the deadline.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
There will be a section for this on the registration form. If you believe your dietary needs are unusual, please contact us and we will work to accommodate you.
Where will I stay?
Participants will stay at the University Sheraton in Syracuse, which is within walking distance of the campus of Syracuse University where the conference activities will take place. Breakfast will be at the conference, not at the hotel. There will be two students assigned to each room, and rooms have two queen beds.
If you are driving, you can park at the Sheraton.
How can I get to and from the airport?
Once you arrive at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, please call the Syracuse Syracuse University at 315-475-3000 to request a shuttle transport back to the hotel. You can then walk to the conference (3 minute walk). The hotel also provides a return shuttle to the airport.
What should I wear to the conference?
The conference has no dress code, and we certainly want everyone to be comfortable. You can get an idea of what students have worn to past conferences by looking at the pictures on this site. There will be a banquet on Saturday evening, and some students enjoy dressing up somewhat for that.