FAQs

Goto FAQs for: Registration   |   Lodging/Travel   |   Program   |   Scholarship

Registration FAQs

Q: What is the registration cancellation policy?
A: No refunds after May 17, 2015. Cancellation fee of $100 thru May 17, 2015. Cancel through the registration portal. You will need the confirmation number provided in your confirmation email.

Q: I’m applying for a scholarship. Should I also register?
A: If you are applying for a scholarship, wait to register until after you have applied and received notification. Scholarship recipients will receive a discount code waiver for registration. Applicants who are not offered a scholarship will receive a discount code for a reduced registration rate.

Q: I need to request a visa invitation letter.
A: Email your request to Cheri Soliday (csoliday@illinois.edu).

Lodging/Travel FAQs

Q: What is the lodging cancellation policy?
A: No shows and cancellations after May 17, 2015 will be charged the full amount of the reservation.

Q: Why is the reservation portal asking for an access code?
A: The Q Center room block is for summer school participants only. The access code ensures only registered participants reserve rooms from our event block.

Q: What is my access code?
A: Most participants will use one of the access codes provided with the confirmation screen and email after registering for the summer school. Scholarship participants will be provided access codes with notification. Summer school staff and presenters will be provided unique access codes.

Q: I’m reserving a Day Pass, but the reservation portal seems confused about my departure date and thinks I am reserving “nights.” What should I do?
A: The reservation portal was originally designed for overnight accommodations, but Q Center also uses it for Day Pass reservations. For Day Passes, Q Center primarily needs to know you will be attending and what dates you plan to arrive and depart. For those who plan to attend the Welcome Reception, please indicate June 14 for your arrival date.

Q: Is there a government room rate?
A: There are a limited number of rooms at a government rate. Those seeking a government room rate should first contact Cheri Soliday (csoliday@illinois.edu) before making reservations with the Q Center. NOTE: limited block of gov’t rooms is now full.

Q: What if I want to bring a guest to stay with me at the Q Center?
A: Executive Rooms include a queen-size bed and can accommodate a maximum of two persons. If you bring a guest that is not registered to attend the summer school, there is a $55/day fee. This fee is required, but allows your guest to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner while lodging at the Q Center. A registration fee will be required for your guest to attend the summer school program.

Q: May I bring children to the Q Center?
A: Q Center does not permit or accommodate children. Participants who wish to bring their families may contact Cheri Soliday (csoliday@illinois.edu) or Amy Irle (cronenbe@illinois.edu) for information about nearby accommodations.

Q: What time will I need to check out of Q Center on the final day of my stay? What about checking in on my first day?
A: Check-in time for Q Center is 4:00 pm and check-out time is 1:00 pm.

Q: I want to arrive earlier or stay longer than the dates of the event.
A: Pending availability, pre-event (arriving before June 14) and post-event (departing after June 19) room rates are $200/night plus tax for an Executive Room (max. occupancy 2) and $150/night for a Standard Room (max. occupancy 1). Need help booking your room for an extended stay? Contact Q Center at 877-774-4627.

Q: What is the cost for A-1 Limousine Service between O’Hare Airport and Q Center?
A: Your cost for A-1 Airport Limousine Service will depend upon how many other guests are sharing the limousine service with you. Each person will pay A-1 separately. Below is a current schedule of A-1 Limousine Rates (one-way between O’Hare and Q Center):

  • $60 plus gratuity for a shared vehicle. The cost is split between up to three people.
  • $70 plus gratuity for a private vehicle.
Program FAQs

Q: Will I need to bring a laptop to the summer school?
A: Participants should be prepared to bring a laptop that can connect to the internet (via Ethernet and wireless) and can run a remote desktop client. A laptop with internet capability will be required to take full advantage of sessions that utilize the Virtual Smart Grid Environment.

Q: Do summer school participants receive academic credit?
A: The TCIPG summer school does not issue academic credit for participation. However, participation at the summer school may qualify for Professional Development Hours (PDH) and/or Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Information will be provided at summer school to support PDH and CEU.

Scholarship FAQs

Q: Do I have to be a US citizen to apply for a summer school scholarship?
A: No, you do not have to be a US citizen. However, you DO have to be enrolled in a degree-granting program at a university or college in the United States.

Q: Should scholarship applicants go ahead and register?
A: If you are applying for a scholarship, wait to register until after you have applied and received notification. Scholarship recipients will receive a discount code waiver for registration. Applicants who are not offered a scholarship will receive a discount code for a reduced registration rate.

Q: I need a confirmation of registration in order to request a letter of recommendation from my advisor.
A: We recommend you forward the confirmation email sent to you after applying for the scholarship. Since ALL scholarship materials are due by April 15, you will want to apply early so that you can forward the confirmation email to your advisor in time for her/him to submit the letter of recommendation. If you did not receive an email copy of your scholarship application, please email Amy Irle (cronenbe@Illinois.edu) for assistance.

Q: Should scholarship applicants go ahead and make lodging reservations at Q Center?
A: If you are applying for a scholarship, wait to register until after you have applied and received notification. We have a separate room block for scholarship participants. These are Standard Rooms (max. occupancy 1). We will provide access codes with notification for those who are receiving a scholarship. Applicants who are not offered a scholarship may still have access to the Q Center smaller rooms (and lower rates) or a local area hotel room block.

Q: Is my transportation expense covered for attending the school?
A: The scholarship provides up to $300 reimbursement for transportation (air, car, taxi, etc.). If your transportation expense is less than $300, you can only be reimbursed for the amount of transportation expense incurred. If your transportation expense is more than $300, you will only receive $300. If driving your own car, mileage expense is calculated at 57.5 cents per mile. Save all receipts for all travel-related expense and submit them within 30 days after the summer school ends. A form with instructions will be provided at the school.

Q: How do I arrange for local transportation between the airport and the Q Center?
A: Visit our Travel page for instructions on how to do this. You will have to pay for the service and submit receipts (as noted above). Your cost will vary depending on how many other guests are sharing the limousine service.