Rice University logo
 
Top blue bar image
 

Contact Information

Email: ricecuwip@gmail.com

Dr. Patricia Reiff [reiff@rice.edu]
Rice Space Institute, MS-108
Rice University
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005-1892

Frequently Asked Questions

About
What is CUWiP?
The APS Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) are three-day regional conferences for undergraduate physics majors. The 2017 conferences will be held January 13-15.

The primary goal of the CUWiP conference is to help undergraduate women continue in physics by providing them with the opportunity to experience a professional conference, information about graduate school and professions in physics, and access to other women in physics of all ages with whom they can share experiences, advice, and ideas.

The 2017 program at Rice University will include research talks, panel discussions about graduate school and careers in physics, workshops and discussions about women in physics, student research talks and poster session, and laboratory tours.
Who is invited to CUWiP?
For the last decade, Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) has worked to help undergraduate women thrive in physics by providing them a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from other women in physics at all stages of their physics careers. At CUWiP, budding physicists will experience a professional conference, learn about graduate school and professions in physics, and share invaluable experiences, advice, and ideas with other women.
Application and Registration
Who can attend?
Any undergraduate may apply. It is very important to complete all parts of the application and to write a thoughtful Applicant Statement. In case conferences are oversubscribed, priorities will be given to applicants who:
  1. Are undergraduate physics majors
  2. Have never attended an APS CUWiP
  3. Are applying to attend the conference that is geographically closest to their expected location January 13-15, 2017.
Are "application" and "registration" the same thing?
No. You apply to attend a CUWiP conference (the one closest to you), and you are accepted, wait-listed or declined according to the priorities listed above. Application is free, and the deadline is October 16, 2016, midnight ET. After you have been accepted, you then register with the conference to which you have been accepted (you may be assigned to a different conference depending on the number of applications) to confirm that you will actually be attending.
How much does the conference cost?
Students who are accepted to attend the conference must pay a one-time registration fee of $45, which helps offset some of the cost of the conference, including all lodging and meals. If you cannot afford the registration fee and your department/college is unable to help, you may request a fee waiver if you are accepted to attend (but before you register) by submitting a statement attesting to your financial need and verifying that department or university funds are not available. Food and lodging (for non-local students) 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 needed.
How do I know the amount my department will contribute?
You need to talk to your department chair, manager, or director of undergraduate studies before registering. Contact us if you would like guidance in asking your department for travel funds.
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. Please 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.
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 the most economical means of transportation to and from the conference.
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.
I am a local student. Do I need to register?
Yes, all attendees must register by the deadline.
Can I attend the Rice University CUWiP even though it is not my closest location? I am considering Rice University for grad school and would like to visit the school?
Because of the high demand of students and travel costs of those who are not in our region, we will only be able to accept students who will be in the region at the time of the conference. This conference is not intended to be a graduate school visit.
Travel and Hotel
Can I come late? Can I leave early? Can I skip things that I’m not interested in?
Because your travel costs are not reimbursable, it is expected that you will attend all of the conference events as scheduled. If you have special circumstances, please contact us to discuss them.
Where do I stay during the conference?
Students will be accommodated at the Wyndham Hotel in the Houston Medical Center. Please visit our Travel & Accommodation page for more information. If you are driving to the conference, you may park at the Wyndham Hotel free of charge. Do not make your own reservations.  We are getting a special rate.  Students will be assigned double rooms (let us know if you have a roommate preference).
How can I get to and from the airport?
We will help you with travel between airports and Rice, by organizing shuttles, or pointing you to commercial services. If you plan to fly, please contact us before making your reservation.
When will I get reimbursed for travel?
After the conference, you can submit the reimbursement form that will be provided to you. Reimbursement will be mailed to you within the month. For more details please contact us.
Miscellaneous
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will request dietary restriction information on the registration form. If you believe your dietary needs are unusual, please contact us and we will work to accommodate you.
What should I wear to the conference?
The conference has no dress code, and we encourage students to be comfortable. There will be a plated banquet on Saturday evening, and many students enjoy dressing up for this event.
What are the guidelines for posters and talks?
Students will have the option to present their research at a poster session and 10-minute talks. You can participate in one or the other, or both. Please see our Presentation Guidelines for more information.

Didn't see your question answered here? Contact us at ricecuwip@gmail.com