REGISTRATION/PAYMENT QUESTIONS
Who can attend CGSI?
Graduate students, recent PhDs, faculty and others who are involved in computational genomics research.
What do the CGSI registration fees cover?
Registration fees cover breakfast, coffee breaks, and any afternoon and evening social events that are included in the program. Lunch is not covered.
Can I be sent a receipt for my payment?
You will receive a receipt by email when you pay your registration and housing fees. If you have any additional needs, please email uclacgsi@gmail.com.
When can I apply/register for CGSI?
The application for CGSI typically opens in December. We begin sending invitation letters to applicants in mid-January, which will include instructions to register. We encourage you to apply early.
If I have to cancel, will my fees be refunded?
We understand that plans can change unexpectedly for good reason. We will refund your registration fee and housing payment if you cancel by May 31. After that, we will consider cancellations on a case-by-case basis. Please contact uclacgsi@gmail.com.
Can I participate in the CGSI Opening Retreat if I am not a long program participant?
No, the Opening Retreat is only available to those who participate in the long program.
What if I apply and register for the long program, but later I find out that I cannot attend the whole program?
Please let us know immediately. We will ask you to choose either the first short program or the second short program instead. Please note that only long program participants can attend the opening retreat.
VISA QUESTIONS
Do I need a visa to attend CGSI?
If you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, yes. Students from some countries can enter the country through the Visa Waiver Program. If you have an F-1 or J-1 visa sponsored by another institution, please consult your International Students and Scholars office.
Which visa do I need to attend CGSI?
Due to the frequently changing requirements, CGSI cannot give visa-related advice regarding any specific individual. If you have any questions regarding which visa you will need, please consult the U.S. Department of State website or an immigration lawyer. CGSI is similar in spirit to other international conferences, such as RECOMB, ISMB, etc. It is not a course or a study abroad program. If you need an invitation letter to request a visa, please email uclacgsi@gmail.com.
HOUSING/PARKING QUESTIONS
What are the faculty housing options offered by CGSI?
Please refer to your detailed offer letter for this information. If you need your letter re-sent to you, please email uclacgsi@gmail.com.
What are the student housing options offered by CGSI?
- For students attending the long program, we offer modest accommodations in a fraternity house near campus. Rooms are double occupancy, with two rooms sharing one bathroom. There are also common areas, a dining area, pool table, patio, free laundry, televisions, and study rooms. However, there is no access to a kitchen. Space is limited.
- For students attending one of the short programs, we offer rooms in a UCLA residence hall. These are double occupancy rooms with a private bathroom. There is no common area or kitchen access.
You may also find your own accommodations. See below for suggestions.
Can I room with a friend who is also attending CGSI?
If you have signed up for a double-occupancy room and would like to stay with a friend who is attending CGSI on the same dates, please email uclacgsi@gmail.com.
Is housing offered for before or after CGSI?
We only provide housing during CGSI, for a fee. For the long program, housing starts on the first day of the opening retreat (Wednesday) and ends the Saturday after the second short program ends. For the short programs, you will have a room for six nights, Sunday through Saturday.
If you arrive in Los Angeles prior to the start of the long program, or wish to stay in town after the end of the long program, you will make your own arrangements for lodging.
Please email uclacgsi@gmail.com to request an accommodation or exception to this policy.
What are some alternate options for housing?
If you prefer to find your own housing or want a single room, you might consider a vacation rental for yourself or to share with one or more other CGSI participants. We recommend you look in Westwood, West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Palms. These neighborhoods are all on bus routes that lead to UCLA (see below). You might also consider subletting a room in an apartment.
If you prefer a hotel room, the following hotels are within walking distance (1 mile) to the Engineering VI building.
Hotel Palomar
Palihotel Westwood Village
Royal Palace Westwood
The Inn at UCLA
UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center
UCLA Tiverton House
Finally, we are aware of several inexpensive (but modest) furnished room rentals near UCLA that cater to students, including:
Phi Kappa Psi.
This fraternity house near campus has rooms available to rent on the second floor.
Contact Mathew at mathew.w.peterson@gmail.com
AEPhi.
This sorority house near campus has rooms for rent. Women only.
Contact Kelly at aephihousing@gmail.com
Where should I park? Do I need to pay for parking?
Students who are staying in Los Angeles and plan to drive to campus will have to pay for parking. The best option is Parking Structure 8 at 555 Westwood Plaza. Faculty who need parking may email uclacgsi@gmail.com for instructions.
SCHEDULE QUESTIONS
When will the CGSI schedule be announced?
The full schedule is usually posted in June. During the retreat and short programs, you can expect full days, plus evening activities. For an example, please see the schedule from 2025.
What is the agenda for the middle week of the long program?
The middle week of the long program is a lighter week where there will be fewer talks. You will be able to focus on your own research and network with the other participants. For an example, please see the schedule from 2025.
Can I bring guests to the social events?
You may bring your spouse/partner or child(ren) to most events. If you would like to bring your spouse/partner or child(ren) to an event for which an RSVP is required, please let us know in advance by email at uclacgsi@gmail.com.
TRANSPORTATION
What transportation does CGSI provide?
You are responsible for your own transportation to Los Angeles and to UCLA upon arrival. CGSI provides bus transportation to and from UCLA and the site of the opening retreat, but if you arrive that morning, you may choose to take an Uber, Lyft or Taxi from LAX on your own.
Daily transportation is not provided. We encourage ride sharing to and from evening activities. If you have a car, please offer rides to others, and we will reimburse you for parking; please see a staff member for instructions. CGSI staff may rent a van or SUV to provide rides to students for some off-campus events.
How can I get to/from campus and around LA on public transportation?
Westwood, West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Palms, and Culver City are well served by two bus systems: Santa Monica Big Blue Bus and Culver CityBus. Many of their routes start and end at UCLA. In addition, Metro offers bus and light rail service. The Expo Line runs from downtown LA to Santa Monica. The closest station to UCLA is about two miles south of campus (Westwood at Exposition).
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Can I be sent a letter of certification for completing CGSI?
A letter of certification can be sent to you upon completion of either one of the short programs or the long program. Please email uclacgsi@gmail.com to request it, and allow a few days for a response.
How do I tag CGSI on social media?
Twitter: @ucla_cgsi
Hashtag: #uclacgsi