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, with registration opening around January 15.

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 Big Bear Retreat if I am not a long program participant?
No, the Big Bear 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 accommodations in a fraternity house. See costs here.
  • For students attending the first short program, we offer accommodations in a UCLA residence hall as well as in the fraternity house. See costs here.
  • For students attending the second short program, we do not offer accommodations. See below for some local housing options.

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.

Housing is provided for a fee for participants of the long program. If participants arrive in Los Angeles prior to the start of the long program, they are responsible for making arrangements for accommodations before CGSI. Similarly, if participants wish to stay in Los Angeles after the end of the long program, they are responsible for making arrangements for accommodations after CGSI.

Housing is also provided for a fee for participants of the first short program. For the first short program, we may be able to accommodate a few requests to check in a day early or stay an extra day. Please email uclacgsi@gmail.com if you have a special request.

Note that we do not offer housing for those only attending the second short program. Feel free to take a look at the options for housing below as needed.

What are some alternate options for housing?

Westwood Hall

Airbnb

Vrbo

Hotel Palomar

Palihotel Westwood Village

Royal Palace Westwood

UCLA Guest House

UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center

UCLA Tiverton House

Can I bring guests if I am staying in the dormitory or fraternity house?
Please email uclacgsi@gmail.com if you want to bring a guest and we will let you know if it is possible.

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.

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 2019.

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 2019.

What time does the bus leave for the Big Bear Lake retreat?
We will update closer to the date.

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