K-12 Teachers should read this information sheet before making conference scheduling decisions.

Internet access:  There is wireless internet access in all classroom buildings and in the lobbies of the residence halls; the dormitory bedrooms have ethernet access (bring your own cable!)  If you sign up for network access for the whole conference (a $10 fee covers both wired and wireless) when you register for the conference (http://berks.umn.edu/registration.html), a University of Minnesota User ID, password, and instructions for how to get set up on the network will be sent to you automatically.   You will not be able to use the wired Ethernet unless your laptop is registered on the University of Minnesota network.  You can do this in advance before you arrive at the conference, by following the instructions that will be sent to or by going to ADCS after you receive your UM User ID, but there will also be an opportunity to do it from a computer lab in the residence hall.

If you will need Internet access during your session but not at other times, please contact berks@umn.edu well in advance to arrange for the use of a UM e-mail account during your session. 

Lodging and Transportation: Information about dorm and hotel accommodations and about getting to and from the airport can be found on pages 10-15 of the conference program. Using the following links, you can access information about Metro Transit, the Twin Cities' public transportation, and Super Shuttles, another way to travel to and from the airport.

The Holiday Inn Metrodome is sold out.  A block of rooms has been reserved at the Radisson University Hotel, (615 Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN) adjacent to the East Bank campus (approximately fifteen minutes' walk from the West Bank campus) for the special Berkshire Conference rate of $159 per night plus tax for single or double occupancy. Reserve your rooms by May 14, 2008, to receive the special room rate. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly at 800-822-6757 or 612-379-8888.  (Be sure to ask specifically for the Berskhire Conference rate--you may not get the reduced rate if you merely ask for the University rate, as it says in the program on page 13.)

Please do not delay making reservations--the hotel rooms we have reserved are going fast.  If the hotel is full by the time you register, there are plenty of rooms in the residence halls. There are also many hotels in downtown Minneapolis, at a variety of price points, from which the conference is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi.

Assistance at the conference: If you have any health problems or disabilities that you believe might potentially limit your participation in or enjoyment of our conference, we can provide assistance upon request.  Please contact staff at cceconf5@umn.edu, or 612-624-3708. 

Child Care: The Berkshire Conference cannot provide childcare onsite. A list of licensed nanny services and child care centers within several miles of the U of M campus that provide drop-in services for children aged 6 weeks through 12 years can be found here. Individual or group care and site location can be negotiated wtih the provider. The University fo Minnesota Child Care Center can also provide a few spaces for infants and children up to age 5 on Thursday and Friday. Please call (612) 627-4014 to make arrangements. In general, child care costs run between $12 and $15 an hour in the Twin Cities. If you make your own arrangements, the Berkshire Conference will reimburse you for part of your expenses (including part of the housing cost if you bring someone with you to provide care). The amount reimbursed will depend on the number of requests received; we must have receipts to process reimbursements. Please contact berks@umn.edu and let us know if you will be requesting reimbursement.

Twin Cities Restaurant Guide

Twin Cities Cultural Attractions

West Bank Campus Info