FAQ’s

Q: Where can I stay?

A: Conference participants can stay on campus at University Hall, or at a nearby hotel or bed and breakfast. The Sheraton Great Valley will offer a discounted rate to conference attendees. Please mention the Poetry Conference when you make your reservation. The Sheraton is located at 707 E. Lancaster Ave., Frazer, PA 19355 (610-524-5500), approximately 12 minutes from campus. The Sheraton will run a shuttle to and from WCU during the conference.
Click here to make a reservation.

**Travelers using a GPS System for directions to the Sheraton Great Valley Hotel should type in the following address: 707 Lancaster Ave. Malvern, PA 19355

Attendees may also enjoy staying at Faunbrook Bed and Breakfast located three blocks from Sykes Student Union. Please mention the Poetry Conference to receive a discounted rate. Faunbrook Bed and Breakfast is located at 609 W. Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382

Phone (800) 505-3233 www.faunbrook.com.

Q: Where do I go when I first arrive at the West Chester University campus? 

A: Upon arriving at West Chester University, go to Sykes Student Union on Rosedale Avenue (see map under Direction icon) where check-in will take place beginning at 9:30 AM until 5:00 PM in the main lobby. All conference panels and workshops are held in Sykes.

Q: When does the reception start?

A: The opening reception is from 5:30 to 6:15 PM, remarks and banquet at 6:15 PM at Sykes. The keynote reading will be held at 8:15 PM in the Swope Music Building. If you are staying on campus or at one of the nearby hotels, please allow plenty of time to check in and settle into your room.

Q: If I arrive at the airport or train station how do I get to the university?

Airport arrival

A: The conference will provide shuttles from Philadelphia International Airport on Tuesday, June 5 at 5:00 pm and Wednesday, June 6 at 12:00, 3:00 and 5:00 PM at a cost of $10 each way. The airport shuttle will leave from Terminal C. Look for our driver in the baggage claim area of Terminal C. He or she will be holding a "WCU Poetry Conference" sign 15-30 minutes before each departure time. There will also be free shuttles back to the airport on Sunday morning, June 10 at 6:00 am and 8:00 am ONLY.

Train station arrival

A: The conference will provide shuttles from the Wilmington, DE Amtrak station on Tuesday, June 5 at 5:00 pm and Wednesday, June 6 at 12:00, 3:00 and 5:00 PM at a cost of $10 each way. Look for our driver in the train station holding a "WCU Poetry Conference" sign 15-30 minutes before each shuttle departure time. (There is only one main waiting/ticketing area). There will also be a free shuttle back to the train station Sunday morning, June 10 at 8:00 am ONLY.

Q: Is there a taxi service from the airport and/or train station?

A: Yes, Rainbow Cab (610-696-6060) runs a shuttle from the airport to the Holiday Inn. You must call to give them flight information. There are taxi cabs at the train station and will drop you anywhere.

Q: Do you have directions to the university?

A: Yes, for directions and printable maps of the campus go here.

Q: What do I need to bring if I'm staying in the dorm?

A: Conference participants will stay in University Hall dormitory. Each cluster of rooms is climate-controlled, meaning you can put on heat or air conditioning depending on the weather/personal desire. Each participant will have a private room with shared bath-shared by no more than 2 people. Considering the unpredictability of college dorms and our June weather, past participants have suggested that you bring the following: your own toiletries including soap, an alarm clock, hangers, an extra blanket or warm sleepwear (in case spring lingers), extra pillows if desired. Included in the provided standard set of linens is 2 sheets, a pillow and pillow case, (1) bath towel, (1) wash cloth and (1) blanket. Please feel free to contact our Conference Services Office at 610-436-6931 with any questions concerning your overnight accommodations .

Q: What is included in the workshop registration fee?

A: The full registration fee includes a three-day workshop, all meals, lodging in the dorm, social activities, and the academic conference. Social activities and admission to the scholarly conference are included in the workshop without lodging fee, and in the commuter registration.

Q: May I register for a full three-day workshop and attend for one or two days only?

A: The workshop registration fee is not pro-rated. If you are unable to attend the entire conference, you are responsible for the full registration fee.

Q: How many one-day workshops may I take? Are they included in my registration fee?

A: You may register for as many one-day workshops as you wish. They do not conflict with three-day workshops and cost $100 each in addition to the full workshop fee.

Q: What is included in a scholarship award?

A: Scholarship awards include payment toward workshop tuition, lodging, meals and the scholarly conference. One-day workshops are not included. Both partial and full scholarships are available. The deadline for applying is March 31, 2012.

Q: What is the difference between workshop registration and scholarly conference registration?

A: Workshop registration includes a three-day workshop and all panels. The scholarly conference includes participation in a critical seminar or prosody workshop, as well as all panels.

Q: Are computers available during the conference?

A: Yes, conference participants may use the computer center in Sykes Union.

Q: Where can I make copies?

A: The copy center in Sykes Union will be available on the second floor from 10-2p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Copies are 10 cents each.

Q: If I decide to drive, where do I park?

A: You may use any of the designated faculty/staff/student parking lots on campus. The most convenient is located behind Sykes Union. The largest lot is behind the Bull Center between High and Matlack Streets.

Q: Can I use swimming or track facilities?

A: There is an outdoor track available on South Campus, which is shown on your campus map. There is also an indoor track in Hollinger Field House as well as an indoor swimming pool. Please call (610) 436-2133 for indoor track hours. Please consult the following webpage for indoor pool hours.