What are some good websites for general information about campus and the Madison area?
- The UW-Madison site is http://www.wisc.edu/
- The campus conference-centers site is http://conferencing.uwex.edu/centers.cfm
- The official Madison visitors guide from the Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.visitmadison.com/
- The recreation and tourism site from the City of Madison: http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/recTourism.html
Where can I find maps of the UW-Madison campus and the city of Madison?
- Simplified campus map emphasizing the conference centers and showing the lakeshore path (in PDF):
http://conferencing.uwex.edu/campusmap_bw.pdf - Resizable campus map with complete building index, that lets you zoom in to the part of the map you need:
http://uwbadgers.com/maps/ - Downtown Madison map (in PDF)
http://www.visitmadison.com/uploads/media/DOWNTOWN_MAP_2001.pdf - City of Madison overview map (main streets only; in PDF)
http://www.visitmadison.com/uploads/media/MADISON_MAP_2002.pdf - MAPQUEST for the Greater Madison Area
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=search&countryid =250&addtohistory=&country=US&address=&city=Madison&state
=WI&zipcode=&submit=Get+Map
When will the conference registration be open? And where is it located?
Conference registration is open all day (8:00am - 5:00pm) Tuesday May 25th through Friday May 28th in the Pyle Center, room to be determined.
Is there any special importance to my name badge?
Conference name badges are of course important in helping you recognize and greet your IASSIST colleagues, but at UW-Madison your badge will also admit you to various facilities. Perhaps the most important of these is the Memorial Union, right next to the Pyle Center, a prime venue for beer, food, ice cream (in a category by itself!), visitor information, and quick web-access kiosks. You will also need your name badge to access the microcomputing lab at the Memorial Library, as well as recreational facilities across campus.
How can I get between the Friedrick Center and the Pyle Center?
For gentle exercise in good weather, one can walk between the two. The total distance is slightly over one mile (1.6km). There is a lakeshore path, but the part closest to the Friedrick Center is under construction, so a good walking detour is onto Observatory Drive. Map in PDF with a good view of the path - http://conferencing.uwex.edu/campusmap_bw.pdf.
A second option is the free campus bus, #80, which you can take between the Memorial Union and the Natatorium on Observatory Drive. The bus will be running on a "Recess Weekday Service" schedule, which starts at 6:30am, runs every 15 minutes between 7:3-am and 5:30pm, and then less frequently until just after midnight. Schedules and a map are available online in PDF, at http://www.mymetrobus.com/2004/MarchServiceChanges/Mar04RideGuide/80.pdf
Where can I do my e-mail, word processing or printing?
Guest access has been arranged for the InfoLab computer lab, Room 140 at the Memorial Library. Main entrance is from the State Street mall (see building map -- http://memorial.library.wisc.edu/images/1stsh-info.gif). Be sure to bring your conference badge to be logged in as a guest. You can check your e-mail via WWW or Secure CRT telnet access; Word and WordPerfect are available for word processing. Black-and-white laser printing is available at 7 cents per page. Printers operate via debit cards, which can be purchased from a wall-mounted vending machine in the InfoLab.
For quick e-mail checking via WWW (under 5 minutes), the Pyle Center has two computer kiosks per floor and Memorial Union has several kiosks near the main front entrance. These are stand-up kiosks with no printing.
Note: Please do NOT try to access wireless Internet service within the Pyle Center, or your friendly conference hosts will be charged unbudgeted high fees!
For laptop access from your lodging, the Lowell Center has high-speed data ports (http://conferencing.uwex.edu/netsetup_lowell.pdf ) available in guest rooms. The Friedrick Center and Campus Inn have extra phone jacks for modem access, but not data ports.
Where can I get something photocopied or a fax sent?
The Pyle Center front desk offers photocopy and fax service for a fee. The Campus Inn advertises fax and copy services as well.
Other options:
- ASM Student Print (http://www.studentprint.org/index.html), Memorial Union B-114 (basement level), open 10am-4:30pm
- Bob's Copy Shop (http://www.bobscopyshop.com/university.html), 1314 W. Johnson
- Campus Copy Services, 555 State Street
Where can I buy an IASSIST 2004 conference T-shirt?
T-shirts will be available for purchase at the registration table, for US $10.
Where is the nearest currency exchange?
Since Madison is not particularly near an international border and does not have an international airport, currency exchange is not an easy service to obtain in Madison. International guests should either exchange currency before travelling, or at the international airport before connecting to Madison.
One downtown bank that offers currency exchange services is US Bank Madison, at 1 S. Pinckney on the Capitol Square (608-252-4000). Non-members must use cash, and a service fee is charged.
Another option is Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), which take most major credit cards, but not all, and the fees may be high. There are ATMs in Memorial Union and at various locations along State Street.
For the latest exchange rates, check out the universal currency converter web site at http://www.xe.com/ucc/.
Where is the nearest liquor store?
- Badger Liquor, 402 State Street
- Riley's Wines of the World, 402 W. Gorham
- Vineyard Liquor, 626 University Ave.
- University Avenue Liquor, 525 University Ave.
Where are the nearest coffee shops?
- Steep & Brew, 544 State Street
- A Room of One's Own, 307 W. Johnson
- Michelangelo's Coffee House, 114 State Street
Where are some good restaurants and bars?
These vital questions deserve an entire page to themselves! The list will also be printed in the registration packets.
Where are some good places to go shopping?
This too gets a page all its own.
Where can I grab a quick bite to eat?
The Memorial Union has several options for a quick bite (be sure to wear your conference name badge for Union privileges):
- The Daily Scoop, first-floor commons: cold sandwiches, soup, chili, salads, snacks, fresh bakery, Babcock ice cream (not to be missed!), gourmet coffee, beverages and more.
- Der Rathskeller, first-floor center with seating: quick-serve grilled specialties, breakfast sandwiches & omelets, Mexican entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches, beverages and more.
- The just-renovated Lakefront on Langdon restaurant, first floor: appetizers, grilled wraps, pizza, made-to-order stirfry, homemade classics, a soup and salad bar, gourmet coffee, beverages, and dessert.
- Brat Stand, on the Terrace (outdoors): bratwurst, burgers, corn on the cob.
Also check out the food carts on Library Mall!
Where are the nearest bookstores?
Madison claims the distinction of the second-highest per capita book purchases in the United States! The State Street area boasts a delightful selection of specialty and used books, as well as the university's own book store.
- University Books (http://www.univbkstr.com/cgi-bin/ubs.storefront), 711 State Street, across from Memorial Library
- Paul's Book Store, 670 State Street, used books
- Avol's Book Store, 315 W. Gorham (was Canterbury Booksellers until earlier this year), used books
- Rainbow Bookstore Coop (http://www.rainbowbookstore.org/), 426 W. Gilman, radical leftist bookstore
- A Room of One's Own (http://www.roomofonesown.com/), 307 W. Johnson, feminist bookstore and coffeehouse
- MORE BOOKS!, 310 State Street, used books specializing in science-fiction, fantasy, horror, and mysteries
- BOOKWORKS, 109 State Street, used books
Where is the nearest drug store?
The nearest drug store to get a prescription filled is Community Pharmacy (http://www.communitypharmacy.coop/) at 341 State Street, 608-251-3242.
For over-the-counter medications and other convenience-store amenities, there is a Walgreens at 676 State Street.
Where is the nearest grocery store?
There are a couple of small grocery stores near campus:
- Stop & Shop Grocery, 501 State Street
- Campus Center Foods, 626 University
Where is the nearest Post Office?
The nearest U.S. Post Office branch is at 22 University Square, on the Lake Street side of the square.
Where can I find a swimming pool and other recreational facilities?
Several major UW recreational facilities are open to conference-goers (be sure to bring your conference name badge!) at the cost of $5.00 per day:
Natatorium, http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/recsports/facilities/nat/nat.htm, 2000 Observatory Drive, near the Friedrick Center (Friedrick Center guests have free access to this facility!)
Southeast Recreation Facility, aka The SERF, http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/recsports/facilities/serf/serf.htm, 715 W. Dayton St.
Camp Randall Sports Center, aka The Shell, http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/recsports/facilities/shell/shell.htm, 1430 Monroe St.
The Lowell Center provides a swimming pool, sauna, and exercise room for its guests.
University of Wisconsin Outdoor Rentals
(http://www.union.wisc.edu/outdoorrentals/)
Canoe rentals at the Memorial Union boat house, 800 Langdon St., 608-262-7351. Open 11am - sunset; hours vary with the season.
What are the smoking regulations?
All buildings on campus are non-smoking, nor is smoking permitted within 25 feet of building entrances. Restaurants and bars that make more than 50% of their revenue from food are also smoke-free by a Madison ordinance that is currently being phased in; other bars may allow smoking.
Where can I get driving instructions for arriving by car?
Location and Directions for the Pyle Center (main conference venue): http://conferencing.uwex.edu/pyle.cfm?pyle=4#directions
Location and Directions for the Lowell Center (lodging): http://conferencing.uwex.edu/lowell.cfm?lowell=4#airport
Location and Directions for the Friedrick Center (lodging): http://conferencing.uwex.edu/friedrick.cfm?friedrick=4#airport
Location and Directions for the Campus Inn (lodging): http://www.thecampusinn.com/location.html
What can you tell me about Madison's airport?
Madison is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, http://www.co.dane.wi.us/airport/. The airport is on Madison 's northeast side, taking about 15-30 minutes by car from The Pyle Center, depending on traffic. Airlines serving Madison include Northwest, United Express, Midwest Express, American Eagle (American), Comair (Delta), and Skyway (Midwest Express), Continental Express, Chicago Express (ATA).
What car rentals are available at the Madison airport?
Car rental establishments at the airport include the following:
Enterprise |
(608) 661-4900 |
(800) 325-8007 |
AVIS |
(608) 242-2442 |
(800) 831-2847 |
Hertz |
(608) 241-3803 |
(800) 654-3131 |
National |
(608) 249-1614 |
(800) 227-7368 |
However, unless you are planning to do any driving outside of Madison, you may want to consider using taxis and public transit. A taxi is the best option from the airport to your lodging. From the conference center, much of campus and downtown Madison is within walking distance, or certainly within reach of city buses.
How can I catch a taxi in Madison?
There are taxi stands at the airport and at the Pyle Center. However, while there are often taxis waiting at the airport, there is no guarantee that a taxi will be at the Pyle Center when you want one! Furthermore, you are unlikely to be able to flag down a taxi anywhere else in Madison on the spur of the moment. The best bet is to call to arrange for taxi pick-up at least 20 minutes in advance.
Badger Cab, 608-256-5566
Madison Taxi, 608-258-7458
Union Cab, 608-242-2000
What about city bus service in Madison?
Madison Metro city bus service operates several lines that come within a block of the Pyle Center. The fare is US $1.50, which also entitles you to ask for a transfer that will let you take two more rides within an hour and a half. For maps and schedules see the Madison Metro web site at http://www.mymetrobus.com/.
What long-distance bus service is available?
Daily bus service is offered between Madison and Milwaukee and between Madison and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. These buses stop on Langdon Street between the Memorial Union and The Pyle Center.
Badger Bus to and from downtown Milwaukee and Milwaukee 's Mitchell Field Airport. Downtown Milwaukee is about a 2-hour trip by bus, while the airport is a little over 2 1/2 hours away. 608-255-6771
VanGalder Bus serves Chicago O'Hare and stops in between Madison and Chicago. It's about a 3 1/2 hour bus trip to O'Hare from The Pyle Center. 608-257-8983 or 800-747-0994
Greyhound Bus also serves Madison. The depot is located at 2 S. Bedford Street on the corner of S. Bedford and W. Washington Avenue. It is about 10 blocks from The Pyle Center. 608-257-3050 or 800-231-2222 (fare and schedule information)
What is the weather like in Madison in May?
The average high temperature in Madison in May is 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) with an average low of 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). However, record highs have soared near 90 (32) and lows near freezing, so don't discount a potential adventure!
As of mid-May, the lilacs are blooming and all looks lush and green. The high temperatures are regularly reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and local gardeners seem to be betting that we're past the danger of frost.
A good website for current Madison-area forecasts and radar is http://www.channel3000.com/weather/.
