FAQ
Do I need to use my enrichment funds to cover my flight or any other Convention costs?
No; the costs of transportation to and from the convention, lodging in Atlanta, meals during the convention itself, and the events/program are covered/reimbursed by the Stamps Scholars Program. The only related cost for which students will be responsible is meals during transit (e.g. in airports or on the road to Atlanta) and personal expenses such as souvenirs.
When does the convention begin? When should I arrive?
Lodging Thursday night is also provided for students but no required activities will be held.
If I'm abroad during the convention, will my flight to Atlanta be covered?
Travel costs will be covered up to the price of a flight from your home school to Atlanta. However, if you happen to be somewhere where flights to Atlanta are cheaper, you will only be covered for that lower cost.
How many Program Leads for each school may attend?
For space and logistical reasons, the SSNC23 planning committee requests that only one program lead attend from each institution. However, we can consider the registration of additional program leads once we have seen the number of students attending from each institution. If you are very interested in sending more than one program lead, please email Stamps Convention Coordinator, Chasten McCrary, at cmccrary34@gatech.edu.
What if I want to arrive late or to leave early from the Convention?
Scholars are expected to be in attendance at the convention from 8 a.m. on Friday through 12 p.m. on Sunday. If you are unable to uphold this commitment, unfortunately you will be required to pay for your convention expenses out of pocket. If your circumstances are extraordinary and you feel that you deserve an exception, you may have your program lead contact the Stamps Scholars Program with an endorsement for your late arrival/early departure.
Can I stay with a friend who lives in Atlanta?
No; all convention participants should plan to be lodged in one of the convention host hotels typically along with other Scholars from their school. Therefore, we ask that room assignments be honored and that personal time with others in Atlanta be reserved either for early Thursday upon your arrival in Atlanta or on Sunday afternoon once the convention has officially concluded.
Can I choose my roommate(s)?
No; in general, Scholars will be placed in rooms with students from their own program. In some instances, scholars may be matched with 1-2 people that may be from another school. Rooming with fellow Stamps Scholars from other schools will be an excellent opportunity to connect during downtime. There will be a place on the SSNC23 online registration form to itemize any special lodging accommodation needs, and we will try our best to accommodate them.
Is registration binding?
Yes; to be good stewards of the funds Stamps Scholars Program is generously providing for each convention participant, we will need to charge a fee for anyone who drops out for a non-emergency reason. This will be prorated, however. The fees for cancellations are as follows:
Dates Cancellation Fee
February 10 $200 penalty (No financial penalty by 5PM EST)
March 3 $400 penalty
March 24 $600 penalty
March 29 $700 penalty
Airfare will be handled between Stamps Scholars and program leads at their own institutions rather than with the SSNC23 Planning Committee or the Stamps Scholars Program. We request that you please wait to hear back from us concerning registration before arranging flights. Program leads will be in contact with Scholars with more information in late fall or early spring. Please understand that airline tickets purchased for students who do not attend the convention will not be reimbursed. Clearly, we will be sensitive to situations in which someone is hospitalized, has a death in the family, etc.