This is an archival site. Please visit the current site at gracehopper.org.

This information applies to students receiving GHC scholarships. If you are a school-sponsored student, please send your questions to your advisor, department, or school.

General

What do GHC Scholarships cover?
A full scholarship covers conference registration, lodging for three nights (with a roommate), and travel expenses. Partial scholarships were also awarded which cover some of these expenses.
How many scholarships were awarded?
Approximately 83 full scholarships, and 25 partial scholarships. Over 550 applications were received.
How does the review process work?
The Scholarship Committee consists of men and women from industry and academia. Each application is reviewed by at least two members of the Scholarship Committee, and the reviews are blind. Each reviewer answers questions about each application, and the results are tallied and normalized. Scholarships are awarded to the candidates with the highest scores.
What criteria are used to award scholarships?
We use a variety of criteria and try to evaluate each candidate individually. We consider academic achievement, potential in the field, and need, and look for thoughtful, creative, well-written essays that stand out.
What do I need to do before I attend the conference?
Please be sure to register following the directions in your award letter. Also, we encourage you to submit your resume to the on-line resume database following the directions you received in an email, but this is not required.
What events do I need to attend at the conference?
On Wednesday, Oct 4:
-“For the Newcomer”, 5:30 pm (Optional)
-“Opening Reception”, 6:30 pm (Optional, but recommended)
-“GHC Scholarship Winners Orientation”, 8:00pm (Required)

On Thursday, Oct 5:
-Meet informally at 6:00pm before the banquet in the Royal Palm Court(Optional)

Please check the conference schedule for locations of these events.

In order for my airfare to be a reasonable amount, I have to arrive a day late. Is this ok?
Yes. You will miss the “GHC Scholarship Winners Orientation”, so you may have some questions upon your arrival. Look for signs directing you to tables for reimbursement to find people to help answer your questions.
What is the dress code for the conference?
At the conference you will see people wearing everything from a suit to jeans, so there really is no dress code. You certainly don’t need to wear a suit (although you can if you’d like), but you also probably shouldn’t wear your oldest pair of jeans and a T-shirt. In general, slacks, khakis, or a skirt with a nice shirt will be fine. Nice jeans with a blouse or sweater are fine as well. If you are presenting or looking for a job, you might want to dress up a bit more for certain sessions. Also, wear comfortable shoes!

Registration

My school registered me before I knew that I had won a scholarship. What do I do?
You will need to re-register as a scholarship attendee using the procedure detailed in your award letter. Your school will be reimbursed for the fee they paid for your registration. Please email ghc06_scholarships AT gracehopper DOT org for details on the reimbursement procedure.

Lodging

(Note: Not all scholarships cover lodging.)

Who makes the hotel reservations?
The Scholarship Committee makes reservations for you for the nights of Oct 4, 5, and 6. If you need arrangements for additional nights, you are responsible for making (and paying for) these arrangements.
In which hotel will we be staying?
In the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, which is the conference hotel. More information is available here: http://gracehopper.org/conference/travel/
Will I be assigned a roommate?
Yes, you will be assigned another GHC Scholarship winner as a roommate.
Can I request a roommate?
Yes, but your roommate will need to be another GHC Scholarship recipient. Please email ghc06_scholarships AT gracehopper DOT org to do this. We cannot guarantee that we can honor your request, although we will do our best.
I want to arrive a day early/leave a day late. Does my scholarship cover this?
Your scholarship covers lodging for a total of three nights. If, for example, you are arriving a day early and leaving a day early, your scholarship may cover all three nights. Email ghc06_scholarships AT gracehopper DOT org to work out the details.
My child/spouse/friend will be traveling with me. Can I make my own hotel arrangements?
Yes, and you can be reimbursed up to the cost of half of a double room for three nights. Please email ghc06_scholarships AT gracehopper DOT org to work out the details.
When are check-in/check-out times?
Check-in time is 3:00pm and check-out time is 11:00am.
What do I do with my luggage if I arrive before the check-in time or leave after the check-out time?
The hotel will have a place for you to store your luggage if you arrive early or leave late. Ask for details at the front desk.
I am trying to make my reservations for additional nights, but the conference hotel is full. What do I do?
Here are two additional hotels that are close to the conference:
  • Handlery Hotel & Resort, located at 950 Hotel Circle, 1-800-843-4343, 0.4 miles from the conference
  • Doubletree Club Hotel located at 1515 Hotel Circle, 1-619-881-6900, 0.7 miles from the conference
Does the hotel have high-speed internet access?
Yes. It costs $9.95 per 24 hour period. Your scholarship does not cover this expense.
If I have problems checking into the hotel, who do I call?
A few days before the conference you will receive an email which contains this information.

Travel

(Note: Not all scholarships cover travel expenses.)

My award letter said that I would receive $0 USD for my travel expenses. Is this correct?
Probably. Some of the partial scholarships awarded do not cover travel expenses. If you have questions about your award please email: ghc06_scholarships AT gracehopper DOT org
Can my visa costs be covered by my award?
Maybe. You cannot be reimbursed more than your travel allowance. If your award covers $500 towards travel, and your airfare was $500, then you cannot be reimbursed for your additional costs. But, if your award covers $500 and your airfare was only $400, then the additional $100 could be used to cover costs such as your visa.
What exactly does my travel award cover?
It can be used to cover most costs related to your travel. For example, if your award covers $500 towards travel, and your airfare is only $400, then the remaining $100 can be used to cover visa costs, cab or train fare, food eaten at the airport, etc, as long as these expenses are reasonable. (For example, you will probably not be reimbursed for a $75 snack at the airport.) Save your receipts!
My airfare was higher than I expected. Can my scholarship cover the additional costs?
Unfortunately not. The jump in airfares is affecting most of the scholarship students, and we do not have enough money in our budget to increase everyone’s travel award.
Where can I find additional information about travel?
Try: http://gracehopper.org/conference/travel/

How much is cab fare from the airport to the hotel?
Approximately $18 USD (plus tip). Before you get into the cab, ask the driver what the fare will be, and if it is much higher than $18, find another cab.
Who do I contact if I have questions about a visa?
Please email: ghc06_scholarships AT gracehopper DOT org
If I have problems while I am traveling who do I call?
A few days before the conference you will receive an email which contains this information.

Reimbursement

How do I get reimbursed for my expenses?
You will need to bring original receipts to the conference to be processed. Look for signs directing you to the reimbursement tables.
Do my receipts need to be in English?
No. They do need to be original receipts.
Do my receipts need to be in USD?
No. We can convert your receipt amounts to USD. The exchange rate at the end of the business day on Oct. 3 will be the rate that is used.
Will the reimbursement be in the form of a check?
Yes. The check will be drawn on First Republic Bank.
How do I cash the check?
You may cash the check with the bank you currently do business with. Or, you may cash it with by taking an ID (such as your passport or U.S. driver’s license) to a First Republic Bank to cash the check. There are two locations close to the conference.

The locations, maps, and hours for First Republic Bank are here: http://www.firstrepublic.com/locate/locate_sd.html

Can I cash the check at the airport?
No. We recommend that you do not do this.
I don’t want to carry several thousand dollars in cash on me when I travel. What do I do?
Email ghc06_scholarships AT gracehopper DOT org and we will try to make special arrangements for you.
If I have additional questions, who do I ask?
Please email: ghc06_scholarships AT gracehopper DOT org