Welcome! 
We hope you will join us at the 52nd International Arctic Workshop being held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, April 19 - 22, 2023! The International Arctic Workshop is a friendly, informal, and relaxed conference open to all students and professionals interested in the Arctic. Originally starting at INSTAAR at the University of Colorado - Boulder, the Arctic Workshop alternates between INSTAAR and an international host. This year, University of Massachusetts with the department of Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences & Climate System Research center will be hosting. 

Registration
The registration fee of $220.00 includes access to all conference sessions, lunch on Thursday and Friday, and dinner on Friday. There is an optional Saturday field trip to a local Quatemary (boxed lunch included) for an additional fee of $20.00. For those traveling with a partner/spouse, attendees may purchase a guest banquet ticket for $37.00/guest. There is also a discounted $100.00 registration rate for Five College Undergraduate Students who will not present a poster or talk (banquet not included; available for $37.00/ticket). Please note: all registrations and payments received after April 5, 2023, will be assessed a $40.00 late fee. 

To register, click "Register Now" above! Payment is accepted online by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit or debit card. If you need assistance completing your registration, or if you wish to discuss alternate payment options, please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu. 

Abstract Submission
Abstracts are being accepted for poster presentations and talks. Abstracts can be uploaded during the registration process. The abstract submission deadline is March 31, 2023. Click here to review the full abstract instructions.

Note you may complete your registration now and return at a late date prior to March 31 to submit an abstract: retain your login credentials to return and edit your registration/abstract as needed. 

NSF Sponsored Registration and Lodging Grant
The US National Science Foundation has decided to offer a limited number of sponsored registration and lodging grants to students, with preference being given to students from underrepresented groups. This sponsored grant covers the registration fee and lodging at Hotel UMass. To be considered for the sponsored registration and lodging grant, the student will need to present a poster or a talk during the workshop.

To apply, click "Register Now" above. You will see the NSF Sponsored Registration and Lodging Grant application during the registration process. Your application must include an uploaded copy of your CV and an abstract for the poster or talk you wish to present. Applications will be reviewed as received and you will be contacted once decisions have been made.  

Please note: the deadline to be consider for the sponsored registration and lodging grant is March 31, 2023. 

Cancellation Policy
Attendees cancelling their registration before the close of business (4PM ET) on April  12, 2023, will receive a full refund minus a $60.00 cancellation-processing fee. Cancellations received after this deadline may be granted a pro-rated refund depending on the exact date of cancellation. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to the UMass Conference Services Office by email (registration@umass.edu) or fax (413-577-8130).

Current Covid-19 Policies/Guidelines from UMass Amherst
Visit the UMass Amherst COVID-19 Information page for resources and updates on the University's COVID-19 response, including the latest campus news and comprehensive information. In addition to asking event attendees to stay home if they are feeling ill, making hand sanitizer readily available, ensuring permitted capacities are not exceeded, and requiring that all UMass staff and students are vaccinated, UMass Conference Services, Hotel UMass, and the University at large are committed to following any protocols put in place by the State of Massachusetts, and the University of Massachusetts' Environmental Health and Safety Team, and will update attendees should any policies, procedures, or guidelines be implemented prior to or during the retreat. Note UMass Amherst has lifted its indoor mask requirement in most circumstances: individuals are required to wear masks in healthcare facilities (including University Health Services, Public Health Promotion Center, and Center for Counseling and Psychological Health), and masks are also required in the Center for Early Education and Child Care. Individuals are welcome to wear masks at their own discretion.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Tentative Workshop Schedule 
Wednesday April 19
Welcome and Evening Ice Breaker - Campus Center Amherst Room (10th Floor)   

Thursday April 20
Workshop Sessions/Talks - Campus Center Room 163C (1st Floor)
Abstract Poster Session - Campus Center Rooms 162-75 & 165-69 (1st Floor)
Lunch - Campus Center Amherst Room (10th Floor)

Friday April 21
Workshop Sessions/Talks - Campus Center Room 163C (1st Floor)
Abstract Poster Session - Campus Center Rooms 162-75 & 165-69 (1st Floor)
Lunch - Campus Center Amherst Room (10th Floor)
Dinner and Keynote Speaker - Campus Center Marriott Center (11th Floor) 

Saturday April 22
Morning Talks - Campus Center Room 163C (1st Floor)
Quaternary Field Trip (optional; additional $20.00 fee) 

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

On-Campus Lodging: Hotel UMass
Rated the best hotel in Amherst and seated in the center of the picturesque UMass Amherst campus, Hotel UMass blends a tranquil countryside escape with the bustling energy of campus life, making it your ideal destination when staying in the area. During your stay, you will have access to the distinctive cultural atmosphere of one of the nation's top universities, while remaining only minutes away from historic downtown Amherst, allowing you to discover the magic of the Pioneer Valley. The breathtaking views from your guestroom alone will allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of scenic New England. 

A block of rooms is reserved for conference participants at Hotel UMass at a discounted conference rate of $159.00 - $209.00 per room, per night (plus applicable fees, currently 6% plus $1.00 per room, per night). Interested guests must make a reservation directly with the hotel. We encourage you to make your reservation early: this discounted rate is only available until March 22, or until the hotel fills.

To complete your reservation visit Hotel UMass or call 877-822-2110 and reference group code 800504. Rooms are available in the conference block for the nights of Wednesday, April 19 - Saturday, April 22: if you wish to stay outside of these dates, or if you need assistance completing your reservation, please call the hotel at 877-822-2110.

Area Lodging
The Amherst area is full of many hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts. Neighboring Hadley has many large chain hotels located a short 5 - 10 minute drive from the UMass campus on Russell Street/Route 9, including a Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson's, Comfort Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Courtyard Marriott. Amherst itself is dotted with numerous inns and B&B's, such as the Inn on Boltwood, the Black Walnut Inn, and the Allen House, offering a taste of local Pioneer Valley living. Some popular options, including estimated drive time to the Campus Center, can be found below.  A full listing can be found here.

Amherst: 

• Hotel UMass: rated the best hotel in Amherst and the most convenient lodging option for our campus guests; 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst; click here or call 877-822-2110 and reference group code 800504 (on-campus). 
• Allen House Inn: award winning historical Victorian bed and breakfast; 599 Main Street, Amherst; click here or call 413-253-5000 (9 minutes).
• Amherst Airbnb: over 8,000 guest reviews for places to stay in Amherst with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars; click here for available rooms and homes.
• Black Walnut Inn: ranked #1 of 14 Amherst B&B and Inns; 1184 North Pleasant Street, Amherst; click here or call 413-549-5649 (8 minutes)/
• Inn on Boltwood: a historic Amherst hotel with 49 unique guest rooms; 30 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst; click here or call 413-256-8200 (10 minutes).

Hadley: 

• Courtyard Hadley Amherst: centrally located hotel with an indoor pool, fitness center, and a newly renovated lobby with evening bar service and dinner menu; 423 Russell Street, Hadley; click here or call 413-256-5454 (8 minutes).
• Econo Lodge: convenient and budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast and indoor heated pool; 329 Russell Street, Hadley; click here or call 413-582-7077 (9 minutes). 
• Hampton Inn: provides a mix of value, comfort and convenience, with free hot breakfast, indoor pool and fitness center; 24 Bay Road, Hadley; click here or call 413-586-4851 (16 minutes). 
• Homewood Suites by Hilton: offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites (including kitchenettes) and free hot breakfast; 340 Russell Street, Hadley; click here or call 413-387-0583 (15 minutes). 
• Howard Johnson by Wyndham: conveniently located and pet friendly hotel with free continental breakfast, fitness center, and outdoor pool; 401 Russell Street, Hadley; click here or call 413-586-0114 (10 minutes). 
• Comfort Inn & Suites: indoor hot tub, oversized vehicle parking, business center; 400 Russell Street, Hadley; click here or call 413-341-1556 (12 minutes).

Deerfield: 

• Deerfield Inn: historic hotel with excellent restaurant and tavern; 81 Old Main Street, Deerfield MA; click here or call 413-774-5587 (27 minutes). 
• Red Roof PLUS+: easily accessible budget hotel with indoor pool close to Deerfield attractions; 9 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield; click here or call 413-665-7161 (19 minutes).
  

Northampton: 

• Fairfield Inn and Suites: new state-of-the-art hotel located a short walk to downtown Northampton; 115A Conz Street, Northampton; click here or call 413-587-9800 (22 minutes). 
• Hotel Northampton: historic hotel in downtown Northampton with two award-winning restaurants; 36 King Street, Northampton; click here or call 413-584-3100 (22 minutes).
• Quality Inn & Suites: a well-appointed and conveniently located hotel with free hot breakfast, indoor heated pool, and fitness center; click here or call 413-341-1461 (21 minutes).

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Location   
The workshop will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Murray D. Lincoln Campus Center. The Campus Center and attached Campus Center Parking Garage are located at 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Click here for turn-by-turn directions from your location. 

Registration times and locations are still being determined but a detailed arrival email will be sent as the event approaches. Please stop by the registration desk to pick up your registration materials and, if necessary, a parking coupon to the Campus Center Parking Garage. If you arrive after the start of the event, or if you need any assistance throughout the event, please come to the Conference Services Office located in room 819 on the 8th floor of the Campus Center. Our office location is down the hall: take a right off of the elevators and our office is down the hall on the left.

Parking
A discounted parking pass is available for the Campus Center Parking Garage. For GPS purposes, the garage is located at 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA, 01003 (click here to obtain directions from your location). Campus Center Way is off of Commonwealth Avenue, across the street from the Mullins Center. After turning onto Campus Center Way stay to the left to go up the hill. You will see the garage entrance on your right. Take a gate ticket and park. We recommend following the Hotel UMass/Campus Center signs down to park on Level 2, where there is a marked entrance into the Campus Center. Alternatively, you can park on any level and use the Northeast or Southeast Stairwells to gain access to outdoor campus paths that lead down to the Campus Center.

If you are a commuter, take a gate ticket, park, and bring your gate ticket in with you. When you check-in at the registration desk you will be provided with a parking coupon for each day of the program. As you leave each day, but before you go back to your car, stop at one of the garage pay stations (located on levels 2, 3 and 4 of the garage). Enter your gate ticket in the pay station and, when prompted, scan the QR code on the parking coupon you received at registration and then scan your credit card for payment. This will validate your parking pass at a discounted rate of $6.50. Wait for the machine to return your validated gate ticket and then proceed back to your car. As you drive out of the garage enter your validated gate ticket in the exit kiosk to raise the gate. Note that you gate ticket will only be validated for 15 minutes after you stop at the pay station, so only complete this process as you are leaving for the day. 

If you are staying at Hotel UMass, take a gate ticket, park, and bring your gate ticket in with you. At hotel check-in (available after 3 p.m. on your date of arrival) provide the desk clerk with your gate ticket. The desk clerk will then validate your ticket (adding a discounted parking fee to your room charges) and provide you with parking pass valid for the duration of your visit. 

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Driving to Campus   
From the South, via I-91 North
From I-91 North, take Exit 25 in Northampton. From the exit ramp, stay in the right lane to take the first rotary exit, turning onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. 

To park in the garage: stay in the right lane to take a right at these lights onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right.

From the North, via I-91 South
From I-91 South, take exit 36 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp, turn left and follow the road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 & 10 South. Travel one mile, then turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow 8 miles to the UMass exit. Take a left after you exit onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Stay in the right lane and continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. 

To park in the garage: take a right at these lights onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right. 

From the East, via Route 2
Travel via Route 2 West to Exit 71 (Belchertown/Amherst). From Route 2 take Route 202 South for about 15 miles to a blinking yellow light at Amherst Road. You will see signs "to Rt 9 and Rt 116". Turn right and follow Amherst Road (which will become Pelham Road after about 4 miles) for 7 miles to Amherst center. This road will become Main Street. Follow Main Street and signs to UMass to travel through Amherst center, taking a right on North Pleasant Street. At the roundabout take the third exit. 

To park in the garage: after exiting the roundabout follow North Pleasant Street to the lights, staying in the left lane to take a left onto Massachusetts Ave. Follow Massachusetts Avenue and take a right at the intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue. At the next set of lights turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right. 

From the West, via Route 2
From Route 2 East, follow to Greenfield/I-91 exit. From I-91 South, take exit 36 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp, turn left and follow the road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 & 10 South. Travel one mile, then turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow 8 miles to the UMass exit. Take a left after you exit onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Stay in the right lane and continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. 

To park in the garage: take a right at these lights onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right. 

From I-90 (Mass Pike)
If you are a first-time visitor and traveling from the east or west on I-90 (Mass Pike), we recommend avoiding Exit 63 off of the Mass Pike, and instead following the directions to Exit 45 listed below. 

From I-90 (Mass Pike) take Exit 45 (West Springfield). Follow I-91 North to Exit 25. From the exit ramp, turn right onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. 

To park in the garage: stay in the right lane to take a right at these lights onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right.

Traveling by Bus
Amherst and the surrounding area are serviced by Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). The most convenient service is offered by Peter Pan, so when possible those traveling by bus should book a Peter Pan bus ticket using "Amherst UMass, MA" as the destination (note the "Amherst Center, MA" stop is in downtown Amherst and will require additional travel to arrive on campus). Greyhound offers bus service to nearby Northampton, MA, located about a 20 minute drive from campus. From Northampton attendees should plan to travel to campus via a taxi service, Uber/Lyft, or PVTA bus.

Traveling by Train
Amtrak provides passenger rail service to nearby Northampton, MA, located a 20 minute drive from the UMass campus, and Springfield, MA, located a 30 minute drive from the UMass campus. For schedule information and to purchase tickets, visit Amtrak's website and select "Northampton, MA (NHT)" or "Springfield, MA (SPG)" as your arrival destination.

If you take a train to Northampton, MA, you will then need to take either a bus or taxi to the UMass campus. Both PVTA and Peter Pan buses service the area, but the bus stops are not located at the train platform and will require about a 7 minute walk. If you prefer, you may use one of the many local taxi services or Uber/Lyft. We encourage you to carefully plan your trip - including bus or taxi services - prior to your arrival as the Northampton train platform is not a train station and phone access, area maps, bus schedules, and bus tickets will not be available once you arrive. If you decide to take a train out of Northampton, remember to purchase your return ticket online prior to arriving at the platform. The train platform is located at 170 Pleasant Street in Northampton, MA.

If you take a train to Springfield, MA, we recommend booking a shuttle service, such as Valley Transporter, to get you from Springfield to Amherst. Bus services, including Peter Pan, are also available, but will require about a 15 minute walk from the train station to the bus stop. The train will arrive at the Springfield station building, located at 66 Lyman Street in Springfield, MA. This station building does have a waiting room, ticket office, quik-trak kiosk, and payphone, but we do still encourage you to plan your trip, including services from the train station to campus, prior to your arrival.

Getting Around Campus & the Area
There are multiple transportation options to get you from campus to amenities and attractions in the surrounding area. Amherst center, with local shops, restaurants, and small convenience stores, is a 15 - 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from campus. If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located on University Drive and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley, about a 5 - 10 minute trip from campus by car or bus. Retailers include CVS, Big Y, Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, Marshalls, and more.

Local buses, operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), run regularly between Amherst center and the University, with additional services traveling throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Northampton, Springfield, and Greenfield. If you'd rather take a car, UMass has partnered with Zipcar and Enterprise to bring on-demand car sharing services right to campus. The area is also serviced by a variety of cab companies, including Uber, Lyft, Taxi Express, Tik Tak Taxi (413-256-4500) and Celebrity Cab (413-253-7330). There are also a number of bicycle rentals around campus, including Laughing Dog Bicycles, Hampshire Bicycle Exchange, and ValleyBike Share.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM EDT (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Have questions or need assistance? 
If you have questions regarding completing your registration, submitting payment, or the area/event in general, or if you wish to register a group, please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu. We look forward to welcoming you here in April!