Map/Directions
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Local Information and Maps
A campus map is found at http://usfweb2.usf.edu/parking_services/maps/Visitor_Map.pdf
Travel Information
The nearest airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), http://www.tampaairport.com, 5507 W. Spruce St., Tampa, FL 33607. The airport is about 14 miles from the campus, a 25-minute drive under optimal conditions. Many hotels near campus offer a free shuttle service from TPA. Participants are encouraged to ask about this service upon hotel reservation. In most cases, however, the shuttle service can only be reserved upon arrival at TPA. This may cause a delay. Bay Shuttle, Inc., 1-813-259-9998 offers transportation services between the airport (TPA) and the meeting hotels for US$25 each way.
Reservations are required by telephone or via their website at http://www.tampabayshuttle.com. Alternative shuttle services, airport limos, and taxis are also available: http://www.tampaairport.com/ground_transportation. The second nearest airport is Saint Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) 14700 Terminal Blvd # 221 Clearwater, FL 33762. PIE is about 26 miles away and you will need to rent a car to get to campus and the hotels.
Getting to the campus by car:
From the east: Take I-4 west to exit 9/I-75 north. Travel north on I-75 for 3.8 miles to Exit 265/Fowler Avenue. Head west on Fowler Avenue 4.4 miles to the university's main entrance at Leroy Collins Boulevard.
From the west/Tampa International Airport:
Take I-275 North to Exit 45B/I-4 East. Travel east on I-4 for 8.1 miles to Exit 9/I-75 North. Travel north on I-75 for 3.8 miles to Exit 265/Fowler Avenue. Head west on Fowler Avenue 4.4 miles to the university's main entrance at Leroy Collins Boulevard.
Parking
Free parking on Saturday and Sunday. All other days require a visitors parking hangtag for your vehicle.
Parking map: http://usfweb2.usf.edu/parking_services/maps.asp
Dining Options at the Marshall Center http://www.msc.usf.edu/food.php
Weather
Spring is definitely in the air in March and the weather is sunny, dry, and wonderful. Temperatures vary from 76° F to 56° F and the water temperature for the Gulf of Mexico (West Coast) and the Atlantic Ocean (East Coast) range from the low 60s to middle 70s.
Information for International Participants
Visa regulations are continually changing for travel to the United States. Visa applications may take from three to four months to process and require a personal interview, as well as specific personal information. International participants should view the important information about traveling to the U.S. found at http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/biso/visas/ and http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html.
If you need a preliminary conference invitation in order to secure a visa, please send your request to Don Haynie at dhaynie@usf.edu.
If you discover you do need a visa, the National Academies website (see above) provides these tips for successful visa applications:
* Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they are intending to return to their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof of “binding” or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad. This may include documentation of the following:
- family ties in home country or country of legal permanent residence
- property ownership
- bank accounts
- employment contract or statement from employer stating that the position will continue when the employee returns;
* Visa applications are more likely to be successful if done in a visitor's home country than in a third country;
* Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application;
* Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer or the U.S. host, specifying the subject, location and dates of the activity, and how travel and local expenses will be covered;
* If travel plans will depend on early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application;
* Provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status (students should provide a university transcript).
This list is not to be considered complete. Please visit the websites above for the most up-to-date information.