Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get there?

Make your own flight arrangements. Several airlines fly directly to Santa Fe. Flights to Albuquerque are more frequent and often lower in cost, and only a one hour shuttle ride away. The shuttle service from Albuquerque to the hotel is Sandia Shuttle Express. Make advance reservations online, or call 888-775-5696. Advance reservations are suggested. Rental cars are available, but not necessary for this trip.

2. How do I make hotel reservations?

A block of rooms has been reserved at La Fonda on the Plaza at the special rate of $209 per night plus tax (single or double occupancy). Please make reservations directly with the hotel, and ask for the University of Minnesota rate (code #581132). While our block of rooms will be held until Monday, July 21, 2008, they are limited in number, so please do not wait to reserve your room. The group rate will be honored two days pre-and post trip dates, based upon availability. Individual reservations should be made by calling the La Fonda on the Plaza’s reservations line at 800-523-5002 (choose #1) or fax reservations to 505-954-3599. Make reservations online.

3. What does the registration fee include?

The $600 per person fee includes all events and most meals as detailed in the attached itinerary. (Airfare and hotel are not included.)

4. How do I register?

Mail your registration form and fee directly to the address listed on the registration form. In the event of cancellation, registration fees will be refunded to the extent pre-paid deposits and other up front costs can be recovered.

5. Are there side trips available?

We are organizing an optional fly fishing trip, Monday, September 22, to trout waters that are not frequently fished on the Pecos River, a beautiful mountain stream. Experienced professionals will instruct you in casting techniques, entomology, and reading the water. Institute of Technology Dean Steven Crouch will join the group. No experience in fly fishing is required to have fun and catch fish. All necessary supplies will be included: fishing equipment, waders, licenses, flies, lunch, and transportation. Additional fee is $240.

Bandelier National Monument

6. Will there be free time to explore the area?

You have free time Friday to explore Santa Fe, and there is no penalty for cutting class! We hope you will stay after the planned program as well—we will offer suggestions on exciting excursions to explore on your own. There are numerous local sites such as the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, Site Santa Fe, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, Bandelier National Monument, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and a multitude of mountain hiking trails in the nearby Pecos Wilderness or Rio Grande Valley rift (not all museums are open Monday). If you rent a car, you can visit Taos, Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, Canyon de Chelly, and many other spectacular sites.

7. What will the weather be like?

The weather in mid-September is usually spectacular, but there can be surprises, like a late monsoon. Be prepared for chilly evenings, and bring walking shoes.

8. What attire is appropriate?

In general, attire in Santa Fe is very casual.