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Logistics2019 WAC Summer Institute Logo

Logistics FAQ (for a printable PDF version, click here)

How do I park on campus?

If you are staying in Nelson Hall, you will get a free parking pass to park in the lot underneath it. Look for more information about that with your housing information.

If you are traveling from off-campus, most likely you will want to park in the DU visitor parking lots. Street parking is closely monitored, and most unmetered spaces near campus will permit only 1-hour parking (even into the evening and on Saturday). Lots charge $1.50 an hour up to a maximum of $8.00 per day. You can see all the parking lot choices on the DU parking garage map(hourly visitor lots have a “P” inside what looks like a small clock). Most likely, you will want to try the “E” lot, the parking garage at the corner of Evans and High, as your first option. The entrance is on High Street to the south of Evans. While the natural thought is to take Evans to that corner and turn left on High, then left again into the lot, it can often work better to head over to High street first—either from the south, so that you can turn right into the lot, or from the north, so that you only have to deal with High Street through traffic to make the left turn into the lot.

Most campus parking lots use the method that you find your spot, then go to a central kiosk to pay for your parking. You don’t have to remember lot space numbers; you just have to know your license plate number. If it’s after 8:30 in the morning, you could also go to the Parking Services office in that parking garage to buy a day pass from them. You could potentially buy day passes for other lots as well, particularly for Saturday.

It’s also feasible to use metered spaces, which accept credit cards. Many of them, however, do have limited parking periods.

What are the addresses of campus buildings, in case I need them?

Here are the main ones you might need:

  • Anderson Academic Commons (AAC): 2150 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80208.
  • Nelson Hall [dorms] : 2222 High St, Denver, CO 80208

How do I use the light rail?

The Denver RTD light rail uses a “checked honor system.” You don’t have to pass through a turnstile to get on the trains, but you have to buy a pass to board legally. Guards regularly pass through train cars and check passes. People caught without a pass will be fined and then removed from the train. Assuming you don’t want to join the artful dodgers who spot the guards before they board and jump off the train to avoid being checked, you’ll want to learn how to buy a pass.

Every station has kiosks for buying passes; the kiosks take cards or cash, though no pennies or bills larger than 20s—and all change is given in coins. Unless you want to buy an all-day pass for $9.00, your best bet is probably buying one trip at a time. You will be asked whether you want the cheaper local ticket or a multi-zone ticket. It’s highly likely that all you need is the local ticket (good for two zones), but information about multi-zone travel is available near the kiosk.

Sometimes it can be a bit trying to find the kiosks. For example, at Arapahoe Station, they are prominently located both at the station platform and at the entrance near the parking garage, before you go upstairs to the overpass to the station. By contrast, at Louisiana and Pearl Station, you will need to find the kiosks at street level; you won’t find any down at the platform itself. My rule of thumb is always to look for kiosks as the first order of business as you approach a station.

For most trips, you don’t need to switch trains, though sometimes it’s to your advantage to do so. For example, while the “F” and “H” trains from University Station don’t go to Union Station downtown, you could take them as far as, say, Broadway and switch to a “C” train, which might get you to  Union Station sooner than the next “E” train might. Examine the maps and schedules at the stations carefully to choose your best options. Schedules for all trains are available at the RTD website, and trains usually run pretty close to on time—and are more often a bit early than a bit late.

Some stations have parking lots, but parking is free only for local licenses. You’ll be better off not parking at the stations if you have a choice, but the rate is only $4.00 a day. To pay the rate, use the parking kiosks located at the stations. You don’t have to remember a parking spot number, but you do need to remember your license number.

How do I get from University Station to the campus?

It is a walk of about ¾ of a mile from the station to the conference sites on campus; if that works for you and you allow time, it can be a pleasant walk. If not, for now, bear with us and keep watching this space. We will have other available options, including a regular campus shuttle service.

If you are walking, the most fool-proof path is to walk up High Street (the one that runs south from the station on the other side of the nearby traffic signal). That will let you use the crossing lights to get across Evans, a very busy street, to the main part of campus. (Savvy trailfinders might also figure out how to walk through campus to get to the crossing light right next to Anderson Academic Commons.) From there, it’s best to consult a campus map (PDF format) to get to your exact location. If you are interested in exploring more of campus, DU has an interactive map.

How do I get to the WAC Summer Institute?

All events will take place in Anderson Academic Commons (AAC). The main room will be AAC 340 “The Loft,” but check-in, catering, and other events will be in AAC 290 “Greg Kvistad Special Events Room.” You enter AAC on the second floor, so AAC 340 is one flight of stairs up, and AAC 290 is on the floor you enter the building on.

Who do I contact if I need any additional accommodations?

Let us know at your earliest convenience by sending an email to ude.ud@ybloc.drahcir. If you need additional help, call Richard Colby 303-871-7702.

How about meals?

All participants get  breakfast and lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. There is a reception with hors d’oeuvres and wine and beer on Sunday night. A dinner will be provided on Monday. You are on your own for dinner on Tuesday, but there are a lot of local places that are all reasonably priced (See Navigating Denver #Food for options).

Where is the nearest full grocery store? Pharmacy? Liquor store?

All of these are at about the same location, the corner of Evans and Downing, about 3/4 of a mile west of campus along Evans Avenue. The Safeway grocery and Morgan’s liquors are on the south side of Evans (the same side as campus), and the Walgreen’s pharmacy is on the north side of the street. It’s a reasonably safe and secure walk in daylight; locals find it acceptable at night as well, but you will pass some areas without any open businesses along the way.

What are the main things lowlanders should know about being at elevation?

Above all, take sun protection and hydration seriously, especially if you are headed for higher elevations than Denver’s “mere” mile high. You’ll take on UV rays and lose water at surprisingly higher rates. It makes sense to make use of wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen—including lip balm with sun protection. Carry a good, big water bottle with you, and refill often at the many refilling stations on campus.

Take special care if you are heading up above 8,000 feet (there are towns around here higher than that, like Buena Vista, Georgetown, Grant, Breckenridge, and Leadville). It can be normal to feel some light-headedness and queasiness, which usually passes with time. But things like loss of coordination and shortness of breath even at rest and might indicate larger problems. It’s rarely a good idea to “push through” symptoms of altitude sickness. Take an extra day to acclimate and try again the next day.