Conference Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Q: Where is the conference taking place?
A: The NSSA Conference will be held on the campus of Stanford University in Stanford, California at the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center. You can find out more about Stanford University here.

Q: What are the goals for the conference?
A: Conference attendees will explore and build on the following:

  • Implications of recent research findings
  • Solutions to operational challenges
  • Pathways to sustainability

Q: Who will be attending the conference?
A: The conference will be a gathering of approximately 200 district and state and higher education leaders, tutoring providers, researchers, and funders.

Q: How do I register for the conference?
A: Please register here.

Q: Is there a deadline to register for the conference?
A: Yes. We ask that you register for the conference by Thursday, April 21. If you miss the registration date, please email both Kathy Bendheim (kathy_bendheim@brown.edu) and Wendy Wallace at (wendy_wallace@brown.edu).

Q: Are meals included in the registration?
A: Yes. NSSA will provide breakfast, lunch and several coffee breaks throughout the day. The evening reception includes drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres. 

Q: Is the NSSA covering expenses for the conference?
A: Conference registration is free. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. Limited funding is available for those who are eligible. Please indicate your interest on the registration form. *The NSSA Team will reach out to speakers and panelists regarding travel and lodging arrangements.

Q: Does NSSA have hotel rooms available for meeting attendees?
A: Yes. The NSSA reserved blocks of room for attendees at the Graduate of Palo Alto and the Sheraton Palo Alto. If you want to make a reservation at the Sheraton, please call (650) 328-2800. *The NSSA Team will reach out to speakers and panelists regarding travel and lodging arrangements.

Q: Which airport is closest to the hotels and venue (Stanford University)?
A: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) are both about 20 miles from Stanford.

Q: How will I travel to and from the hotel?
A: There are several ways to travel to and from the conference site.

WALK: The Alumni Center is about a 30-minute walk from the hotel area.

DRIVE: The Alumni Center is a 5 - 10 minute drive from the hotel area. You can take a car share service (Uber or Lyft).

PUBLIC TRANSIT: The Alumni Center is about 15 minutes away via Marguerite, a free shuttle service provided by Stanford University (see map below) Take the Y Line to Stanford and X Line back to the hotel areas.

Q: Where do I park my car and how do I pay for parking?
A: Parking is available in the Galvez Street Lot and pay machines placed throughout the lot accept payment by credit cards and cash (see map below).

Q: Generally, what should I expect on the day of the conference?
A: Registration will open at 8:00 a.m., the conference will begin at 8:45 a.m. and end at 5:15 p.m, with a reception to follow until 8:00 p.m. The day will consist of a keynote address, moderated panel discussions, breakout sessions by learning communities, table talk discussions, and a few breaks dispersed throughout the day. The day will wrap up with a closing address and end-of-day reflections. At 5:15 p.m. there will be an evening reception and opportunity to network.

Q: What is the program for the conference?
A: Program details are on the conference agenda. Please note that the program will continuously be updated.

Q: Can I cancel my registration?
A: Yes. To cancel your registration please or email wendy_wallace@brown.edu before May 1st.