Frequently asked questions

The 2009 summer school will be launched at the end of this year. Below are answers to the most common questions asked aboutsigning up for and attending  the summer school. Get answers to your questions on:

• Joining the summer school
• Paying for the summer school
• Who should attend the summer school
• Getting to the summer school
• What happens before the summer school
• What happens at the summer school

Questions about joining the summer school

How do I apply for a place on the summer school?
Via our online booking form. NB - this will not be active until the launch of the 2009 school in late 2008. To get on the waiting list, register you interest here.

We would like to book a number of people from our organisation on to the summer school.  Is this possible and do I have to use the online booking form?
We welcome block-bookings from organisations. You can use a special spreadsheet-based application form for multiple bookings. Email us for a copy.

Can we block-book a number of places and let you know who the delegates will be later?
Yes, for a limited time.  We cannot confirm places until we have names. If the summer school is close to being full we may have to ask you either to supply names or withdraw your booking. The reason for this is that communication with the delegates before the school is an integral part of the programme, so we need to know who they will be.

I live locally. Is it possible to attend on a non-residential basis and save some money?
We do not encourage non-residential delegates and at previous schools some delegates who booked non-residential have subsequently wanted to stay over.  However, we do recognise that some people have exceptional reasons for wanting to go home each night.  If you want a non-residential place please contact us before completing the application form.  A small reduction in the fee may be possible.

If I cannot come, can I transfer my place to a colleague?
No. Places are for the named delegate and are not transferable. In exceptional circumstances you should contact us and we will consider a transfer. Nobody will be allowed to attend the summer school whose booking has not been agreed. 

I need to get approval of my manager/raise a purchase order; can I book a place provisionally?
Yes, email us at and we can hold a place for a limited period (normally about a month). However, if the summer school is close to being full or as we approach the start of the school, we will not be able to offer this facility.

What if I change my mind and do not want my place any more?
Once we have accepted you on to the summer school we will give you seven days to change your mind without penalty. After that if you want to cancel your place we will charge you 20 percent of the summer school fee. For cancellations after 31 May 2009 we will charge the full fee. If there are exceptional circumstances, please contact us and we will discuss it.

Questions about paying for the summer school

How much does the summer school cost?
The fee for the 2009 school will be announced when the programme is launched. VAT is not charged.

What is the cost for delegates from outside the UK?
The fee for non-EU delegates will be announced when the programme is launched. Please note that places are limited.  Do not complete the booking form until you have contacted the summer school team first at info@udss.org.uk

Is there any discount for multiple bookings?
Sorry, no. The summer school is already subsidised by CABE keep the price as low as possible for delegates and we are not able to discount further.

What is included in the price?
The price includes attendance at the summer school learning sessions, all accommodation and meals.  You will have to pay for your travel to the summer school and any incidental expenses such as drinks at the bar, parking, etc. NB: the fee does not include lunch on the first day of the school but you will be able to purchase lunch at the venue. 

If I have not been accepted onto the summer school before 29 February 2008 will I miss out on the early-bird discount?
No, the early-bird fee is based on when you applied, even if for some reason we do not accept you onto the school until after 01 March 2009.

I need to raise a purchase order for my summer school fees, what name and address should it be made out to.
Please note that you cannot reserve a place on the summer school simply by issuing a purchase order. You should also apply for a place using the online form or the spreadsheet based form.Make sure that your purchase order makes clear that it is for CABE urban design summer school and includes the name(s) of the delegates.
Make the purchase order out to Birmingham City University and send it to:

Carol Martin,
School of Architecture
Birmingham Institute of Art and Design
Gosta Green Site
Corporation Street
Birmingham 
B4 7DX

We need to pay the fee by BACS/international electronic transfer. What are the bank account details?
Name of Bank: Natwest, Birmingham City Centre Branch, 1 St Phillips Place, Birmingham  B3 2PP
Account Name: Birmingham City University
Sort Code: 60 02 35
Account Number: 78069467
IBAN: GB36 NWBK 6002 3578 0694 67 (International Bank Account Number)
BIC:  NWBK GB 2L (Bank Identifier Codes)

When does the fee need to be paid?
Our lead partner Birmingham City University will issue an invoice shortly after your application is accepted. This should be paid within 30 days.
If you elect to pay by credit card we will contact you shortly after your booking is accepted to request your credit card details. Again this should be paid within 30 days.
NB: THE FEE MUST BE PAID BEFORE YOU ATTEND THE SUMMER SCHOOL. 

Are there any discounts for students/delegates from charites/community organisations/etc?
Sorry, no.  We try to make the price of the summer school as low as possible for all delegates and we cannot afford to discout further.

I cannot afford the fee. Are any bursaries available?
Bursaries will only be available if we can find companies and agencies to sponsor them. We are currently looking for sponsors and we are fairly confident that some bursaries will be available. If you want a bursary complete the application form and tick the box to say you need a bursary. We will get back to you with details of how to apply. 

Will there be bursaries for people from outside the UK?
We will see if any of our sponsors are interested in supporting international bursaries but we think it is unlikely.

  

Questions about who should attend the summer school

How are delegates for the summer school selected?
In general we accept all applications on a first-come-first-served basis, with one proviso: one of our objectives is to achieve a mix of delegates with a broad range of professional backgrounds and perspectives. So when we receive an application we will look at who we have on the delegate list already before deciding to accept it. It may cause a delay of up to ten days between your application and acceptance.  

I am not based in the UK. Can I still attend the summer school?
Yes, we welcome the involvement of people with experience of the built environment in other countries. However, because the summer school is subsidised by CABE, a UK Government Agency, we have to limit the number of non-UK delegates and, if you are from outside the UK, you will pay a higher fee (see above). Do not complete the booking form until you have checked availability with the summer school team at info@udss.org.uk

Note that you should only attend the school if you have a good command of English and before you apply to come on the school you should make sure that you will be allowed to enter the UK. We may ask for evidence of this.

How do I know if my work/volunteering makes me eligible to attend the summer school?
Provided your work or voluntary activity has some impact on decisions regarding the built environment you are welcome to come to the school. The school works best if there are people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Do you require any existing skills/prior knowledge?
No, the summer school is a mixed-ability event. However, before the school we will send out links to e-learning and other online resources to familiarise you with the basics of urban design. We ask that all ‘novices’ make an effort to work through this material.

I am an experienced urban designer; will I get anything out of attending the summer school?
Our previous schools have included a number of experienced urban designers in the delegate list and nearly all of them have been positive about the school. You will hear from top speakers from the world of urban design, visit best-practice developments and discover excellent networking opportunities.

When you take part in the Big Design Project you may find it is much like your day job, but you will be working in a mixed group and you will benefit from hearing other perspectives and honing your communication, facilitation and leadership skills.

I have no training in, or experience of, drawing. Will this be a problem?
No, the paper based activity will involve conveying simple ideas graphically and will not need any particular drawing skills. When you work on the Big Design Project you will be working in mixed groups and we make sure that each group includes someone with drawing skills, but they will only really be needed to add a little extra sophistication and detail to your presentation. 

I am a student of architecture/planning/urban design. Is the summer school for me?
The summer school is not principally aimed at students but at raising skills among people already working in the built environment. However, provided we have a broad range of other delegates booked on to the school we will not refuse applications from students who can pay the fee.

Can I attend part of the summer school?
No. The summer school is not a conference where you can dip in and out. It is a learning event over four days where one day builds on the next. If you miss part of the school you will not get the benefit and, as the school is likely to oversubscribed, you will be taking a place from someone who could attend the whole school.

  

Questions about getting to the summer school

The venue for the 2009 summer school is being decided. When this is announced we will answer the following questions below.

What is the postal address of the venue

Tbc

What is the nearest railway station and can I walk from there?
Tbc

Is there a Metro station nearby?
Tbc

Is there an airport nearby?
Tbc

Is there parking at the summer school venue?
Tbc

I cannot get to the venue before the start time. Does this matter?
As stated above it is really important to come to all of the summer school. We pack the programme from beginning to end and every bit is significant. If you think you have to arrive late or leave early we would suggest either:

a)    you stay for an extra night on the Saturday prior to the school
b)    you do not come to the school this year and hope that the arrangements work better for you next year.

Can I stay an extra night/the weekend before the summer school?  or
Can I stay an extra night after the summer school?
This should be possible but you will have to arrange this directly with the hotel and pay them separately.  We will ask the hotel for special prices for delegates who want to do this and will post further details here later.

 

Questions about what happens before the summer school

Do I need to do any preparatory work before attending the summer school?
If you are new to urban design we suggest you complete the interactive introductory package on our website. All delegates should visit the learning resources section on our website and browse any pages they think will be useful. We will ask you to complete at least one online questionnaire before the summer school and may email you with one or two other questions. These are aimed at helping us understand more about  you so we can tailor the summer school to your needs. 

How will you communicate with me before the summer school?
All communication is by email and the website. This helps keep our costs down, is sustainable and avoids problems with things getting lost in the post (external or internal). If you have particularly picky junk email filters on your system make sure that info@udss.org.uk is on your safe senders list.

I am on holiday/away on business just before the summer school.  How can I avoid missing out on information?
Just let us know and, if possible, give us an alternative email address and we will make sure you get everything.

 

Questions about what happens at the summer school

Where will the 2009 summer school take place?
The venue and locatio nwill be announced in late 2008.

Are the summer school events and accommodation in the same place?
We always aim to ensure accommodation and school activities will take place on the same site.

Do I need to bring any equipment?
No. But if there is anything special (e.g. pens or pencils) you like to use in your work, feel free to bring them along at your own risk.

Is there a dress code?
You are at the summer school to learn so you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You might want to get a bit dressed up for some of the evening events, but you will not feel out of place if you do not. Remember also that we will be doing site visits on most days whatever the weather. Please keep an eye on the weather forecast before the school and bring appropriate clothing.

I have a disability.  Will I be able to participate?
Of course. Tell us if you need any special facilities or support and we will do our utmost to help you get the most out of the school.

Is the accommodation accessible for people with disabilities?
We ensure that all summer school venues are fully accessible for those with disabilities.

I have a disability/medical condition which means I get tired. It sounds like the summer school programme is very intensive.  Will I be able to cope?
The summer school programme is intensive, that is one of its strengths and obviously we want our delegates to attend as much as possible. However you can retire to your room for a rest if you need to and all evening activities are optional so this is also a good time to take a break.

I have a special dietary requirement.  Will you be able to accommodate me?
There will be plenty of choice for vegetarians at the summer school.  If your requirements are more complicated you should let us know in good time and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

I am coming to the school with a colleague.  Can we work in the same groups?
We can arrange this if you let us know early enough but we do not recommend it.  Our policy is generally to split colleagues up.  If you are going to return to the same workplace we think it is important you come back with as varied an experience as possible.  There will be plenty of time to exchange experiences with your colleague in the breaks and in the evening.

I like to exercise each day.  Will I have a chance to do that?
We will seek to ensure that the venue has leisure and exercise facilities although this is not always possible.

Is there internet access at the venue?
We cannot guaratee free access to internet in venues as many hotels charge for internet access.