Accommodations

Participants should make their own arrangements directly with a hotel of their choice as early as possible. Special rates have been negotiated with the hotels listed below. Rates quoted do not include sales tax of 12%. The AMS is not
responsible for rate changes or for the quality of the accommodations. When making a reservation, participants should state that they are with the American Mathematical Society (AMS) Meeting at Notre Dame group. Cancellation and early checkout policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation.

The Inn at Saint Mary's, 53993 US Route 31, South Bend, IN 46637; phone: 574-232-4000, fax: 574-289-0986, and toll free: 800-94ST-MAR or visit http://www.innatsaintmarys.com/; rates range from US$96­$126 single/double and includes full breakfast. This hotel is not within easy walking distance of the meeting. Cancellation and early checkout policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations is March 8, 2006.

Morris Inn, Notre Dame Avenue, Notre Dame, IN 46556 (located on campus across the street from McKenna Hall/CCE; phone: 574-631-2000, fax: 574-631-2017 or visit http://morrisinn.nd.edu/; US$112­$130 single/
double and includes full breakfast. Located on campus and an easy walk to the meeting. Cancellation and early checkout policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations is March 8, 2006.

Quality Inn University, 515 North Dixieway, South Bend, IN 46637; phone: 574-272-6600, fax: 574-272-5553 or visit http://www.choicehotels.com/; rates are US$69.95 single/double. This hotel is not within easy walking distance of the meeting. Cancellation and early checkout policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations is March 8, 2006.

Food Service

A list of restaurants will be available at the registration desk.

Local Information

Please visit the websites maintained by the University of Notre Dame http://www.nd.edu and the department of mathematics at http://www.math.nd.edu.

Other Activities

Book Sales: Examine the newest titles from the AMS! Many of the AMS books will be available at a special 50% discount available only at the meeting. Complimentary coffee will be served courtesy of AMS Membership Services.

AMS Editorial Activity: An acquisitions editor from the AMS Book program will be present to speak with prospective authors. If you have a book project that you would like to discuss with the AMS, please stop by the book exhibit.

Parking

Parking is available in the Visitor Lot, south of the conference center, for a US$2 cash fee payable at exit or for US$1 with a purchase of a token at the conference center.

Reception

The Department of Mathematics will host a reception for all conference participants on Saturday evening in McKenna Hall (CCE). The AMS thanks the department for its gracious hospitality.

Registration and Meeting Information

The registration desk will be located on the first floor of McKenna Hall, also known as the Center for Continuing Education (CCE), and will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Sunday. All talks will take place in McKenna Hall (CCE) and DeBartolo Hall.

Registration fees: Fees are US$40 for AMS or CMS members, US$60 for nonmembers; and US$5 for students/ unemployed/emeritus, payable on site by cash, check, or credit card.

Travel

By Air: Notre Dame is about 15 minutes from Michiana Regional Airport (ask your travel agent to book you to South Bend, Indiana). From the airport take "Lincolnway West" East (left out of the airport) to downtown South Bend. Turn left on Indiana 933 (Michigan St.). Stay on Indiana 933 to Angela Boulevard which is the second stop light north of the St. Joseph River. Turn right onto Angela Boulevard then left at the first stop light onto Notre Dame Avenue. Visitor Parking is located on the right side of Notre Dame Ave. about 200 yards from Angela.

You can also fly to Chicago, then drive or take a limousine to the university. The university is about 2 hours (by car) from O'Hare airport, less from Midway. From O'Hare Airport: Take Route 190 east out of O'Hare to Route 90 east (Kennedy Expressway) toward downtown Chicago where it merges with Route 94 south (Dan Ryan Expressway). Take the Skyway exit off the Dan Ryan and remain on Route 90 to the Indiana Toll Road which eventually merges with Route 80. Get off at Exit 77 (South Bend/Notre Dame).

The official airline for the meeting is Delta Airlines. Take advantage of Delta's new SimpliFares™ and enjoy the following benefits:

• No Saturday-night stay required--more flexibility

• Always affordable--realize up to 50% savings on everyday fares in the contiguous 48 states

• Lower change fees--reduced from US$100 to US$50 to change travel plans

• Just eight fares--less guessing and easier planning

To make immediate reservations call Delta Air Lines at 800-221-1212. Be sure to reference US738367060 or visit http://www.delta.com and enter SkyBonus account number US738367060 in your passenger information screen to be recognized as a participant. Your benefits include:

• No service fees

• 1,000 sky miles for Delta members

• Skip the airport lines; check in online

Driving: From the north: The university is located just south of the Indiana Toll road (Interstate 80/90). Exit Interstate 80/90 at exit 77 and turn right onto Michigan (Indiana 933). Make a left at the 4th stop light (Angela Boulevard). Make a left at the first stop light (Notre Dame Avenue). Visitor Parking is located on the right side of Notre Dame Ave. about 200 yards from Angela Boulevard.

From the south: Take US 31 north which becomes Indiana 933 just south of South Bend. Stay on Indiana 933 to Angela Boulevard which is the second stop light north of the St. Joseph River. Turn right onto Angela Boulevard then left at the first stop light onto Notre Dame Avenue. Visitor Parking is located on the right side of Notre Dame Ave. about 200 yards from Angela.

Other: The South Shore Line trains run directly from the Chicago Loop to Michiana Regional Transportation Center (Airport) in South Bend.

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://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_to_US.html and http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html. If you need a preliminary conference invitation in order to secure a visa, please send your request to dls@ams.org.

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.

Weather

The weather in April is variable, with temperatures from 45ºF to 55ºF, and occasional rain with a remote possibility of snow..

Organizer Page

Click here to page maintained by organizer of Special Session on Commutative Algebra and Algebraic Geometry.