Contact
If you have any issues, contact Robbie Mátyási.
Email: matyasir [at] sas.upenn.edu
Phone: (267) 881-1327
Second contact: Karen Detlefsen.
Email: detlefse [at] sas.upenn.edu
Phone: (267) 896-9511
Conference venue
The workshop will take place in Claudia Cohen Hall on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus. Cohen Hall (also the location of the Department of Philosophy) is at 249 South 36th Street (by Spruce Street and South 36th Street) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
We are also welcoming virtual participants. The Zoom link will be announced at a later time.
Most activities will be in Cohen 402 (fourth floor, lecture hall directly opposite the stairs). The main entrance of Cohen Hall is on the 36th St. walkway, but this requires a Penn Card for access. There is an accessible entrance on the opposite side of the building (facing the Penn Commons) that is open to the public.
Lunches will be held in the Department of Philosophy lounge (405 Cohen, immediately across the hall from 402 Cohen).
Virtual participation
Zoom link: https://upenn.zoom.us/j/98153553117
Karen sent out an email with the passcode to all participants. If you can’t find the passcode, please get in touch Robbie.
COVID-19 guidelines
Come prepared: Be sure to read thoroughly the following guide before coming to campus: Penn COVID-19 guidelines for visitors.
PennOpen Pass: Penn requires all visitors to complete a PennOpen Campus online pre-screening for each day they are on campus. The screening asks you to assess potential symptoms and generates a pass based on your answers. You can show the pass on your smartphone when requested, typically at the entrance of each university building. If you do not have a mobile device or computer at hand, security personnel may conduct a verbal attestation process on campus (i.e., they will ask you questions about coronavirus symptoms).
Masking policy: As of April 18, all members and visitors to the Penn community must wear masks while indoors in public or shared spaces. (Read more about masking on campus through this link.)
Vaccination and testing: We urge all in-person participants to read through this campus guide about the current vaccination and testing policies.
Travelling from outside the US: It is best to double-check with your airline before going to the airport. In addition, we recommend reading through this guide by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
Wi-Fi on campus
The easiest way to access the Wi-Fi is to have Eduroam set up with your home institution.
Otherwise please follow this tutorial to set up guest access.
Coffee shops, breakfast, etc.
Around the venue:
Plenty of places on the Penn and Drexel campuses nearby. Some recommendations:
Williams Cafe – in the building adjacent to Cohen hall (map), closed on Saturday
United by Blue – second nearest, open on Saturday (map)
High Street Provisions – in Franklin’s Table food hall (map)
Saxbys – short walk from Cohen (map)
Near the hotel:
Nook Bakery & Coffee Bar (map)
La Colombe (map) – there’s two nearby, the other one is close to the nearest subway stop on 15th street (map)
Travel
If you are flying into Philadelphia International Airport:
The easiest way to get to Sonesta from the airport is to take a taxi/rideshare; the standard flat rate from the airport is $28.50 and the rideshare cost varies (but is often less). A second way is to take the SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority) train headed toward Center City. Fare and schedule info for the trains can be found through this link.
If you are arriving in Philadelphia by train:
Your train will most likely take you to 30th Street Station. You can either grab a cab from the taxi stand at 30th St. Station or take SEPTA Regional Rail train to 30th Street Station for direct access to the hotel via Suburban Station (1 train stop over). Trains run from 5:30am – 11:45pm (times are subject to change). Please check the schedule on Septa.org or at ticket booth. Time of travel to and from hotel/ 30th Street Station is 5 minutes. The hotel is located 2 blocks from Suburban Station.
To the conference venue (Cohen Hall) from Sonesta:
Turn right on 18th out of the hotel and right again onto Chestnut Street. Head West on Chestnut across the bridge until you reach 34th St. Turn left and walk to 34th and Walnut St (1 block) – this is the edge of campus. Follow the path diagonally through campus until you see Cohen Hall (look for the signs leading to Admissions and Tour Check-ins).
If you are not comfortable with walking this distance, you can take the Market-Frankford Line (a subway). Get on at 15th and Market Street (City Hall) and head West. Get off at 34th St. and walk South on 34th until you reach the path leading into campus at 34th St. and Walnut St. If this is not manageable for you either, please speak to Robbie about arranging an alternative.
Accommodation
All in-person participants have been booked at Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square. Participants received an email with the details of their reservation from Karen Detlefsen. Sonesta is located at 1800 Market St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you have any concerns about your reservation, you can contact them at 215 561 7500.
Sonesta is near several restaurants and public transportation options. They offer a list of nearby restaurants here.
