Upon Arrival

Before your departure:

• Check the “What to Pack” section on the website.
  
• Check the weather forecast and remember to pack mosquito repellants, sunscreen, and rain gear
  
• Workshops/Field Trips Materials and Supplies: If you signed up for workshops or field trips, review the materials/packing list:
• https://www.gnsi.org/Visual-SciComm-Conf-2025/Programme/workshops
  
• https://www.gnsi.org/Visual-SciComm-Conf-2025/Programme/Field-trips
  

ARRIVAL

• When arriving at Bridgewater State University, Crimson Hall, East Campus (Google Map: 200 East Campus Road, Bridgewater, MA), drive into Weygand Lot (351 Great Hill Drive) for loading and unloading vehicles, then move your vehicle to the Parking Garage. No temporary/printed passes are required. Spaces for conference attendees and presenters are available to use for overnight parking. It is near our lodging at Crimson Hall and located behind Weygand Hall. Taxis may drop passengers and luggage along the curb before circling back onto Great Hill Dr. Look for GNSI signs directing you to Registration in Crimson Hall Lobby.
• Use the Interactive BSU Map or download the PDF campus map with important venues highlighted

CHECK-IN & REGISTRATION

• GNSI Conference Packet Pickup:
• Crimson Hall Lobby: July 13 (Sun), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  
• Registration/Check-in: Crimson Hall Common Room: July 14–19 (Mon–Sat), 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM; 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
• GNSI Conference packets, room assignments, schedule of events, maps, and other material for the conference week will be distributed at the Registration and Check-in area inside Crimson Hall Lobby all week during the posted hours.

• BSU Housing: Crimson Hall Lobby, 24 hours, Saturday - Sunday
  
• The room check-in begins at 4pm on Saturday, July 12, inside Crimson Hall. Pre-registered guests will proceed to the dormitory reception desk to activate their personal, secure Access Card for room check-in. Conference attendees must present a photo ID to the desk attendant to receive a BSU Access Card. Pre-paid overnight stays are coded onto each Access Card and are required to access secured Residence Hall doors and elevators.
  
• Residence Halls (building) are locked 24 hours a day to the public and are only accessible to card holders. For conference groups with adults (18 years old and over), individuals staying on campus will be given access to their individual suite/rooms and their access cards can be programmed to have building access as well. For conference groups with minors (17 years old and younger), we can work with you on their level of access (individual room or building access).
  
• Additional fees can be incurred for the following:
  
• Lost/Broken Access Card $25.00 per card
  
• Late Roster/Roster Changes $25.00 for every 5 changes
  
• Day of Check-In Room Preparation $25.00 for every 5 changes
  
• Improper/Late Check-Out $25.00
  
• Linen Packets $35.00 to replace
  
• GNSI Registration is open Sunday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM in Crimson Hall. The Residence will be attended by University Staff 24 hours a day for housing check-in on any day. If you arrive later than 5:00 PM, you can present your photo ID and get your Access Card for room access from the Residence Hall Desk Attendant, then pick up your registration packet the next morning when the GNSI Registration desk is open at 8:00 AM.
  
• Laundry Facilities:
  All residence halls feature modern, technology-enhanced washers and dryers. We’re pleased to inform you that laundry use will be complimentary during your summer conference. Please note that guests are responsible for bringing their own detergent and laundry supplies.
  
• WiFi: WiFi Access – BSU_Guest Network:
  The BSU_Guest WiFi network is available for campus visitors who do not have BSU credentials or access to the EDUROAM network. It is an open network that does not require a password and is intended for basic internet use during your visit.
• No login or password is needed
• Internet speed is limited to 10 Mbps
  
• Users must accept the terms and conditions before gaining full access
  
• The connection automatically expires after 18 hours, but users can reconnect by accepting the terms again
  
• Please note that this network is intended for short-term guest use only
  

PARKING & SHUTTLE SERVICES

• Parking:
  Parking is not allowed in the MBTA lot. We suggest using the adjacent Weygand Lot (351 Great Hill Drive) for loading and unloading vehicles, then move to the Parking Garage. No temporary/printed passes are required.
  
• MBTA - The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority:
  More commonly known as the T, it is one of the oldest public transit systems in the United States. It's also the largest transit system in Massachusetts. The MBTA commuter rail Bridgewater stop is adjacent to campus and goes directly into downtown Boston. https://www.mbta.com/schedules
  
• BSU is right in the center of the town of Bridgewater; supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, restaurants, etc. are within short walking distances. There is a free shuttle bus service to take you around the campus itself; however, there are no public transportation buses in the greater area. Check with special summer, weekend and evening schedules.
  The link for all transportation options is here:
  https://www.bridgew.edu/office/international-student-scholar-services/international-students/transportation
  
• A safe and efficient charter bus service will be provided by GNSI to and from the off-campus Conference Activities for Monday night’s Exhibition opening at Lakeville Public Library and for Field Trips, Thursday - Saturday. Seats are reserved for pre-registered conference guests only; please check in at the Registration table for more information.
  

DINING

• Pre-paid meals will be served in The East Campus Commons (ECC) Dining Room. The Conference Menu is a pre-set, buffet-style offering. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available. No card is required to dine at the location.
  
• HOURS:
• Breakfast 7:30-9:30 am
• Lunch 11:00 am-1:00 pm
• Dinner 4:30-6:30 pm
  

LINENS

• BSU has partnered with Beantown Bedding, to provide guests with convenient and sustainable bedding solutions. A linen packet includes one pillow, pillowcase, top sheet, fitted sheet, blanket, bath towel, hand towel, and face cloth. It is requested that each attendee gather all items and place them inside the pillowcase before leaving.
• *Please note that although durable, the linens are designed for short-term use. In particular, the pillows are smaller and thinner than a “hotel”-style pillow, the blanket is lightweight, and the bath towel measures 22 x 44 inches (a standard size bath towel measure 27 x 52 inches). These are the only linen items we can provide, so if you would prefer, we welcome you to bring your own or purchase them locally. For your convenience, laundry facilities are available to use on the bottom floor of the residence hall at no charge. Please note that you will need to provide your own laundry detergent.
• Directions to WalMart-Halifax (13 minutes/7 miles)
  
• Directions to Target, Easton (30 minutes/12 miles)
  

CHECK-OUT

• All guests must sign out and return their Guest Key Cards prior to their final departure with university staff at the front desk of Crimson Hall. Key cards not returned at check-out are the responsibility of the individual attendee. Lost or unreturned cards are charged $25, and any remaining cash value, meal credits, are forfeited to BSU. It is requested that each attendee gather all linen items and place them inside the pillowcase before leaving.
  
• The final check out time is Sunday, July 20, 2025, at noon.
  

MISCELLANEOUS

• Carry sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellant, umbrella or rain gear for typically hot July weather and possible thunderstorms. A backpack or lightweight bag can be useful.
  
• Campus Safety and Security:
  In case of Emergency or law enforcement assistance on campus, call:
• 508-531-1212 for BSU Police Department or
• Emergency: 911;
• TTY: 508-531-6111;
• Operations Center, 200 Great Hill Drive, Bridgewater, MA 02325
• Please inform the GNSI Registration Desk of any emergencies as well.
  
• Mail Services:
  
• Please Let your Event Coordinator know if you need to receive mail/packages during your stay. Amazon delivery lockers are also available. “Lolly” is the name of the locker site on campus.
  Any mail or small packages necessary for GNSI programs or workshops may be shipped ahead for delivery on or after
• July 12. Wendy Chadbourne, Co-Chair, is willing to receive and deliver anything that needs to be mailed/shipped. Wendy asks that whoever is shipping notifies her so she can expect it and tracking info is always recommended. Please contact Wendy Chadbourne at wendy@inkymousestudios.com
  
• Fitness Facilities:
  Free and open to the public is an Outdoor Fitness area, adjacent to the University Park area, it is to the far right when walking down the center path towards the tunnel that goes under the train tracks, called “Pedestrian Underpass” on your campus map.
• The BSU Bookstore is in East Campus Commons.
  
• Portfolio Sharing commences Sunday night at 7:00pm in the Dunn Conference Suite on the ground floor of Crimson Hall.
  Please bring your portfolio materials any time after 7pm to find a spot and catch up with old and new GNSI friends. Light refreshments will be served.