Conference Essentials

Shuttle Service

Colgate has a shuttle service to and/or from Syracuse or Utica. Please submit your request two business days prior to your travel date. If you have requested a shuttle from Syracuse or Utica, select Frank Dining Hall as your drop-off location. It is closest to Pinchin Hall. Shuttle requests must be made two business days prior to your travel date. You can book shuttles directly with Colgate University Shuttle Services.

Driving Directions to Pinchin Hall

From NYSR 12B turn onto College Street (on 12B North this will be a right turn at the first traffic light in Hamilton, from 12B South it will be a left at the third/last traffic light in town). College Street will dead end into Oak Drive. Take a right onto Oak Drive. After 20 yards or so take another right onto Alumni Drive and continue to drive uphill.  At the second stop sign, continue up the hill past Frank Dining Hall, the dining hall will be on your right. The driveway to Pinchin Hall will be a bit further up on your left. You may park next to Pinchin Hall while you check-in. Inside  Pinchin Hall, there will be signage directing you to registration.

Temporary Check-In: You may park briefly on the roundabout while checking in.

Parking

Required: If you are bringing a car to campus, please fill out and print the Colgate University Conference Services & Summer Programs 2026 Temporary Parking Permit.

Pinchin and Stillman Hall Residents: If you are staying at Pinchin or Stillman Hall, you will need to park your vehicle in the 113 Broad Street long-term parking lot after unloading your belongings. Golf carts will be provided during registration and conference check-out to bring participants back up the hill from the parking lot/return them to their cars.

Electric Vehicle Charging
Level 2 ChargePoint stations are located in several locations on campus. Tesla vehicles require an adapter.

The first four hours are free. After that, the charging rate is $2/hour. 

Find charging stations.

We provide the essentials, including basic bedding, but some conference participants have found it useful to bring additional items, such as more comfortable sheets, a warm blanket/sleeping bag, a favorite pillow, a towel, a robe, a small desk lamp, a small fan, hangers, a shower caddy for use in shared bathrooms in Jane Pinchin and Stillman Halls, and some basic kitchen supplies (reusable mug, water bottle, can opener, etc).

If desired, please also remember to bring printed copies of manuscripts for your workshop, your phone, laptop, and chargers.

Weather Considerations

The weather in central New York can be erratic in June. Generally, the days are warm and the nights cool, with frequent, though usually brief, periods of rain. We recommend that you hope for the best but plan for three seasons of weather. An umbrella or rain jacket, and at least one pair of sturdy closed-toed shoes and/or all-weather sandals can come in handy. A warm jacket, cozy sweats or pajamas for sleeping, and some pieces to layer with in case of cooler weather have proved useful in past years.

Traditional-style dorms feature standard double rooms and suites, with communal gender-designated bathrooms per floor, and all-gender bathrooms. Buildings are cooled in two ways, depending on the building, through a chilled water system or mobile windowless air conditioning units. Dorms are located on the upper campus near the academic buildings and the dining hall. Bedroom furniture includes a dresser, wardrobe, extra-long twin bed, desk and a desk chair.

Apartments feature four-person units with standard double rooms, shared bathroom, kitchen with a refrigerator and stove/oven combo, and living area. Bedroom furniture includes a dresser, wardrobe, extra-long twin bed, desk and a desk chair. They are located on the lower portion of campus and require a 10-15 minute walk or drive to the academic buildings and dining hall.

Please note: All campus housing comes with a twin XL bed, desk, and either a wardrobe or dresser. Please be aware that these accommodations are adequate but spare. Flat sheets are provided for the beds, along with two thin blankets, two small towels, and a pillow. A small bottle of shampoo and a small bottle of body wash are also provided. In the past, participants have brought their own sheets and an extra blanket to make things cozier and to their liking.

At registration, you’ll receive the full and finalized week’s schedule, and you’ll find that it is jam-packed. Your morning workshop is the top priority, of course. Beyond that, we think you’ll get a lot out of the rich array of other offerings: craft talks, shop talks, participant “open-mic” readings, and faculty readings. If you need to step away for a while in order to rest and recharge, though, we’ll understand completely!

Curious about your fellow writers? We'll email the participant directory to all attendees shortly before the conference begins.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided for the entire week for all participants, beginning with dinner on Sunday, June 7, and concluding with breakfast on Saturday, June 13.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always available in Frank Dining Hall. Coffee, tea, and pastries will be set out every morning at 10 a.m. in Lawrence Hall. Most evenings, we convene on the Merrill House porch for drinks, activities led by our fellows, and conversation. The bar there is cash-only.

Campus Facilities

Library and Computer Lab: Conference participants are welcome to use the campus library and computer lab (Lathrop 210) throughout the week. Printing services are available for small projects, but printing book-length manuscripts is not possible.

Fitness Center and Outdoors: Colgate’s world-class fitness center and extensive cross-country running and hiking trails are also available. Hours of operation for campus facilities will be provided at conference registration.

Laundry: Laundry facilities are located on the ground level of Jane Pinchin Hall, in the Stillman Hall basement, and in University Courts Building 6. Laundry machines are card-operated, credit/debit, and tap-to-pay. Laundry detergent is not provided. There is no vending machine with detergent in the laundry rooms.

Convenience Store: The C Store offers a huge selection of snacks, beverages, and everyday items. It’s conveniently located near the Coop and will be operating on a limited schedule during the summer. Whether you need a quick bite, room essentials, writing supplies, simple groceries, or grab-and-go options, the C Store is your one-stop shop. They accept credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Find the C Store on the campus map.

Wifi and Cell Service

Guests on campus may connect to the Colgate-Guest Wi-Fi network for free. The carriers that have the best service in the Hamilton area are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 

The three-stoplight village of Hamilton is roughly one mile from campus, down a steep hill. There, you will find a convenience store, the Colgate bookstore, several coffee shops, a diner, and other restaurants. A little farther up Route 12B, you will find a gas station and a pharmacy. Beyond those lie a grocery store, a liquor store, and a dollar store. These are all within easy driving distance but too far for any but the most enthusiastic walkers.

Morning Yoga

When: 6:30-7:30 a.m. daily
Where: Meditation Hall, Chapel House
Instructor: Anne Falkowski (CWC participant, 20+ years teaching experience)
Equipment: Mats, blocks, straps, pillows, blankets provided
Style: Gentle yoga/meditation blend
More Info: www.annefalkowski.net

Chapel House Quiet Space

When: Noon–4 p.m., Monday–Friday
What: A place of retreat welcoming all faculty, staff, and visitors from all religious traditions, or none
Spaces Available: Library, music room, and other quiet House spaces for reading and writing

Laptop use and other screens are discouraged in these contemplative spaces