BDSI Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the general structure of the program?
A: The daily program consists of morning lectures, followed by a break for lunch. Students return in the afternoon to work in their assigned project groups. For a more detailed look at the typical structure of our program, you may view the 2023 daily schedule here.

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: There is no dress code, and most days are typically casual. We do recommend bringing at least one business outfit, as there are 1-2 ocassions at which this attire will be more appropriate (including the concluding symposium).

Q: Can I bring my car to campus?
A: Yes, however you will be required to purchase a parking permit (the cost was $33 in 2023) that will only allow you to park in commuter lots on campus. Commuter lots are accessible by the UM or Ann Arbor bus system. You can opt in to purchase a parking permit by indicating such in the welcome form you will receive.

Q: What are the transportation options in Ann Arbor?
A: Ann Arbor has many transporation options, which include rideshares like Uber and Lyft, taxi services, Spin scooters and bicycles, and an extensive public bus system provided by both the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan (both are free to ride with your MCard).

Q: Will I have access to the campus rec center?
A. Students staying in on-campus housing will have access to the rec center.

Q: Will I have printing access?
A: Yes, BDSI participants will be print at MPrint Campus Computing locations.

Q: What is my MCard for?
A. Your MCard is a valuable tool to keep on you at all times! It will be loaded with your Blue Bucks, will be used to collect attendance each day during the program, and will grant you access into certain University buildings such as your dorm, the School of Public Health, and the rec center.

Q: Where can I use my Blue Bucks?
A: Blue Bucks are accepted at all of these on-campus locations.

Q: What meals are provided by BDSI?
A: Meals will be provided at orientation (breakfast, lunch), dinner with the Dean, all journey lectures, the BDSI BBQ, Women in Statistics Night, the concluding symposium (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and Professional Development Day (breakfast, lunch)

Q: Can I mail items to the dorm prior to my arrival?
A; Yes. You can mail items like clothing, linens, and toiletries to Couzens Hall at 1300 E Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Please be sure to include your name and your program name.

Q: What dorm will I be staying in?
A: Participants of BDSI 2024 that opt for on-campus housing will be staying in Couzens Hall.

Q: When can I check in to the dorm?
A: Students can check in any time on Sunday, June 16. If other arrangements need to be made, please contact Sabrina Olsson at [email protected].

Q: By when should I check out of the dorm?
A: Students are required to vacate the dorms by 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 27. If other arrangements need to be made, please contact Sabrina Olsson at [email protected].

Q: Will I be sharing a dorm room with others?
A: No, BDSI participants will have single rooms.

Q: Will I be sharing a bathroom with others?
A: Yes, bathrooms are shared among your floor wing.

Q: Are linens provided?
A: No, linens are not provided. Students should prepare to bring their own linens for a size Twin XL mattress, as well as bathing towels.

Q: Is there a dining hall in my dorm?
A: No, the nearest dining hall is in the Mosher-Jordan dorm. BDSI participants will have access to this dining hall.

Q: Does my dorm have a kitchen that I may use?
A: Yes, Couzens Hall has a community kitchen available for your use.

Q: Will my dorm room have a microwave and/or refrigerator?
A: If you elected to have a microwave and/or refrigerator on the welcome form, these items will be placed in your dorm room prior to your arrival.

Q: What types of travel expenses are eligible for reimbursement?
A: All ground and air travel is eligible for reimbursement. For specific details, please view our reimbursement guide here.

Q: How do I submit my travel expenses for reimbursement?
A: Please use this form to submit your reimbursement request.

Q: In what form will my travel reimbursement be issued?
A: Travel reimbursements will be issued via check, mailed to the address provided when the receipts were submitted.

Q: When and how will I receive my stipend?
A: Stipends will be distributed in the form of a check, in two equal installments. The first will be distributed at the end of the first week of the program. The second and final installment will be distributed during the Professional Development Day. International students will receive their stipend at the beginning of the final week of the program so that they can make arrangements to deposit or cash the check prior to leaving the country.

Q: What if I don't have a US bank account, or bank with a non-national bank such as a credit union?
A: You can either open a bank account while in Ann Arbor, or stipend checks can be cashed at the issuing bank - JP Morgan Chase.