MEETING MINDS 2023

Q: When does Meeting Minds 2023 take place in Oxford?

A: Friday 22 – Sunday 24 September 2023.

Q: How do I find out what’s on and at what time?

A: Check the programme page of the event website, and visit our agenda.

Q: Who can attend?

A: Meeting Minds in Oxford is for Oxford alumni, associates and their guests.

Q: Where is Meeting Minds taking place?

A: Most sessions are taking place in the Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road, OX2 6GG. Other sessions are taking place at colleges and departments across Oxford. A map is available to view here.

Q: What is the hashtag for Meeting Minds 2023?

A: #MMOxford2023 You can follow us on Twitter and Instagram @oxfordalumni. Please tag us in your posts as we love to hear about and share your experiences during Meeting Minds.

Q: How can I tell you what I think of Meeting Minds in Oxford 2023?

A: After the event we will send you a survey via email. The Alumni Office welcome your thoughts about Meeting Minds, including suggestions for activities and speakers in future years.

Q: Is there a charge for the event?

A: Yes, each session costs £15 per person unless otherwise specified.

Q: Can my children come?

A: All sessions are open to children and are free for under 16s, but please note that most lectures are pitched at a general interest alumni audience so parents are advised to use their discretion. If you would like further information about the suitability of a session please contact meetingminds@alumni.ox.ac.uk and we will try to advise. There will be a children's area in the Maths Institute for families, but please be aware that under 16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Q: How do I book to attend?

A: Booking is done though our website, where you can register then select and pay for the sessions you would like to attend.

Q: Can tickets be purchased on the day?

A: It is strongly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance of the event to be sure of securing a place. To buy a ticket during Meeting Minds in Oxford, please come to the Information Desk on the ground floor in the Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road, OX2 6GG.

A list of all available sessions will be on display at the Information Desk.

The opening hours for the Information Desk are as follows:

2:00pm – 5:00pm on Friday 22 September

9:00am – 4:30pm on Saturday 23 September

9:00am – 2:30pm on Sunday 24 September

Payment can be made by credit or debit card only. We are unable to take payment by cash or cheque.

Q: Do I need to check-in when I arrive at Meeting Minds?

A: Yes – you need to check-in and collect your name badge from the foyer at the Mathematical Institute before you attend your first session.

The check-in desks will be open as follows:

10:30am – 6:00pm on Friday 22 September

9:00am – 5:30pm on Saturday 23 September

9:00am – 2:30pm on Sunday 24 September

Q: What should I do if I would like to amend my itinerary for Meeting Minds in Oxford?

A: You can modify your booking online until 11:59pm on Sunday 17 September. The easiest way to modify your booking is via your booking confirmation email – there is a link near the bottom which says “Click here to modify your booking”. This will take you to a page on the Meeting Minds website where you can log in and view your booking. You will need your email address and your Confirmation Number (which can be found on your booking confirmation email) to log in. You will then be able to make changes to your booking.

For amendments during the event please come to the Information Desk in the Mathematical Institute. Please note, on the day amendments are subject to staff discretion and ticket availability.

Q: Where can I find my Confirmation Number?

A: Your Confirmation Number can be found on your booking confirmation email. If you have lost your confirmation email, contact the Alumni Office on meetingminds@alumni.ox.ac.uk to have your Confirmation Number sent to you. 

Q: Can I download the event into my Outlook calendar or iCalendar?

A: Yes you can, there will be an option to do this on the booking confirmation screen.

Q: I am currently on a waiting list for one or more sessions. How will I know if there are spaces available?

A: If you are on a waiting list, you will be notified by email if a place for your session becomes available. You will then have 48 hours to book before the link expires and the place is offered to the next person on the list. You will be notified prior to the event if you get a waitlisted place - please do not assume that you have a ticket to a session if you are on the waiting list. It is not possible to be added to a waiting list after booking closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 17 September. During the weekend it is worth checking at the Information Desk at the Mathematical Institute to see if tickets have become available from cancellations on the day.

Q: Do I need to bring anything with me?

A: You may wish to bring a paper or electronic copy of your itinerary. We will not be sending physical tickets. To take advantage of the discounts and benefits on offer to alumni visiting Oxford, please make sure you bring your Alumni Card with you. If you do not have an Alumni Card, you can order one in advance of the event by emailing enquiries@alumni.ox.ac.uk. And of course, bring a notebook and pen to capture your inspirations from the weekend!

Q: Is there a dress code for the events?

A: Except when otherwise mentioned, there is no particular dress code for Meeting Minds in Oxford; you may come as you are.

Q: Can I access WiFi?

A: Access to The Cloud is available in the Mathematical Institute. Select The Cloud from the available network list on your device and follow on screen instructions to register.

Q: Will there be a place to store my luggage?

A: One of the classrooms at the Mathematical Institute will be labelled as a cloakroom where you will be able to leave coats and luggage. The cloakroom will be open:

2:00pm – 7:00pm on Friday 22 September

9:00am – 5:30pm on Saturday 23 September

9:00am – 3:30pm on Sunday 24 September

Your belongings are left at your own risk.

Q: Will any of the speakers be available after their sessions for book signings?

A: Some speakers will be signing their books immediately after their session ends. All of the signings will take place at the Blackwell’s stand in the downstairs lobby at the Mathematical Institute. By showing an Alumni Card, alumni are entitled to a 15% discount at the Blackwell’s stand.

How to cope when your child can't, Roz Shafran, Ursula Saunders and Alice Welham

The Dictionary People, Sarah Ogilvie Thinking Better: the Art of the Shortcut, Marcus Du Sautoy

Amsterdam Exposed: An American’s Journey Into the Red Light District, David Wienir

Sixteen Souls, Rosie Talbot

Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It, Janina Ramirez

A Shattered Nation, Inequality and the Geography of a Failing State, Daniel Dorling

Q: Is tea and coffee served between lectures?

A: Complimentary coffee and tea will be served in the foyer of the Mathematical Institute between sessions. There is a café on the same floor which will be open on the Friday and Saturday for you to buy hot food, sandwiches, salads, drinks and snacks. Unfortunately you cannot bring food or drink into any of the lecture theatres or classrooms, aside from bottled water.

Q: Can I find out if any of my friends are attending Meeting Minds in Oxford?

A: A link to the list of registrants who were happy to share that they are attending Meeting Minds in Oxford is available on your confirmation email. Alternatively please email meetingminds@alumni.ox.ac.uk and we can provide you with the link.

Q: What times will colleges be open to visitors during the weekend?

A: Many of the colleges and departments welcome alumni visitors. Make sure you take your alumni card with you so that the Porters can see you are an old member of the University and be sure to let you in. More information about colleges can be found online. You can also check with your department. Please be aware that standard college opening hours may change over the Meeting Minds weekend.

Q: Is there a code of conduct for Alumni Office events?

A: Yes, the Oxford Alumni Office's code of conduct can be found on our website here.

Q: What should I do if someone is being disruptive?

A: Please notify an event steward. The Meeting Minds team reserve the right to ask attendees who disrupt sessions to leave. In cases of repeated disruption, the Meeting Minds team reserve the right to bar attendees from attending future alumni events. All alumni are asked to abide by the Alumni Code of Conduct.

Q: How long will each session be?

A: Most sessions on the programme will last one hour, including time for audience questions at the end.

Q: Will recordings of the sessions be available?

A: The following sessions are being recorded. These will be accessible to alumni and associates via their My Oxford Online account approximately one week after the event.

Oxford Analytica Morning Conference

Chancellor on Free Speech Vice-Chancellor

Better Thinking: the Art of the Shortcut

The Osler Lecture - The Role of the State, the Medical Profession, and the Public in Preventing Ill Health

Climate Crisis Litigation

Democratic backsliding

Q: Do you have any advice for travelling to Oxford?

A: There is no parking at the Mathematical Institute (other than Blue Badge parking which is to be arranged in advance).

For general advice about travelling to Oxford:

https://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors/visiting-oxford/how-get-oxford?wssl=1

For more information about Oxford's Park and Ride car parks and buses:

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/park-and-ride 

For more information on city centre car parks:

https://www.oxford.gov.uk/info/20078/parking_in_oxford

Q: Will there be any transport provided between venues?

A: There will not be any transport provided to get you between the session venues, please allow yourself enough time to get from point A to point B. The only exception is the Canopy Walk at Wytham Woods on Friday 22 September, where transport is provided.

http://www.maps.ox.ac.uk allows you to plot the fastest walking routes around Oxford, including step-free routes. The Mathematical Institute is 1km North of Carfax Tower, just beyond St Giles on Woodstock Road, approximately 15 minutes walk from both the High Street and the train station.

Oxford bus timetables can be found at:

https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/ 
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables 

Taxis are also readily available and local companies include: 
Royal Cars: (01865) 777 333 
001 Taxis: (01865) 240 000 

VOI e-scooters are available with pick up and drop off points around the city: 
https://www.voi.com/city-guides/oxford/

Q: I would like to cancel. Can I get a refund?

A: We understand that your plans might change between now and Meeting Minds. You are able to cancel some or all of your booking with a full refund until 11:59pm on Sunday 17 September 2023. This can be done through the event website. Alternatively please email meetingminds@alumni.ox.ac.uk. Refunds may take up to 30 days to be processed.

Q: How can I contact the Alumni Office if I have any problems or questions?

A: Contact the Alumni Office at meetingminds@alumni.ox.ac.uk and we will respond to your query as soon as possible.

Q: What happens if the session I booked is cancelled?

A: On occasion, unforeseen circumstances may require us to cancel a session. In such circumstances, we will give as much notice as possible and refund the session fee. We are unable to contribute to any additional costs you may have incurred.

Q: How can I find out if my College or Department are involved?

A: Colleges and Departments that are involved in Meeting Minds can be found under the ‘Colleges and Departments’ tab.

Q: Find out more about future alumni events/Join the alumni mailing list?

A: You can update your contact details and communications preferences via your My Oxford Online Account or email to enquiries@alumni.ox.ac.uk.