MEETING MINDS OXFORD 2023

Meeting Minds 2023

Meeting Minds 2023 saw over 1,300 alumni join us back in Oxford for a stimulating weekend of academic talks featuring Theresa May and Chris Whitty, tours ranging from the Bodleian to Jericho and the Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, and interactive sessions including citizen science with Zooniverse, poster printing at Wytham Studio and a scratch choir performance.

Videos from the weekend can be viewed via My Oxford Online +

 

FAQs

FAQs

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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 to see the 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: #MeetingMinds2023 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 teenagers and cost £5 for under 18s – please email the alumni office on meetingminds@alumni.ox.ac.uk for a discount code. Please note that most lectures are pitched at a general interest alumni audience so parents are advised to use their discretion. The minimum recommended age is 11. 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.

Q: What activities are there for my family?

A: There are a variety of options open to you over the weekend. Older children are welcome to join sessions you think are suitable for them at a discounted rate. Younger children may enjoy time at one of our museums, including Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Oxford Story Museum. To access U18s discount codes for Meeting Minds or for the Story Museum, please email meetingminds@alumni.ox.ac.uk.

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 Oxford either book via the event website or come to the Information Desk on the ground floor of the Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road, OX2 6GG, where one of our team will be able to help.

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 – 5:00pm 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 Oxford?

A: You can modify your booking online throughout the event, however, we are only able to process refunds until 11:59 on Sunday 17 September. The easiest way to modify your booking is via your booking confirmation email. Click on the button near the bottom of the email which says ‘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 in your booking confirmation email) to log in. You will then be able to make changes to your booking. If you need help making amendments during the event please come to the Information Desk in the Mathematical Institute where one of our team will be able to help. Please note, on the day amendments are subject to 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. 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.

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: You can find a list of registrants who were happy to share that they are attending Meeting Minds in Oxford by selecting ‘Modify your booking’ on your confirmation email. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to view the Attendee List.

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: Some sessions will be recorded and made available to alumni and associates via their My Oxford Online account approximately one week after the event.

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: Where do I meet for my tour?

The meeting point for each tour is detailed in the session information in the programme. Please check for the most up to date information.

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 more about future alumni events or 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.

MAP & TRAVEL

MAP & TRAVEL

https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2469.493111497638!2d-1.265342423053162!3d51.760591892175015!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x4876c6a76879a4eb%3A0x14fcdb0deacb3a22!2sMathematical%20Institute%2C%20University%20of%20Oxford!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1684140522022!5m2!1sen!2suk

Mathematical Institute, Oxford University, OX2 6GG

Please be aware there is limited public parking available in the centre of Oxford. We advise using the Park & Ride services. You can also use Google Maps to find your way around Oxford or use public transport, or http://www.maps.ox.ac.uk for the best routes on foot.

 

OTHER VENUES AROUND OXFORD

Although the Mathematical Institute is our event hub, activities are taking place across Oxford. Please use the searchable map to check the location of your event.

 

VISITING OXFORD

VISITING OXFORD

Come and visit Oxford - a captivating city renowned for its exquisite architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Explore both ancient and contemporary colleges, discover fascinating museums, and enjoy serene parks and green spaces for relaxation.

SPECIAL OFFERS

SPECIAL OFFERS

The Story Museum

story museum offer meetingminds 2023

With a surprise around every corner, The Story Museum offers immersive, imaginative exhibitions for all ages. First opened in 2020, the Museum’s Galleries offer visitors the chance to explore a Whispering Wood of oral stories, learn how stories can help combat climate anxiety in our current temporary exhibition Brilli-ANT and explore an Enchanted Library where stories lurk between the shelves. For younger children, Small Worlds is a dedicated play space for under fives themed around picture books, whilst for those with less time to spare why not take a trip aboard the Story Craft and enjoy our City of Stories 25-minute film experience which will ‘fly’ you through 200 years of Oxford’s story history.

Oxford alumni can enjoy a 10% discount on tickets for visiting the Story Museum over the Meeting Minds weekend, 22-24 September 2023.

Book tickets online at www.storymuseum.org.uk and enter the promotional code ILLUMINATIO at the checkout.

 

Tap Social Movement

Tap Social

Winner of the Purposeful Business Award at the 2023 Oxfordshire Business Awards, Tap Social Movement is a craft brewery, social enterprise, and hospitality organisation that provides training and employment for people in prison and prison leavers. It manages five venues across Oxfordshire, including its flagship taproom that is consistently rated Oxford's top nightlife destination on Tripadvisor, as well as its Grade II-listed pub and community cafe The White House.

Oxford alumni will receive a 15% discount on food and drinks at all Tap Social venues during the Meeting Minds weekend, 22 - 24 September, 2023.
To claim your discount, just show their friendly staff your My Oxford Card or your Meeting Minds name badge.

TAKE A BREAK

TAKE A BREAK

There are a range of free activities on at the Maths Institute during the weekend offering opportunities to relax and get to know your fellow alumni!

  • Catch up at our coffee and chat breaks in between sessions on Friday and Saturday and keep the cogs whirring with games and puzzles;

  • Try your hand at some citizen science and contribute to Oxford research at the Zooniverse drop in sessions;

  • Browse the books at the Blackwell's pop-up shop and meet some of our speakers at the book signings; and

  • Look out for flash performances from The Alternotives and the alumni scratch choir on Saturday.