Student volunteers have the opportunity to see and discuss the latest high-performance networking and computing technology and meet leading researchers from around the world while contributing to the success of this annual event.

Volunteers are expected to be available for a total of 20-25 hours of work during the week of the conference. No special skills or experience are necessary for most volunteer positions; however, some familiarity with computing platforms, audio/visual equipment, or office equipment can be helpful.

Apply Here

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the SC|05 conference?
Who is eligible to be a student volunteer?
When are student volunteers needed?
What do I get by being a student volunteer?
What don't I get as a student volunteer?
What kinds of work will I do as a student volunteer?
Why would I want to volunteer?
Do I have a vote in what work I do as a volunteer?
Do I have to be there for the whole conference to be a volunteer?
Where will I stay during the conference?
Are there students with special skills or other characteristics that you encourage to apply?
How do I apply?
When will I find out if you have selected me?
Other questions?

Q. What is the SC|05 conference?
A. SC|05 is the current event of an annual conference series that focuses on the development and application of high-performance computing and communications technologies.

This year's conference will be Sunday 13 November thru Friday 18 November 2005 in Seattle.

Q. Who is eligible to be a student volunteer?
A. Any full time college student may become a student volunteer at SC|05. Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome. You will need a recommendation from one of your professors. High school students are not encouraged to apply.

Q. When are student volunteers needed?
A. Official conference activities will start on Sunday 13 November and last through Friday at noon on 18 November. Student Volunteers are expected to arrive at the conference on Saturday afternoon 12 November for a Student Volunteer Orientation that evening.

Some volunteers are needed the week prior to the conference and a few days after for setup and/or teardown support on a few programs. Please indicate in your application if you are both interested and available before or after the official conference dates.

Q. What do I get by being a student volunteer?
A. The conference provides students with:

• Registration to the conference including technical sessions and keynote addresses
• Access to the exhibit floor
• Hotel accommodations at one of the conference hotels (out-of-town volunteers only)
• Conference proceedings on CD-ROM
• Admission to special events on Monday and Thursday evenings
• Meals during conference hours

Q. What don't I get as a student volunteer?
A. There are some important considerations for you to be aware of.

• Student volunteers are responsible for their travel expenses. In some cases, your school may be able to provide assistance.
• There are a few meals that are not provided by the conference committee, especially for extended stay volunteers. (Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday dinner, for example).

Q. What kinds of work will I do as a volunteer?
A. There is a wide variety of volunteer tasks and we make our best effort to provide each student volunteer with a variety of duties. Many of the tasks are administrative but because they are often in support of sessions, volunteers have the opportunity to listen to some exciting presentations.

We use students to distribute and collect evaluation forms in each of the tutorials and technical sessions, assist speakers with handouts or A/V equipment, and help with registration. Some positions require extended hours and days.

Q. Why would I want to volunteer?
A. Most volunteers are expected to work approximately 20-25 hours during the conference week. The rest of the time is available to attend technical sessions or visit vendor and research exhibits and network with thousands of people in the high-performance computing and communications community.

Q. Do I have a say in what work I do as a volunteer?
A. Not much, but we'll do what we can. There are often fewer volunteers than tasks. And unanticipated tasks can pop up anytime so we ask that volunteers be flexible and willing to help as needed. If you have special skills, we will try to use them.

Q. Do I have to be there for the whole conference to be a volunteer?
A. No. We realize that other commitments (like school) exist. We hope that students local to the Seattle area will be able to be flexible. You will need to be able to devote enough time to work 20-25 hours during the conference.

Q. Where will I stay during the conference?
A. Rooms will be available for out-of-town student volunteers at no cost. Room assignments are made as we get closer to the conference. The rooms are all double occupancy. You are encouraged to apply with a classmate (of a similar gender) and plan to share a room.

Q. Are there students with special skills or other characteristics that you encourage to apply?
A. Some of our programs require special skills and extended volunteer time. Students with an interest in networking and who can help the week before the conference are encouraged to apply. \We also need students who can speak Japanese to assist at registration. This year (like last year) the conference is focusing on diversifying the student volunteer population. So, students from under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply -- preferably, two or more from one institution. International students are also encouraged to apply.

Q. How do I apply?
A. Apply Here!
You will need to provide basic information about yourself and why you want to attend SC|05 as a student volunteer. And you need to provide the name and e-address of a professor who will recommend you.

Q. When will I be notified regarding my application?
A. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday 13 September. We hope to have decisions made and volunteers notified about a week later.

Q. Other questions?
If you have any additional questions, please email us at students@sc05.supercomputing.org