Deadlines and Extensions
1. When is the deadline to submit an application to the X-SV Program?
The deadline for all completed applications is 30 September 2014, 22:00 UTC/GMT). (Convert to your time zone.) Due to the volume of applicants, we regret that we can not accept any late applications. Please comply with the submission deadlines and ensure that you submit your application by the appropriate day and time. We cannot make any exceptions for students due to miscalculation of the application deadline. Thank you for your understanding.
2. Can I submit the application to the X-SV Program after the deadline?
No. The deadline is absolute. All submissions receive equal consideration up until the published deadline. Please respect other applicants and allow time for unforeseen circumstances in your submission including, but not limited to, network connectivity, equipment failures, job impacts, life or family events, etc. These are outside of SIGGRAPH 2015's direct control and cannot be administered fairly.
3. Why is this so absolute?
Firstly, the answer is fairness and equal opportunity for consideration. This respects the application process for everyone. Secondly, the deadlines were designed to maximize application development and quality for all applicants. Submission deadlines are set as late as possible, but they must also support quality in review, selection, and your volunteer efforts at SIGGRAPH 2015.
4. Are partial or incomplete submissions considered?
No. Volunteers are required to complete all application guidelines by the published deadline. The Student Volunteer Subcommittee will evaluate the merit of each completed application as it was submitted at the deadline even if it does not meet the applicant's personal quality objectives. Please allow enough time to meet your own quality goals.
5. How will SIGGRAPH 2015 address network failures?
SIGGRAPH 2015 is only responsible for the availability of the submission server. If the Student Volunteer Chair is notified of a hardware or service failure for the submission system, he or she will authorize an appropriate deadline adjustment and prominently post notices at several locations. Applications delayed by other network failures between your location and the SIGGRAPH server will not be exempted from the deadline. Please apply early to avoid connectivity-support problems or last-minute server performance. Note: The clock on the submission server determines the final submission deadline time: 22:00 GMC/UMT.
6. When and how will I be notified if I have been accepted?
All applicants who submit a completed application will be notified via email by 15 November 2014.
General
1. What is an X-SV expected to do before SIGGRAPH 2015?
X-SVs are expected to participate in several online meetings with all X-SVs, the Student Volunteer Program Chair, and their mentors throughout the year. We expect that the X-SV will review conference program plans and learn about the responsibilities of the specific conference program that they have each been paired with. Each pair of X-SVs and their mentors will develop one task for the X-SV to plan and complete. The tasks will vary by program, length, and amount of involvement, but all will play a role in the smooth operation of the conference.
2. What is an X-SV expected to do at SIGGRAPH 2015?
Depending on the specific conference program each X-SV is paired with and the tasks assigned, some X-SVs may be required to help during the conference. X-SVs are expected to also shadow their mentors for at least a day or several portions of days during the conference to learn more about the program. X-SVs will also be giving a presentation to the current Student Volunteers about their experiences with the X-SV Program.
3. Will X-SVs be able to experience some of the exhibits and other conference events?
Yes! This is one of the perks of being an X-SV. You will have the equivalent of a Full Conference registration, so you will be able to go almost anywhere in the conference, except those places that require special access. The exhibit hall and most of the conference will be open to you during your free time.
4. Where can I find more information about SIGGRAPH 2015 events and schedules?
All information about SIGGRAPH 2015 can be found on the official web site.
Upon Acceptance and at SIGGRAPH 2015
1. When will I be expected to arrive in Los Angeles?
All accepted X-SVs MUST plan to arrive in Los Angeles no later than noon on Friday, 7 August 2015. This is ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY for all X-SVs, as we will want you to be a part of the behind-the-scenes setup for the program you are paired with.
2. When should I plan to leave Los Angeles?
All accepted X-SVs should plan to be in Los Angeles through 6 pm on Thursday, 13 August 2015. We highly recommend that X-SVs wait to depart until Friday, 14 August 2015, to celebrate a successful conference.
3. What happens if I have a scheduling conflict with work, school, an opportunity to interview at the conference, etc.?
When you apply to the X-SV Program for SIGGRAPH 2015, you are pledging your availability for the entirety of the conference as well as the Friday and Saturday prior to it, 7-13 August 2015. Your availability during that time must be open. We cannot schedule you around work, school, extra-curricular activities, etc.
4. Are meals provided by the X-SV Program?
No.All X-SVs are responsible for their own meals at the conference. Accepted X-SVs should plan their budgets accordingly.
5. How early or late will I be expected to work?
Depending on the task assigned and the times you shadow your mentor, X-SVs may be asked to arrive at the convention center by 8 am. Most of the SIGGRAPH conference events will be finished around 6 or 7 pm at the latest. However, there are some programs that run later. Some X-SVs may help out with tasks late as 11 pm.
6. Am I responsible for my visa if I am traveling internationally?
Yes! Please see How to Apply for a Visa for more information.
7. What are the passport and visa requirements if I am traveling internationally?
You are required to have a passport valid through February of 2015 on your person to enter the US. You may also need a visa. See How to Apply for a Visa.
Other
1. My question is not in these FAQs. Who should I ask?
If your question is not answered on this web site, please send a message to the Student Volunteer Subcommittee. We will answer your question and post additional information on the web site, or send a message out to other X-SVs if it applies to the X-SV population as a whole.
2. Are there any discounts for SIGGRAPH registration, in case I am not accepted as an X-SV?
Yes! There are some great registration discounts offered to members of ACM SIGGRAPH that you should check out. There are also early registration discounts that can help significantly reduce the price of registration. You can see other options and further details here.