Frequently Asked Questions

Below are questions frequently asked by course and workshop participants. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact coursesandconferences@jax.org or the event planner for the event that you are inquiring about.

VIRTUAL EVENTS

Can I attend a course or workshop virtually?

Yes! We have expanded our participants’ options to attend our programs virtually. Many of our events have been converted to fully virtual delivery, and others may be offered in a hybrid format (either in person or with a virtual option). Virtual events are shown with a virtual indicator in our calendar of upcoming events. Some events may only be offered on-site due to the hands-on nature of the training or to instructor preference.

What online platforms are used for virtual events?

The Jackson Laboratory uses the learning management system Canvas as a central repository for course materials, pre-recorded lectures, and event specific information. Live sessions may be streamed on Zoom. Many of the virtual lectures are recorded and posted to the Canvas site shortly after airing.

Will I still receive a certificate of completion?

Yes. Completion certificates will be presented to each participant digitally. Some courses may require logged participation in order to receive a certificate. Additionally, for virtual courses that offer continuing education units, you will receive a digital certificate and letter certifying credit hours.

How long can I access content after the event?

Materials, lectures, and recorded live sessions will be accessible in the Canvas event portal for a pre-determined time period after the event. That date varies course to course and will be announced closer to the event. Please note that once the course expires, it is not possible to extend access to lectures or course resources.

What technology is required to attend virtually?

A simple desktop or laptop computer is all that is required to participate in most cases. Attendees may choose to utilize a webcam and/or microphone to participate in discussions or Q&A sessions, but it is not required. Some courses may require the use of additional programs or software. A list of programs will be provided on the event webpage or emailed to you prior to the event. Please consult your organization’s IT department to download these programs if necessary. Live sessions may be streamed via web browser without downloading Zoom, however it is recommended that you download the desktop client.

Click to see a list of browsers currently supporting:


REGISTRATION

How can I register for a course or workshop?

Each event on our calendar has a “Registration” section which lists registration and lodging fees for the associated course. Some of our courses require an application to attend that will ask for additional information such as a CV or a brief statement of the relevance of the course to your work. For additional information on scholarships please view the "Scholarship" page.

How far in advance should I register?

Most of our programs fill quickly. We encourage those interested to register or apply to courses as early as possible, however, there are no registration deadlines for courses and registrations are accepted until the course is filled. Applications are reviewed periodically. In the event that the course is filled, a wait-list will be opened in case of possible cancellations.

What do registration fees cover?

Registration fees include all course materials and most meals, unless otherwise specified. All participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging costs and arrangements for in-person events. For events that are hosted at the Highseas Conference Center in Bar Harbor, there is an optional lodging fee that is separate from the registration fee.

When is payment due?

Payment for registration can be deferred to 45 days from the start of a course. For applicants, payment is due 2 weeks from the registration acceptance date or 45 days from the start of a course, whichever comes first. If paying by credit card, a hold will be placed to reserve your spot. Your card will not be charged until or unless the event is confirmed. Some events may require partial payment of 50% at the time of registration. Please see the event webpage for additional details on registration.

Can I register for a course or workshop as a Jackson Laboratory employee?

Employees of The Jackson Laboratory are allowed to apply to attend or register for a select number of our courses. This will be indicated by a separate registration portal in the “Registration” section on the event website.

Only complete the registration if you are planning on attending a majority of the course in person and have your supervisor's approval for the time away from the lab. If you are only planning on sitting in on a few sessions you do not need to register, however, please let us know via email.

If you plan on watching the event via livestream on MyJAX you do not need to register. If available, you can register for the Webcast option if you are not planning on attending a majority of the event in person but would still like access to supplemental course materials.

The registration fee is waived for employees, however, JAX Genomic Education is unable to provide complimentary catering services for events. Coffee breaks are complimentary if registered for the course. Breakfast, lunch, and some dinners will be offered to purchase in advance through the course registration at a subsidized rate.

What is your cancellation policy?

In order to receive a refund on registration, written cancellation (email) must be received 30 calendar days prior to the start date of the course. Refunds will be subject to administrative fees, as follows:

  • If canceled prior to 30 days from the course start date, you will be refunded your registration & lodging fee less a 10% of fee paid as a registration administrative fee.
  • If canceled 14-29 days prior to the course start date, you will be refunded 50% of your registration & lodging fees.
  • If canceled less than 14 days prior to the course start date, no refund is available

If the attendee is not able not able to attend the course but would like to send a qualified colleague in your place, JAX will transfer your registration to your colleague’s registration at no additional cost.

Should it be necessary to cancel the event, The Jackson Laboratory will refund all registration fees paid; but is not responsible for any airfare, hotel or other associated costs incurred by participants.


IN-PERSON EVENTS 

What materials are provided for course participants?

Course participants will have access to a canvas site from approximately a week before the course until six months after the course. The Canvas website will contain additional lodging and transportation information, the most recent course schedule, a directory of faculty and participants, daily evaluations of course content, and additional links to Jackson Laboratory education resources. Most speakers will provide a PDF copy of their presentation after their talk, which will be posted on the Canvas site by the event planner.

What is the poster size for poster sessions?

If you are participating in a poster session, the event planner will reach out via email several weeks before the course with specifics. Unless otherwise noted, our poster boards are:

46" wide x 70" tall - Vertically Oriented

We will provide pushpins and poster boards. Participants are responsible for printing their own posters.

If you are attending an event in Farmington, Connecticut, we recommend either of the FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers in and around Farmington. If you would like to have your poster shipped directly to the lab, please contact the event planner who can provide you with more details.

If you are attending an event in Bar Harbor, Maine, we recommend Will Mitchell with Acadia Print Services. Other local print options are very limited. If you would like to like to have your poster shipped directly to the lab, please contact the event planner who can provide you with more details.

Can restricted diets be accommodated?

We can accommodate most diets, for example: vegetarian, lactose-intolerant, gluten-free, or vegan. We cannot accommodate all food preferences or dislikes. Please list necessary diet restrictions on your registration form.

Does The Jackson Laboratory cover participant travel costs?

No, all participants are responsible for their own transportation arrangements.

What is the dress code at The Jackson Laboratory?

Attire at The Jackson Laboratory is very casual (e.g., jeans, khakis). People often wear layers as the temperature tends to be much cooler in the morning than in the afternoon. If you are participating in a hands-on workshop, closed toe and closed heel shoes are required in addition to attire that fully covers your legs. Lab coats, gloves, masks and eye protection will be provided.

What can I do while visiting Bar Harbor?

The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce contains information about local activities, services and events.

Acadia National Park has 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads for walking and bicycling. Refer to the Acadia National Park website for additional information and rules and regulations. We suggest participants bring appropriate footwear for hiking, a water bottle, layered clothing, a windbreaker, and rain gear. Several places in town sell outdoor equipment, apparel, and park maps.