FAQ
Task
Can I use module re in Python for text preprocessing ?
You are allowed to use any standard Python packages (i.e., any package listed here: https://docs.python.org/3/library/index.html), but nothing else beyond what's already imported in the assignment notebook.
Am I only allowed to use the packages imported in the notebook already? or can I add some?
We don't allow any additional packages, except standard library.
General
Where will the CISS be held?
CISS will be held at the University of Massachusetts Lowell located in the heart of the historic town of Lowell, MA. Specific locations for activities will be provided to participants.
What will I learn at CISS? What will I receive after completing the summer school?
CISS will provide participants the opportunity to build a solid understanding of core conversational AI concepts and techniques. Instruction will include an introduction to the principles of deep neural networks used for natural language processing, including recurrent neural networks, convolutional networks, and sequence-to-sequence encoder-decoder architectures with attention, as well as vector space lexical embeddings, and other more advanced topics. Participants will work in teams to build working prototype conversational agent projects to be released at the end of the session. Each participant will receive a certificate recognizing their participation in the program.
What are the requirements to register as a student participant?
Student participants must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college or university. Due to the course material, the program is best suited for 1st and 2nd year PhD and master's students and advanced undergraduates. However, all students are encouraged to submit applications. In the application, students will be required to submit solutions to a set of qualifying problems. Applicants will also need to provide a letter or document from the applicant's academic institution verifying enrollment as a full-time student.
Can I register as student if I am currently a master's student graduating?
Yes, you may register as a student and submit your application with solutions to the qualifying problems.
How do I receive the student application with the qualifying problems to solve?
Please register as a student here. Once you complete the registration form, we will send you the link to access the student application.
What is the deadline for the student application?
The deadline to complete the student application is March 25, 2019.
When will I be notified if my student application was accepted?
Student applicants will be notified of their acceptance by April 5, 2019.
Are non-student participants required to submit applications in order to qualify for the program?
Non-student participants are NOT required to submit applications. However, we encourage all participants to review the set of qualifying problems to ensure they are comfortable with the subject matter of the program. We will send industry and academic researcher participants the set of qualifying problems upon registration or by request (please email ciss@deephack.me).
Can you provide notebook or will I take it myself?
Of course, you will take.
Visa and accommodation
Will travel, accommodation and food expenses be covered?
Students will be able to stay at the RiverHawk Village residence on the UMass Lowell campus for free. A limited number of travel grants may be awarded to assist admitted students with travel expenses.
If I registered at the 2nd CISS as non-student, and I was wondering if I may stay at River Hawk Village residence hall during the summer school and how much it would cost for non-student participants?
Non-student participants may request to stay at the RiverHawk Village. Please keep in mind that the residences are shared suites with up to four participants in total. Depending on the number of guests, the CISS organizers will try their best to ensure they assign accommodations appropriately to ensure as much privacy as possible.
The rate for non-student participants is $300 per participant for the full week with check-in on Sunday, June 23 and check out on Saturday, June 29. If non-student participants are interested, please email ciss@deephack.me to request more information or the instructions to reserve accommodations.
I am traveling internationally and I do not have a United States visa, and I require one to attend CISS. What should I do?
The visa application process can take many months so we encourage attendees from counties other than the United States to apply for visas as early as possible, no later than 3 months before the program. Please note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.

Participants may request a letter of invitation by emailing ciss@deephack.me. We will confirm your complete registration prior to providing an official letter.

For more information, please visit the United States Department of State website.

I registered as a non-student participant, but I could not obtain a visa to attend the program. Will I be able to receive a refund for my registration fee?
We encourage all participants to take the necessary steps to apply for a visa as soon as possible. If you are not able to obtain a visa, please contact ciss@deephack.me immediately.
Which type of visa should I apply for? Which documents will I need?
A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

Please visit the United States Department of State website to learn more about required documentation. Participants may request a letter of invitation by emailing ciss@deephack.me.
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