Participant Information

Germination Testing Short Course: April 28-May 1, 2025
Exam Date: May 2, 2025

Note about AOSA & SCST Consolidated Exams: You MUST qualify to take either or both exams. This is done by contacting the AOSA SCST Executive Director, Jess Peterson. (scst@seedtechnology.net ; aosa@aosaseed.com ; 202-870-2412)

Cost: $600 for the week, and includes lunch each day.

What to Bring

• We will have some copies of the rules available, but you are encouraged to bring your own set of the AOSA Rules Vol 1.
• Tools will be provided; however, you may wish to bring a pair of forceps or other hand tools which you are accustomed to using.

Lodging

• There are a number of hotels available throughout Ames, but we recommend the Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites as it is both affordable, and is close to campus. Find hotels in Ames on the Convention and Visitors Bureau website

Parking

Short course attendees are not exempt from campus parking regulations.

Attendees will need to find their own way to campus and purchase parking permits ahead of the short course. Parking permits are $5 a day and available on the Iowa State website. Permits are for any of the staff parking lots, though Lots 41 and 79 are closest to campus.

TO RESERVE A VISITOR’S PARKING PERMIT:

1. Create an account through the portal and “register” your vehicle. https://www.parking.iastate.edu/visitor/permit
2. If you are driving a rental car, please email parking@iastate.edu once you’ve registered with your license plate to let them know you’re a rental car so they’re aware.
3. You’re done!

You will be able to reserve your permit Monday morning of the short course if needed.

Note: If you park in the wrong lot, you will be fined a $50 parking ticket. Please take care to park in the correct lot – either by the greenhouses, or the horse barn.

Lunch Provided

• We will provide lunch for participants on each day of the workshop, Monday-Friday. A light breakfast and afternoon snacks are provided as well. If you have any dietary requirements or restrictions, please email Calli Sandahl, msandahl@iastate.edu as soon as possible to make arrangements in advance.

Maps

• The workshop will start each morning at the Seed Science Center on Iowa State University’s Campus

2115 Osborn Drive
Ames, IA
50010

Weather

• April weather in Iowa can be quite unpredictable and may require a heavier coat, or light jacket.  Please dress accordingly as some of the campus parking lots fill up quickly and it can be a 3-5-minute walk from the SSC.
• In case of inclement weather, the workshop will be delayed or cancelled only if classes on the Iowa State University campus are delayed or cancelled. Please check your email for any notices from staff.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made more than one week before the short course date will receive a full refund, minus a $20 administrative fee.
• Cancellations made within one week of the short course date will receive a 50% refund.
• Registration Transfer:
  • You may transfer your registration to another individual at no additional cost. To update the registrant name and information, email Calli Sandahl at msandahl@iastate.edu.

Questions?

• Please contact Jessica Blake (jdwilker@iastate.edu) or Calli Sandahl (msandahl@iastate.edu)