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Yellowjacket Experience

It’s time to celebrate your acceptance to the University of Rochester!

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You’re invited to the Yellowjacket Experience

Congratulations again on your admission to the University of Rochester!

Our Yellowjacket Experience is a series of exclusive events for all admitted students, including transfers. Whether you can’t wait to enroll or you’re still deciding, we invite you and your family to join us virtually and/or on campus this spring.

Explore our expansive suite of live and on-demand content just for you alongside our on-campus visit opportunities. Registration for all virtual and on-campus events is in a calendar portal. We hope you’ll join us for as many opportunities as possible!

Register for a weekday campus visit or one of our larger on-campus Yellowjacket Experience programs on March 28, April 3, April 11, and April 18.

Register today

 

On-campus events

The Yellowjacket Experience is a series of exclusive events for all admitted students. Join us on campus March 28, April 3, April 11, or April 18 to meet current students, chat with faculty and staff, and learn what it means to be a Yellowjacket.

Virtual events

A full list of our various virtual Yellowjacket Experience programming will be posted below in the coming weeks. Most virtual events will take place from mid-March through April and will also be available to view a few days after the event on the Yellowjacket Experience YouTube playlist.

In-person events

Be a URochester student for a day and see what the next stage of your life could be like.  On-campus event times and locations will vary by date, and a sample schedule of what to expect at the Yellowjacket Experience is below!

Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m. with our formal program beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Strong Auditorium. If you arrive after 10:00 a.m., please check in at Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. Our final sessions will end at 3:00 pm followed by opportunities for any final Q&A with Admissions.

Sample schedule
Event Description
Check-In and Student Entertainment Peruse today’s offerings and enjoy our “Welcome” video and a light breakfast.
Welcome and University Overview

 

 Dr. Robert Alexander, Vice Provost and University Dean of Enrollment Management will welcome you to campus and get your day started.
Campus Tour Take a student-led walking tour of campus.
Your Next Steps:  Financial Aid The following topics will be discussed: what the first bill means and how to interpret it, outstanding verification documents, loan funding options, federal work study, changes in aid over the next four years, FAOnline and how to use the portal, and how to pay for textbooks.
Greene Center for Career Education and Connections The Greene Center helps students build habits to explore and test out their interests and make decisions about what they want to do next and in the future.
Campus Tour Another chance to take a student-led walking tour of campus before or after lunch
Faculty Lectures Join one of our faculty members for a sample lecture. Offered at various times throughout the day.
Student Expo Join us for an interactive event featuring opportunities to connect with faculty and staff from all across campus, different student clubs and organizations, and engage with many of our campus offices!
Lunch Use the meal ticket you received at check-in.  It’s good for you and your family!
Student Panel Hear more about student life and the academic experience at URochester from a panel of current students and have a chance for Q&A.
Athletics Tour On this tour of URochester’s athletic facilities, you will get the chance to see Robert B. Goergen Athletic Center, in addition to a variety of other athletic facilities.
Office of Undergraduate Research Join the Office of Undergraduate Research for an overview of many varieties of research going on at URochester and how you can get involved. A student panel will offer an undergraduate perspective, and representatives from the Office of Undergraduate Research will be on hand to answer any questions.
Q&A with the Dean Meet with Dr. Robert J. Alexander, Vice Provost and University Dean of Enrollment Management, and other URochester leaders and have your questions answered about the University of Rochester.
Final Q&A Before departing, students and families can stop by to have any final questions answered by some of our admissions counselors and current students.

PDF schedules

A full agenda for each event will be posted several days prior to each event. You can then view and download a PDF of your event’s schedule prior to arriving on campus.

Saturday, March 28

A full agenda for this event will be posted a week prior.

Friday, April 3

A full agenda for this event will be posted a week prior.

Saturday, April 11

A full agenda for this event will be posted a week prior.

Saturday, April 18

A full agenda for this event will be posted a week prior.

Main virtual events

These sessions are designed for you and your family to learn more about our students, academics, life on campus, and the broader campus and city of Rochester communities.

Register today

 

Yellowjacket Experience: Kick-Off Event

Join us for our kick-off event to start the Yellowjacket Experience! You’ll be welcomed by admissions staff, campus community members, and current URochester students. We’ll also share what you can expect over the next couple of weeks regarding Yellowjacket Experience events.

Date and time: Monday, March 16, 7-8 p.m. ET

Register

Conversations with the Dean

Join our Vice Provost and University Dean of Enrollment, Dr. Rob Alexander, for two conversations with leaders at the University and parents of URochester students.

Dates and times:

  • Academic Dean’s Roundtable: Wednesday, March 25, 6-6:45 p.m. ET
  • Current Parent Panel: Monday, March 30, 8-8:45 p.m. ET
Your Next Steps: Financial Aid

Join our financial aid counselors to learn about:

  • What the first bill means and how to interpret it
  • Outstanding verification documents
  • Loan funding options
  • Federal work-study
  • Changes in aid over the next four years
  • FAOnline and how to use our financial aid portal
  • How to pay for textbooks

Date and time: Monday, March 30th, 6-6:45 p.m. ET

Register

 

Career Exploration with the Greene Center

The Greene Center helps students build habits to explore and test out their interests, and make decisions about what they want to do next and in the future. This session will review how the University of Rochester community works together to support students as they explore careers, gain experience and connect with alumni and employers.

Date and time: Thursday, March 19, 7-7:45 p.m. ET

Register

On-Campus Support Services

Leaders from the CARE Network, Public Safety, Title IX Office, University Health Service, and University Counseling Center will share how they support students’ physical and emotional wellbeing on campus.

Date and time: Monday, March 23, 4-4:45 p.m. ET

Register

Undergraduate Research Student Panel

Curious about what it’s like to do research as a student on campus? Join a panel of current students with a variety of research experiences to talk about what research on and off campus has been like. We will cover topics such as how to get involved with research on campus, what that can mean for your career, where in the world your research can take you, and how to secure/use funding like RIG & Discover Grants.

Date and time: Thursday, April 9, 7-8 p.m.

Register

ROC the City Virtual Tour

This session will take you on a virtual tour of the City of Rochester, highlighting neighborhoods, local spots, and hidden gems that University of Rochester students love to visit. From the scenic Genesee Riverway Trail to the vibrant Public Market and the eclectic shops and cafes in the South Wedge, you’ll get a feel for the city’s charm and character. Whether you’re into art, food, music, or nature, discover what makes Rochester a unique and welcoming place to call home.

Date and time: Sunday, March 22, 8-8:45 a.m. ET

Register

URochester Alumni Panel

This session will allow admitted students to connect with recent University of Rochester alumni, hear about their undergraduate experiences at URochester and their paths after graduation, and ask questions.

Date and time: Sunday, April 12, 7-7:45 p.m. ET

Register

Academic sessions

The University’s academic departments are involved in the Yellowjacket Experience like never before! Most departments are holding virtual sessions that any admitted student or family member can attend. You can also use department contact information to connect directly with faculty and staff from specific academic departments.

Register today

Departments & Programs, School of Arts and Sciences
  • American Sign Language & Anthropology: Tuesday, March 17, 8-9 a.m. ET Register
  • Linguistics & History: Tuesday, March 17, 5-6 p.m. ET Register
  • Earth and Environmental Sciences & Brain and Cognitive Sciences: Tuesday, March 17, 7-8 p.m. ET Register
  • Theatre (International Theatre Program) & Dance (Program of Dance and Movement): Thursday, March 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m. ET Register
  • Black Studies & Latinx Studies: Sunday, March 22, 9-10 a.m. ET Register
  • School of Arts and Sciences Overview: Monday, March 23, 6-6:45 p.m. ET Register
  • English & Film and Media Studies: Tuesday, March 24, 5-6 p.m. ET Register
  • Mathematics & Statistics: Wednesday, March 25, 8-8:45 a.m. ET Register
  • Religion and Classics & Modern Languages and Cultures: Thursday, March 26, 9-10 a.m. ET Register
  • Political Science & Economics: Thursday, March 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m. ET Register
  • Biology: Thursday, March 26, 6-6:45 p.m. ET Register
  • Public Health: Thursday, April 2, 8-9 a.m. ET Register
  • Music: Thursday, April 2, 9-10 a.m. ET Register
  • Art and Art History & Digital Media Studies: Wednesday, April 8, 9-10 a.m. ET Register
  • Biomedical Engineering & Physics and Astronomy: Thursday, April 9, 8-9 a.m. ET Register
  • Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies & Philosophy: Friday, April 10, 9-10 a.m. ET Register
  • Psychology: Monday, April 13, 6-6:45 p.m. ET Register
Departments & Programs, Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
  • Computer Science & Data Science: Thursday, March 19, 9-10 a.m. ET Register
  • The Institute of Optics: Thursday, March 19, 6-6:45 p.m. ET Register
  • Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Overview:
    • Thursday, March 26, 9-9:45 a.m. ET Register
    • Wednesday, April 8, 5-5:45 p.m. ET Register
  • Mechanical Engineering & Archaeology, Technology and Historical Structures: Thursday, April 2, 6-7 p.m. ET Register
  • Biomedical Engineering & Physics and Astronomy: Thursday, April 9, 8-9 a.m. ET Register
  • Chemical Engineering & Audio and Music Engineering: Monday, April 13, 6-7 p.m. ET Register
Departments & Programs, Simon School of Business
  • Simon School of Business Overview: Thursday, March 19, 5-5:45 p.m. ET Register
  • Simon School of Business Overview: Monday, March 23, 9-9:45 a.m. ET Register

Culture and identity

These virtual events will explain the University’s commitment to supporting a diverse, inclusive, and accessible community for all of our students, staff, and faculty, who join us from all over the country, all over the world, and all walks of life.

Register today

Supporting Different Abilities on the URochester Campus

Disability plays a role in the overall diversity of our University community. Learn about how to navigate the process of requesting and receiving accommodations both in and out of the classroom.

Date and time: Tuesday, April 7, 5-5:45 p.m. ET

Register

Stronger Together: An Introduction to URochester’s Diverse Community

Stronger Together Session I: Student Perspectives

  • This session will allow you to engage with current URochester students and learn about their diverse experiences.
    Date and time: Wednesday, March 25, 7-8 p.m. ET

Register

Stronger Together Session II: Faculty and Staff Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • This panel will focus on URochester’s academic environment, the support systems in place, and available resources for students of diverse backgrounds and identities. Ask your questions directly to the people behind the offices that support students of all identities on campus.
    Date and time: Wednesday, April 1, 7-8 p.m. ET

Register

Stronger Together Session III: Alumni Perspectives

  • This panel will focus on URochester alumni experiences after graduation and how alumni stay connected to the University.
    Date and time: Wednesday, April 8, 7-8 p.m. ET

Register

Interfaith and Religious Life at URochester

Students admitted to the University of Rochester and their families are invited to join the staff and student leaders who create vibrant religious life for the University. During this session, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about interfaith life on campus and ask questions about individual faith groups and their specific programs and priorities.

Date and time: Friday, March 27, 8-8:45 a.m. ET

Register

Community Engagement As Part of the URochester Experience

Community engagement is a central feature of the undergraduate experience at URochester and encompasses both curricular and co-curricular activities. Join Glenn Cerosaletti, assistant dean of students and director of the Center for Community Engagement, to learn about how URochester students deepen their learning, achieve personal and professional growth, and strengthen communities beyond campus through community engagement.

Date and time: Tuesday, April 14, 6-6:45 p.m. ET

Register

Student life

Learn more about where you’ll live and what you’ll eat as we have these additional opportunities for you to get an inside look at campus life.

Register today

Inside the Hive: Conversations with Current Students

Get an inside look at the University of Rochester through the eyes of our current students! This is your chance to chat openly and honestly with them—no parents, no admissions counselors, and no faculty—just real conversations in a relaxed space designed for admitted students to connect.

Date and time:

  • Saturday, March 21, 10-11 a.m.  ET

Register

  • Sunday, March 29, 8-9 p.m. ET

Register

Navigating the LGBTQ+ Experience

Learn about LBGTQ+ life at URochester and the support offered. We will share information about the services available through the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center and the LGBTQ Life Team.

Date and time: Wednesday, April 15, 5-5:45 p.m. ET

Register

Dining Services

Representatives from Dining Services will give an overview of meal plans and how they can be used on campus. We will also walk you through our many food options and campus dining locations, and how we can work with you for special dietary needs or food allergies.

Date and time:

  • Thursday, March 19 8-8:45 a.m. ET

Register

  • Thursday, April 16, 6-6:45 p.m. ET

Register

Residential Life and Housing Services

Join leaders from Residential Life and Housing Services to discuss on-campus living, the different first-year housing communities, and the first-year assignments process.

Date and time:

  • Friday, March 20, 8-8:45 a.m. ET

Register

  • Wednesday, April 15, 7-7:45 p.m. ET

Register

URochester Pre-Med Student Panel

This virtual student panel will feature students at URochester pursing a pre-med pathway and will give attendees a chance for Q&A.

Date and time: Thursday, March 26, 7-7:45 p.m. ET

Register

International Student Panel

Come with questions and join current international University of Rochester undergraduates as we discuss life as an international student on campus.

Date and time:

  • Tuesday, March 24 8-8:45 a.m. ET

Register

  • Tuesday, April 7, 8-8:45 a.m. ET

Register

Virtual student meet-ups

Meet students from around the country and ask questions about life on campus.

Register today

Western States Virtual Student Meet-Up

Come with questions and join current University of Rochester undergraduates from the Western US as we discuss life on campus.

Date and time: Tuesday, April 7, 8:30-9:30 p.m. ET

Register

New England States Virtual Student Meet-Up

Come with questions and join current University of Rochester undergraduates from New England as we discuss life on campus.

Date and time: Thursday, April 9, 6-6:45 p.m. ET

Register

Midwest States Virtual Student Meet-Up

Come with questions and join current University of Rochester undergraduates from Midwest states as we discuss life on campus.

Date and time: Tuesday, March 17, 8-8:45 a.m. ET

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Southern States Virtual Student Meet-Up

Come with questions and join current University of Rochester undergraduates from Southern states (AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NV, OK, SC, TN, TX) as we discuss life on campus.

Date and time: Thursday, April 9, 8-8:45 p.m. ET

Register

New York and New Jersey Virtual Student Meet-Up

Come with questions and join current University of Rochester undergraduates from New York and New Jersey as we discuss life on campus.

Date and time: Wednesday, March 18, 6-6:45 p.m. ET

Register

Mid-Atlantic States Virtual Student Meet-Up

Come with questions and join current University of Rochester undergraduates from Mid-Atlantic States as we discuss life on campus.

Date and time: Thursday, March 26, 7-7:45 p.m. ET

Register

Student support resources

We take pride in the resources and support we offer on campus for our students. Hear directly from the offices at URochester that offer guidance and assistance.

Register today

Center for Advising Services (CAS) Session

The Center for Advising Services (CAS) is a central academic resource for undergraduates. The academic advisors in CAS help students access key academic information, connect students with campus resources, and provide support to students as they develop a meaningful educational plan. In this session, CAS advising staff and a peer advisor will discuss the academic advising program, the Rochester Curriculum, and specialized academic opportunities available to students.

Dates and times: Tuesday, March 24, 6-6:45 p.m. ET

Register

Orientation at URochester: Regular Decision Students and Families

Join the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs for a warm welcome and to learn more about upcoming next steps as you transition to URochester, including information on Rochester Ready (your online summer orientation program), registering for classes, and a preview of Fall Welcome Week.

Date and time: Wednesday, March 18, 7-8 PM ET

Register

Center for Education Abroad

Representatives from the Center for Education Abroad will lead an information and Q&A session with admitted students. Learn about opportunities for international study, internships, and service learning. Information about programs, locations, and funding options will be presented during this session.

Date and time: Wednesday, March 25, 5-5:45 p.m. ET

Register

Health Care Community Advising

Join staff from the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections during this live webinar and Q&A session. You’ll learn how students at URochester can explore their interests in medicine and health care while preparing for a wide variety of professional and graduate programs as well as career pathways.

Date and time: Tuesday, March 31, 6-6:45 p.m. ET

Register

 

Naval Sciences and Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC)

As the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers, the NROTC Scholarship Program plays an important role in preparing young men and women for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Navy. In this session, you’ll learn about the department of naval sciences and the NROTC program.

Date and time: Friday, April 10, 8-8:45 a.m. ET

Register

The URochester experience on demand

We know you have busy schedules between school, work, and other commitments. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to view information about URochester on your own time. Most of the live sessions above will be recorded and hosted on our Yellowjacket Experience Playlist on YouTube. Plus, we’ll feature other great videos to give you a sense of what it’s like to be a URochester student.

 

Join us for a URochester admitted student event in your area

These aren’t just events — they’re a celebration of what you’ve achieved and a glimpse of what’s ahead.

Find a celebration near you

River Campus Libraries

With extensive resources and world-renowned collections, the River Campus Libraries provides a starting point for all scholarly endeavors at the University of Rochester—regardless of major or focus area. Check out this presentation by our librarians.

Financial aid

Financial aid packages are emailed to students in March and April.

If you have questions about your need-based financial aid offer or would like to discuss financing options, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your assigned financial aid counselor through Calendly. Appointments are available during regular business hours, via phone, Zoom, or in-person if you are visiting campus.

In-person meetings require an appointment.

  • If you are attending a Yellowjacket Experience Day, instructions and opportunity for scheduling an in-person appointment will be provided in the Financial Aid session immediately following the Opening Welcome.
  • If you are visiting on a non-Yellowjacket Experience day, you may schedule an appointment with your assigned aid counselor through our website.

These consultations are intended for students and families with questions about need-based financial aid offers.  Questions about merit scholarships should be directed to the Office of Admissions.

Contact your aid counselor and schedule an appointment 

Frequently asked questions about financial aid

Am I required to submit the FAFSA or CSS Profile if I’m only interested in merit-based scholarships?

No. If you’re not interested in applying for need-based aid and you will not be borrowing a Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or Parent PLUS loan, you do not need to submit the FAFSA or CSS Profile. All students are reviewed for merit-based scholarship eligibility as part of the process of being considered for acceptance to the University.

I’ve been awarded Federal Work-Study funding as part of my financial aid package. How does that work?

Federal Work-Study funding allows you to work on campus and earn up to that funding amount during the academic year. Jobs at URochester aren’t assigned or guaranteed; you’ll need to apply and be hired by an on-campus employer once you’re on campus. You’ll have access to JobLink, our online employment portal, once you’ve registered for classes this fall. From there, you’ll be able to review available jobs and submit applications. You’ll also be able to attend our Job Fair during orientation to meet with employers and submit applications.

I’m having issues logging in to FAOnline. Who should I contact?

If you’re having issues logging in to FAOnline, and you’ve tried using the “forgot your password” link, call our office at (585) 275-3226 and we can help sort things out for you.

What’s the difference between the federal subsidized and unsubsidized loan programs?

The abbreviated answer is that federal subsidized loans give more assistance to students with financial need. For a more detailed answer, see the Federal Student Aid website, which outlines the differences between federal subsidized and unsubsidized loan programs, as well as eligibility, how much can be borrowed, and how to apply.

Will my aid package be the same for all four years of attendance?

Your aid package is reviewed each year based on the information you provide on the annual FAFSA and CSS Profile applications. If there are changes involving your income, assets, or other factors—including the number of people in your household or dependent children in your household attending college—your financial aid package may change.

I’ve been awarded a scholarship from someone outside of the college. What do I need to do?

Email the award notification to your financial aid counselor. They will add the scholarship to your aid package and send you a revised financial aid package.

Flower City living

Explore Rochester

There’s a lot to discover in Rochester, the third largest city in New York State. Our home combines big-city entertainment and culture with a small-town feel and an entrepreneurial spirit. Enjoy all that the region has to offer, including:

  • Scenic river walkway and majestic downtown waterfalls
  • World-renowned music and film festivals
  • Theaters, museums, and art galleries
  • Public parks with year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts
  • Unique dining and shopping (plus all your brand-name favorites)
  • Professional sports, such as Red Wings baseball and Amerks hockey

More about Rochester

Better together

Enroll at URochester

We can’t wait to welcome you to our community of students! And if you still have questions about URochester, please get in touch with us.

Enroll today