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Yellowjacket Experience

The Meliora symbol with confetti falling around it.

You got in!

About 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. We’ve worked hard to build an expansive suite of live and on-demand content just for you as well as 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 virtual and on campus events

Live virtual programming & on-campus visits

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.

Registration is now open for Early Decision students!

Register

A full list of our various virtual Yellowjacket Experience offerings will appear below in the coming weeks and open for registration in late February.

Early Decision students are encouraged to attend a virtual session led by the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs, “Orientation at URochester – Early Decision Students and Families,” on Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. ET

Register online

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.  Check back soon to view the playlist once events get underway!

In-person events

Be a Rochester 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!

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 Rochester from a panel of current students and have a chance for Q&A.
Athletics Tour On this tour of Rochester’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 Rochester 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.
Closing Celebration 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 27

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 Rochester students. We’ll also share what you can expect over the next couple of weeks regarding Yellowjacket Experience events.

Date and time: TBD

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:

  • TBD: Current Parent Panel
  • TBD: Academic Deans Roundtable
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: TBD

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. 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: TBD

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: TBD

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: TBD

City of Rochester Virtual Tour

Explore the city of Rochester and learn about its history and off-campus student experiences during this virtual tour.

Date and time: TBD

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: TBD

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

Sessions to be posted in the coming weeks!

Departments & Programs, Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Sessions to be posted in the coming weeks!

Departments & Programs, Simon School of Business

Sessions to be posted in the coming weeks!

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 Rochester 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: TBD

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: TBD

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: TBD

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: TBD
Interfaith and Religious Life at URochester

Join the Interfaith Chapel and the faith leaders at URochester in a virtual open house dedicated to highlight the rich religious life on campus.

Date and time: TBD

Community Engagement As Part of the Rochester Experience

Community engagement is a central feature of the undergraduate experience at Rochester 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: TBD

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: TBD

Navigating the LGBTQ+ Experience

Learn more about LBGTQ+ life at URochester and the support offered.

Date and time: TBD

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: TBD

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:

  • TBD
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:

  • TBD
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:

  • TBD
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:

  • TBD
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:

  • TBD
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:

  • TBD

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

College Center for Advising Services (CCAS) Session

In this session, CCAS advising staff and a peer advisor will discuss the College’s academic advising program, the Rochester Curriculum, and specialized academic opportunities available to students.

Dates and times:

  • TBD
Your University of Rochester Orientation

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 Rochester, including information on Rochester Ready (your online summer orientation program), registering for classes, and a preview of Fall Welcome Week.

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

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: TBD

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 Rochester 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: TBD

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.

 

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 sent to students via email during March and April.  If you have questions about your aid offer or wish to discuss alternative financing options, feel free to schedule an appointment with your financial aid counselor via Calendly. We are available during normal business hours via phone, Zoom, or in-person if you are visiting campus. If you are visiting campus on a non-Yellowjacket Experience Day, an appointment is required for in-person meetings. Please note, these Financial Aid consultations are intended for those students/families who have questions regarding their need-based financial aid offers.  Questions regarding merit scholarship awarding or offers that do not include need-based awards/loans should be directed to the Office of Admissions.

To confirm who your assigned aid counselor is and schedule an appointment, click the link below or visit our website: https://www.rochester.edu/financial-aid/contact-us/

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 Rochester 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