About the program
The University of Rochester First-Year Orientation Outing Treks (UR FOOT) program, established in 2005, offers incoming first-year students the opportunity to arrive on campus early, connect with their classmates, and explore some of western New York's most beautiful natural wonders.
UR FOOT begins a few days before Fall Welcome Week starts, allowing participants to move into their on-campus housing assignments early. Once the program is finished, UR FOOT participants will join their classmates for Welcome Week traditions, social events, and informational programs.
2024 program treks
Ganondagan State Historic Site
Learn about the history of the Seneca people as you hike through the state's only historic site dedicated to Native Americans.
Learn more
Kayaking on the Genesee River
Spend an afternoon paddling along the Rochester's most important waterway and taking in city sights.
Learn more
Letchworth State Park
Spend the entire day exploring the "Grand Canyon of the East" with its impressive gorges and waterfalls.
Learn more2024 program dates
The 2024 UR FOOT program will run from Saturday, August 17 through the end of Monday, August 19, 2024. Please note: All treks and activities will finish prior to Tuesday, August 20, allowing program participants to fully participate in Fall Welcome Week. The second day of the program (Monday, August 19) does overlap with the first Fall Arrival Day. However, there is no required events on this day, so UR FOOT participants will not miss any mandatory programs.
Saturday, August 17
Participant move-in and Welcome Dinner
Sunday, August 18
Day treks begin in the morning
Monday, August 19
Day treks finish by the end of the day
Tuesday, August 20
Fall Welcome Week events begin for all students and families
Learn more about Welcome WeekWednesday, August 21
Fall Welcome Week events for families end in the late afternoon
Saturday, August 24
Fall Welcome Week events end for students
2024 program details
Expand the items below to view the details of this year's UR FOOT program.
Capacity and eligibility
The 2024 UR FOOT program is limited to the first 100 participants to complete the application form when it opens. You must be an incoming first-year student at the University of Rochester (beginning your studies in August 2024) in order to apply to participate.
Cost
The program cost is $200 USD per student. Limited scholarships are available based upon need. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please indicate your interest on the application form.
Arrival and move-in
You must be able to move into your assigned on-campus housing on Saturday, August 17 (no alternate move-in dates will be allowed).
On arrival day, you can head to your residential area office anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (EST) to pick up your room key and campus ID card and move into your assigned on-campus housing. Please make sure to finish up your move-in process before 4 p.m., so you can attend the Welcome Dinner and Training.
Supplies and gear
As a participant, you are expected to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the 2024 treks. A list of gear will be provided upon your acceptance to the program. If you need additional information about appropriate gear or have concerns about item availability, please contact us.
Apply
2024 program registration
Registration for the 2024 program opens on Saturday, June 1 at 9 a.m. (EST). Participants will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis until the program reaches capacity (100 students) or by Thursday, June 20 at 5 p.m. (EST). You will be notified about whether or not you've been admitted by Monday, July 1.
Payment instructions
All program fee payments must be mailed following the instructions below by Thursday, August 1, 2024. If we do not receive your payment by the deadline, or if your envelope is not postmarked before the deadline, your acceptance into the UR FOOT program may be rescinded.
How to mail your program fee payment
- Make a personal check for $200 out to: University of Rochester First-Year Orientation Outing Treks
- Place the check into a security envelope or fold the check into a thick piece of paper before placing in a standard business envelope.
- Address your envelope with the appropriate mailing address listed below and attach the appropriate postage.
- Place your envelope in a secure mail dropbox, such as inside of a U.S. Post Office or another monitored and/or locked location.
Mailing Addresses
For mail sent through the US Postal Service
Mariffer Acosta
Office of Orientation & New Student Programs
Box 270358
Rochester, NY 14627
For mail sent through FedEx, UPS, or DHL
Mariffer Acosta
Orientation & New Student Programs
Morey Hall
455 Alumni Road, Room 200
Rochester, NY 14627
Contact
Questions?
We've got answers!
Contact Mariffer Acosta, assistant director of summer and continuing studies, at mariffer.acosta@rochester.edu.
Mariffer Acosta serves as the professional staff lead for the UR FOOT program, working with the student-led First-Year Orientation Outing Treks Advisory Board to plan, staff, and run the UR FOOT program treks and activities each year.