For Families
Fall Welcome Week
Fall Welcome Week is not just for students! We're thrilled to welcome parents, family members, and student supporters to our campus to learn more about student resources, hear from University leadership and staff, and connect with fellow incoming families during the first few days of our incoming student program.
Below, you'll find a detailed schedule of parent and family events taking place throughout Fall Welcome Week, as well as information on parking, dining, our dedicated event app, and more.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus in August!
Schedule of events
Fall 2024 Welcome Week schedule
The Fall 2024 Welcome Week program for parents and families will begin on Monday, August 19 and run through the late afternoon on Wednesday, August 21. The program is completely optional, but we would love for you to attend.
If you do plan to attend, make sure your student adds your name to their Welcome Week Registration Form, which they need to complete by Monday, August 5.
Expand each event below to view details or download a PDF version of the schedule using the button below.
Monday, August 19
If your student has selected the first Fall Arrival Day, you'll follow the instructions to arrive and move in during their designated time slot before enjoying the rest of the day's activities.
7:30-10:30 a.m. Breakfast
Location: On-campus dining locations
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast at Douglass Dining Center or pick up something to-go at Starbucks. Students can use a meal plan swipe to access Douglass Dining Center and their declining balance to purchase items at Starbucks. Guests can enter Douglass Dining Center for $8.95 USD per guest, and will need to purchase items a la carte at Starbucks.
9 a.m.-8 p.m. Parent and family check-in
Location: Wilson Commons, Bridge Lounge (fourth floor)
If you're accompanying your student to their required Welcome Week check-in, make sure to stop by parent and family check-in table to pick up your own unique welcome item and learn more about Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday's events.
9 a.m.-8 p.m. Parent and family lounge
Location: Wilson Commons, Bridge Lounge (fourth floor)
Take a break and have a seat! This space, reserved especially for parents, families, and supporters, will feature ample seating, snacks, beverages, and friendly faces to help you feel refreshed throughout Fall Arrival Day One.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Plant sale
Location: Wilson Quad
Is your student's new dorm looking a little barren? Bring some life to their room with the perfect piece of greenery from the plant sale, hosted by Wilson Commons Student Activities. Prices range from $5 to $30 USD.
11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Lunch
Location: On-campus dining locations
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch at Danforth or Douglass Dining Centers or pick up something at Starbucks, Rocky's Sub Shop, or The Pit. Students can use a meal plan swipe to access the dining centers and their declining balance to purchase items at other dining locations (swipe meals available at Rocky's and The Pit after 3 p.m.). Guests can enter the dining centers for $9.95 USD per guest, and will need to purchase items a la carte at other locations.
1:30-3 p.m. Rush Rhees Library tours
Location: Tours depart from the front steps of Rush Rhees Library
Explore some of the University's greatest academic and research resources at Rush Rhees Library with these guided tours. The tours depart at 1:30, 2, and 2:30 p.m. Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. Please note: Tours can only accommodate 15 people at a time.
1:30-5:20 p.m. Campus tours (English and Mandarin Chinese*)
Location: Tours depart from the flag poles at the west end of Eastman Quad
Join a Rochester Meridian (one of our incredible campus tour guides) for a walking tour of the River Campus. They'll highlight academic and student services locations along the way, but feel free to ask them about any spot on campus. The tours depart at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 p.m. Each tour lasts approximately 50 minutes.
*The 4:30 p.m. tour will be accompanied by Mandarin Chinese translator.
5-9 p.m. Dinner
Location: On-campus dining locations or off-campus
Use a meal plan swipe for an all-you-can-eat dinner at Danforth or Douglass Dining Centers or a meal at Rocky's Sub Shop or The Pit. You can also use your declining balance to purchase items a la carte at Starbucks, The Pit, and Rocky's. Guests can enter the dining centers for $10.95 USD per guest, and will need to purchase items a la carte at other locations. Or, venture out on your own for dinner at some of Rochester's most delicious restaurants!
Tuesday, August 20
If your student has selected the second Fall Arrival Day, you'll follow the instructions to arrive and move in during their designated time slot before enjoying the rest of the day's activities.
Please note: All first-year students living on campus must be back on campus for their required residence hall meeting by 9 p.m.
7:30-10:30 a.m. Breakfast
Location: On-campus dining locations
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast at Douglass Dining Center or pick up something to-go at Starbucks. Students can use a meal plan swipe to access Douglass Dining Center and their declining balance to purchase items at Starbucks. Guests can enter Douglass Dining Center for $8.95 USD per guest, and will need to purchase items a la carte at Starbucks.
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Parent and family lounge
Location: Wilson Commons, Bridge Lounge (fourth floor)
Take a break and have a seat! This space—reserved especially for parents, families, and supporters—will feature ample seating, snacks, beverages, and friendly faces to help you feel refreshed throughout Fall Arrival Day Two.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Parent and family check-in
Location: Wilson Commons, Bridge Lounge (fourth floor)
If you're accompanying your student to the required Welcome Week check-in, make sure to stop by parent and family check-in table to pick up your own unique welcome item and learn more about Tuesday and Wednesday's events.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shopping shuttles
Location: Buses depart from the back of Rush Rhees Library
If you have traveled to Rochester by plane, your student might need a few things to get them through their first week on campus. Take a quick trip to Target or Walmart to grab some basic supplies.
Buses depart every half hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and stop at both stores before heading back to campus. Please note: the buses will be yellow buses, not standard UR shuttle buses. The last pickup from Target is at 3:50 p.m. and the last pickup from Walmart is at 4 p.m.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Plant sale
Location: Wilson Quad
Is your student's new dorm looking a little barren? Bring some life to their room with the perfect piece of greenery from the plant sale, hosted by Wilson Commons Student Activities. Prices range from $5 to $30 USD.
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Tips for international students and families
Location: Morey Hall, Room 321
Get expert tips on how to foster your international student's personal growth, professional success, and happiness at Rochester from University staff in the College Center for Advising Services, Greene Center for Career Education and Connections, and International Services Office.
11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Lunch
Location: On-campus dinng locations
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch at Danforth or Douglass Dining Centers or pick up something at Starbucks, Rocky's Sub Shop, or The Pit. Students can use a meal plan swipe to access the dining centers and their declining balance to purchase items at other dining locations (swipe meals available at Rocky's and The Pit after 3 p.m.). Guests can enter the dining centers for $9.95 USD per guest, and will need to purchase items a la carte at other locations.
1-4 p.m. Memorial Art Gallery tours
Location: Buses depart from the back of Rush Rhees Library
Spend the afternoon exploring one of Rochester's most beloved cultural institutions with your student and family members through complimentary tours of the University's Memorial Art Gallery. Shuttle buses depart every 30 minutes between 1 and 3 p.m. The last shuttle back to campus departs from the Memorial Art Gallery at 3:45 p.m.
1:30-3 p.m. Rush Rhees Library tours
Location: Tours depart from the front steps of Rush Rhees Library
Explore some of the University's greatest academic and research resources at Rush Rhees Library with these guided tours. The tours depart at 1:30, 2, and 2:30 p.m. Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. Please note: Tours can only accommodate 15 people at a time.
1:30-5:20 p.m. Campus tours (English and Mandarin Chinese*)
Location: Tours depart from the flag poles at the west end of Eastman Quad
Join a Rochester Meridian (one of our incredible campus tour guides) for a walking tour of the River Campus. They'll highlight academic and student services locations along the way, but feel free to ask them about any spot on campus. The tours depart at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 p.m. Each tour lasts approximately 50 minutes.
*The 4:30 p.m. tour will be accompanied by Mandarin Chinese translator.
2:30-4 p.m. Black student and family reception
Location: Douglass Commons, Feldman Ballroom
Connect with fellow students and families, as well as University faculty and staff, from across the African Diaspora. All those who identify as Black are welcome, including those joining the University community from other areas of the U.S., the Caribbean, Africa, and other locations across the globe.
Hosted by the Frederick Douglass Institute and Department of Black Studies, Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, Office of Orientation and New Student Programs, Parent and Family Relations Office, Black Alumni Network, and Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement
5-6:30 p.m. First-generation student and family welcome reception
By invitation only
5-10 p.m. Dinner
Location: On-campus dining locations or off-campus
Use a meal plan swipe for an all-you-can-eat dinner at Danforth or Douglass Dining Centers or a meal at Rocky's Sub Shop or The Pit. You can also use your declining balance to purchase items a la carte at Starbucks, The Pit, and Rocky's. Guests can enter the dining centers for $10.95 USD per guest, and will need to purchase items a la carte at other locations. Or, venture out on your own for dinner at some of Rochester's most delicious restaurants!
Recommendations coming soon
Please note: All first-year students living on campus must be back on campus for their required residence hall meeting by 9 p.m.
7:30-9 p.m. International student and family welcome celebration
Location: Douglass Commons, Feldman Ballroom
Join University staff and leaders to celebrate the beginning of your student's University of Rochester journey and connect with fellow international families. This event is required for all new international and exchange students.
Wednesday, August 21
On Wednesday, University leaders will officially welcome your student to the academic community at Convocation, Plus, you'll have the chance to hear from staff members, connect with fellow families, and explore the variety of campus resources available to your student.
7:30-10:30 a.m. Breakfast
Location: On-campus dining locations
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast at Douglass Dining Center or pick up something to-go at Starbucks. Students can use a meal plan swipe to access Douglass Dining Center and their declining balance to purchase items at Starbucks. Guests can enter Douglass Dining Center for $8.95 USD per guest, and will need to purchase items a la carte at Starbucks.
8-9 a.m. Parent and family Q&A with University deans
Location: Hoyt Hall, Auditorium
Join University leaders to learn more about the resources available to both your student and your family. After an introduction from the University deans and directors, you’ll have the chance to ask questions.
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Parent and family lounge
Location: Wilson Commons, Bridge Lounge (fourth floor)
Take a break and have a seat! This space—reserved especially for parents, families, and supporters—will feature ample seating, snacks, beverages, and friendly faces to help you feel refreshed throughout the last day of family events.
9:30-11 a.m. Convocation and Class Roll signing
Location: Eastman Quad
Convocation signals the start of your student's academic career at the University. It provides the opportunity for President Sarah Mangelsdorf and the rest of the faculty and staff to formally welcome your student to the College. First-year students will sign their class roll immediately following the ceremony, while transfer students will have the opportunity to sign their class rolls at the transfer student welcome dinner later this evening. This event is required for all new students.
Please note: The convocation ceremony will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. We ask that you make sure you and your family are seated no later than 9:20 a.m.
11 a.m.-12 p.m. Parent and family meet & greet
Location: Wilson Commons, May Room (fifth floor)
Connect with fellow new Yellowjacket families and enjoy light refreshments as you learn more about Welcome Week and your student's first year at the University of Rochester.
11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Lunch
Location: On-campus dining locations
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch at Danforth or Douglass Dining Centers or pick up something at Starbucks, Rocky's Sub Shop, or The Pit. Students can use a meal plan swipe to access the dining centers and their declining balance to purchase items at other dining locations (swipe meals available at Rocky's and The Pit after 3 p.m.). Guests can enter the dining centers for $9.95 USD per guest, and will need to purchase items a la carte at other locations.
1-2 p.m. Academic milestones in your student’s first year
Location: Hutchison Hall, Hubbell Auditorium
Explore the innovative way in which your student will learn at the University of Rochester as you hear directly from faculty about their involvement in different areas of the College. They will discuss the implementation of the Peer-Led Team Learning Workshop program; the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program; and first-year exploratory courses in the engineering curriculum.
1-4 p.m. Welcome Week resource fair
Location: Douglass Commons, Feldman Ballroom
Explore the variety of campus resources and services available to you and your student at the Welcome Week resource fair. Please note: This event is required for all new students. Your student has an assigned attendance time for this event, based on their wristband group. Wristbands will be handed out at Welcome Week check-in.
2:10-3:10 p.m. Career exploration at Rochester
Location: Wegmans Hall, Room 1400
The Greene Center for Career Education and Connections can help your student build habits to explore their interests and make decisions about what they want to do next and in the future. Join Greene Center staff as they share how the University of Rochester community works together to support your student as they explore careers, gain experience, and connect with alumni and employers.
3:20-4:20 p.m. Supporting your college student
Location: Hoyt Hall, Auditorium
You've applied Band-Aids, made chicken soup, counseled them through tough times, and helped them to identify their resources for many years. While no one compares to you, the University of Rochester provides noteworthy alternatives while your student is away at school. Come to this session to hear from staff who are there for your student during those inevitable bumps in the road. Also, learn about resources available to you as you transition into this new chapter.
Parent and family lounge
Location: Wilson Commons, Bridge Lounge (fourth floor)
Take a break and have a seat! This space—reserved especially for parents, families, and supporters—will feature ample seating, snacks, beverages, and friendly faces to help you feel refreshed throughout the family Welcome Week program.
Monday, August 19, 2024
9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Coming soon
Welcome Week app
The Welcome Week app is the main tool for viewing Fall Welcome Week events. Customize your own event schedule and use the filter functionality to find events especially for international students, transfer students, parents and families, and exchange students. The app also features campus resources, recommendations and tips from your Orientation Leaders, and arrival day information. Learn how to download the app and use its features when it launches in early August.
Helpful links
Incoming students and families communications
View copies of emails sent to you and your student, including our office's Rochester Ready newsletter.
MoreArrival day information
View detailed instructions for your student's arrival day, which they'll select when they receive their housing assignment in early July.
MoreTravel and accommodation information
Find directions to campus, as well as hotels close to River Campus, shopping centers, and other points of interest around Rochester.
MoreParking information
Find detailed information for guest parking on campus during Fall Arrival Days and Fall Welcome Week.
Coming soonOn-campus shuttle schedules
View schedules for the University's shuttle bus system to help you and your guests navigate your way around campus and College Town.
Coming soonDining hours and menus
View hours and menus for River Campus dining locations during Fall Welcome Week.
Coming soonRestaurant recommendations
Head off campus to explore some of Rochester's best eats! Curated by this year's Orientation Leaders, we've compiled a list of the best restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes for your student and family to enjoy in your free time.
Coming soonBookstore information
The official University of Rochester bookstore is located in College Town at 1305 Mount Hope Ave, a quick walk, shuttle ride, or drive from River Campus.
MoreFrequently asked questions
Is any part of Welcome Week required for parents or family members?
All parent and family programs during Welcome Week are completely optional. Even if you do not stay for the programs, we encourage you to visit Welcome Week check-in with your student. We'll have a lounge with drinks and snacks, a photo backdrop for you to snap a quick momento, and a special giveaway item to pick up, exlcusive to parents and family members.
Do I need to register for Fall Welcome Week?
Yes. All incoming students are required to complete the Fall Welcome Week registration form by Monday, August 5. On that form, your student will be required to provide the names of any guests that will be attending any of the events during the first three days of Welcome Week.
Can family members utilize the University shuttle system?
Yes! While your student is required to swipe their campus ID card when getting on any of the shuttle buses, visiting family members are not. Simply tell the bus driver that you're a parent or family member of an incoming student and take a seat.
How much does it cost to eat at the dining halls during Welcome Week?
Your student's meal plan will be activated the morning of Monday, August 19, so they'll be able to use one of their meal swipes to enter the dining hall throughout Welcome Week.
For you and their guests, they can either use one of their guest swipes (one per guest) or you can a small fee to enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal:
- Breakfast: $8.95 USD per guest
- Lunch: $9.95 USD per guest
- Dinner: $10.95 USD per guest