FAQs

General

When is the Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) Leadership Conference?
June 4–6, 2026

Who can participate?
This conference is open to all volunteers of the University of Rochester and their guests. Additionally, anyone who is considering becoming a volunteer is welcome and encouraged to attend!

Why should I attend?
By participating, you’ll gain access to information and context you wouldn’t find anywhere else, strengthening your ability to serve as a confident and informed ambassador for the University. Be empowered to roll up your sleeves and take an active role in addressing current events impacting URochester.

What is the VIP Leadership Conference?
Designed with URochester volunteers in mind, this conference brings together inspiring speakers, engaging sessions, and meaningful campus experiences to support your professional and personal growth and your continued partnership with URochester.

How long has the VIP Leadership Conference existed?
This opportunity is offered every other year to University volunteers. The inaugural VIP Leadership Conference took place in 2016.

Where is the conference located?
The conference is held in Rochester, NY, on the River Campus of the University. Sessions will be in buildings throughout the campus. Some tours may be off-site, but transportation is provided.

What does this cost?
There is no registration fee for the conference. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.

There is an optional “Dine Around Rochester” event on Saturday evening that includes a cost.

Who can I follow up with directly regarding this conference?
Lauren McKenna, Associate Director of Volunteer Engagement + Programs, lauren.mckenna@rochester.edu or call 585.273.3531.

Registration

How do I register for the Volunteers in Partnership Leadership Conference?
Registration will open April 16. Volunteers will receive an email with a personalized link to register. If there is trouble receiving or viewing the email message, individuals may also register via the Conference website beginning April 16.

Registering a guest?
To streamline the guest registration process, we recommend keeping a list of the events you select. Then follow these steps:

• Register yourself for each desired event.
• At the end of your registration, select “Add Person.”
• Use your event list to register your guest for the same selections.

What is the cancellation policy?
The deadline for refunds is May 22, after which time refunds will not be given. If you must cancel all or part of your Volunteers in Partnership Leadership Conference reservation, please do so by sending an email to alumni@rochester.edu or call 877.MELIORA (877.635.4672).

Accessibility

Is accessible parking available?
Yes. Handicap parking is available on River Campus to those with government-issued handicap parking tags only. Once on campus, please proceed to the gated parking lot on Library Road.  Parking staff will direct you to available spaces. Only those vehicles with a government-issued tag will be permitted to park in these spots. Guests without handicap parking tags may be redirected to park in the Intercampus Drive Parking Lot. Golf carts will be circulating campus and are available to take you to registration and other programs throughout the weekend.  If you are not able to locate a golf cart, please call us at 585-275-0129 and we can send one to your location.

I have some particular needs related to accessibility – what should I do?
The University of Rochester is committed to making its campuses accessible to persons with disabilities. Please contact us via email at alumni@rochester.edu if you have specific needs and we will assist you. You will have an opportunity as well to provide more information during registration. We will have maps of ADA accessibility available on the app and at on-site registration during the weekend.

During the Conference

How do I check in and pick up my badge?
Once you arrive on River Campus, stop by Rush Rhees Library (Evans Lam Square) to check in and pick up your badge, bag, and other goodies for your time on campus. We recommend arriving early to allow enough time for check-in before your first scheduled event.

Times and locations for registration will be provided closer to the event.

Is parking available?
River Campus parking is open where legal spaces are available. Most parking spots will be available in the Intercampus Lot.

Is transportation available during the Conference?
Transportation is not available from the airport to the River Campus or other destinations, nor from the hotel to River Campus. If you need transportation to campus, we recommend using a rideshare app (e.g., Uber or Lyft). Staffed golf carts will be available for guests who need assistance.

Intercampus shuttles provide transportation within the River Campus, School of Nursing, and School of Medicine & Dentistry, and to and from Eastman School of Music. View the schedule here.

Will food be provided at the Conference?
Meals are included with your Conference registration, except for the Dine Around Rochester experience. If you plan to participate in Dine Around Rochester, there is a fee of $40/per person, which is collected at registration. Additionally Blue Cactus is open
Monday -Friday: 8am – 7pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 3pm &
Starbucks is open
Monday – Friday: 8am -6pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10am -4pm

What is the standard dress during the Conference?
Unless otherwise noted, the general dress code for the weekend is business casual. Show your Rochester pride by wearing blue and yellow, and your best University of Rochester gear. Check the weather before you pack!

Professional headshots will be available Saturday afternoon. Feel free to bring a special outfit.

What are the University’s event guidelines?
University of Rochester Advancement is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable event experience for all guests. Please visit uofr.us/events for event guidelines.

Lost and Found
If you lose something during the weekend on the River Campus, please visit the Campus Information Center in Wilson Commons. Campus Information Center hours are 11am-3pm.

Photo and Video Notice
By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded by attending this event. The University of Rochester may use the images and recordings for promotional, educational, and archival purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, publications, and other materials.

If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please notify event staff at the registration desk.