Media : Office of Special Programs and Part-time Studies

Media

The Office of Special Programs and Part-time Studies takes a special interest in the education of Upstate New York’s community. We offer credit and non-credit programs, classes, seminars and events for youth, adults, professionals, educators, and senior citizens. Our distinguished faculty, motivated students, and innovative programs create a rich and flexible learning environment reflective of the University of Rochester’s tradition of academic excellence.

Download our electronic press kits for each of our programs or view upcoming media opportunities.

For more information, contact our PR/Marketing Manager, Valerie Alhart, or call (585) 275- 2344.

Electronic Press Kits

Some of the videos on this page require Apple QuickTime for viewing. Windows users: You may need to change your default settings from Windows Media Player to QuickTime to View. You may need to press “Play” on your QuickTime player.

Always Better Adult Continuing Education: The University of Rochester’s adult, non-credit education program, Always Better, is liberal arts based and concentrated in the arts, sciences, and humanities. This program is designed to allow adults in the community the flexibility and freedom to study what they love without the pressure of homework and tests. Most classes are discussion based, encouraging participants with diverse life experiences and a strong desire to learn to share their views and opinions.

Fact Sheet – Always Better

English as a Second Language / Intensive English Program: International students and professionals from around the world who want to improve their English fluency and learn more about American culture will enjoy these courses focused on improving speaking, listening, reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills. Classes are offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, and are open to both University and outside students or community members. “U.S. Culture and Society I,” “Teaching in American Universities,” “Pronunciation and Accent Reduction,” and “U.S. Culture and Society II” are offered during the fall and spring semesters and an intensive course is offered during the summer.

Rochester On Campus (ROC): Rochester On Campus, the University of Rochester’s pre-college residential program, embodies the balance of freedom and responsibility. ROC students “become” UR undergraduates for one to four weeks over the summer depending on their chosen course of study. Students choose either the Taste of College program by enrolling in credit classes with matriculated UR students attending the summer session or the Rochester Scholars program where students explore an area of interest in hands-on, non-credit mini-courses. ROC students have the freedom to choose the area of study that they would like to pursue, the freedom to explore life on campus, and the freedom to participate in a wide variety of events and activities both on and off campus.

Rochester Scholars: Rochester Scholars, started in 1990, is a pre-college, academic program that offers high school students a chance to experience college life for one week during the Monroe County School District’s winter and spring break, and for one or two weeks during the summer. High school students can choose from a variety of non-credit courses designed to broaden their educational experiences and sharpen their academic skills. Students choose from courses in fields like medicine, forensic science, research, philosophy, entrepreneurship, engineering, debate, art, computer science, and more. Students may sign up for either a morning or afternoon class, or both. Lunch, admissions workshops, and campus tours create the complete campus experience.

Rochester Scholars Jr.: The Rochester Scholars Jr. program for middle school students was introduced in 2003 in response to the success of its sister program, Rochester Scholars. This program provides middle school students with the opportunity to participate in similar enriching and exciting courses that are specifically geared toward students in grades 6-8. Students enjoy a weeklong full-day course during the Monroe County School District’s winter, spring, and summer breaks that include lunch, field trips, and hands-on activities.

Taste of College (TOC): The University of Rochester’s Taste of College program can help high school students get a jump-start on their college career, at one of the top private research universities in the nation. Taste of College allows rising high school juniors and seniors to take classes that are not offered at the high school level or to pursue more rigorous and unique academic challenges. This allows students the freedom to expand their knowledge in a college setting, and to experience what college is like prior to attending full time.

Fact Sheet – TOC

Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!): The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a groundbreaking nine-month program that guides students in grades 6-12 through the process of starting a real business, including business plan development, pitching an investor panel, obtaining funding, launching the venture, managing media campaigns, e-commerce and web development, sales events, and trade shows. Entrepreneur guest speakers, business mentors, and visits to local companies anchor the instruction around real-world applications and experiences. The end result of the YEA! program, unlike other simulation models, is a fully formed and functioning business, which is carried on by students after graduation. All of the learning is real and experiential. YEA! is offered at both the University of Rochester and the State University of New York at Geneseo.

Summer Sessions: The summer session offers credit courses at The College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering for students. All summer session students are considered part-time.

Fact Sheet – Summer

UR Always Learning at The Highlands: The University of Rochester and The Highlands at Pittsford collaborated in developing UR Always Learning at The Highlands, a program that offers a wide-range of academic and wellness classes exclusively to residents over 65-years-old who are committed to living healthy, vibrant lives in The Highlands at Pittsford community.

Fact Sheet – Highlands

Upcoming Media Opportunities

All members of the media interested in our upcoming opportunities should register with our publicity coordinator, Natalie Yager, or call (585) 275-2344. After registration, members of the media will be provided free parking passes and will be personally escorted around River Campus, the Medical Center, or The Highlands at Pittsford.

Visit the following events:
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Informational Session at the University of Rochester: Thursday, April 24, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Gowen Room, Wilson Commons, River Commons
Free of charge and open to the public
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Informational Session at SUNY Geneseo: Thursday, April 24, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Room 204, Newton Hall
Free of charge and open to the public; About: This is a free informational session for parents, students, families, and educators to learn more about the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). YEA! is an intensive nine-month program that guides middle and high school students through the process of launching and running real businesses. This program is available at the University of Rochester (for those residing in Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne counties) or at SUNY Geneseo (for those residing in Genesee, Livingston, Seneca, Wyoming, and Yates counties). Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a recent graduate of the program and pick up the application for the YEA! Class of 2008-2009.
Rochester Scholars and Jr. 2008 Spring Session: Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
UR River and Medical Center Campuses
Times and locations vary. Please contact Natalie Yager for recommended times.; About: Visit Rochester Scholars courses to see local high school and middle school students engage in hands-on learning at the University of Rochester during their spring school break. Class topics include animal behavior, robotics, medicine, freakonomics, debate, creative writing, and many others.

Speaker’s Bureau

Our office has a repository of students and instructors from each of our programs who would be happy to speak to members of the media about their experience. Please contact Natalie Yager, or call (585) 275-2344 to schedule an interview. Please provide your contact information, media outlet, nature of your story, which program you are interested in, and if you would like to hear from a student, instructor, program manager, or the office’s director.

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