Student Activities/Common Market/Common Connection
Athletics Department
Banking Services on Campus
Health Services and Insurance
University Counseling Center (UCC)
Dental Options
Eating on Campus
Rochester Every Day (RED) Program
Living On Campus — Graduate and Family Housing
Off Campus Housing
Campus Employment Opportunities
Identification Cards
Information Sources
Interfaith Chapel
Music Practice Rooms
Notaries Public
Parking & Transportation
Post Office
Security
Stores and Shops
Tunnel System
Wilson Commons
Student Activities Office
Website: http://sa.rochester.edu/sao/
The student activities office organizes events targeting undergraduate students, but there are several events and services of which graduate students can take advantage. You can purchase discounted tickets for concerts and campus-wide events, such as Meliora Weekend events, through the Common Market Ticket Office. If your student group needs to sell tickets for an event, the Common Market can help! Contact the GOG Social Programming Officer for details (http://www.rochester.edu/gog/officers.html).
Common Market Ticket Sales
Website: http://www.sa.rochester.edu/sao/tickets/
Common Connection
Website: http://sa.rochester.edu/connect/
The Common Connection provides resources for students looking for bus schedules, ZipCar rentals, and other general information about where to go and how to get there in Rochester. In addition, you can pick up your Rochester Every Day (RED) program pass (described later) at the Common Connection.
Athletics Department
Director: George VanderZwaag
Phone: (585) 275-4301
Email: zwaag@sports.rochester.edu
Information: (585) 275-7643
Website: http://rochester.edu/athletics/
The primary athletic facility on the River Campus is the Goergen Athletic Center, which includes the Hajim Alumni Gymnasium, Zornow Center, Field House, and Palestra. Secondary facilities include Fauver Stadium, which pro- vides an all-weather outdoor track and an AstroTurf covered playing field, the Peter Lyman Tennis Center, and several playing fields across from University Park and elsewhere on campus.
Facilities
Goergen Athletic Center
This facility features a multi-tiered, 10,000 square foot Fitness Center and Weight facility (with both Nautilus and free weights, treadmills, exercise bicycles, stairmasters, and elliptical machines); a large, bright multi-purpose room (used, for example, for martial arts or aerobics classes); a central equipment room; a Hall of Fame; locker rooms; and all department offices.
Alexander Palestra
The Palestra is a large basketball/volleyball court Athletic Center with stadium seating for several thousand; University matches are held here. The adjacent Field House includes a 200-meter running track and a synthetic activity infield; it is used by the track and field teams.
Zornow Center
This part of the building houses three basketball/ volleyball courts, four indoor tennis courts, five international squash courts, 2 racquetball/handball courts, a small aerobics studio, and an aquatic center that includes a 25-yard by 25-meter pool, a separate diving well, and its own locker rooms.
Peter Lyman Tennis Center
The new Peter Lyman Tennis Center provides six new lighted, outdoor tennis courts on the north edge of River Campus. This facility is available for intercollegiate competition and everyday recreational use.
Intercollegiate Sports Program
The University of Rochester is an NCAA Division III Institution offering 11 sports for men and 11 for women, in two Athletic Associations. Graduate students are not eligible to play on these teams. Game schedules for a number of different Yellowjacket teams can be obtained at the front desk of the Goergen Center.
Recreational Sports
Associate Director: Jane Possee
Phone: (585) 275-6914
Email: jane@sports.rochester.edu
The University offers several opportunities for graduate students (as well as for undergrads, faculty, staff, and families) to get involved in organized sports. In addition, the Recreational Sports Program offers classes in aerobics taught by certified instructors, and selected Red Cross Certification Programs such as CPR and lifeguard training.
Club Sports
Falling somewhere between the intramural and intercollegiate programs, club sports are formed either as recreational, instructional, or competitive programs where skill development, participation, and social interaction are priorities. Graduate students can be eligible to participate, but should contact the specific team for more information about eligibility requirements.
Intramurals
A number of intramural teams are formed throughout the academic year in sports such as football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and ultimate Frisbee. Different teams are open to different player levels and sexes. Many graduate students are involved in intramurals; check with your department to see if they have a team or form your own. For more information, call either the Intramural Hotline (585) 275-5454) or the Intramural Office (585) 275-4303).
Fees/Membership
Full-time, matriculated students are entitled to free access to all above facilities. All that is required for entry is a valid student ID card. Part-time students must purchase a membership. In either case, students’ family members and significant others are eligible for discounted memberships, which makes them eligible to use the facilities, take fitness classes, and participate in intramural sports. Students/members can bring up to three guests to the facilities for $3/$5 respectively. Some programs, such as Red Cross classes, cost extra, but the rates are usually reasonable ($30/semester).
Lockers
Lockers are available to rent in the Zornow Center and the Hajim Alumni Gym general locker rooms. One-year rental is available at $50 for a full-size locker and $40 for a half-size locker. Towel service is included. Rentals are accepted at the Information Desk. A limited number of day-use-only lockers are available in the hallways for personal use.
Hours
Hours vary depending on the day, the season, the vacation schedule, and the needs of organized sports teams. For up-to-date information, call the information desk or check online at http://rochester.edu/athletics/facilities/hours.php.
Reservations
Call (585) 275-7643 option #2 (9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) one day in advance to reserve indoor tennis, racquetball, and squash courts. Reservations are limited to one hour playing time per day for singles and/or doubles. Outdoor courts at the Peter Lyman Tennis Center are available on a first come, first served basis unless reserved by programs sponsored by Athletics & Recreation. You may also reserve a court on the day you wish to play by checking the reservations lists, posted near the respective courts. If no one has come to claim a court within 10 minutes of the reserved time, the court is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Equipment is also available with a student ID, at the information desk. The Center loans out basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, soccer balls, and badminton nets. Softball and volleyball equipment are available for group use.
Banking Services on Campus
JPMorgan Chase Bank has a walk-in office on the River Campus offering a full range of services including checking and savings accounts, and various investments.
Some popular banks among students include: Chase, HSBC, Citizen’s Bank, and ESL Credit Union. Chase maintains two ATMs on the River Campus, Advantage Federal Credit Union and HSBC each maintain one.
Chase Bank, River Campus Branch
Location: Todd Union Basement
Phone: 275-4560
Hours: M-F, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Chase ATM
Location: Todd Union Basement
Hours: 6:30am-midnight
Chase ATM
Location: Rush Rhees near bus stops (outside)
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
HSBC ATM
Location: Wilson Commons, 2nd floor
Hours: School Year: M-F, 7:30am – 1:00am; Sa-Su, 10:00am – 1:00am; Summer: M-F, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Advantage Federal Credit Union ATM
Location: Susan B. Anthony Hall
Hours: School Year: 6:30am – 8:00pm; Summer: M-F, 6:30am – 5:00pm
Health Services and Insurance
Locations: 1st floor of UHS Building on River Campus, 1-5000 at UR Medical Center
Hours: Open 7 days/week during the academic year while classes are in session. Monday-Thursday 8am-9pm, (Tuesday, 9am-9pm); Friday 8am-5pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 1pm-6pm
Appointments: To reach MD on-call after hours: (585) 275-2662 (585) 275-2662 (Program this number into your cell phone so you have easy access when you need it.)
Website: http://www.rochester.edu/uhs/
Insurance Advisor: Laurie Strang
Phone: (585) 275-2637
Email: insurance@uhs.rochester.edu
Patient Advocate: Linda Dudman
Phone: (585) 275-5770
Email: ldudman@uhs.rochester.edu
The University Health Service (UHS) maintains a fairly extensive website, packed with information. Here, we list a few main aspects.
All full-time students are assigned a primary care provider (PCP) at UHS and are encouraged to schedule appointments with their PCP whenever possible. Visits are confidential. When UHS offices are closed, a physician is on-call and available by phone for urgent concerns that cannot wait until the offices re-open.
UHS provides primary health care services for all full-time University students. Full-time students pay the mandatory health fee (see UHS website for current cost), which covers visits with physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses at UHS; time-limited counseling at the University Counseling Center; health education; and public health and disease prevention programs. All full-time students pay this fee, except dissertation students not in residence.
In addition to the mandatory health fee, all full-time students must have health insurance coverage. Students can enroll in the University-sponsored health insurance offered by Aetna Student Health, or they can choose to waive the health insurance if their own plan has comparable coverage. See the UHS website for the current fee for the Aetna Student Health insurance plan. This plan provides coverage for services not covered by the mandatory health fee (e.g., hospitalization, surgical procedures, diagnostic laboratory tests and x-rays, and prescription medications).
If you are enrolled in the Aetna Student Health insurance, you will find the UR page on the Aetna Student Health website has helpful information for you, including a full listing of benefits. To access the site, click on the relevant academic year in the pink box on the UHS home page. Note that a prior referral is required for some services, including non-life threatening medical conditions treated in emergency rooms and visits to specialists.
UHS also offers insurance coverage for spouses/domestic partners and for families. The plan for spouses/domestic partners is identical to that for students, and the cost is the same for them as it is for students. Spouse/domestic partners would pay both the mandatory health fee and the Aetna Student Health fee. Spouses/domestic partners who are enrolled in the insurance plan are eligible to use the services of UHS and UCC, just as the student is.
UHS offers an insurance plan for students with a dependent child or children. Due to the high cost of this plan, they recommend checking to see if your child is eligible for coverage through Healthy New York, an insurance option offered by New York State. There are some restrictions for eligibility. If your child is eligible, you may find it more affordable to enroll yourself and your spouse in the University-sponsored Aetna Student Health insurance for individual students and your child in Healthy New York. The UHS website provides information about family insurance in the “Health Insurance for Full-time Students” section of the site.
Note that the dental insurance for students is NOT a service provided by UHS. Please see below for more information about alternative dental care options.
University Counseling Center (UCC)
Phone: (585) 275-3113
Locations: Third Floor, UHS building Medical Center, Room 1-5101
Website: http://www.rochester.edu/ucc/
Professional On-Call: (585) 275-3113
Life Line: (585) 275-5151
This service is supported by the University’s mandatory health fee. The psychotherapists are faculty and professionals-in-training (i.e. grad students), and they are especially well equipped to deal with student concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and grief. UCC offers individual counseling, as well as couple and group counseling. Full-time students are entitled to several (usually about 10) free individual/couple visits each year. Group counseling is free and does not count toward allotted sessions.
Dental Options
As graduate students, dental care is not included in the mandatory health fee or the Aetna Student health insurance plan. Below are 4 options that you could consider for dental care. This list is not comprehensive and if you know of other options, please email the Student Advocacy Officer and it can be added to the list. This list was last updated January 2011.
Option 1
Eastman Dental and Strong Memorial Hospital Department of Dentistry and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offer the UR Student Dental Plan for University of Rochester students.
http://www.rochester.edu/uhs/studentinsurance/Dental.html
The plan generally costs about $215 for the year and provides about $500 in coverage.
You can schedule appointments at the Eastman Dental School, which is a teaching clinic where separate appointments need to be made for dental exams and cleanings.
You can also schedule appointments at the University Dental Faculty Group (585-273-1913), where you will be seen by the faculty of the dental school and can make a single appointment that includes the dental exam and cleaning in one visit.
Option 2
Find a discount for a provider using Aetna Vital Savings using the following steps:
- Go to http://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/ and select “Members”. Search for University of Rochester and go to that site.
- If you haven’t already set up a login with Aetna, you’ll be required to do so (this requires you to have your card or your Aetna ID number). Otherwise, log into Aetna.
- Select “Find Health Care in DocFind.” This prompts a different webpage with limited options.
- Select “Search.” This changes the website to an information blog warning that some of the search results will be outside of the Aetna website.
- Select “Enter Doc Find.”
- Now, you’ll be able to select Dental Providers and specify the dental discount (Vital Savings) and any other pertinent information (distance, general/specialist, etc). Click on “Search”
- Pick your dental office. You are provided information showing the medical provider’s name, their address and their office contact number. You can select “Provider Details” which gives some additional, limited information.
- Call the dental office you’ve picked.
You’ll need to call each provider to find out the value of their discount and costs of procedures.
Option 3
Pay out-of-pocket at Aspen Dental
1000 Hylan Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
585-292-6300
http://www.aspendent.com/
Without insurance, first exam and x-rays are free
Dental Exam & Cleaning ~$79
Bite-wing x-rays ~$45
Option 4
Pay out-of-pocket at the University Dental Faculty Group (no discount)
Eastman Dental Center (next to URMC)
585-273-1913
Clinton Crossings
585-341-7177
http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/dentistry/patient/services/faculty-service.cfm
10% discount for students
Dental exam & cleaning ~$100
Bite-wing x-rays ~$58
Eating on Campus
Website: http://www.rochester.edu/studentlife/dining.html
There are several dining options on the River Campus. The most popular options are:
- The Pit (basement of Wilson Commons) was newly remodeled over the summer of 2010 and offers a self-serve salad bar, “Pizza Pie” deck-oven pizza, a “Zoca” Mexican station, a “Panda Express” Chinese counter, and “The Common Grill” section for burgers and fries. Blimpie subs are available in The Hive, located next to The Pit’s dining area.
- The Frederick Douglass Dining Center (above the campus Bookstore) houses a collection of restaurants, including a made-to-order vegan station, an “American Classics” grill, “That’s a Wrap” which offers gourmet wraps, a Kosher deli food counter, Smoke House Barbecue, and soup and pasta stations.
- The Meliora (Frederick Douglass Building) offers an a la carte buffet as well as menu dining. They have a soup and salad bar, and offer sandwiches and specialties as well. The atmosphere is a little more upscale than either The Pit or Frederick Douglass but depending on what you get, isn’t much more expensive. The Meliora also offers “Mel Express,” a grab-and-go food selection.
- Starbucks (third floor of Wilson Commons) serves gourmet coffee, fancy blended drinks, and pastries. They occasionally have live music performances and have a large seating area.
- Connections (Rush Rhees Library near the main campus bus stop) is a cafe and coffee shop that features New York-grown and New York-made foods and beverages. It serves freshly-baked desserts and baked goods, sandwiches, soups, salads, and beverages from local companies. Many grad students choose the quiche, soups, and cookies at Connections for a quick lunch or snack. Seating is limited at Connections, but food and beverages are allowed almost anywhere in Rush Rhees.
- Pura Vida (ground floor of Goergen Hall (BME/Optics Building)) specializes in serving 100% organic, Fair Trade, shade-grown coffee. It offers students an alternative to Starbucks, has ample seating, and its location is more convenient for students who spend more time in the “science quad.” In addition to coffee, Pure Vida offers a variety of baked goods and grab-and-go options.
- Strong Memorial Hospital, a short walk from the River Campus, features various cafes and a large cafeteria called The House of Six Nations.
Grad students are also invited to dine at Danforth Dining Center (the ARAMARK buffet of your undergrad days), although not many do. Students often grab quick snacks at the campus stores and vending machines. Note, however, that the vending machines are not terribly reliable. Some machines almost invariably eat your dollar, other machines melt the chocolate on the candy bars. If you do lose your money, contact the Common Market in Wilson Commons for a refund.
Grad students are eligible for the three University Dining Plans, but again, most don’t buy into these options. The first is a block plan, which offers a set number of meals per week. The second plan, the Declining Balance option, establishes a debit account on your student ID, which you can then use almost like a debit card. While this plan gives you a 25% discount at any University dining facility (including coffee carts) and doesn’t charge you for tax, there is a hefty ‘membership fee’ for belonging to the plan, equal to the amount you will be allowed to spend. Both the ‘membership fee’ and the unused spendable dollars are non-refundable. Assuming you spend all your spendable dollars, every dollar you invest in this option buys you about $0.72 worth of food. The final option combines the block plan and the declining balance plan.
Grad students can also use their flex accounts for food purchases at all dining facilities. See ID Cards for more information about flex accounts.
Rochester Every Day (RED) Program
Website: http://sa.rochester.edu/red/
The University has partnered with a number of local businesses to provide student discounts. Participating vendors, from restaurants to mini-golf to salons, will usually have a “RED” sticker near the door. You must have a RED sticker on your student ID to get some of the discounts. Stickers can be found at the ID office or at Common Connections in Wilson Commons. Check the website for vendor locations and specific discounts, as well as ratings from other students.
Living On Campus — Graduate and Family Housing
Phone: (585) 275-5824
Email: uapts@reslife.rochester.edu
Graduate housing strives to provide convenient, community focused residences that are in close proximity to the University. With over 800 apartments spread out over four communities, there is something for everyone. University Towne House (UTH) is made up of 60 studio apartments with communal kitchens. Towne House is just off of Mt. Hope and at the end of Strong Memorial Hospital. Goler House is a thirteen-story high rise building made up of studio, one, and two bedroom apartments. It is conveniently located right next to the parking garage of Strong Memorial Hospital. University Park, located on Westmoreland Drive is made up of studio, one, and two bedroom apartments in a parklike setting. Whipple Park, located at the southern-most end of the University, has a variety of apartments, from two bedroom garden units, to two and three bedroom townhouses. It was built with lots of green spaces and multiple playgrounds making it very popular for families.
All facilities are managed by Rochester Management through the coordination of the Office of Residential Life and Housing Services. Experienced graduate students fill positions as Graduate Community Assistants (GCAs) to act as a welcoming force when students come to the different complexes. They also schedule programs each month with a variety of target audiences. From pumpkin and apple picking in the fall, to ice cream socials and barbecues throughout the summer, the GCAs are busy planning events that will help graduate students and their families interact with their community outside of the rigors of school and work.
If you are interested in applying for Graduate Housing, please contact our University Apartments Office (info listed above).
Also, check out the blogs of the 4 communities to learn more about what is going on:
http://blogs.rochester.edu/golerhouse/
http://blogs.rochester.edu/townehouse/
http://blogs.rochester.edu/whipplepark/
http://blogs.rochester.edu/universitypark/
Off Campus Housing
Location: 020 Gates Wing (Susan B. Anthony Hall)
Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Phone: (585) 275-1081
Email: offcampus@reslife.rochester.edu
Website: http://www.rochester.edu/reslife/non/index.html
The Office for Off Campus Living Programs offers assistance, education, and support to students who are looking for housing or residing off campus. The City of Rochester has a wide range of rental housing types in many price ranges throughout Rochester neighborhoods.
The Office for Off Campus Living Programs operates a rental property search site, Off Campus Connection, exclusively designed for the University community: http://www.rochester.edu/reslife/offcampus.
In addition to Off Campus Connection listings, there are several other avenues available to those who desire off campus housing. Housing opportunities are listed in the classified section of the local newspaper, real estate agents often provide listings (this service may entail a fee), and there are other search sites such as Craigslist (http://rochester.craigslist.org), Rent Rochester (http://www.rentrochester.com), Cheap Appartments (http://www.MyCheapApartments.com) and AppartmentLists (http://www.apartmentlist.com/). It is also recommended that students go up and down the streets they particularly like since vacancies are often publicized via “For Rent” signs.
Campus Employment Opportunities
The career center job board is the best resource for graduate students who are looking for an on-campus part-time job. The job board lists the most updated job opportunities from different departments and University affiliations. Although most of the jobs are targeted at undergraduate students, there are still plenty of opportunities for graduate students. You can search for an on- campus job, download and fill in the student job application form, and send your application form together with your resume to the contact person listed for a specific job on the job board.
There are also some other major University programs that hire a fair amount of graduate students on their own. One is the University Writing Center. They hire graduate students as writing course instructors and writing consultants all year round. The Learning Assistance Services (LAS) are accepting applications from graduate students for proctoring positions. Proctors are needed for general proctoring and for scribing. The College Center for Academic Support (CCAS) sponsors a University Tutoring Program. You can apply for a tutor position online and will be paid hourly. Sessions are conducted on an individual basis in a mutually agreeable location.
There may also be some teaching opportunities within your own depart- ment. Many programs require some sort of Teaching Assistantship (TAing). Talk to your department about doing more than the requirement, if interested. Some programs will also have graduate students teach select courses for undergraduates.
Identification Cards
Location: Susan B. Anthony Hall, 1st floor
Phone: (585) 275-3975
All students should have a University ID card. You will need your ID to check out books, to get free access to the athletic facilities, to cash checks, to prove to those pesky computer consultants that you really are a student, and to gain admission to certain University events and facilities.
When you get your ID card, make sure to ask for a RED sticker so you can participate in the discount program for local businesses and restaurants (see Rochester Every Day).
The University made the ID even more valuable by giving you the option of having a Flex account associated with your ID. A Flex account is available to all students, including graduates. To activate your account, you will need to make a deposit at the Customer Service Center in the SBA Hall. Then you can use your ID card like a debit card at numerous locations: bookstores, coffee carts, convenience stores, copy centers, the computer store, dining services, laundries, sports and recreation, vending, etc.
Information Sources
There are several University publications that provide grad students information on University news and events.
- @Rochester is an electronic newsletter delivered each weekday. It includes breaking news as well as a roundup of upcoming events, reminders, important announcements, and other features.
- Grads@Rochester is a weekly (bi-weekly in summer) version of @Rochester, with a focus towards graduate students. Each issue includes a reminder of upcoming University deadlines for the various schools.
- The weekly undergraduate newspaper, the Campus Times, can be picked up free in Rush Rhees, Wilson Commons, and other locations, or accessed on-line at http://www.campustimes.org/. While being oriented towards undergrads, it is surprisingly comprehensive in its coverage of University related issues.
- The Graduate Studies Bulletin (http://www.cc.rochester.edu/GradBulletin/) is the official publication for graduate studies. It is published bi-yearly and lists programs, regulations, and general information about graduate studies.
- Currents, (http://www.rochester.edu/currents/) published primarily for faculty and staff, offers comprehensive listings of University cultural events as well as news stories.
- The Rochester Review (http://www.rochester.edu/pr/Review) is the University magazine. It is published 6 times a year, and is available online.
- Also available on-line is a listing of press releases and news stories (http: //www.rochester.edu/news/).
- The student-run radio station WRUR–88.5FM (http://www.wrur.org/) gives undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to become in- volved in all aspects of broadcasting, and provides the Rochester community with a diverse selection of music.
Interfaith Chapel
Director: Allison Stokes
Location: 204 Interfaith Chapel
Phone: (585) 275-4321
Email: astokes@admin.rochester.edu
Website: http://www.cc.rochester.edu/chapel
The Interfaith Chapel was built in 1970 as a bold signal of the University’s commitment to diversity. As the words above the entrance suggest, it is to be a house of prayer for all people’ to celebrate their religious traditions and spiritual perspectives.
The Chapel has Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant Chaplains and offers Catholic Masses; Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform Jewish services; Inter-denominational and African-American Protestant services; a Meditation Room for Muslim daily prayers; both Hatha and Siddha Hindu meditation sessions; and meeting rooms for other groups including Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Latter Day Saints, and multi-faith groups. Check the website for service hours, or for more information.
Music Practice Rooms
Graduate students have access to several practice rooms on campus located in the basement of Spurrier Hall, and in Strong Auditorium (if taking piano lessons). To get a room key (requiring a $10 deposit), contact the Music Program Office located in 207 Todd Union, at (585) 275-9397.
Notaries Public
There are several notaries public on the River Campus. Generally they work business hours (9:00am – 5:00pm) with a lunch break at noon. Call to verify they are there. Here is a partial list:
International Services Office
209 Morey Hall
Stephanie Johnson
5-2866
Chase Manhattan Bank
Todd Union Basement
5-4560
Technology Transfer Office
Lisa Sheldon
3-2486
There are further listings in the University telephone directory, under ‘Notary Public’.
Parking & Transportation
Director: Glen Sicard
Location: 109 Fauver Stadium
Phone: (585) 273-2140
Email: GSicard@facilities.rochester.edu
Website: http://rochester.edu/parking/
Parking
Grad students can purchase individual parking permits ranging in length from weekly to yearly for Park Lot, located south of Elmwood Avenue. Because of our student status, we are not considered employees and thus are not eligible for any of the other parking lots on campus. Although Park Lot is pretty far from most of the buildings on River Campus, there is a shuttle every 15 minutes that runs between Rush Rhees Library and Park Lot, during certain times of the day.
Grad students can also purchase discounted carpool parking permits. The discount varies in price depending on the number of cars in your carpool. If you have two cars in your carpool, the permit is 50% off, if you have three cars, the permit is 75% off and if you have four cars in your carpool, the permit is free! The way the permit works is that all the cars get a window sticker, but in order to be considered legally parked, you need an additional hang-tag. Each car pool is given one hang-tag and number of additional daily passes that can be used by other cars in the carpool.
There are a few other parking options, if you don’t need consistent or long-term parking. If you only drive a couple times a month and otherwise do not need a parking permit, you can qualify for the occasional parking program. With this program, you can get two daily parking passes per month.
There is free 15-minute parking at various places on campus, but they are often occupied. There is also metered parking along Wilson Boulevard. Note that Wilson Boulevard also runs behind Fauver Stadium, and that there are meters there as well. You may find a meter that is either frozen or jammed, or with a dead battery. In that case, call the Parking Office and give them the location and number of the meter. Depending on the problem, they will either put your name on a no-ticket list or come out and fix the problem (in which case you can later be ticketed if you fail to feed the meter). Most meters only allow you 2 hours of parking time.
You can also purchase a one day permit at the information booth on Wilson Boulevard. If they don’t know you are a University student, they will give you a permit for Library Lot. Otherwise, you will be put into Park Lot.
Weekend parking is free on the River Campus for everyone, as is evening parking (after 7:00 p.m.). After 4:00 p.m., anyone with a valid permit may park in any non-reserved, non-metered spot. The Parking office does issue tickets for all parking violations (except for the meters, which are administered by the city and are ticketed by Rochester police officers), and often boots cars parked illegally. You can either mail fines or pay them in person. You can also appeal them online within 10 days, but no appeals will be heard from multiple offenders or non-permit holders.
Security can be a great help if your car won’t start. They can provide jump-starts, tire inflation, and lock de-icers. Just call Parking and Transportation during the day, or Security (585) 275-3333) after hours.
Shuttles and Busing
The University offers a number of shuttle buses that are free for University students. Schedules can be found on Parking and Transportation’s website. These schedules change each semester, so make sure you have the most current schedule. Also note that the bus schedule changes to limited hours during summer break, winter break, and spring break.
All of the buses start/end their routes at Rush Rhees Library on River Campus. The Blue Line goes to the Medical Center, University Park, the Laser Lab, and Whipple Park. The Red Line goes to the Eastman School of Music and makes stops in the South Wedge and Park Avenue neighborhoods along the way. The Green Line goes to Marketplace Mall, Wegmans, and other shopping establishments. The Purple Line goes to Rustic Village. The Gold Line goes to the undergraduate student housing, Riverview, in the 19th Ward.
If you have any problems with the busing, it is important that you call the Parking and Transportation Office or contact the Student Advocacy Officer for GOG. The buses are owned by the University and they can make changes if we let them know about problems.
Zipcar
Website: http://www.zipcar.com
Zipcar is car-sharing program, where you can rent a car at low hourly and daily rates. The rental rate includes gas and car insurance costs. It costs about $35 to join and the hourly rates are about $7/hour or $60/day. The University has three Zipcars on the River Campus as well as one at the Eastman School of Music and one at the Medical Center.
Discount Taxi Service
Phone: (585) 274-2222
The University has negotiated a discounted rate for taxi service from Marketplace Taxi. Call and make sure to let them know that you’re affiliated with the University. There is a 30% discount on all fares with a $5.00 minimum. There are also flat rates for trips to common destinations (e.g. the airport) from River Campus and these are listed on Parking and Transportation’s website. You need to present your UR ID card to the driver to receive the discount.
Post Office
Location: Todd Union, basement
Phone: (585) 275-3991
This is a full service post office and packaging facility. Grad students can also rent campus P.O. boxes here.
Security
Location: Community Learning Center, garden level
Phone: (585) 273-5200
Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Website: http://security.rochester.edu/
University Security Services has a visible and active presence on campus. They patrol the campus twenty-four hours a day and act as an educational resource to faculty, staff, and students. They keep the University community apprised on recent or current threats and events. Through seminars and publications such as Think Safe, they teach community members to protect themselves and their belongings. Personal safety escorts are available at any time. You may call (585) 275-3333 from any cell phone, call # 413 from AT&T or Verizon cell phones (a free call), or pick up a Blue Light Emergency Phone (located throughout the campus).
Stores and Shops
Bookstore
Location: Frederick Douglass
Phone: (585) 275-4012
Summer Hours: M-Th 9:00am – 5:00pm; F 9:00am – 2:00pm
School Hours: M-Th 9:00am – 6:00pm; F 9:00am – 5:00pm; Sat 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Extended hours at the start of each semester
Website: http://urochester.bncollege.com/
The University bookstores are all run by Barnes and Noble. They carry all textbooks as well as trade books and newspapers, UR apparel, greeting cards, and UR gifts (pens, key chains, etc.). Note that in New York, books bought for class are tax-free, although they need to be marked and sold as a textbook. On campus, everything in the textbook section is so marked and sold. You may find an identical book in the trade section, but it will be taxed.
Computer Store
Location: Rush Rhees, at IT Center
Phone: (585) 275-8353
Hours: M-F 9:00am – 5:00pm
Website: http://www.rochester.edu/it/css/
The computer store carries both Apple and Dell products at educationally discounted prices. You can also purchase computer accessories, iPods, cameras, game systems, software, etc. They have a clearance section online that can be worth checking out.
Common Market
This is a small storefront on the first floor of Wilson Commons. It stocks candy, nuts, newspapers, movie and concert tickets, and tickets to other off campus events.
Corner Store
This convenience store, located in the Frederick Douglass building, carries snacks and groceries, aspirin and other health aids, and beauty and personal items. The prices can be high, but it’s there if you need it.
Tips
- You can use your Flex accounts to purchase your textbooks.
- The Bookstore also carries a wide selection of greeting cards, gifts, and all the UR apparel you could ever want.
Tunnel System
Several River Campus buildings are connected by a series of indoor tunnels (really a series of connected hallways). Connected buildings include Lattimore, Dewey, Morey, Bausch & Lomb, Meliora Halls, Rush Rhees Library, Wilson Commons, and the Frederick Douglass Building (connected by a covered walkway). Even if your classes are elsewhere, these tunnels can considerably shorten outdoor treks in the pouring rain or in the foot-deep snow. Tunnel maps are posted in the tunnels.
Wilson Commons
Student Activities Director: Anne-Marie Algier
Phone: (585) 275-9390
Common Connections Information Desk
Location: Room 201
Phone: (585) 275-5911
Hours: M-F 7:30am – 1:00 am; Sat 10:00am – 1:00am; Sun 10:00am – 1:00am
Website: http://www.sa.rochester.edu/sao/
The Commons provides space for meetings, special events, and programs organized by student groups and University departments. I.M. Pei designed the building to have three of its walls and its ceiling made of 18,000 square feet of glass. It serves as the home for most undergraduate student organizations by providing office, work, and storage space. Dining and food services include the Common Market (candy, nuts, newspapers, and movie tickets), the Pit (pizza, Chinese, Mexican, salad bar, and grilled foods), the Hive (Blimpie subs), and Starbucks (specialty coffee and desserts). In addition, the Commons maintains recreation rooms with pool tables and video games, a hair salon, graphic arts services, event support services, an HSBC ATM, an art gallery, an information desk, and a lost and found.