Traditions

Fall Welcome Week is your introduction to some of our University's most beloved traditions, including the Rochester Traditions that unite generations of Yellowjackets.

Photo of students and staff interacting at tables set up in Feldman Ballroom

Academic Open House

Explore The College's academic offerings and meet faculty, staff, and students from the academic departments.

Photo of students posing with Rocky at Candlelight Ceremony

Candlelight Ceremony

Rochester Tradition
Mark the beginning of your lifelong relationship with the University on the Eastman Quad, beneath the stars and surrounded by candlelight.

Photo of Bhangra performing during Celebrate Diversity

Celebrate Diversity

Rochester Tradition
Celebrate the University's richly diverse and inclusive community with an evening of music and dance from around the world.

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Photo of a student leaning over a table to sign their class roll at Convocation during Fall Welcome Week

Convocation and Class Roll Signing

Kick off your academic career at the University with this formal welcome ceremony, led by the President and University leadership. Following the ceremony, sign the class roll to symbolically join the University community. Class rolls are preserved in Rush Rhees Library and displayed at Commencement and class reunions.

Photo of two hands covered in yellow paint

Make UR Mark

Take part in the cherished student tradition of painting the tunnels beneath the Eastman Quad! Leave your hand prints or paint a design on the walls of the tunnels as you connect with your classmates.

Photo of a female student speaking into a microphone during the One Community program

One Community

Learn about how our University community is shaped by all of our intersecting, multifaceted identities in this compelling program, presented by current students.

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Photo of new students in the shape of an R during Fall 2022 Welcome Week

Welcome Week photo

Gather on Wilson Quad with fellow new students to take the shape of our Spirit R for the beloved Welcome Week group photo.

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Photo of students and staff interacting at tables set up in Feldman Ballroom

Welcome Week Resource Fair

Explore the variety of resources and services available on campus and meet representatives from different University offices.

Photo of students pushing a wheelbarrow and carrying gardening equipment

Wilson Day of Engagement

Rochester Tradition
Get to know the Rochester community through meaningful, personal interactions while completing service projects on campus and in the greater Rochester area.

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Photo of a person taking photos of other people posed inside the giant Meliora letters on the Eastman Quad during Meliora Weekend

Be part of the tradition

Rochester Traditions

The traditions continue on long after Welcome Week ends! Learn more about the activities, events, and programs shared by Yellowjackets across generations.

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University symbols

Dating back to its founding in 1850, the University of Rochester's rich history is full of symbols and traditions that embody the spirit of our community.