Overview
The Office of Orientation and New Student Programs works to welcome new undergraduate students and their families to the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences.
Office mission
The Office of Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP) provides support to new students and their families in their onboarding to The College at the University of Rochester. ONSP collaborates with members of the current student body, faculty, staff, and alumni to build connections, discover areas of opportunity, and join in the pursuit of making each individual and the University community ever better.
Our vision
The University of Rochester's Office of Orientation and New Student Programs will continue to provide a welcoming atmosphere to all incoming students and their families to introduce them to the Rochester community. Our office utilizes the following principles to guide our work:
Community
It is through working with our students, colleagues, and broader Rochester community that we are able to truly be effective at our aims.
Diversity and inclusion
Each individual brings their own experience to the University. We work to help recognize that individuality and celebrate it within the broader transition experience.
Responsiveness and accuracy
Through our engagement and communication, we consistently seek to provide accurate and timely information to incoming students and families.
Core programs
In its efforts, ONSP manages the following events and programs as central components of its work:
Rochester Ready (online orientation)
This online program help students prepare for the semester and get started on the right path.
Learn moreFall and Spring Welcome Weeks
These events help guide the matriculation process and start the semesters off on the right foot.
Learn moreFirst-year and transfer student events
These important introductory programs to help students engage with the plentiful resources that are available at the University.
International student orientation
This program provides important information to help international students navigate the important steps to traveling to the U.S. and arriving on campus.
Transfer student orientation
These unique programs for transfer students welcome them into the Rochester community.
Pre-semester programs
Prior to Welcome Weeks, additional programming is offered (when available) to build connections and community.
Learn moreWho we are
Professional staff
Full-time staff members that work year-round to welcome new students and their families to the University community, professional staff manage Orientation Leaders, Welcome Week Leaders, and Welcome Week Volunteers.
Meet your mentors
Orientation Leaders
Orientation Leaders help shape the future of new students' lives at the University by serving as a mentor to incoming first-year, transfer, and exchange students. Ahead of Fall Welcome Week and Spring Welcome Week, they provide guidance on academics, student life, and campus resources. They also develop and host virtual and in-person programs ahead of Welcome Week and during the first semester, so new students can develop relationships with their classmates.
Learn moreContact Us
We're here for you.
We're located in Suite 200, on the second floor of Morey Hall. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon–1 p.m.). You can also reach us at (585) 275-4414 or orientation@rochester.edu.