Welcome to the first edition of Read This for the 2026–27 academic year! The weekly newsletter includes important updates and deadlines that you need to know to navigate the week ahead.

We’re excited to welcome first-year and transfer students who begin receiving the publication today. Expect to find Read This in your inbox each Sunday evening.

Be sure to check the University’s @Rochester e-newsletter every weekday morning for University-wide news, announcements, events, and more. 

Have a great semester!

“Having watched graduating classes come and go, I’ve noticed a common theme among students who make the most of their time at URochester: they find ways to connect with our community, explore their interests and opportunities, and take advantage of resources that support their growth and well-being,” writes Anne-Marie Algier, dean of students, in a fall semester welcome message to students. The message also highlights URochester’s Meliora Vision and Values and the Standards of Student Conduct, which students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with.

You should have recently received an email from Barnes & Noble confirming your courses and how your course materials will be delivered. Follow the instructions to ensure you have your materials for the start of classes. The UR Essentials program provides all your required textbooks and course materials at the start of the semester. Instead of buying books separately, the cost is now covered through tuition. Physical books will be bundled for easy pickup at the bookstore, and digital materials will be available on Blackboard.

Current and incoming students are welcome to register with Disability Resources if they are interested in accessing disability accommodations, exploring eligibility, or identifying themselves as a student with a disability. Students are encouraged to register as early in the semester as possible, but are welcome to apply at any point during the semester or during their time at URochester. This process can take one to two weeks before accommodations are implemented. For more information about registering with Disability Resources or requesting disability accommodations, email disability@rochester.edu.

Undergraduate students in the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences must have a completed and approved individual travel waiver to participate in student organization activities more than 50 miles off campus. Eastman School of Music students who participate in these events with River Campus students must also complete a waiver. Waivers must be submitted each academic year. All Individual Travel Waivers completed by September 15 will be entered into a drawing for one of 10 limited-edition Community Weekend sweatshirts.

Kick off the academic year with a Rochester Tradition: Yellowjacket Weekend, September 2–7. URochester will be buzzing with activities like the Back-to-School BBQ, movie night, poster sale, and the Feel the Sting giveaway.

Featured events include the Activities Fair, another Rochester Tradition, on Friday, September 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wilson Quadrangle, River Campus. It’s a great way to learn how to get involved on campus. Yellowjacket Weekend events are free for URochester undergraduates; URochester ID required.