Information for Students and Families

Updated July 10, 2020

Latest update

University responds to ICE guidance that restricts international students’ fall semester options

The University of Rochester, like many institutions, was surprised by the July 6 guidance issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is the agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with oversight of the F-1 student visa program.

We are sharing our strong concerns with our elected officials, and are developing an amicus brief in support of the federal lawsuit Harvard and MIT have brought against ICE. Read more.

Rochester Restart: Safe reopen for fall 2020

The comprehensive reopening plan submitted to New York State details specific procedures for a safe restart in the fall. The plan for classes involves beginning the undergraduate academic semester as planned on Wednesday, August 26, but eliminating fall break. After the Thanksgiving holiday, all instruction would be moved online.

To meet standards of physical distancing, a hybrid online and in-person approach will be necessary. All large lecture classes will be conducted online, while smaller classes will be a hybrid of online and in-person.

Get more information on the Fall 2020 academic plan.

Summer session and study abroad

Summer session

After much consideration of health and safety, as well as continued restrictions around campus access, Arts, Sciences & Engineering has decided to cancel or shift online all in-person instruction, programs, events, research, and experiences for the entirety of the Summer Session (May 18 to August 7).

Summer Session courses online: Summer Session courses have moved online. Updates to courses have been made in CDCS.
Summer programs, research, and internships: All in-person and residential programs scheduled for this summer are either canceled or being held online. This includes pre-college programs through the Office of Admissions, in-person summer research, or experiential programs, and sports camps in Athletics. Any courses provided by such programs may be held online. Please contact your program directly for additional information on how to proceed.

Study abroad

All 2020 spring, summer, and fall undergraduate Education Abroad programs have been canceled. If you have questions, please contact the Center for Education Abroad at (585) 275-7532.

New York State domestic travel guidance

In recent weeks, Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that individuals traveling to New York State from specific states experiencing high infection rates of COVID-19 are required to self-quarantine upon arrival for 14 days. Thus far, this list of states has continued to grow and is updated here.

We are working closely with our state officials to understand how this guidance will affect our plans for students coming to Rochester and moving onto campus in August, and what options we will have. We will update our students and families as soon as we receive new information and can provide a final plan.

Please continue to visit our Rochester Restart website, which features the latest updates and news about the University’s work to reopen this fall.

Financial matters

For the latest information about fall 2020 billing, payments, and fees, visit the Office of the Bursar.

Support services

Basic Needs Hub: Food, clothing, and more

Critical resources can be obtained through the Student Support Basic Needs Hub, which was created to facilitate the connection of campus and community resources. The hub provides urgent, essential student necessities, such as food, clothing, housing, and access to academic tools. Assistance provided through the hub is not intended to replace or supplement current student financial aid and it does not need to be repaid.

Food pantry

The Food Pantry is open to all current Rochester undergraduate and graduates students, as well as post-doctoral appointees until further notice. In order to reduce health risks for both students and pantry staff, they are taking online orders for grocery bag pick-ups.

Career exploration

All resources and services offered by the Greene Center—such as scheduling an appointment with a career advisor—are accessible online through the center’s COVID-19 response page. Career education services across campus are delivering virtual support. Eastman School students should visit the career advising page; Arts, Sciences and Engineering students should use the Greene Center’s COVID-19 page.

Health and counseling services

Need an appointment? Give University Health Services (UHS) and the University Counseling Center (UCC) a call.

UHS and UCC remain available to meet the health care needs of University students, employees, and other patients. In most cases and in keeping with NYS on Pause regulations, care is provided via telemedicine (with a computer) or telephone. Primary care and occupational health appointments in a UHS office are being scheduled when medically necessary. It is important to call before coming to UHS/UCC.

UHS Primary Care Services: (585) 275-2662
University Counseling Center: (585) 275-3113. Any student, domestic or international, experiencing a mental health emergency can call at any time of day.
Health Promotion Office: (585) 273-5775

UCC shared additional support about managing fears and anxiety about the novel coronavirus.

The CARE Network

Members of the University community can express concerns about a student through the online referral form. CARE Network staff will reach out to the student to provide support and resources. In addition, the Interfaith Chapel offers support to students, who can email Denise Yarbrough if they are struggling. Many of the faith communities of the chapel are offering virtual worship services. Simply contact the leader of the faith community you are interested in for details.

Bias-related incidents

The University is continuing its services to report and address bias-related incidents. The University’s Title IX offices are also open and available to assist anyone with concerns about sex- or gender-based harassment. You can email the Title IX office or submit a report online. The website includes local, state, and national resources.

Remote academic support from CETL

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has reopened its academic support programs using remote instruction, including tutoring, study skills, Study Zone, study groups, Methods of Inquiry, peer education CAS courses, and PLTL Workshops associated with various courses. For more information on how to access these services, see the CETL website.

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