Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meliora Weekend?
Meliora Weekend is the University of Rochester's annual celebration which is named for our motto, "ever better." It is our premier event which combines Family Weekend, Homecoming, and Reunions. Each year Meliora Weekend attracts some 6,000 students, parents, alumni, and friends, and features spectacular events and activities.
Are children welcome at Meliora Weekend?
Yes! Alumni, parents, and friends are encouraged to bring their entire family to Meliora Weekend. The Kids Kollege and Meliora Games programs are specially designed for children ages 6-18 years.
Is childcare available?
The University's Kindercare Children's Center will provide a list of qualified (with NY State clearances) childcare providers to alumni with childcare needs during Meliora Weekend 2007. The deadline for childcare requests is October 1. There is limited availability, and childcare providers will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Please e-mail Molly Hayes at mhayes@alumni.rochester.edu, or call (800) 333-0175/(585) 273-5888 for more information.
What is the standard dress during Meliora Weekend?
The general dress code for the weekend is casual attire. However, for the reunion dinner you may want to change to business attire. We strongly advise you to bring an umbrella and suitable clothing for variable weather.
Is parking available on campus?
On-campus parking is available but limited, especially when classes are in session on Friday. Shuttle service is provided to and from campus lots. If you plan to come to campus Thursday evening, parking is open where legal spaces are available.
Is transportation provided during the weekend?
Shuttle service is provided to and from many local hotels—click here for a listing. Shuttles will also be provided for select events off-campus. Golf carts are available on-campus to assist guest who have special needs in getting to and from venues. Transportation is not available from the airport to campus.
What hotels do you recommend?
Blocks of rooms with special rates for Meliora Weekend are available at various hotels. Click here for a listing.
Are there other places to stay in Rochester?
Click here for a listing of other hotels in the area. Please note that we do not have room blocks or special rates at these hotels, and no shuttle service will be provided to or from these hotels. Special rates and/or shuttle bueses are only available at the hotels listed on the Meliora Weekend Hotels web page.
How do I register?
Registration brochures are mailed in early August. The brochure contains information about the schedule of events and a faxable/mailable registration form. If you have misplaced your registration information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (800) 333-0175/(585) 273-5888 or melioraweekend@alumni.rochester.edu. Online registration will be available in early August.
We accept Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards (no debit cards) and personal checks for registration. If paying by check, please make payable to University of Rochester.
How do I change my reservation?
If you already registered for events and want to modify your registration, you must indicate the requested changes in writing and fax to (585) 473-5793 or e-mail melioraweekend@alumni.rochester.edu.
Will I receive confirmation of the events I register for?
If you register via mail, a confirmation will be sent to you. If you register via the Web site, you will receive an e-mail confirmation and also have the opportunity to print a copy at the end of the online registration process.
What is the registration fee? What does it cover?
Children ages 9 and over and adults pay a registration fee that covers a portion of promotional and operational costs associated with the weekend. This fee does not include costs of individual events, and is assessed as follows:
Faculty, staff, and current UR students: No fee
Children ages 8 and younger: No fee
Children ages 9-18: $8.00 per person
Senior alumni (classes of 1957 and older): $8.00 per person
Recent alumni (classes of 1998-2007): $8.00 per person
All other alumni, parents, friends, and guests: $15.00 per person
Do events sell out?
Yes. Many events reach capacity for their venue and must be closed. Registering early is the best way to ensure you are able to attend the events you don't want to miss. The Meliora Weekend Web site indicates which events have closed, and the online registration form will not allow you to register for closed events. Once the weekend is in progress, please check with registration staff in Wilson Commons if you have questions about availability of specific events.
Is seating general admission, or reserved?
Seating is first-come, first-served. Space is limited at all events, so please arrive early.
Where do I pick up my registration packet?
When you arrive on campus, your first stop should be at Meliora Weekend Headquarters, located in Wilson Commons. Here you can pick up your registration packet with the complete, up-to-date weekend schedule including times and locations for weekend activities, your name badge, event tickets, and other important information about the weekend. Information on event locations will not be available until the week of the event.
Registration hours:
Thursday, October 18, 6-10 p.m.
Friday, October 19, 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 20, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday, October 21, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Can I attend if I didn't pre-register?
Yes, although we strongly encourage you to register in advance.
How can I find out if a classmate(s) has made reservations for Meliora Weekend?
A list of reunion alumni planning to attend the weekend can be found on the Reunion Class pages at http://www.rochester.edu/alumni/reunion2007/.
I have some particular needs related to accessibility. What should I do?
University of Rochester is committed to making its campus accessible to persons with disabilities. However, not all areas of campus are fully accessible. Please contact us if you have specific needs and we can assist you. Maps of ADA accessibility will be available at Meliora Weekend Headquarters.
Will I be able to use the pool, gym, or other athletic facilities?
Rochester's Goergen Athletic Center is available for returning alumni, families, and their guests. Take a swim in the pool, use the indoor track, or sweat it out on the free weights, exercise bicycles, treadmills, and rowing machines. Simply show your Meliora Weekend name badge at the Goergen Athletic Center front desk for free admittance.
I need to cancel my reservation.
If you must cancel your reservation, please call the Office of Alumni Relations at (800) 333-0175/(585) 273-5888. Refunds will be given through October 8, 2007, less a $10 processing fee. Due to catering commitments, no refunds will be made after October 8, 2007.
What else can I do in Rochester?
The Common Connection, located in Wilson Commons, is a great resource for information on area sites to visit and restaurants.
Suggested places to visit:
Casa Larga Vineyards
Genesee Country Village & Museum
George Eastman House
Memorial Art Gallery
Rochester Museum & Science Center
Strong National Museum of Play—a fun place for the family!
Click here for additional visitor information and ideas.
I have other questions about the weekend.
For more information, please call the Office of Alumni Relations at (800) 333-0175/(585) 273-5888 or e-mail us at melioraweekend@alumni.rochester.edu.
If you have comments, questions, or ideas for future programs, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (800) 333-0175, (585) 273-5888, or melioraweekend@alumni.rochester.edu.