Frequently Asked Questions

Don't see the answer you're looking for? Email Sarah Stoeckl at sstoeckl@uoregon.edu. 

Overview

How do I sign up? First, apply for university housing and select "ARC - Environmental Leaders" in the "Community Preferences" section. Then, fill out the Supplemental Application page which will show up at the end of your housing application. We'll be in contact with you soon about your application. 

What does it cost?  $425. This fee covers expenses related to the orientation trip. If cost is a barrier to you, still apply and there may be funds to offset the cost for you.

When is the ARC move-in and trips for 2025? Move-in for this ARC will be Sunday September 21. The trips will run from Monday September 22-Wednesday September 24, and we will have a required volunteering activity and Thursday September 25 and/or Friday September 26.

I can’t arrive on campus until after Sunday September 21 . . .?  All Environmental Leaders ARC residents need to move in between the designated move-in hours and attend the orientation activities. The exact move-in date for the 2023 is still being determined.

Academics

What classes are required for this ARC? The required classes are the ARC seminar, which runs from fall through winter quarters, and ENVS 203: Introduction to Environmental Studies in the Humanities in the fall. You can learn more about both courses.

Do I have to take the ENVS 203 course in fall quarter and UGST 112, the Environmental Leaders ARC course in fall and winter? Yes, these courses are all required of Environmental Leaders ARC students. 

What if there's a scheduling conflict with a course that's required for something else? For the most part, these situations are rare and we request that students prioritize the ARC courses. It is a requirement of being in this ARC that you take all of the required courses throughout your first year at the UO. If there are conflicts we will work with you to figure out a solution on a case-by-case basis.

Can I join ARC and enroll in a First-Year Interest Group (FIG)? Yes. Unless the specific course times of a particular FIG and ARC conflict, students may participate in both programs. If they do conflict, please drop the FIG.

Orientation

Where will we be sleeping during the trip? Generally, at a group campsite. Some students may spend one night in a dorm.

Will I get my first choice of orientation trips? Opportunities will fill on a first-come, first-served basis. As options fill, we will let you know which ones are still available.

What if I'm in the Clark Honors College, Oregon Marching Band, ROTC, or have other on-campus requirements during the trip?  We are usually able to accommodate students who need to return to campus for a portion of the orientation to meet other requirements, although you are limited to the trip that remain close to Eugene, Willamette Wanderings. Students will still need to pay the full cost of the trip fee. It is challenging to be part of this ARC and in Oregon Marching Band. Please contact both Sarah Stoeckl and the coordinator for OMB to discuss.

How physically rigorous is the orientation trip? Each program incorporates physical activity that should be considered beginning to moderate and we are also happy to work with students to accommodate their needs. We plan breaks throughout the day to balance the biking, hiking, or harvesting. Exercise leading up to the program is encouraged, not just to prepare for the orientation trip, but for healthy and sustained well-being throughout your life. Send an email to Sarah Stoeckl (sstoeckl@uoregon.edu) if you have further questions about trip logistics or if you require accommodation.

What if I have a food allergy, am vegan, or have other dietary needs? Sarah Stoeckl will be emailing you over the summer to get all sorts of information, including this. We’ll definitely accommodate you! (Be sure to check your email regularly...) However, if you have a severe allergy, please share that information and we can discuss if it makes sense to bring your own food or have separate food for you.

What if I need to cancel attending the trip? You can cancel attending the trip and withdraw from the ARC up to 30 days before the ARC move-in day. After 30 days, you will still be charged for the trip even if you are unable to attend. If you need to make an unplanned return to your on-campus room during the trip, you will be charged the regular UO Housing fee for those room nights in addition to the trip fees. If you have an emergency situation arise, please contact Sarah Stoeckl, sstoeckl@uoregon.edu.

I don’t have a sleeping bag or a backpack! Backpacks, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, and other gear including rain clothing and hiking boots is available to rent through the Outdoor Program. If you need to borrow one of these items, please call the University of Oregon Outdoor Program to reserve the items you need.

I wasn’t planning on bringing a bike to campus. Can I still do any trip biking? Yes! The UO rents bikes to students for this activity and our staff take care of all the bike rental arrangements. (Psst: you can also rent a bike for the whole term through the Peace Health rides project).

How are move-in and the ARC orientation being planned to protect student health? University of Oregon will prioritize the physical health and safety of students, staff, faculty, and visitors. For COVID-19-specific information, follow the university's COVID-19 page or by contacting UO Housing for questions specifically related to move-in and residence hall protocols and plans. The Environmental Leaders ARC director is working closely with University Housing and other stakeholders as plans are made for the residence halls and student life on campus in academic year 2023-24. Right now, we expect that ARC activities and courses will proceed without significant disruption but will make adjustments in pandemic conditions, or other issues, require changes. We may ask that masks be worn or that students take other precautions at various points during the trips to protect the health and comfort of community members, businesses, and others that you may meet with as part of the orientation trip. We encourage all ARC students to choose the precautions that make you most comfortable with participating and request that all respect each others' preferences and comfort levels. If you are ill, please notify the ARC director right away and do not attend the orientation activities/trip! Our team will follow similar protocols. 

I cannot or do not want to participate in the orientation and trip. Can I still be part of this ARC? No. The orientation is a key part of building our community and helping ground you the experience of the ARC and is required of all Environmental Leaders.

Can I go on the orientation trip if I'm not part of Environmental Leaders ARC? No. The Environmental Leaders ARC is designed to be an immersive experience that begins with this orientation trip. 

On-Campus Living in Justice Bean Hall

What if I want to share a room with a person who isn’t registered for the Environmental Leaders ARC? Only Environmental Leaders students will live in that section of Justice Bean hall. If you have a preferred roommate, we recommend that they apply to be part of the Environmental Leaders ARC too! 

What types of rooms are there in Justice Bean Hall?  Justice Bean Hall has been renovated and has double rooms available for ARC students. For more information, including the costs of each room type, see the housing website. 

Where is Justice Bean Hall? Justice Bean Hall is located on the east side of campus, near Matthew Knight Arena. It's centrally located, within a 5-10 minute walk from most everything on campus. 

Don't see the answer you're looking for? Email Sarah Stoeckl at sstoeckl@uoregon.edu.