URSA Service Experience

The adventure of AURORA — through service

We hear you. You want to go on an expedition but you just can’t imagine doing number two in the woods. To help out, we developed URSA to deliver a similar AURORA experience, only through community service instead of wilderness exploration.

We all know how good it feels to make a difference in a community. Since 2000, hundreds of students just like you have made a huge impact through URSA. Spanning five days, URSA will have you teaming up with your peers to give back, all while earning three credits and easing the transition into college. Offered only to first-year students starting at University Park.

Class fee for 2025 URSA Service Experience is $495.

2025 URSA Service Experience Dates
Aug. 18–22

Prepare for your adventure

Please see the 2025 URSA Service Experience Essential Information Packet (EIP) below.

2025 URSA EIP

During URSA, you will:

Earn perspective and understanding through service
Engage in fun, challenging outdoor experiences
Meet other incoming students and explore while serving together
See firsthand the effects of your service
Foster your personal wellness; bolster your self-esteem
Discover a stronger appreciation for local communities
Gain insight into life at Penn State and how to succeed

URSA FAQs

Why URSA?: We know backpacking and all the experiences that come with it aren’t for everyone. We also know the value of engaging with service opportunities in your new community. We heard you, so we brought URSA to civilization! Same transformative AURORA experience, no (or fewer) weird bugs, no digging a hole for a toilet — just the stuff you want.

We believe strongly in caring for the environment. Part of that is taking care of each other. And since we find ourselves living in communities, we might as well leave them a little bit better than how we found them. Giving back to communities who ask for help is fun and rewarding and it always leads to powerful relationships. All AURORA expeditions offer transformative experiences, but URSA remains unique in its service.

What kind of service?: Prior expeditions have been up to all sorts of good! A lot of projects are aimed at either revitalizing a community or beautifying green spaces. Many expeditions have worked for — and alongside — senior citizens and school students. The project(s) you’ll pursue is dependent on several factors, of which the most significant is connecting with a community actively asking for help.

Where will I sleep?: You’ll sleep in an outdoor pavilion at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center.

Does it cost money?: URSA is a three-credit course. Tuition rates will vary depending on enrollment status and other potential variables. Students registered as full-time receive no additional tuition fee up to 19 credits. Above 19 credits, students are subject to Penn State’s tuition surcharge. The URSA expedition is billed to the fall semester. For details regarding your specific tuition charges, please visit tuition.psu.edu to explore the tuition calculator or to find contact information to reach out to the Bursar Office with questions.

There is a class fee of $495 for all participants. This fee will be billed directly to your student account at the start of the fall semester. It covers the cost of instruction, special equipment, transportation, camping gear, and food for the expedition.

If you must cancel, please do so by email at aurora.registration@psu.edu. If you cancel on or after June 1, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $295.

Where do we meet? Can I park my car?: URSA begins on campus at University Park. From there, you will be shuttled to Shaver’s Creek after an opening orientation. If you choose to drive yourself, you may park your vehicle on-site for the duration of your expedition for a nominal fee. Information about how to purchase a parking pass will be shared closer to the start of your expedition.

I registered! Now what?: You will receive, via email, the Essential Information Packet containing all necessary information, including detailed travel information and a list of required items.

Pay attention to your course schedule. Due to the nature of Penn State’s registration policies and timeline, RPTM 89/KINES 89 will be added to your LionPath schedule early in the fall semester. RPTM 89/KINES 89 is URSA. If you have submitted your application and received confirmation of your acceptance into the program, consider yourself registered!

Lastly, check out what we’re up to on Instagram and Facebook as you wait desperately in anticipation for your expedition!

Have you learned about AURORA?: This page covers information regarding URSA, AURORA’s service expedition that takes place in the State College, Pennsylvania community. To learn about general AURORA issues and concerns regarding physical fitness, required equipment, expected level of experience, and more, visit the AURORA FAQ.