POLARIS Expedition

POLARIS is not currently offered. View active AURORA expeditions on the AURORA homepage.

Go north with POLARIS

We know you hear it calling — adventure, challenge, and breathtaking beauty awaits you with POLARIS!

Situated in the Crawford Notch area of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, POLARIS sends you backpacking through New England’s most rugged mountains. There, awe-inspiring vistas will stir up something good inside you and leave you breathless. Since 2015, POLARIS has offered first-year University Park students an unforgettable adventure that earns them three credits and eases their transition into college.

This expedition is not currently offered.

During POLARIS, you will:

Engage in fun, challenging outdoor experiences
Meet other incoming students and explore together
Foster your personal wellness; bolster your self-esteem
Learn for life the skills of backpacking and camping
Discover a stronger appreciation of the natural world
Gain insight into life at Penn State and how to succeed

POLARIS FAQs

Why POLARIS?: Rugged mountains, beautiful views… we know, we know; you got it already. But did you know that POLARIS sends you to elevations higher than the tree line? And did you know that POLARIS also stands apart by linking itself with AMC’s incredible Highland Center? There, participants will begin and end their expedition week in the Highland Center’s beautiful lodge. The reports have come back; AURORA staff and participants are crazy for the lodge. And the food — oh, mamma mia.

Let’s have a quick recap for those keeping score: incredible adventure occasionally above the tree line, once-in-a-lifetime beauty in and among the splendor of nature, and two nights at the amazing Highland Center — with equally amazing food. What are you waiting for?

Is POLARIS for me?: You may have noticed by now that we describe POLARIS as rugged and challenging. This is because POLARIS is rugged and challenging, and built for those with a little more experience.

Does it cost money?: POLARIS is a three-credit course. Full-time students are billed the flat full-time rate; part-time students are billed the credit rate. The POLARIS expedition is billed to the fall semester.

There is a class fee. This fee will be billed directly to your student account upon registration, and it covers the cost of instruction, special equipment, transportation, camping gear, and food for the expedition.

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

Where do we meet?: You’ll meet the POLARIS expedition at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). Whether you fly or drive, transportation to the airport is your responsibility. More detailed information regarding arrival will be given after registration.

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 no later than then first week of classes for the semester in which you are enrolled. RPTM 89/KINES 89 is POLARIS. If you have submitted your application and received confirmation of your acceptance into the program, consider yourself registered! Do not drop this course or you will lose your spot!

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 POLARIS, AURORA’s newest expedition that takes place in the scenic mountains of New Hampshire. To learn about general AURORA issues and concerns regarding physical fitness, required equipment, expected level of experience, and more, visit the AURORA FAQ.