RIGEL Expedition

Find your place at University Park

You’re transferring to University Park, but you’ve already been to college. What do you need an orientation program for? You should know that RIGEL — our expedition just for transfer and transition students — is of special interest to Jen, AURORA’s director.

She transferred universities as an undergrad and noticed a lack of opportunity for students like her (and you!). To prevent others from feeling like her, and to help get them settled at their new campus, she started RIGEL in 2015.

Based off our award-winning ORION program, you’ll earn three credits on a five-day backpacking adventure as you explore central Pennsylvania.

Class fee for 2025 RIGEL Expedition is $495.

2025 RIGEL Expedition Dates:
Aug. 18–22

Prepare for your adventure

Please see the 2025 RIGEL Expedition Essential Information Packet (EIP) below.

2025 RIGEL EIP

During RIGEL, you will:

Engage in fun, challenging outdoor experiences
Meet other transfer 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

RIGEL FAQs

Why RIGEL?: Nestled in the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, University Park is surrounded by seemingly endless beauty. RIGEL takes advantage of Penn State’s location and gets you out into the Pennsylvania wilderness. RIGEL has received the seal of approval from dozens of transfer students. It’s close, it’s your new home and it’s waiting for you!

RIGEL sends you backpacking in the rugged, beautiful terrain of central Pennsylvania for five days and four nights. You’ll learn how to camp, backpack, and care for both yourself and the environment.

Does it cost money?: RIGEL 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 RIGEL 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 emailing 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?: RIGEL begins on campus at University Park. From there, you will be shuttled into the wilderness 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 RIGEL. 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 RIGEL, AURORA’s expedition for transfer and transition students. To learn about general AURORA issues and concerns regarding physical fitness, required equipment, expected level of experience, and more, visit the AURORA FAQ.