6th Convening of the U.S.–Japan UPWARDS Network
Agenda
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
| 7:15 a.m. | Shuttle departs hotels for Pillar 2 Mentoring Workshop Details about the Pillar 2 Mentoring Workshop will be sent separately. |
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| 11 a.m. | Shuttle departs hotels for 6th Convening of the U.S.-Japan UPWARDS Network at RIT | |
| 11:30 a.m. | Check-in for the 6th Convening of the U.S.–Japan UPWARDS Network |
SHED |
| 12-1 p.m. | Lunch and Networking | SHED 3rd Floor Classrooms and Atrium |
| 1-3 p.m. | Workshop Session 1 Welcome Remarks from TEL and Micron |
SHED 3rd Floor Classrooms and Atrium |
| 3:15 p.m. | Shuttle departs RIT for hotels | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Shuttle departs hotels for RIT Tait Preserve | |
| 5-7:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception
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RIT Tait Preserve |
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7:30 p.m. |
Shuttle departs RIT Tait Preserve for hotels |
Thursday, April 23, 2026
| 7:15 a.m. | Shuttle departs hotels for RIT | |
| 7:30-9 a.m. | Breakfast and Networking |
Susan R. Holliday Center |
| 9-11:30 a.m. | Workshop Session 2 Reflections from Day 1 and collaboration planning |
Susan R. Holliday Center |
| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lunch, Networking, and Campus Tours Tours will include: Semiconductor Nanofabrication Lab (Clean Room), AMPrint Center, Battery Lab, Photonics Lab |
Susan R. Holliday Center |
| 1-5 p.m. | Workshop Session 3
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Susan R. Holliday Center |
| 5-6:30 p.m. | Closing Reception | Susan R. Holliday Center |
| 6:15 p.m. | Shuttle departs RIT for hotels |
Packing Recommendations
Weather
April in Rochester is a month of transition where you can experience three seasons in a single week. Daily temperature highs typically range from 49°F to 61°F, while night temperature lows average 33°F to 43°F.
April is often wet, with an average of 11 to 13 days of rain. Snow is less common but still possible.
Attire and Packing Recommendations
- A mid-weight layer such as a trench coat or a rain jacket
- Light sweaters or cardigans
- Comfortable shoes
- Waterproof shoes for potential rain
- Umbrella
- Your school’s apparel such as a t-shirt, polo shirt, or sweatshirt to wear during our group photo
Imagine RIT
April 25, 2026
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival is a signature event that showcases the imaginative and inventive spirit of RIT students. From a human hamster wheel to an ice cream scooping robot, there’s something for everyone. Attendance is free and open to the public. Food vouchers for UPWARDS guests will be available at the meeting on Thursday, April 23.
We recommend:
The Strong National Museum of Play
Memorial Art Gallery
The George Eastman House
Also nearby:
Niagara Falls - 1 hour and 30 minute drive
Finger Lakes - 45 minute drive
Letchworth State Park - 45 minute drive
Meeting Locations
We'll be meeting in the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) and Susan R. Holliday Center in Lowenthal Hall.
Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED)
1 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14625
Susan R. Holliday Center
Lowenthal Hall, Room 4050 (4th Floor)
1 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14625
RIT Tait Preserve
1150 Old Penfield Road
Penfield, NY 14625