How do I know what workshops I will get?
Workshops are assigned on a first come first serve basis. Our new registration system allows you to select your workshops and tours based on availability. Upon completion of your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with your workshop and tour selections.
How can I ensure my child gets into a specific workshop that they really want?
Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Workshops are limited to no more than 20 people. As workshop dates and times are sold out, they will be greyed out during the registration process.
How do I tell my child they didn’t get a specific class that they really wanted?
Unfortunately, workshops are limited in size to help ensure the best learning experience. Xplore Engineering is about more than individual workshops. It is also the experience of going to college, living in a residence hall, going to class, eating in the dining halls, exploring campus, and building quality memories with the children. We’ve had many tell us that they were assigned to workshops that were not among their top choices yet ended up having a great experience in that workshop.
Can one adult bring two children?
No. Each child must be accompanied by one adult at all times. Families with multiple children entering grades 4-7 must enroll each child and their accompanying adult separately. This is a UM Risk Management policy.
What are the age requirements?
Children entering 4th grade – 7th grade is the target audience for these workshops. The dorms will not accept children younger than 4th grade. Workshops have been designed specifically for this age group.
If you have older kids you might want to check out Discover Engineering or the engineering camps listed on the “other camps” page.
How do we get around campus to attend classes?
Parking will be available on the north campus and all workshops are within walking distance. Parking instructions and maps will be issued to help you determine where to park. If additional assistance is required please note these details in the “special considerations” section of the registration process.
Can we bring bicycles?
Yes, and be sure to bring your bike locks and helmets.
Where do we park?
Parking instructions will be emailed with your itinerary a couple of weeks before the event. Please follow the specific instructions on your itinerary.
Dorm Parking: Participants staying in the dorms will receive a 3-day parking permit when checking into the dorm. Dorm participants, please keep your vehicle parked at the dorms as it is a short walk to North Campus and parking is extremely limited. Parking passes must be displayed prominently on the dashboard of your vehicles.
Where can we park if we have a handicap permit?
If you have a valid state-issued handicap parking permit, you will still need to obtain a parking pass in order to park on campus. A limited number of spaces are available near your residence hall and in North Campus parking. Please indicate any special parking needs in the special considerations section of the registration process.
What special accommodations can be made for me?
All workshops are in buildings that are handicap accessible.
All accessibility and special dietary requests should be noted in the “Special Considerations” section of the registration page.
Is there another date and time that this program is being offered?
No. Xplore Engineering is only offered once during the summer. This program has sold out for the past 9 years. Please sign up early to ensure a spot.
What time should we arrive? When can we move into the residence hall?
Dorm Participants: Check-in time for the dorms is 1-10 pm on Weds. prior to the start of the program. Specific details will be sent to all participants 1 week before the event and will include instructions and times for move-in, what to bring, and all the other details involving this experience. Until then, see the general schedule for estimated times. Parking passes will be distributed to dorm residents upon check-in at the dorm. Because parking is very limited on campus we recommend you walk a short distance to campus from the dorm.
General Participants: Parking and registration take place from 7:00-8:15 am. Please come early as it takes about 30 minutes to get your parking permit, park, walk to the registration area, register, and have a light breakfast. Workshop leaders will be at the tent to escort participants to their first workshop at 8:35 am.
Can I bring an air conditioner for the dorms?
No. UM does not allow air conditioners due to electrical and safety concerns. We suggest you bring a fan and an extension cord. Past participants have found the dorms to be quite comfortable.
Do the residence hall rooms have refrigerators?
No. The residence halls do have vending machines. If you have medical or other health-related items that need to be refrigerated, please indicate this in the “special considerations” section during registration or notify us in advance of arriving on campus. Special arrangements can easily be made if we receive advance notice. Email: engin-alumni@umich.edu
Are there recommended hotels?
There are hotels located near the College of Engineering to the northeast; please contact the hotels for more information and be sure to ask for the University rate. Below are a few hotels closest to the College of Engineering:
DoubleTree Hilton
3600 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 769-9800
Visit their website
Hampton Inn North
2300 Green Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 996-4444
Visit their website
MicroTel Inn
3610 Plymouth Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 997-9100
Visit their website
Residence Inn
3535 Green Ct.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 327-0011
Visit their website
What do I need to bring?
Participants: Please wear good walking shoes and bring an umbrella or raincoat in case of rain.
Dorm Stay Participants: A list of packing items is available here.
I have food allergies. What precautions are being taken in the cafeteria?
Xplore Engineering Lunch & Continental Breakfast: There will be a couple of food options for each meal. If you have special dietary needs please be sure to note these in the “Special Considerations” section of the registration process. You may also email us at engin-alumni@umich.edu if you would like to provide more information.
Bursley Dining Hall with Dorm Stay: There will be several food options for each meal, so participants will have a choice of which foods they eat. The dining hall staff at Bursley is experienced in avoiding cooking products that are common with allergies. There are also gluten-free selections for each meal. Bursley staff will be available at each meal to help you make the appropriate choices. Here’s a link to the Bursley Dining Hall webpage where you will find more information.
What is the cancellation & refund policy?
Cancellation & Refund Policy – Please consider this carefully when registering.
DORM FEES are refundable until May 1 , 2023; cancellations after May 1, 2023, are non-refundable.
CAMP FEES are refundable until May 1, 2023; cancellations after May 1, 2023, are non-refundable.
Logging back into the event registration system will allow you to make your cancellation based on these deadlines. Email us at engin-alumni@umich.edu if you have questions.
Can I send a substitute person in my place?
Substitutions are allowed only if the substitute completes all the necessary forms (and returns them to us completed and signed) 2 weeks prior to the program AND the substitute matches the person being substituted (an adult for an adult or a child for a child). Please email us at engin-alumni@umich.edu to let us know of any changes.
What is included in the registration fee?
Your registration fee includes 3 workshops each day, parking, continental breakfast, lunch, tour transportation, tour guides, and supplies for the workshops.
How did you determine the rates for this event?
This program is self-funded and does not rely on financial support from the university. Rates are based on the actual costs of conducting this event, including food, lodging, busing, parking, promotions, supplies, tents, and many other ancillary items.
Do I need to be a Michigan Engineering alum?
You do not have to be a Michigan Engineering alum to join the event. However, UM alumni do receive discounted pricing and early access to registration.
I have another question not listed here
Please email us at engin-alumni@umich.edu if you have additional questions that were not answered in the FAQ section.