Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of incoming students participate in M-Trek?
- How do I read more specific information about the Treks planned for this summer?
- Do I need to have experience with Trek activities?
- What if I don’t like some of the activities on a particular Trek?
- When does Trek registration close? When and how will I be notified of my Trek assignment?
- Am I guaranteed the Trek choices I select on my application? How are the Treks filled?
- What are the terms of the $250 deposit?
- Are the Treks safe? What process is used to ensure safety?
- The Trek I really want to go on has a stated price of $1,500. What does that price include and can I expect to pay more?
- How do I go about making airline flight arrangements after I have been placed on a Trek?
- Will our Trek be back in time for the beginning of orientation activities?
- Do I need to have health and travel insurance for my Trek?
- I am an international student. Can I go on an international M-Trek?
- Do I need to receive vaccinations before my M-Trek?
- Will the Treks conflict with the summer Accounting Prep course?
- Am I allowed to bring my spouse/partner/boyfriend/girlfriend on a Trek?
Typically 40-50% of first-year MBA students take part in an M-Trek. About 20% of second-year students lead a trek.
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For more detailed information about specific trips, select the “List” option under the “Treks” section in the navigation toolbar at the top of this page. Click on a particular trip title link to view more details about each Trek. These descriptions include daily planned activities and more information about the Trek Leaders.
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Treks are designed so that all participants have fun while building bonds with other MBA1s and MBA2s. Most Treks do not require experience. Experience is recommended for a few treks due to their pace and challenging nature. Check out the Trek descriptions for more information.
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In order to maximize your enjoyment, we suggest that you select a Trek that has the right type of activities and activity rating for you. In some cases, alternatives to certain Trek activities may exist. If you have any questions about specific activities or alternatives, please email the trek leaders or mtrek@umich.edu before selecting a trek.
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Online registration will close Wednesday, May 15, 2009 at 11:59 pm EST. Individual Trek Leaders will notify trip participants about assignments in early to mid-June via email.
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Every effort will be made to assign each participant to one of his or her top ranked choices. In the past, the majority of all Trekkers have been placed on either the first- or second-ranked locations.
The Treks are filled, as much as possible, on a first-come, first-serve basis. We want everyone to have a good time, so we will try to work with you if, for some reason, none of your Trek choices are available.
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Your $250 required deposit is refundable any date prior to May 26, 2009, the date online registration closes. After this date, deposits will not be refunded for any reason including, but not limited to, your decision to attend a different school, conflicting vacation plans, etc.
Treks are rarely cancelled but in the off-chance that the trip you are assigned to does not embark for reasons beyond your control (i.e. not enough participants, inclement weather, etc.) every effort will be made to place you on another Trek you selected or we will refund your $250 deposit.
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M-Trek has an impeccable safety record and operates under a “safety first at all times” philosophy. A student committee and administration from the Ross School of Business review each Trek’s planned activities.
Every effort is made to ensure that all activities are safe for all participating Trekkers. Trek Leaders have received first-aid and other safety training and have emergency preparedness procedures in place for each Trek. It is important to note that a Trek may be cancelled at any point up until the immediate departure date due to various safety-related concerns (weather, political issues, etc.), regardless of location. This is to ensure your safety.
While we have taken measures to maximize participant safety, it is still your responsibility to ensure that you are comfortable with the activities listed for each Trek.
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Stated Trek prices include costs for all lodging, activities, and most meals. The Trek prices DO NOTinclude airfare to and from the Trek destination, particularly because some students use frequent flier miles. However, airfare estimates from Detroit (DTW) are provided to give you an idea of flight costs. Trek prices also do not include spending money or other incidentals. After you have been placed on one of your Treks, your Trek Leaders will be in contact with you about estimates for additional spending money that you will want to have with you while you travel.
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Soon after being placed on your M-Trek, your Trek Leader will contact you about when and where you should arrive at your Trek destination. It is your responsibility to make your own flight arrangements, and you will be responsible for any additional travel expenses incurred for extended stay before or after your Trek dates.
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All Treks are scheduled such that students will arrive back in Ann Arbor prior to the start of Ross Leadership Initiative (RLI) on August 27, 2009. However, it is possible that weather or other travel delays could delay your return. In such a situation, your Trek Leaders would be in contact with Ross administration to inform them of your late arrival.
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All M-Trek participants need to be covered under an active medical insurance plan at the time of the Trek, no exceptions. This information, including a waiver, will be required of all Trek participants in order to complete the online registration.
Travel insurance is not required but strongly encouraged, regardless of location. M-Trek has recommended several trip insurance companies for your convenience. However, please note that M-Trek will not cover the additional costs you incur.
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Yes! International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa can go on an international M-Trek, as long as you have the necessary visas required to visit the countries on your Trek of interest; please check your state department or embassy for requirements. It is very important to note that NEITHER M-TREK NOR ROSS CAN ASSIST STUDENTS WITH THE VISA APPLICATION PROCESS. Obtaining a visa is strictly a Trekker responsibility.
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Once selected for your Trek, your Leader will inform you of any required immunizations you may need prior to travel. It will be your responsibility to get immunized prior to travel. The additional health care expenses you may incur will not be reimbursed by M-Trek or the school.
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If you want to attend both the Accounting Prep course and an M-Trek, sign up for the first session offered (August 10-14, 2009 this year). The majority of Treks depart on or after August 15, 2009. More information about the Accounting Prep class will be posted on the Ross School of Business website.
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Treks are for incoming Ross students only. The mission of these trips is to help incoming students form lasting bonds and friendships among classmates, and allowing significant others on non-partner trips would significantly impede this goal.
Spouses and domestic partners may, however, participate in treks specifically designated as “Partner treks.” Partner treks may not be offered every year; please check the list of treks for more information.