FAQs
Q: What is GORP®?
A: GORP Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program® was begun by Dr. Jim McNamara in 1989 at the University of Michigan. It is unique as the first program in medicine or dentistry to annually bring together residents from across the US and Canada for specialty education and networking. It is generously sponsored by the orthodontic industry and our professional specialty association, the AAO. In 2020, Dr. Chris Roberts, a long-time Michigan faculty member and past president of the AAO, took over the reins of GORP.
Q: What is the deadline for registration?
A: Registration will close on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time. Due to the number of awesome events that we have planned, we are required to provide our vendors and hosts with attendance numbers at this time. Make sure to register early! Please note that because of our fixed costs, we cannot cancel your registration after registration closes on July 15. Please make sure you have permission from your school to attend GORP before you register!
Q: What do I do if I make a mistake or have questions about my registration?
A: Contact our registration specialists at gorp2026@gmail.com
Q: After registering, I realized that I won’t be able to attend GORP. Can I get a refund and cancel my registration?
A: We are sorry, but because of our fixed costs, we cannot offer any refunds for the Friday activities after you have registered, nor can we cancel your registration after registration closes on July 15 (see above). If you have registered, but cannot attend GORP, please let us know. (See next question)
Q: I see there is a no-show fee for events. What’s that all about?
A: Unfortunately, there will be a $75 charge if you register for the banquet on Friday evening and don’t come. If you register for GORP and don’t show up at all, there will be a $200 no-show fee. Except for the optional Friday activities, GORP is free to residents. This includes your room, your food, the Thursday Welcome Reception at Revel and Roll, Friday’s banquet at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Saturday’s outstanding lectures, and Saturday evening’s GORP picnic at Michigan Stadium. You’ll never get a better deal than this!
However, it also means we have a very tight budget and can’t afford to pay for food not eaten and rooms that are not being used. Again, please make sure you have permission from your school to attend GORP before registering.
Q: Will there be any other charges?
A: All University of Michigan room key cards must be returned at checkout, or there will be a $25 charge per card by the university.
Q: Will there be parking available at the university if we drive to Ann Arbor?
A: Yes, we provide limited options for parking during your stay here at your own cost. Stay tuned for more information!
Q: What about getting to the events associated with GORP?
A: There will be shuttle bus transportation available to take you to GORP’s different events. However, if you wish to drive or use a ride-sharing app, you may do so. Parking will be available at the Welcome Reception, Banquet, and Picnic.
Q: What will the housing arrangements be for GORP? Will I be rooming with my co-residents?
A: GORP will pay for residents to stay in North Quad and Couzens Hall on the university’s main campus. This is the most convenient location for the majority of GORP’s activities. As we organize room assignments, co-residents will be paired up first, but depending on room availability, you may be paired with residents from another school. We will do all we can to protect everyone’s privacy, but you may get to know some residents better than others! That is part of the GORP experience!
Q: Do I really have to stay in a college dorm room? I’m not 18 years old anymore!
A: No, you do not have to stay in the university’s dorm. However, residents are strongly encouraged to do so. Should you decide to stay in a local hotel, you will be responsible for your hotel bill and any transportation costs to and from GORP events. Remember, part of GORP is getting to know your fellow residents from other schools!
Q: Where will the lectures be held?
A: The lectures will be in the Mendelssohn Theater at the Michigan League.
For a map of campus, see: https://campusvisitorguides.com/umich/campus-map/
Q: Are there other Terms and Conditions for attending GORP?
A: Yes. In consideration for being allowed to participate in GORP, you release GORP and their authorized agents from any damages caused or incurred in connection with GORP and its activities. You agree to indemnify and hold GORP and their authorized agents harmless against any liabilities, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising from, or in connection with, these activities. You also grant permission to all of the foregoing to use any photographs, motion pictures, or any other record of your participation in this event.