General format/timing
Elective occurs in block 5 of the TUSM academic calendar, this generally runs from late August to late September, it is 4 weeks long.
2026 Signup Schedule
Visiting Student VSLO applications will be due 4/30/26. We anticipate having all spots filled by 6/26
TUSM students will be selected via a mini-lottery typically held in April.
2026 Elective Schedule
Our schedule for the 2026 elective is:
9/1 First day/Orientation
9/2 - 9/12 Emergency Department Time
9/13 Prep day
9/14 Drive to Baxter
9/14 - 9/19 Hiking in Baxter State Park
9/19 Complete hike sleep at Abol Bridge
9/20 Transition Day (Drive to Big Eddy Campground meet river instructors)
9/21 - 9/25 West Branch of Penobscot River
9/25 Complete river return to Portland
9/26 Gear Cleanup and last day of elective
Future years of elective
Our wilderness elective takes place in TUSM block 5. Blocks are 4 weeks long and block 5 occurs during September.
Future year dates are not published until TUSM publishes the academic calendar about a year in advance.
2027: Depending on staffing, this year may or may not run