Institute I: July 6-10, 2008 (FULL)

Institute II: July 13-17, 2008 (FULL)

Sorry, we are no longer accepting applications for this year. Both institutes are full.

Institute Brochure

Application Deadline: May 2, 2008

The Program
These dynamic institutes are for students interested in learning new ways to improve their writing skills who have completed their freshman, sophomore or junior year in high school. They offer an opportunity to sample life on a college campus, and to meet other students with similar interests and academic ability.

The number of participants is kept small to allow for individualized attention. We will accept 22 students into each program this year. When not in class, students enjoy planned activities on campus as well as free time for relaxation. Living, dining and learning together, students have ample opportunity to get to know each other well and develop lasting friendships.

Content
Each institute provides an introduction to a variety of genres: poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction, and drama. In morning and afternoon sessions, students participate in writing intensive exercises designed to address the elements of craft: voice, character, image, scene, and setting. In addition, students will have an opportunity to participate in workshop sessions in which they will read and discuss each other’s work with an eye towards revision. Students will also read and discuss the work of established authors, investigating the strategies they use to craft their poetry and prose. Discussions are lively, and students will have an opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty, as well as to attend readings of visiting writers.

Schedule
Students attend classes during the day and enjoy recreational activities in the evening. View a sample weekly schedule >>>

Examples of evening activities include the following:

• Ice-breaker games on the first night to help everyone get acquainted
• Movies in Nevins Theater
• Outdoor games such as "Capture the Flag"
• Indoor games such as "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," ping pong, board games, etc.
• Social gathering with refreshments & music in the Knight Club
• Relaxing and socializing at the Terra Cotta Coffee House

Director
Dr. Susan Morehouse, AU professor of English, teaches creative writing and serves as the Director of the Summer Creative Writing Institutes.

Supervision
When institute participants are not in class, they are supervised by specially-trained college students who serve as Resident Directors (RDs) and Resident Advisors (RAs).

Facilities
These institutes are housed in the Writing Center on the beautiful Alfred University campus. A state-of-the-art facility located in Seidlin Hall, home of the English Division, this high-tech facility affords students the very latest in software and Internet technologies. All students attending the institutes will have full access to this exciting resource.

Tuition, Room and Board
Participants will arrive on Sunday and leave after lunch on Thursday. The institute fee is $595* (includes a non-refundable $100 deposit). This covers tuition, supervision, program materials, recreational activities, room and board from dinner on the first day through lunch on the last day. Students stay in residence halls (2 per room). Students must provide their own pillows, blankets and bed/bath linens for the week (bed linens must fit the extra-long twin residence hall beds). All meals are served in the campus dining hall.

Each participant is responsible for transportation, incidentals and extra nights or meals. Details and directions will be sent to all students upon acceptance. If, for any reason, a participant must be sent home early, all expenses will be paid by the student/parents.

*There will be a $25 charge for checks returned for insufficient funds.

Financial Aid
Sorry, there are no scholarships or other forms of financial aid available for campers in any of our summer programs.

Application Procedure

Institute I is full, but we are still accepting applications for Institute II (July 13-17).

Students who wish to apply must return:

1. a completed application form (Please click on the underlined words to open the pdf file. Then simply print the form, fill it out, and send it back to us with the other required materials.)

2. copy of an up-to-date transcript (to January 2008) or most recent report card

3. two letters of recommendation from H.S. teachers (on official school stationery)

4. a one-page essay telling us why you would like to attend this institute (in your own words, with your signature at the bottom)

5. two samples of your creative writing (not longer than 4 pages each - can be excerpts from longer works)

6. a $100 deposit (non-refundable unless student is not accepted into the program). Full payment of the balance ($495), for accepted students, is due May 30, 2008.

Application materials should be submitted by May 2, 2008. (Later applications will be considered only if space is available.)

Send to: Office of Summer Programs, Alfred University, Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802 or fax to 607.871.2045. (Send all items in one packet. Incomplete or illegible applications cannot be considered.)

Acceptance
The Institute Admissions Committee will evaluate all applications and determine which students will be accepted. Acceptance and non-acceptance letters will be mailed within two weeks of the application deadline. Students requiring an earlier decision should include a note with the application form indicating the date by which they need to be notified. (If a student is not accepted the $100 deposit will be refunded.)

Accepted students will receive, along with the acceptance letter, additional materials including medical forms, liability releases, emergency notification forms, etc. These materials must be filled out as soon as possible and must be back in our hands by May 30. Updated immunization information (including dates) is also required at that time. (If you do not have updated immunization information on hand, you may want to acquire this from your physician now to avoid processing delays.)

Cancellation Policy
Refunds, less the $100 non-refundable deposit, will be made for cancellations received by June 13. 50% refunds will be made for cancellations received from June 14-27. We cannot make refunds to students who cancel after June 27 because we must hire staff, purchase materials, arrange for meals and confirm classroom and housing space long before the start of our summer programs. We base all of these arrangements on the number of students accepted into each camp or institute and cannot make changes after contracts are signed and commitments are made.

Questions?
For further general information contact the Office of Summer Programs via email or by calling us at 607.871.2612. A copy of the institute application is available in pdf form at application. If you are not able to open it, please contact us and we will send or fax one to you.

For specific information concerning class content please contact Institute Director Dr. Susan Morehouse at 607.871.2256, or via email.

Comments from Past Participants:
"It was THE BEST week of my life. I still keep in touch with everyone I met there, and hope to come back next summer. The classes were excellent, and the whole experience was just unforgettable. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart." - L. Slyman, Ashley, OH

"I think it was the perfect environment for learning. We had the perfect balance of instruction and freedom. Our classes were "laid back" enough to feel comfortable, but professional too, so we were able to learn to write to our full potential. I loved creating my character and hearing other people's ideas and writing. I also enjoyed (and will remember) the tips and advice I got from my teachers!"- A. Roth, Scranton, PA

"The teachers were great! The classes were interesting and educational. The best thing about the institute was the experience of being at college!" - B. Zalenski, Boscawen, NH

"The classes were wonderful. I not only gained some interesting perspectives on writing, but great little tidbits about life too." - A. Irish, Rye, NH

"The campus is beautiful and the atmosphere is lovely. I learned a lot and was able to broaden my creative writing skills considerably. I feel good that I chose to come - it was definitely worth it. I made new friends and learned so much." - C. Thomas, Rock Hill, NY

"It was not only a good pre-college experience and a place to learn more about what I love to do, but I made so many friends, and had one of the best weeks of my life! Thanks so much!" - E. Tronetti, Hornell, NY

"I enjoyed meeting other people who love to write." - E. Scott, Mechanicville, NY

"I liked the classes on literature and the elements of fiction. They were both fun and informative and helped me with my writing." - H. Herzl-Betz, Elmira, NY

"I loved my classes!" - J. Bateman, Rochester, MA

About Alfred
Alfred University is located in the Village of Alfred in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Western New York State. You can take a virtual tour of our campus to check out our lovely grounds and great facilities!

The campus, a 6-hour drive from New York City, 2 hours from Buffalo and 1 1/4 hours from Rochester, is easily accessible by car or bus from all directions and is located just five miles south of Interstate 86. The nearest major airport is the Rochester International Airport (about 65 miles north). Transportation to and from the airport can be provided for an additional charge if we receive your request by the date indicated in your acceptance letter. After that date students must make their own arrangements with an airport limo service.

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