Frequently Asked Questions

The UW Summer High School Institute (HSI) is a three-week summer residential program held on the UW campus. It is designed to offer intellectually talented high school students (like you!) a challenging and enriching educational experience. HSI provides an opportunity for you to:

• spend three weeks on the University of Wyoming campus
• learn in small, informal classes with no grades or tests
• study with outstanding University faculty
• enjoy an environment where you can be yourself
• meet new people in a relaxed university atmosphere
• develop long lasting friendships
• discover how students from all over Wyoming think about themselves and the world.

The Summer High School Institute staff consists of Program Coordinators (PC’s), as well as our professors of the classes that students will take while on campus.

The PC’s stay on campus and live with the students for the duration of the institute.  They supervise and counsel students when needed.  They participate as group leaders in activities.  They are in charge of planning and chaperoning weekend and evening excursions and recreational activities.  PC’s work supportively with the small group leaders, faculty, residence hall staff, and students to make the institute more effective and interesting during the students three-week stay.

HSI is held every year in the summer during the month of July. The timing was selected so that it would not conflict, as much as possible, with other youth programs available or students' family plans. This period also fits well with other UW summer activities that could enhance the students' experience - the interations with other faculty members and regular summer school students. The UW Summer HSI is for serious, committed students who expect to remain on campus for the entire three weeks of the program. Check the homepage for this year's program dates.

Up to 75 students are selected in a cooperative effort between Wyoming High Schools and the University.

Some are shy, some are quite gregarious. Scholars represent the entire state of Wyoming, from Evanston to Cheyenne; from Jackson to Sundance. To respond to the diversity of students, we provide a wide range of activities, both academic and non-academic, so that students can expand their own capabilities and interests. Even with all of the scheduled events, students should be able to find time to stop and reflect about their selves and personal goals.

Room, board, and instructional supplies are paid from funds granted by the Wyoming Legislature to the University of Wyoming. There is a $275.00 activity fee, but HSI pays for the remaining institute activities -- even movies, concerts, miniature golf outings and trips to Fort Collins! Travel and personal expenses are responsibilities of the student (snacks, extra activities, laundry, and personal purchases).

7:00-8:00 a.m.               Breakfast
9:00-11:30 a.m.             Class Time
12:00-1:00p.m.              Lunch   
1:30-4:00 p.m.               Class Time
5:00-5:45p.m.                Dinner
6:00-9:00p.m.                Sign-up Activities
10:00pm                         Wing Meetings
10:30p.m.                       In Own Room

HSI maintains a fleet of 5-6 passenger vans for class field trips and small excursions. 

The Extensive schedule of extracirricular activities will thoroughly engage students' time, including weekends. Speakers, performers, films, excursions, special workshops, plays, and concerts offer ongoing excitement every day of the week. Students might want to perform in the talent show we hold during the last week of the institute. We will take trips to Fort Collins as well, where we play in Fort Fun and go white water rafting.

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of recreational activities (basketball, volleyball, swimming, softball, tennis) while they are on campus. There's often a group that likes to run or workout before breakfast! HSI participants have access to UW athletic facilities (Half-Acre gym, with swimming pool, weights, aerobics room, basketball courts), which are open daily. There is a fee for using the University golf course.

HSI has established a tradition of helping to make the community a better place in which to live and learn. Students have performed many hours of community service. Some activities include: serving meals at a soup kitchen, park clean-ups, sorting clothes and canned goods for the Salvation Army, and much more.

If students want to attend religious services while they are at HSI, a schedule and transportation will be provided.