General questions about HSI
Learn more about HSI as you are considering applying for our program.
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 UW 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
HSI staff consists of Program Coordinators (PCs), as well as our professors of the classes that students will take while on campus.
The PCs stay on campus and live with the students for the duration of HSI. 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. PCs work supportively with the small group leaders, faculty, residence hall staff, and students to make HSI more effective and intersting 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 interactions with other faculty members and regular summer school students. 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 UW.
Some are sigh, some are quite gregarious. Scholars represent the entire state of Wyoming, from Evanston to Cheyenne; from Jackson to Sundance. To respond to the diveristy of students, we provide a wide range of activities, both acedemic and non-acedemic, 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 themselves 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 $325 activity fee, but HSI pays for the remaining institute activities - even movies, concerts, miniature gold outings, and trips to Fort Collins! Travel to and from camp and personal expenses are the responsibility of the students (snacks, extra activities, laundry, and personal purchases).
7:00 - 8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 - 11:30 am Class Time
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4:00 pm Class Time
5:00 - 5:45 pm Dinner
6:00 - 9:00 pm Sign-up Activities (or large group evening events)
10:00 pm Wing Meetings
10:30 pm In Own Room
HSI maintains a fleet of 5-6 passanger vehicles for class field trips and small excursions.
The extenseive schedule of extracurricular activities will thoroughly engage students' time, including weekends. Speakers, performers, films, excurions, 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 final week of the institute. We will take trips to Fort Collins as well, wehre we play in FortFun and go white-water rafting.
Students will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of recreational activities (basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis, etc) while we are on campus. There's often a group that likes to run or workout before breakfast! HSI participants have access to UW's athletic facility (Half-Acre gym, with weights, aerobics room, baskeball courts, etc), which are open during the week. 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.
You've been accepted to HSI, Now what?
Learn about important information you need to know before arriving at HSI.
While at HSI students go on many exciting adventures, so it's important to pack the right gear.
Students will need:
- closed toed shoes
- a refillable waterbottle
- toiletries (especially shower shoes)
- twin xl bedding for their dorm
- a bathing suit
- a sweatshirt/jacket (it gets cold at night in Laramie!)
- sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
If a student forgets something at home, they can stop at Walmart in Laramie. PCs will also take a trip to Walmart with students in the first few days, so students can purchase any forgotten items.
If you need to get in contact with your child during camp you can email hsi@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-3005. PCs and other HSI faculty will have their phones on them, they will ensure your message gets to your child or they will get your child their phone to contact you.
If you take a daily medication the PCs will hold on to that medication. You just need to get a PC and ask for your medication and they will give it to you. If you take a medication when situational medical issues arise, yiu can keep that medicine on you or in your dorm room.
Yes! If you would like to attend church services duringyour stay at HSI Pcs will walk/drive you and other students to and from church.
During your down time at HSI that time is yours to do with as you please. As long as you have a buddy you can explore campus and PCs are more than happy to take you and your friends to explore the town of Laramie. Down time can also be a place to recharge in your dorm room.
