Office of Undergraduate Studies Summer Institute

The Summer Institute for incoming OUS Scholars is a five-and-a-half-week experience designed to augment and enhance scholarly endeavors. The summer sets the foundation for OUS Scholars to take on academic pursuits, as well as future community engagements and leadership roles, during their years at Colgate and beyond.

 

Academics

From early July to mid-August, the incoming OUS Scholars live on campus and take two academic courses taught by Colgate faculty. The courses are intensive and range from across Colgate's curriculum, providing opportunities for OUS Scholars to begin considering the big questions about scholarship and research.

Beyond the opportunities to engage in enhanced academic programming, the program also provides the opportunity to build close relationships with faculty, staff members, and fellow OUS Scholars. Students are introduced to a wealth of campus resources through the offices of the Provost and Dean of the Faculty and the Dean of the College, including libraries, career services, and financial aid.

Mentorship

Throughout the Summer Institute, current OUS Scholars serve as community facilitators and help guide participants through the academic rigors and expectations of a Colgate education. Moreover, students receive one-on-one advising from members of the faculty as part of the supplemental academic advising process.

How to Join

The Summer Institute is open exclusively to students admitted to Colgate in the Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUS). All applicants to Colgate are considered for the OUS program — no additional application is necessary or possible. If accepted to the program, students will be notified with their Colgate acceptance letter. Full participation in the Summer Institute is an additional admission requirement for students enrolled as OUS scholars.

Community

Programming also introduces participants to various offices that manage student affairs and campus life. In addition, students will be introduced to Hamilton and its surrounding communities to learn about the myriad offerings in their new home-away-from-home.

Frequently Asked Questions

When I arrive on campus, where do I go?

For students and families coming to campus by car, there will be signs directing traffic to the campus parking lot near 110 Broad Street, the anticipated residence hall for the 2026 Summer Institute. Personal vehicles are not recommended to remain on campus during the five-week session.

For those arriving in Utica or Syracuse by bus, train, or plane, we will provide shuttle services to campus. We will send a questionnaire regarding travel plans before the program. We urge students and their families to complete the questionnaire, even if arriving by car, so that we can plan accordingly for everyone's arrival.

Where will I be living?

110 Broad Street (campus map) is the anticipated summer residence for all OUS scholars in the Summer Institute. It is located on the corner of Broad and College Streets. The Summer Institute's  Community Facilitators (CFs) will also live in the same residence.

OUS scholars will not be living at 110 Broad Street upon returning for the beginning of the fall semester. Students will know their new academic year residential assignment by August 1, 2026.

What should I pack?

OUS scholars should plan on bringing casual clothing, as well as one or two dressier outfits for special activities. The weather is generally moderate during the summer, but it can get cool during the evenings and early mornings, while rising to quite warm temperatures during the day.

We cover the cost of tuition, books, supplies, fees for co-curricular activities, room, and most meals during the Summer Institute. Bring some pocket money for any other personal expenses.

Note about linens: We will provide a set of university-rented linens consisting of a pillowcase, two sheets (including fitted sheets), two towels, and two washcloths for the duration of the Summer Institute. OUS scholars are responsible for providing their own pillows and comforters. The OUS scholars are responsible for laundering their own bedding/linens. Washers and dryers are available in the basement at 110 Broad Street for $1.70 per load, wash or dry. 

This is a list of suggested items OUS scholars should consider bringing as well:

For the closet:

  • Jacket/sweater
  • Bathing suit
  • Causal clothing (shorts, jeans, sweats, etc.)
  • Comfortable shoes (sneakers, flats, etc.)
  • Hangers
  • Pajamas
  • Robe
  • Socks/underwear
  • Two or three business casual outfits (blouses/dress shirts, pants, tie, dress/skirt, dress shoes)
  • Umbrella

For the bathroom:

  • "Shower bucket" (for carrying supplies to and from the shower)
  • Bathrobe
  • Brush/comb
  • Contact lens supplies/glasses
  • Deodorant
  • First-aid supplies
  • Hairdryer
  • Toiletries
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Shaving supplies
  • Shower shoes (flip-flops)
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Haircare products (perms, grease, pink lotion, etc.)

For the bedroom:

  • Alarm clock
  • Blanket/comforter
  • Bookbag/backpack
  • Desk lamp
  • Fan
  • Laundry supplies (bag/basket, detergent, dryer sheets)
  • Mini refrigerator (optional)
  • Pillow
  • Comforter
  • Small microwave
  • Throw Blanket
What should I do about medical insurance coverage?

During the Summer Institute, we will be providing you with medical insurance coverage through the university’s insurance provider (Haylor, Freyer & Coon), which will be in addition to any coverage you and your family may have. 

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the charge for the annual student health insurance policy offered through the university provider will be $1,805 (billed in the fall semester billing). If you are covered by your parent/guardian’s medical insurance, and their insurance coverage is comparable to the policy provided by Colgate, you may waive the Colgate coverage. However, you must visit this site to enroll actively in or waive the Colgate student health insurance coverage by June 14, 2026 (even though the University has a deadline of August 1, 2026). The reason is that we need to know your insurance status before you arrive on campus for the Summer Institute on July 8, 2026. You will also receive additional information about Colgate's student health insurance program in the mail. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to OUS with your questions and concerns.

Will my cell phone work in Hamilton?

The better cell-phone service providers with coverage in the area are AT&T and Verizon.

May I return home or have visitors during free time and weekends?

OUS scholars are expected to be in attendance for the entire five and a half weeks. We have planned several social and recreational activities and outings for community building. We kindly ask that OUS scholars not plan to go home, visit family/friends, or have visitors during this time.