High School Seminars

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Each year since 1959, Colgate has given area high school students a taste of the college experience. Faculty and administrators teach four sessions, meeting for three classes each, during the academic year.

The university’s mission is to provide a demanding, expansive educational experience to a select group of diverse, talented, intellectually sophisticated students who are capable of challenging themselves, their peers, and their teachers in a setting that brings together living and learning.

The mission of the High School Seminar Program is use Colgate’s resources to benefit the region by introducing area high school students to college-level topics that are not available at their schools and to encourage college attendance by providing them with the opportunity to experience a taste of life on a college campus.

Daily schedule

Arrival: Buses unload students at Merrill House at approximately 3:45 p.m.
Classes begin: 4:00 p.m.
Dinner break: 5:00 - 5:45 p.m.
Classes resume: 5:50 - 6:30 p.m.
Departure: 6:30 p.m. Students board buses at campus safety office

High School Seminar dates for Spring 2023 Session IIII are:

  • Wednesday, March 22nd
  • Wednesday, March 29th
  • Wednesday, April 5th
  • Snow Date: Wednesday, April 19th

Please email cove@colgate.edu with any questions.

Current Course Descriptions

Jennifer Jones, Asst. Director Shaw Wellness Institute 

Interested in the medical, health, and human services career fields? This introductory course is intended for students who are interested in exploring health and social welfare professions. Students will learn about the many different careers in these highly desired areas and investigate the education and credentials required to move forward in their chosen pathway. Students will learn how they can incorporate their passion for helping people into a career path that feels right for them.   

Taylor King, Admin Coordinator for Student Engagement, Dance Instructor

Welcome to Introduction to Dance and Creative Movement. Students will learn the fundamentals of dance and have the opportunity to choreograph both alone and with friends. Together we will explore a variety of dance techniques and movements. No prior experience necessary, just a willingness to move and learn. Dress code: athletic attire or other comfortable clothes, long hair must be pulled back, and no large jewelry. Students may wear socks, dance shoes, or be barefoot.

Lyosha Gorshkov, Director of LGBTQ+ Initiatives 

This seminar is designed to introduce high school students to the concepts of gender identity, gender expression and sexuality through the lenses of diversity. During the seminar we will discuss how gender and gender identity are perceived in the U.S. today. We will also be focused on LGBTQIA+ issues as a part of a discourse on sexuality and identity. We will learn about binary and non-binary systems, and take a closer look at how to be a bystander and ally. 

Kara Rusch, DJ/Artist/Music Critic

An introduction to basic drawing for students interested in learning how to draw or just wanting to improve their skills. Course will cover different drawing techniques and styles in a series of exercises designed to draw what you see as well as figuring out when to add special touches to create a masterpiece as your own. Class is open to all skill levels. Basic supplies will be provided.

 

The Network, Student Organization

Michele Passonno, Asst. Director, Haven: Survivor Support Services

This is a 3 part course that is a continuation of the Healthy Relationship 101 session that was offered in the fall. This course is available to students who have taken Healthy Relationships 101 and those who have not. The course will include self-reflection, peer discussion, and activities to explore various types of relationships in real life situations that high school students may face and how to navigate them. Together, we will discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships, how to handle conflict, setting boundaries, how to help a friend, and more. We will work to validate one another's feelings and experiences, as well as establish practices and tools for healthy relationships of all kinds.  

Jacob Mundy, Assoc. Professor of Peace & Conflict Studies 

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of peace and conflict studies through an exploration of the most significant developments in the history of modern warfare. Students will examine the evolution and decline of modern warfare, key technological innovations like nuclear weapons, and the various international institutions that have emerged either to prevent conflict or to bring it to an end.

Registration