Honors Summer Academy - The University of Tulsa
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Honors Summer Academy

Ask the big questions

Save the date! The next Honors Summer Academy is June 15-26, 2025.

At the Honors Summer Academy, rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors earn college credit in an immersive, on-campus, pre-college program by studying the classics with the deans of The University of Tulsa Honors College. Participants spend their mornings with faculty in seminar addressing the big questions raised by classic texts and their afternoons and evenings with current Honors College students, who lead recreational and cultural activities both on and off campus. Honors Summer Academy students have a unique immersion experience in which they ask each other the big questions, and also experience all that eastern Oklahoma and Tulsa have to offer – from rodeos to Native American history and culture, and world class art museums to outstanding parks.

Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

A look back at 2024

The theme of study for 2024 was virtue, friendship, and happiness. We read works that seek to understand the connection between virtue and human excellence from such authors as Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, Augustine, Dante, Tolstoy, Flannery O’Connor, and Iris Murdoch. We asked ourselves the big questions: What is human excellence? What is the highest human good? What is friendship and with whom can I have it? What role do study and contemplation play in a good human life?

Virtue
Friendship
Happiness

Living on campus

Participating students have the opportunity to experience pre-college life on TU’s beautiful 209-acre campus that offers a balance of focus, friendships, and fun. Students are housed in John Mabee Hall, one of five residence halls, and have access to campus facilities, including the McFarlin Library and the Collins Fitness Center.

Dining

Meals and snacks are provided throughout the duration of the summer academy. TU’s Dining Services is committed to providing the campus community with a variety of healthy eating options in enjoyable settings that promote social interaction.

Materials

Readings and a camp t-shirt are provided to all participating students. We read works that seek to understand the connection between virtue and human excellence from such authors as Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, Augustine, Dante, Tolstoy, Flannery O’Connor, and Iris Murdoch.

Experience

Students join current Honors College students who lead recreational and cultural activities both on and off campus. Activities include playing games, trivia night, and access to the Collins Fitness Center, Case Tennis Center, Esports & Gaming Lounge, and more. Off-campus, students visit Philbrook Museum, the Drillers Stadium, Gathering Place, and more!