Summer Studies Programs General Information
Philosophy and Benefits
Duke TIP Summer Studies Programs provide a unique learning environment designed to motivate and challenge the academically gifted student. Within a supportive and nurturing campus setting, Duke TIP strives to stretch highly gifted students beyond their self-perceived expectations and limits. The Summer Studies Programs are based on six components:
- Fast-paced, rigorous, and innovative curricula taught above grade level and emphasizing rich and challenging content, active learning, and critical, higher-order thinking skills. The academic environment values and encourages engagement, self-direction, independence, and excellence.
- Courses designed to inspire and motivate students. Many of these courses are similar to those offered to undergraduate students at select, competitive colleges. Students are exposed to highly enriched curricula commensurate with their level and pace of learning.
- Distinguished instructional staff with expertise in their content area—many with considerable experience working with gifted students. The carefully selected faculty value each student’s uniqueness and believe that nurturing a student’s self-esteem and self-confidence is an important part of the Duke TIP educational experience.
- Course placement dictated by the concept of an optimal match with student interest and ability.
- Classrooms characterized by high expectations, low student-faculty ratio, and no course grades—all of which encourage intellectual risk-taking in a supportive and intellectually challenging learning climate.
- A residential program consisting of supervised social and recreational activities designed to complement the classroom experience and encourage a sense of community and respect for diversity. The residential component provides opportunities for student interactions with equally gifted peers who share similar interests, promoting lasting friendships.
A Day at TIP
| Student Weekday Schedule* | |
|---|---|
| 7:45 a.m.–8:45 a.m. | Breakfast in the campus dining facility |
| 8:45 a.m. | Meet TA and walk to class |
| 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Class |
| 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. | Lunch in campus dining facility |
| 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. | Class |
| 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Free time within designated boundaries |
| 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. | Dinner with residential living group in the campus dining facility |
| 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.only) | Evening Study group with Teaching Assistants |
| 7:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs. only) | Evening activities: games, sports, quiet activities, crafts, etc. |
| 9:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. | Free time within designated boundaries |
| 10:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. | Hall time: All students must check in with their RC and remain on their hall |
| 10:45 p.m. | Room check: Students must be in bed with the lights out |
Attendance is required at all of the above (with the exception of breakfast). Staff will supervise students during these times.
Fridays
On Fridays, students do not attend evening study. After dinner, students will have free time where they can read, talk with friends, or participate in a few, non-required activities in staff-supervised areas. They may also attend religious services, if they wish. (Please note that the availability of services for particular denominations varies by program location.) Occasionally, staff may plan a large, campus-wide activity, such as an off-campus trip, on Friday evenings.
Saturdays
Students attend class from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. After lunch, students participate in campus-wide activities that have become traditions on each campus. These may include game tournaments and field-day activities. On Saturday evenings, there is a campus-wide dance, though other options are available for students who do not wish to attend.
Sundays
Sunday morning free time allows students to take a break from the intense academic work and structured activities. They may sleep in, do laundry, or socialize in staff-supervised areas. Students may also attend religious services, if they wish. (Please note that the availability of services for particular denominations varies by program location.) After lunch, staff plan a wide variety of activities for the students that consume much of the afternoon and evening, including off-campus trips.
Disability-Related Information
Duke University TIP welcomes qualified students with disabilities. Under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University implements a consistent procedure to explore possible coverage and reasonable accommodations, such as auxiliary aids and services, academic adjustments, and classroom and housing accommodations.
The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Physical or mental impairments are defined as any physiological disorder, or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of several body systems, or any emotional, mental, or psychological disorder. Examples of major life activities include, but are not limited to: learning, reading, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, and walking. Substantially limiting refers to an impairment that prevents an individual from performing a major life activity or significantly restricts the condition, manner, or duration under which an individual can perform a major life activity, as compared to the average person. It is important to note that an impairment or diagnosis does not meet the definition of "disability" if it results in only mild limitations or restrictions.
In order to ensure timely and effective accommodations, students or parents of students with disabilities must contact Hollace Selph, Director of Educational Programs, at (919) 668-9100 as soon as possible to initiate the University’s procedure to explore possible coverage and reasonable accommodations under the ADA.
Duke TIP students are reminded that receiving services and/or accommodations in elementary or secondary schools does not necessarily qualify a student for the same services and/or accommodations at a post secondary institution such as Duke University. Refer to the Web site of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities for more information about disabilities policies at Duke.