Frequently Asked Questions about SEP
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Summer Enrichment Program.
What is the cost of the program? How are payments made?
The total program cost for 2025 is $1200, which includes room, board, classes, class materials, any field trips, etc. A $300 deposit will be due in early April. The remaining cost can be paid in two increments ($450 by May 7 and $450 by June 7) or all at once. Payment info: https://www.umw.edu/summer/sep/payment-information/
Is there financial aid available?
Currently there is no endowment established to provide scholarships for SEP participants. We plan to provide such support in future SEP sessions. If any opportunities for aid become available, applicants will be notified of that opportunity. Check out our payment page and course page for some potential opportunities for tuition assistance.
Persons interested in making financial contributions to SEP can contact the program directors Dr. Johnson-Young and Mr. Stebar at enrichment@umw.edu.
How many classes will I take and how will that be decided?
Campers will take 3 classes and meet with each class every day during the week. On the application, campers will be asked to rank order their top 6 choices of classes. We will do our best to accommodate camper preferences and hope that each camper will take 3 courses from their top 3-6 choices. Check out the tentative daily schedules here.
What do campers need to pack?
Suggestions for what to pack are found in the registration material and on the SEP website https://www.umw.edu/summer/sep/ and will be sent to students (and their parent/guardian) when they are accepted into the program.
Where will campers be staying?
Campers will be staying in Willard Hall. Willard is our oldest dormitory but was fully renovated in 2019 and features double occupancy rooms (2 campers per room). Each person will be provided with an extra-long bed frame + mattress, desk and chair, closet/wardrobe, and dresser. Willard Hall is air conditioned (all UMW dorms have AC).
What’s the weather like during July in Fredericksburg?
Plan for a northern Virginia summer. July temperatures average in the mid 90’s and moderate humidity. Please note that campers will be outside often. In addition to walking across campus to classes, several of the enrichment activities and most of the evening social activities will take place outside. Students need to bring comfortable clothing appropriate for being outside.
Is there a non-residential component to SEP?
No, the residential component of SEP is integral to the experience and provides opportunities to form new friendships and socialize with a diverse population. Campers will stay in air-conditioned dormitories during the program. SEP counselors (one per 8-10 campers) will reside in rooms on the same hallways as campers.
Are out of state campers eligible?
Absolutely! Students from all states are welcome to apply—residency in Virginia is not required. We’re proud to host a diverse group of participants from across the country, and there’s no additional cost for out-of-state campers.
What will a typical day look like during the program?
During a typical day, students will have a full day starting with breakfast in the University Center cafeteria, 1 class, an enrichment activity of their choice, lunch in the University Center cafeteria, 2 final classes for the day, dinner, a fun evening activity for the camp, and down time in the dorm before lights out. Check out the daily schedule here.
How are decisions made about acceptances to the program?
Students who excel in UMW’s Summer Enrichment Program are academically motivated, self-directed, and demonstrate respect for camp rules, faculty, staff, peers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Applications are evaluated for evidence of these qualities. While a minimum GPA of 2.8 is generally required for admission, personal essays carry significant weight in the application review process. Applicants are encouraged to submit authentic, thoughtful essays, written in their own words, that offer insight into their interests, attitudes, and motivations.
What rules are SEP campers expected to follow and what are consequences?
Campers are expected to abide by all rules and regulations that are set forth in the registration packet for the summer. These expectations include active participation in all classes and activities (for example, staying off phones and staying awake during classes), punctuality to classes and events, demonstrating respect for all rules and guidelines, and respect and adherence to personal boundaries for all peers, faculty, staff, and any persons they come into contact with, always abiding by the ASPIRE values of UMW. We only have one week together, so failure to adhere to these expectations will, unfortunately, result in immediate dismissal from the program. Detailed guidelines will be provided during registration and re-emphasized to campers during our first evening together to ensure a fun and smooth week together!
Will campers have homework from their classes?
Some courses may have assignments to be completed outside of class time. Campers will have some time available in the evenings to work on such projects.
What kind of physical activity will be expected?
Campers may choose classes or enrichment sessions that require some walking or exercise, as indicated in their description. Further, campers will be living out the week in the way college students do, which means there will be some walking around campus for activities, between different buildings for classes, etc. If a camper has physical limitations, they can indicate this on the registration packet. We are prepared to provide assistance so everyone can experience SEP!
Should I bring any extra money?
Campers do not need to bring any extra money with them as the event will be all-inclusive. If a student wishes to purchase something from the UMW Bookstore, a gift shop or other location if they choose to participate in off-campus field trips, they may wish to have some money with them. This is completely optional.
How are medications, allergies, and injuries handled?
Detailed information about these topics will be described in the registration packets that campers/parents receive after admission to the program.
- If a medical emergency occurs, UMW is located only 0.2 miles from an Urgent Care clinic and 1.2 miles from Mary Washington Hospital.
- The UMW dining hall is a nut-free cafeteria, so meals do not contain peanuts or tree nuts. Campers will have a variety of snacks available in the morning and evenings. Some of these may contain nuts and therefore campers must be mindful of their choices. Snacks may not be consumed in the dormitory rooms.
- Prescription medications will be stored in a locked location and campers will pick up their medications from the head-counselor or one of the camp directors.
