Summer Academy Policies and Guidelines

Rhodes College welcomes applications from all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, age, religion, disability or national and ethnic origin in its admissions policies, loan programs, or other college educational programs, policies, and activities.

The deadline to apply to the Summer Academy is April 15, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on February 15. Applications completed and received by February 15 are eligible for our early decision tuition reduction of $200. Financial aid applicants are encouraged to apply by February 15 to receive priority access to aid.

Children of alumni are eligible for our Legacy Scholarship of $200 (discount off regular tuition). Families with two (or more) children attending the Institute will receive a $200 discount off regular tuition for each child. Returning students will also receive a $200 discount off regular tuition.

The Academy and Rhodes College are committed to socioeconomic diversity and make every effort to offer tuition support to applicants with a demonstrated need for financial assistance. The Academy has limited funding to provide for need-based financial aid. Students whose family income (AGI) is less than $80,000 may apply for aid through the Student Portal and will be required to submit various documents in support of that application. The Director of the Institute (not the Rhodes Financial Aid office) makes all financial aid decisions.

The following services and activities are included in the Academy’s program fee: tuition, room and board, all social activities (except select optional field trip admission fees), workshops, and access to the Bryan Campus Life Center (pool, tennis courts, etc.) and other campus facilities. 

Students may also wish to purchase Rhodes merchandise, books, school supplies, snacks, and sundries at the Rhodes College Bookstore, located on West Campus. Vending machines and coin laundry are located in the residential halls. These expenses are not covered by the program fee.

All payments must be made via the Student Portal. Rhodes College accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and online checks.

Once a student has been accepted, a nonrefundable deposit is required to hold his or her place in that summer’s session of the Academy. The amount and due date(s) for this deposit will be indicated on the student’s acceptance letter. 

Any outstanding balance must then be paid by May 15. Additionally, students will be required by that date to complete their other enrollment materials as indicated in their acceptance letter. Students with an outstanding balance and/or those with incomplete enrollment clearance will not be able to enroll in the Academy on the first day of the summer session.

The deposit is non-refundable. Once the remaining payment is due, refunds can be made only on recoverable costs (for example, room and board) and for eligible reasons. Rhodes makes financial commitments on students’ behalf well in advance of the start of each Rhodes program, including the Academy. Hence, refunds will be made only on recoverable costs, less a 10% processing fee. 

Once classes have begun, all requests for withdrawal must be initiated by the student and his or her parent through the Director of the Academy. The official date of withdrawal will be the date when approval is obtained from the Director. A student can receive a prorated refund only in the event that he or she withdraws due to protracted illness or injury that prevents completion of the Academy’s academic work and, as such, is certified by a physician, psychologist, or other qualified professional. The pro-rata charge for refund will be made only on recoverable costs such as room and board.

Aid recipients who withdraw prior to or early from the program are entitled to receive the appropriate refund (minus 10% fee) on the pro-rata portion of their own payment as indicated by the refund policy and for medical reasons only.

Successful completion of the Rhodes Summer Academy grants each student two college credits transferable according to the policies of the home institution. The student may request a transcript sent from the Rhodes College registrar (901-843-3885) to them or to any school. There may be a small processing fee. Successful completion of the course means a grade of D or above. Credits will not be released if any portion of a student’s account remains unpaid.

The Academy is a residential program that requires all students to reside in the College dormitories. Exceptions can be made for students with special needs. There are male and female dorms, and all students will share a room and/or suite with 1–3 other students. There is an option on our application to specify your gender identity, and you will be housed accordingly. (Please email us with any questions about this policy.) Bathrooms are shared by suite mates or hall mates. The dormitories are air-conditioned, and each room offers a twin bed, desk, and dresser for each student. Students must provide their own bed linens (XL twin sheets, blanket, pillow) or choose the $50 bedding fee. Each dormitory has a social room with a television and microwave. A coin laundry facility is available, and the program provides detergent. Upon arrival, each student and family will be given an information sheet with the student’s room number and schedule. The Rhodes Summer Academy is a non-smoking program; this includes cigarettes, vapes, and Juuls.

At registration each student will be issued an electronic entry device (card or fob) that unlocks the main dormitory door and a key that unlocks the individual room. Each student issued an entry device and room key is independently responsible for those items and should keep them with them at all times. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure their dorm room is locked at all times. The College is not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of any student’s personal property, including, but not limited to, computers, cell phones, or jewelry.

Students are expected to keep their dormitories (rooms, hallways, social rooms, courtyards) and other social areas clean of trash. Upon check-out, students must leave their rooms in undamaged, clean condition and must return their key and entry fob. Failure to do so will result in cleaning and/or replacement charges of $25 (each) to the student's account. Transcripts and evaluations are withheld for unpaid accounts.

A fully equipped recreation center with state-of-the-art weight and exercise machines will be available for your use. There is also a swimming pool. Bring whatever equipment you will need (tennis racket, swimsuit, etc.).

The Academy participates in the College Dining Services meal plan. A buffet-style meal with vegetarian and gluten free options is served in the Rhodes main dining hall three times a day, none of which conflicts with any other Academy activities. Between meals, the cafeteria is closed, but students may purchase snacks from the Lynx Lair (hours of operation still TBD for this summer), located in the Bryan Campus Life Center, and the Rhodes Bookstore (open weekdays 9–4 PM) or from vending machines located around the campus and in the dormitories. Snacks will also be provided at most social events. 

Students should indicate on their medical release form if they have dietary restrictions so that we can provide additional information, if needed.

During the two weeks of the program, students may participate in various optional outings to local attractions. Transportation is provided by the Academy, but students must pay their own admission fee at the venue (the typical cost of admission is $8–15). By signing the Statement of Responsibility, the student’s parent grants permission for the student to travel off-campus in this way.

Students are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop, as many professors use Canvas online for course readings and assignment submission. However, students are also permitted to use the college computer labs in Barret Library 8:30 AM–5 PM weekdays. The Academy will offer additional computer access in the Middle Ground during nights and weekends. Printer paper, if needed, is provided by the College and can be requested from your instructor.

Students will have access to the internet via the Rhodes server. There are various wireless access points around campus, including in the dormitories. While students are given free access to the technological services necessary for a successful completion of the program, the Academy expects that its students abide by College computer access policies. Students are prohibited from engaging in actions that lead to unauthorized access by persons outside the College or Academy, acts that solicit unauthorized services, and actions that lead to a disruption to service within the network.

Unauthorized Access: Unauthorized use/access includes giving a valid username and password to any unauthorized individual, business, or agency outside of the Rhodes community. Accounts and passwords are not to be shared.

Unauthorized Services: Users must not run unauthorized servers, including but not limited to DNS, DHCP, email, file sharing, print, video or audio streaming, web, peer-to-peer, or other application services. Such services disrupt and in some cases disable central services.

Denial or Disruption of Service: Users must not deny or disrupt or attempt to deny or disrupt service to other users by means of excessive consumption of resources, distribution of computer “worms” or viruses, excessive computing load or deliberately causing the failure of any system resource, including email, bandwidth, or web services. Uses of computer resources that may cause excessive network traffic are prohibited.

A full, online version of the policies can be found in the Rhodes College Student Handbook.

Barret Library will be open from 8:30–5 PM Monday through Friday. Although you will not be able to circulate materials, they will be available to you in the library, as will the quiet places to work, read, or study. The library also offers access to computers during weekday hours.

Library catalog search

Students often ask what to bring. Here is a list of suggested items to consider when packing: Casual clothes (jeans, shorts, t-shirts), swimsuit, sneakers, toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, sunscreen), linens (XL twin sheets, pillow, blanket, or choose the $50 bedding fee), towel, umbrella, backpack/bag, cell phone and charger, notebook/pens, $25-50 spending money, musical instrument (especially if you plan to play for Open Mike night), laptop (desktop computers also available in computer lab). Although we do not have a dress code, school-appropriate clothing is expected.

Students at the Academy are expected to familiarize themselves with and comply with the rules and regulations outlined in both the Rhodes College Student Handbook and this document. The College and Summer Academy reserve the right to dismiss a student for any violation of these rules and regulations or policies. In particular, the Academy upholds a zero-tolerance policy for violations involving a) alcohol or drug use or possession, b) crossing gender boundaries in the dormitories or being found in the room or on the hall of a member of the opposite sex, c) leaving campus independent of Academy excursions, d) receiving non-Rhodes community visitors, and e) weapon possession. Any such dismissal from the Academy will be without refund and without academic credit. Each student and his or her parent must sign the Statement of Responsibility for enrollment clearance before the student will be permitted to attend the Academy.

Students at the Institute wishing to interview or tour the campus with the College Admissions Office may do so at any time during their stay, except during class time and other required activities. The Admissions staff will offer an informal admissions information session during the program and will be available to interview prospective Rhodes College students during normal business hours. 

Tours of the campus are offered on the day of arrival/registration and on the day of departure/checkout. Times will be posted at registration. Parents and friends are invited to join students on this 30-minute guided walk around campus.

A diverse learning community is a necessary element of a residential liberal arts education.  The members of the Rhodes College community are committed to creating a community where diversity is valued and welcomed. To that end, Rhodes College does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin and will not tolerate harassment or discrimination on those bases.

The Rhodes College post office sells stamps and handles all mail directed to the campus. It is open Monday through Friday 9 AM–3:30 PM.  Parents and friends may send letters and packages to their students addressed as follows:

Student Name
Rhodes College Summer Academy
2000 North Parkway
Memphis, TN 38112

Packages arriving by UPS and FedEx are also delivered to the post office. Weekend deliveries are made on the following Monday. All mail delivered to students at the Summer Academy will be taken to the dormitories, where students may pick it up between classes. Local parents may drop off packages at Burrow Hall Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Rhodes is located in midtown Memphis at 2000 North Parkway, across from Overton Park at North Parkway and University Street. The formal entrance, where a campus safety officer can assist you with further directions, is located on University Street.

Memphis is served by Interstates 40 and 55 and the Memphis International Airport. We advise all fly-in students to purchase travel insurance in the event of weather or airline disruptions. A program-sponsored airport shuttle will be available at no cost during limited hours for arrival and departure.

Registration will take place at Burrow Hall. Once you arrive at the campus, follow the “Summer Academy” signs, which will direct you off of University Street, and towards Burrow, where you will receive your registration packet.

Throughout the history of the College, emphasis has been placed on a true spirit of honor and integrity. The objective of the Honor System is the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of the individual student, which is promoted and encouraged by the freedom and responsibility the student gains by virtue of living within the Honor System. Students are personally responsible for their work, their actions, and their word. Because these actions take place in a larger community, students have a responsibility to that community. Students must protect their freedom by encouraging adherence to the Honor Code, and by reporting any violations of which they are aware to the Director. This process of cooperation is vital to the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of Rhodes College. Possible violations of the Honor Code will be handled by the Director; students found in violation may be dismissed without refund.

In what ways are the students supervised?
Rhodes undergraduates serve as Resident Assistants for the Academy. All RAs undergo specific training tailored for our program and participants. RAs live in the residence halls with the students and provide both assistance and supervision. RAs also eat meals with the students and accompany them on field trips and at social events. Faculty teaching at the Academy serve in a supervisory role during the school day, and the Director of the program or other school official is on call throughout the 12 days. In addition, Rhodes Campus Safety provides around-the-clock security for the community.

Can students leave campus with a parent or other friend/family member for a local outing?
Once students check into the program, they must remain until check out. This policy maintains the communal strength of the program and the rigorous academic schedule.

Can friends and family visit a student during the program?
No. Because the program is highly scheduled and lasts just 12 days, students will not have extra time for visitors. The Academy also promotes a tight community among its participants and visitors are not part of the program culture.

Are students allowed to have cell phones?
Yes. Students may bring such devices with them but will be asked to refrain from using them in class (unless directed to do so by their instructor as part of the class’s activities) or after lights out.

Is there a dress code?
No. Students may wear typical, school-appropriate casual clothing. There is no “formal” event requiring suits or dresses.

Do the students get to leave campus during the 12 days?
Yes. Students may elect to participate in several field trips to sites of local interest such as the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Zoo, the Levitt Shell (concerts), STAX, and Sun Studios. These trips are optional. Transportation is provided but students must in some cases pay their own admission fee, which is usually $7–15. Resident Assistants and Rhodes faculty/staff accompany students on all field trips.

What kinds of activities outside the classroom do students participate in?
Social activities change from year to year; below are some examples of past events:

Optional field trips
Weekend party
Open mic / talent night (students may bring instruments)
Movie nights
Evening lectures
Outdoor games / parties