We are ONLINE for 2021!
The Summer Liberal Arts Institute is an immersive summer learning experience for rising high school juniors and seniors to explore liberal arts and college-level education.
Students receive college credit for successful completion of the institute. View each program page for an outline of daily time commitment.
What does virtual SLAI look like?
During the Institute
Students will experience a combination of connected, online class time and independent assignments, research, or portfolio development within their program. Each program will have a specified schedule for synchronous engagement and defined parameters for asynchronous work. View specific engagement schedules on each program page; all times are Central Standard Time.
View the following descriptions for more detail about connected, online class time vs independent learning:
Connected Online Learning
Connect class time refers to sessions where students are together, learning from the professor, at the same time. It can also be referred to as “synchronous” learning.
Students may experience lectures, discussions, or other in-class activities during these connected sessions.
Students are expected to be available to attend connect online class time during the institute. See each program’s page for an outline of their class time, and students will receive a detailed class schedule in spring.
Example: Class Time
Independent Learning
Independent, or “asynchronous” learning refers to the times that students are pursuing their course work on their own.
Students may complete independent assignments, readings, research, group meetings, or office hours during this time.
For most programs, this work can be completed at any time outside of connected class time. However, some programs may identify preferred timeslots for students to work on independent work.
Example: Homework
Summer Liberal Arts Communities (SLAC)
Outside of their specific program’s academic schedule, students will also engage in a Summer Liberal Arts Community (SLAC), from 1:00 – 2:00PM, Monday – Thursday.
The goal of SLAC is to expose our students to new topical areas, provide college preparation and life skills lessons, showcase the value of a liberal arts education, and highlight the unique qualities that make us Carleton.
Students will have the opportunity to choose their preferred SLAC topic once accepted into the program.