UTSOAThe University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture

Program update:
The Standard Application Deadline has been extended to May 1

Program DatesJune 8 - July 10, 2009
Early Application Deadline March 1
Standard Application DeadlineNew Deadline - May 1
Application Fee$25
Tuition$1200
Program Fees$250 supply kit
$100 key deposit (refundable upon key return)
Optional Housing$950-$750 (rate dependent on meal plan option; limited occupancy available)
Housing Deposit$400 (non-refundable after May 1)

Download the Program Application Form

If architecture interests you as a possible career, The University of Texas at Austin’s Summer Academy in Architecture can help inform your decision and prepare you for application to a professional degree program. The Summer Academy in Architecture enables students to answer the question: Should I pursue Architecture as a career goal or field of further professional study?

The Summer Academy is geared toward people who have little to no background in architecture and who wish to test and refine their interests in the field. Applicants to the Summer Academy range from age 17 to older adulthood and are typically considering applying to undergraduate or graduate degree programs in architecture at the University of Texas at Austin or other comparable institutions of higher education.

The Summer Academy is an intensive introductory course in architecture that assumes no prior study in the field, but rather a great familiarity with it through the experience of occupying places. Through a series of individual studio design projects, the Academy introduces students to many of the important aspects of architecture and encourages personal exploration. The identity of a place — what it feels like and what it means to us — arises from qualities that are both visual and non-visual. Under this premise, the Academy encourages design solutions that are grounded in an investigation of experience and perception.

Academy students are provided individual studio space in which to work for the summer session. The studio environment of the Academy provides individual attention through daily tutorials and group discussions with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1. Particular attention is paid to developing skills in drawing and model construction. Daily studio assignments encompass ideas that span the breadth of architectural practice and theory such as structure, materials, site, light, view, context, and experience. Individual studio work is supplemented by a series of supporting activities and events that include faculty and visiting lectures, a film series, site visits, class reviews, and periodic meetings that emphasize students’ more practical concerns, i.e. application procedures, general admissions policies, and the preparation of a portfolio or resumé.

The application phase for the Summer Academy 2009 begins December 15 and ends May 1. The early application deadline is March 1. Enrollment is limited to approximately 80 students. All tuition and housing fees are due to the Summer Academy office in full by May 25. On-campus housing is limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis with the submission of a complete program application and $400 room deposit. After posted deadlines, program and housing applications are accepted on a space-available basis only. Contact the Summer Academy office for a program application packet or for further information at:

The Summer Academy in Architecture
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station - B7500
Austin, TX 78712-0222

tel (512) 471-9890
fax (512) 471-7033
CAAD@austin.utexas.edu

ACADEMIC SCHEDULE

The Summer Academy in Architecture is an academically intensive course that from day one engages students in a series of challenging, deadline-sensitive assignments.

Summer Academy classes are scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. in the School of Architecture’s Goldsmith Hall (GOL on campus maps) for the program duration. Program assignments are under deadline and typically require students to devote significant time during their weekend and evening hours for successful completion. Class time is devoted to individual studio work, student reviews, lectures, discussions, readings, and a film series. Program field trips to local area sites take place during the regularly scheduled class time, with the exception of the field trip to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, which takes place on a Saturday and is optional for students to attend.

On evening and weekends, Academy students are generally “on their own” schedules — however due to the intense workload of the program, Academy students usually find it necessary to spend much of their free time back in the studio working on their design projects in order to successfully fulfill all of the program requirements. (When we said the program is “academically rigorous,” we weren’t kidding!)

Project presentations and critical reviews take place at the close of each design project and at the close of the program. There is a Closing Reception scheduled for the last day of the program, at which time qualifying students receive their program completion certificates and student achievement awards are announced. Parents/guests of Academy students are invited to attend the Closing Reception to view student work on display in the Summer Academy studios.

Teaching and Resident Assistants occasionally schedule optional extra-curricular activities on evenings or weekends for Academy students as ‘study breaks’ or a chance to enjoy some of Austin’s outdoor attractions.

PROGRAM FACULTY

Kevin Alter is the Principal Director of the Summer Academy and also Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, Academic Director of the School of Architecture, and the Sid W. Richardson Centennial Professor in Architecture. Academy Studio Instructors and Teaching and Resident Assistants are recent graduates of the School of Architecture’s professional degree programs or students in advanced standing. Occasional lectures are given by invited guests or members of department faculty.

ADVISING

An important aspect of the Summer Academy in Architecture is its emphasis on academic advising. Academy students meet with undergraduate and/or graduate coordinators and advisors of The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture and have the opportunity to schedule individual advising appointments with advisors while on campus. Additionally, prospective student resources are immediately available to all Academy attendees while on campus – such as the Freshmen Admissions Center, the Graduate School Office, the International Student and Scholars Services office, and the Student Financial Services office. The most useful advising, however, is typically offered via one-on-one contact with Summer Academy instructors and faculty during studio activities.

Periodic meetings with program faculty and guest speakers emphasize students’ more practical concerns such as application procedures, admissions policies, degree program requirements, portfolio and resumé preparations, professional experience, and other aspects of the architectural profession.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

The Summer Academy Introduction to the Profession is open to anyone 17 years of age or older, as of June 8, 2009, who is seriously interested in exploring architecture as a field of professional study, regardless of experience. There are no specific academic standards for this session. However, the admission process attempts to identify students who have the interest and initiative, discipline and ability to take full advantage of the program.

PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The application phase for the Summer Academy 2009 begins December 15 and ends May 1. To apply to the Summer Academy in Architecture, students must submit the following materials to the Summer Academy office:

  1. Summer Academy Program Application Form — To be completed and signed by the applicant; includes personal essay (page 2), optional campus housing request (page 3), and Parental Authorization Form (page 4) for applicants under age 18 as of June 8, 2009, and Application Appendices.
  2. $25 Non-refundable Application fee — Paid in the form of check or money order made payable toThe University of Texas at Austin
  3. Professional Resumé (for post-college applicants) OR Official High School or College Transcript (for all other applicants) — Transcripts may be sent under separate cover or in sealed school-issued envelope with other application materials.

Applications are not considered complete until ALL of the above materials have been received by the Summer Academy office.

Program applicants may opt to submit a portfolio or samples of their creative work if they choose for added consideration. Submission materials, however, will not be returned to applicants; applicants should send digital scans or photocopies (rather than originals) of their creative work samples. All application and payment submission deadlines refer to dates of post-mark.

PRE-ACTIVITY CLEARANCE EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT

In accordance with regulations stipulated by the University’s Office of the Provost, all students attending the Summer Academy in Architecture must provide proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases and physician’s clearance to attend the program through the completion of the Pre-Activity Clearance Examination Form and Physical Authorization, which is available with the program application appendices, from the Summer Academy office or website. All Academy students must have submitted a complete copy of this form to the Academy office by May 25 in order to eligible for program attendance.

EARLY & STANDARD ACCEPTANCE DATES

For applications received in full by March 1, early acceptance notification letters will be mailed March 16 with a non-refundable program deposit of $200 due by April 6 (post-mark), and the balance of tuition and housing fees due by May 25.

For program applications and deposits received after March 1 through May 1, standard notification letters will be mailed by May 15. The balance of tuition and housing fees are due by May 25.

All application and payment submission deadlines refer to dates of post-mark. Tuition and housing payments may be combined in one check if preferable.

PAYMENT POLICY & SCHEDULE

REFUND POLICY

Optional ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

A limited number of shared double-rooms in the on-campus dormitories will be available for Summer Academy students for a rate of approximately $950 that includes a basic dormitory meal plan. Exact summer 2009 room rates are announced in April and are therefore subject to change.

Double rooms are assigned 2-3 students per room (or suite). Both double and single rooms come with shared or community bathrooms and genders separated by floor. Resident Assistants reside on each floor of the dormitory with Hall and Area Coordinators on assignment from the UT Division of Housing and Food Service (DHFS) residing in near proximity.

Dormitory meal plans are honored at select dormitory cafeterias only as determined by the DHFS and are not negotiable after the start of the program. Dorm cafeterias offer basic meal options and do not include fast-food, outside vendors, or commercial items. On-campus housing applicants may opt out of the program resident meal plan in favor of making their own meal arrangements independently and for a reduced housing cost of $750.

To apply for on-campus housing, applicants must complete the On-Campus Housing Request section of the Summer Academy Program Application Form and submit a $400 room deposit (applied toward housing fee and non-refundable after May 1) along with their complete program application to the Summer Academy office by March 1 for early acceptance notification or May 1 for standard acceptance notification. Housing applications will not be processed until all program application materials have been received by the Summer Academy office. On-campus housing applicants over age 21 may be requested to authorize a criminal background check for purposes of campus and dorm security.

Housing requests should not be considered granted until confirmation of room availability and program acceptance has been received from the Summer Academy office. Housing confirmation letters will be mailed with program acceptance letters on March 16 for early applicants and May 15 for standard applicants.

After confirmation of room availability and program acceptance, the housing fee balance (of $550 w/meal plan option or $350 w/out meal plan option) is due by May 15. After June 1, housing refunds are made solely at the discretion of the UT Division of Housing and Food Service, on a case-by-case basis and for extenuating circumstances only. Dining dollars are not refundable under any circumstance.

All payments must be made in the form of check or money order made payable to The University of Texas at Austin and submitted directly to the Summer Academy office. All application and payment submission deadlines refer to dates of post-mark. Housing and tuition payments may be combined in one check if preferable.

As an alternative to applying for on-campus housing, Summer Academy applicants may opt to coordinate their housing independently via private apartment sublets or private dormitories in the campus area such as The University Towers, The Goodall Wooten dormitory, or The Castilian dormitory. Individual meal plans may be purchased at the Dobie Center Dormitory. The Summer Academy office provides a list of recommended off-campus housing options to students upon request.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

SUPPLIES: Summer Academy supply kits will be made available at the University Co-op (located at 2246 Guadalupe Street) for a discounted rate of approximately $250 beginning May 15.

A list of all items included in the program supply kit is available from the Summer Academy office. Students may opt to provide or purchase their supplies via alternate sources, or purchase only select items from the supply kit as needed. At the end of the program, the Academy will buy-back a limited number of gently used kit supplies for half-price from students wishing to sell them. In addition to supply kit materials, students should plan on spending approximately $100-150 for additional model building materials that may be necessary for their individual project constructions.

ADD-ON FEES: Academy students may opt to make use of campus recreational sports and visitor parking facilities during the program duration. RecSports passes and parking permits must be purchased in person at the appropriate University offices after students’ arrival to campus. Payment is due at the time of permit issuance. Rates for the 2009 RecSports passes and U.T. Parking permits will be announced in May, but typically fall within an approximate $100-150 price range for each facility, depending on permit types and durations.

TRANSFER CREDIT

The Summer Academy in Architecture is a non-credit program and does not appear on university transcripts. However, dependent upon the particular institution and program in which each student enrolls, credit for the Summer Academy may be granted by that institution. Participants leave the Summer Academy with a certificate of completion and a written evaluation of their performance from their studio instructors mailed within 60 days of their departure from the program.

Admission to the Summer Academy in Architecture does not increase the chance for admission to the U.T. Austin School of Architecture as a degree-seeking candidate.

FINANCIAL AID

The Summer Academy is an entirely self-funded program and is thus able to offer only limited financial assistance in the form of partial tuition waivers (maximum $1000 value) to a minimal number of applicants each year on the basis of need and scholarship. Financial assistance cannot be provided for housing costs under any circumstance. Applications for Financial Aid are due to the Summer Academy office by April 15, with assistance awards announced May 1.

To apply for financial aid, applicants must submit: (1) a complete application, (2) the Summer Academy Application for Financial Aid Form, and (3) a portfolio or samples of their creative work for consideration by April 15. Applicants should not send original artwork, but digital scans or photocopies of their creative work samples. Materials submitted for application will not be returned to the applicant.