Baylor University

The Renaissance Scholar Program

Summer Program
Waco, Texas


		Program Description Program Overview Visit Web Site Get Free Info See Photos

For More Information, Contact
Petra Carey
Honors College
Baylor University
One Bear Place #97181
Waco, Texas 76798-7181
254-710-1523
Fax: 254-710-7782
http://www.baylor.edu/renaissancescholar
Adam Ecklund
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Baylor University
One Bear Place #97356
Waco, Texas 76798-7356
254-710-3890
Fax: 254-710-3839
http://www.baylor.edu/renaissancescholar

Type of Program: Precollege academic program, 1 hour of college credit possible
Participants: Coeducational, for current high school juniors
Enrollment: 90 students total, 30 maximum for each course week
Program Dates: Three 1-week sessions: June 10–15, June 17–22, June 24–29
Head of Program: Petra Carey, Coordinator of Summer Programs, Communications, and External Relations

Location

The Renaissance Scholar Program is conducted at Baylor University’s 735-acre campus, located on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, Texas, a metropolitan area of 200,000. The one-week summer session complements and follows the curriculum, standards, and philosophy of Baylor University.

Background and Philosophy

From Plato and Augustine through Pascal, Shakespeare, and Leonardo da Vinci and on up to Einstein, the greatest thinkers have bridged the gap between the sciences and the humanities, technology and art, philosophy, and theology.
    At the Baylor University Renaissance Scholar Program, high school juniors embark on a journey of intellectual discovery that sets them on a path to becoming a person of universal education, someone conversant with all of human learning.
    Sponsored by Baylor’s nationally acclaimed School of Engineering & Computer Science and its esteemed Honors College, The Renaissance Scholar Program offers students an integrated introduction to topics in engineering/technology, with complementary readings in history, art, literature, philosophy, and theology.
    This precollege academic program awards 1 hour of transferable college credit upon successful completion. It presents an integrated introduction to topics in engineering/technology, with complementary readings in history, art, literature, philosophy, and theology. The contemporary relevance of these classroom discussions is brought out through evening viewings and group discussions of films such as The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings—films that highlight issues regarding technology, human nature, the philosophy of the quest, and the role of classical myth and theology in the contemporary world. Students spend a week with Baylor faculty members, who are experts in the fields of technology, art, philosophy, theology, and literature.

Program Offerings

During the course of one week, participants have the opportunity to gain college life experience; study, dine, and debate with the best faculty members; and earn 1 hour of college credit.
In addition, participants are given priority consideration for admission to Baylor University following their senior year in high school. Students must successfully complete the program and submit the Baylor University Undergraduate Application. Application decisions are made at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
More than just an ordinary summer camp, The Renaissance Scholar Program opens the door for students to take a real college course, get to know real faculty members, and earn real college credit.

Enrollment

Consistent with Baylor University’s commitment to increased student-faculty interaction, one-on-one mentoring, and small distinctive classes, enrollment for each week of the program is capped at 30 students.

Daily Schedule

Sunday

4:00–6:00
6:00–9:00

Check-in
Mixer

Monday through Thursday

7:00–7:45
8:10–10:50
11:00–12:20
12:30–1:30
2:00–3:50
4:30–6:15
6:30–7:30
8:00–10:00

Breakfast
Engineering/Computer Science class
Lab
Lunch
Great Texts class
Group study
Dinner
Scheduled event: Monday, activities at Student
Life Center; Tuesday, The Lord of the Rings discussion; Wednesday, The Matrix discussion; Thursday, bowling

Friday

7:00–7:45
8:00–12:20
12:30–1:30
3:00–4:15
5:00–6:00

Breakfast
Wrap-up
Lunch
Check-out
Scholarly presentations

Extra Opportunities and Activities

Renaissance Scholars have the opportunity to get ahead of their peers, experience college life, and meet other high-achieving students from around the nation. Participants also enjoy an introductory mixer with fun and games as well as coordinate and present a group project at week’s end displaying what they have learned.

Facilities

Classes are conducted in the Rogers Engineering and Computer Science Building and in Morrison Hall, site of the Honors College.
    Participants reside in respective men's and women's on-campus residence halls that feature reading rooms, study rooms, lounges, and computer labs.
    Meals are served in the Memorial Dining Hall. Participants also may dine at the on-site Chili’s Too and Starbucks.
    Baylor University’s Student Life Center is open to program participants and features a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, racquetball/squash courts, an indoor jogging track, leisure pool, a 2,400-square-foot aerobics room with sound system and dance lights, and indoor/outdoor volleyball and basketball courts.
    Baylor University’s Bowling Alley and Game Room is open to participants and has six automated bowling lanes with above-ground ball returns, four billiards tables, foosball, dart boards, and a shuffleboard table.

Staff

Baylor University’s most admired professors teach the course work—those professors highly respected by students and peers alike and known for their surpassing ability to communicate, motivate, and evoke in students a love for learning.
There is adult supervision, including Baylor professors and staff members, who are on hand and involved with the participants at all occasions.
Baylor University’s Campus Living & Learning Department is proud to support students while they live at Baylor. Residence halls are operated by highly talented and trained staff members who live on site and work diligently to build community and support students in all aspects of their college lives. In addition, Community Leaders (CLs) reside in each hall. Employed by Baylor’s Campus Living & Learning Department, CLs are current Baylor students who are committed to providing leadership by fostering community and cultivating relationships as well as mentoring residents and facilitating learning through efforts that integrate aspects of diversity, faith, development, academics, and relationships.

Medical Care

Participants have access to the Baylor University Medical Clinic for diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses. In addition, Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center is approximately 4 miles from the Baylor campus.

Religious Life

Students from all faiths and religions are welcome.

Costs

The cost of The Renaissance Scholar Program is $1800. This fee includes the $500 nonrefundable deposit, tuition, books and student fees, room for the entire stay, meal plan for the entire stay, money for Starbucks and Chili’s Too (located on the campus), all special events for students, and use of Baylor University’s Student Life Center.
The $500 nonrefundable deposit is due on admission. All monies for the remaining balance should be postmarked by May 25, 2007.

Financial Aid

Students should apply early while scholarships in the amount of $500 are still available.

Transportation

Parents or guardians of participants who reside beyond driving distance must arrange transportation from nearby airports (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Waco Regional Airport) to Baylor University on the day of registration—Sunday, June 10; Sunday, June 17; or Sunday, June 24, 2007. Others arrive by car.

Application Timetable

The Renaissance Scholar Program accepts applicants on a rolling admission basis beginning in December and continuing until the start of the program. Applicants are urged to apply early while scholarships are available and to ensure placement in the program. Applications are available on the program’s Web site; http://www.baylor.edu/renaissancescholar.