Updated 10/15/24

Robertson Summers offer powerful opportunities for transformation for those who open themselves to the possibilities.  The process is based on the familiar questions, "Who am I? What am I committed to? How do I want to grow as a leader? How do I create that opportunity?"

Timeline for Exploration and Launch Summer 2025

  •  August/September:  Reflecting
    • Close out Summer 2024 and cultivate insights from reflection and conversation.  Review your Summer 2024 reflection and staff feedback for a reminder of what you learned and how you still want to grow.  If you turned your reflection in late, there will be a delay in receiving feedback from staff.
    • You must complete Summer 2024 through reflection before entering the Summer 2025 process.
    • Participate in the All Scholars Community Dinner September 6.
    • Sophomore retreat, September 13-15. Junior huddles, throughout fall
  • September/October:  Reflecting, ideating
    • Talk to Alumni!  This list includes Alumni who have signed up to be available to you–even just for a conversation.  Grab a friend or two and contact one of these friendly people to chat.
    • Read “Recent Scholar Projects” below, under "Where to go for ideas and inspiration."
    • Invite a Summer Coach to join you. This person will work with you throughout your planning.
    • Participate in an optional Connecting with a Summer Coach workshop. 9/26 update:  We held 4, and they were great!  Check Vicki's email from 9/17/24 if you missed them and want to know more.
    • Enroll in the Summer 2025 process by October 7 .  If you say "yes":
      • You will work with the Summer Coach you have identified. 
      • You will complete a Progress Report by December 20.
      • You will submit a complete proposal and budget by March 1, 2025.
      • You will attend to risk management and travel requirements, such as registering international trips.
      • You will complete reflection processes in August 2025.
    • All Scholars preparing for Exploration or Launch Summer will attend the Summer Possibilities Workshop October 24 at UNC, 5:30-8:00 PM, including dinner.  Graham Memorial lounge.
    • Interested in the Writing Groups?  Here's the info , or just sign up here.
  • November:  Ideating, generating
    • Consider this statement, from Mikhal Ben-Joseph (2023):  “During the Summer, I would love to _____.”
    • Do some soul-searching and include people who know you. What’s missing for you? How can Summer 2025 be a chance to open your heart and mind to new places, activities, and experiences?
    • Optional online coaching sessions with Alumni, November 10-19, 2024.
    • What's your path? Where are you on the long road to Summer?  (Bulletin 11/2/23)
  • December: Drafting
  • January:  Drafting, revising
  • February: Revising, submitting
    • Revise according to feedback.
    • Request April 1 deadline if relevant (see __ Bulletin for more details)
    • Prepare final proposal and budget for submission.
  • March:
  • April: Preparing
    • Submit complete packet of materials by April1, if relevant.
    • Attend Robertson Send-Off April 21, 2024.
    • Final preparation of materials: register international trips, risk forms, etc.
    • Complete Final Information form.
  • May:  Preparing
    • Final preparation of materials.
    • Summer payment for April 1 deadline will be available end of May.
  • August:  Reflecting (again!)
    • Complete reflection as requested.

Important documents

Where can you go for ideas and inspiration?

  • Alumni are eager to participate!  Here's a list of Alumni who have signed up to be available to you.  They are excited simply to know you-- grab a friend and invite one for a conversation.
  • Watch the Alumni stories at the bottom of this page.  You will be inspired and come away with new ideas for Summer!
  • Read about recent Scholar projects. Check Robertson Connect for more details about specific projects.

Info for International Travel

 

Resources and Opportunities for 2024--posted as they are shared with staff (will be updated for Summer 2025)

 

Additional Resources

Transferable Skills Worksheet     This will help you organize and articulate the skills you have and those who you want to gain through Summers.

Third-party providers (examples--there are a lot! These organizations provide opportunities for interactions that are hard to create as an individual, particularly in international medical, educational, or other settings. Some offer valuable opportunities to learn about new places.