Sewanee Environmental Institute

Sewanee: The University of the South

SEI Educational Programs

Willis hikingThe educational programs offered through SEI aim to showcase the Sewanee landscape through summer courses, immersion experiences and undergraduate research. This landscape, with its ecological biodiversity and geological formations, has a rich history and prehistory of people and natural resources. These are the elements that make for a distinctive learning environment. The SEI programs are field intensive and offer students the opportunity to walk the land and read the landscape.

Few colleges campuses can boast of the field-based labs that Sewanee has on their own landholdings. Within just a few miles of central campus students can find old-growth forests, regenerated landscapes, wetlands and rock faces. Many field sites can be reached by hiking or biking.

Pre-College Field Studies Experience

In the summer of 2012, SEI will again offer a Pre-College Field Studies Experience. This two week immersion program will be held June 24th - July 7th and is for rising high school juniors and seniors. It provides an interdisciplinary introduction to environmental studies and is led by senior faculty of the University from a variety of disciplines. This program is selective and attracts students from all over the nation.

Field School in Archaeology

Luke and Elspeth in fieldThe Field School in Archaeology will be next be in session in 2013 with a 6-week intensive course. Fieldwork includes excavation of important prehistoric sites, archaeological site survey, and rock art survey. 

Field Study in Belize

Field Study in Belize will take SEI students south for a two-week field immersion course. Two field stations will be visited - one on the island of South Water Caye and the other to the interior rainforest.  This course is only open to University of the South undergraduate students.

Undergraduate Research

The opportunities for undergraduate research are available for the student who wishes to dive into an on-going project or be a part of research team for a grant-specific objective or pursue an independent study in close collaboration with a faculty member.

News & Events Feed Icon

Physics Department sponsors lecture on Nissan’s electric car the LEAF

January 17, 2012

Come out to hear about the Nissan LEAF with special guests from the Decherd, Tennessee plant. Read more…

Cumberland Voices - a conservation planning document is released

November 11, 2011

The Land Trust for Tennessee and the University of the South have completed a conservation planning document for the South Cumberland region. Read more…

Appointments made in support of Sewanee’s Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability

November 2, 2011

Sewanee’s Vice-Chancellor John McCardell has announced two appointments that give new substance to the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability Read more…

From the Blog Feed Icon

Summer 2011 Pre-College Program Comes to a Close

Our summer SEI Pre-College Program ended yesterday with lots of tearful good-byes.   It was wonderful to watch the friendships form among this tight group of…

Follow the Pre-College Blog!

Students in the Pre-college program take turns each day photographing their activities and creating blog entries.   You can follow their blog, as well as…

Want to know more?

If you’re interested in our program and would like more information on enrollment or curriculum details, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sewanee Environmental Institute nameplate