Frequently Asked Questions
Program Information
Here you will find answers to most questions folx have when planning to attend the Summer Writing Program. If you don’t see your question here, you can write to swp[at]naropa[dot]edu and we’ll get back to you in a timely manner.
The schedule below is a rough sketch of what each day could look like, week by week. While the speakers and nature of the event, whether lecture, panel, conversation, a great part of the day is engaged . SWP students should be prepared to make this event the focus of their time.
The most common question we receive is, what is SWP like? and really, how can we describe the kinetic environment of SWP? It is school, festival, retreat, autonomous zone, creative cleanse, boot camp, better-than-Christmas all at once. In whichever way you approach it, please, stay HYDRATED!
SAVE-THE-DATE :: Summer Writing Program 51st Anniversary, June 8-28, 2025 “The Living Thread”
Visit the Registration Page for more details, information & to access the form.
How do I apply for the Summer Writing Program?
Easy, you don’t! SWP registration is first come first served, so please have up to three preferences for each week that you are registering.
Naropa students, please speak to your academic advisor.
Non Naropa Students, please visit this page and read all the information carefully before completing the Registration Form.
Can I take more than one workshop per week?
No, but you can take more than one week!
Can I switch workshops?
We strongly encourage students to challenge themselves within each of the workshop space as a sign of growth. However, we recognize that on occasion there may be an incongruous match and that switching workshops would be beneficial. On these occasions, the student must get permission from one of the Directors and complete the change by 3:30pm on Monday the week of enrollment. Due to the short duration of each week, we will not allow changes past this time to maintain workshop continuity.
How many events do I have to attend?
Attendance will be taken at the start of each workshop via sign-in for all students, and each event via check-in for credit students only. Any extenuating circumstances must be accounted for and communicated with the Program Director(s).
What is the deadline to add/drop a workshop without penalty? (see Registration page.)
In order to attend, new registration must be completed by 9am on Monday morning of Week 1, 2, & 3. Students may switch workshops until Monday at 3:30 p.m. with the permission for extenuating circumstances from the SWP Directors, Jeffrey Pethybridge or Caroline Swanson (“Swanee”). All registered students will be held financially and academically responsible for that week’s workshop.
Late fees will apply to unpaid tuition on June 6. Students who register after this date have 48 hours to make payment in full before late fees apply. Payment plan available on request.
While in attendance at Summer Writing Program, you are considered a student of Naropa University, and are expected to respect and adhere to all policies outlined in the Naropa Student Handbook. By registering for Summer Writing Program 2025 “The Living Thread”, you agree to this term.
When is the Summer Writing Program?
Generally speaking, SWP is always the last 3 weeks of June, sometimes overlapping into July by a few days. The program begins with orientation on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
The dates for 2025 are June 8—June 28.
Where is the Summer Writing Program?
SWP happens on the Arapahoe Campus of Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado USA. Main events occur in the Performing Arts Center, with workshops taking place in surrounding classrooms. The exception to this is letterpress workshops which are located at the 63rd St Building in the Harry Smith Print Shop studio.
Who can attend the Summer Writing Program?
SWP is open to all members of the writing community. Summer writers range from young writers earning college credit to the international scholar to the retired poly sci teacher. High school students should submit a letter of interest, 3-5 page writing sample and a letter of recommendation from a non-family member familiar with your writing, as well as a letter of parental consent.
How can I get on the email list to learn about SWP and other, year-round programming from the Jack Kerouac School?
Please join the JKS mailing list using this form.
What are the University’s current COVID-19 procedures and policies?
If a student is unable to attend SWP due to illness, please cancel your registration as soon as possible.
You can stay up-to-date here: https://www.naropa.edu/covid-19-updates/
How much does SWP cost?
$500 per week for non credit,
$1,125 per Undergraduate credit hour (1week = 2 credits)
$1,000 per Graduate credit hour (1 week =2 credits)
Can I audit SWP?
No. SWP is considered an intensive, and so auditing workshops is not possible. However, all of the programming (panels, lectures, conversations, readings), are free and open to the public.
Is there Scholarship available for SWP?
Yes, we have collaborated with many benefactors to create many scholarships available for noncredit. We have awarded up to 21 scholarships in a single Summer to Summer Writers! Please read each carefully as each varies to some degree. They are mostly open to international students as well as provide 1 week of accommodations in student housing. The priority deadline occurs before registration in Spring.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Where can I stay?
Students may arrange accommodations ranging from $350-$700 per week, within an easy walk (approx.. 10 minutes) from the main campus. There are also a handful of hotels, B&B, and other privately owned accommodations adjacent to campus.
https://www.naropa.edu/academics/swp/housing/
How & when should I pay for SWP? — Billing & Payment FAQs 24-25 Updated
Once your registration is complete, you will be sent an electronic bill. You can follow these instructions, or follow one of the other options on this page.
Payment is due BEFORE the week of enrollment, otherwise the seat will be forfeit, and the individual will be responsible for tuition. 2025 late fees apply after June 6.
How do I establish accessibilities accommodations?
A student with a disability must make their needs known to the Disability Resources Coordinator in order to receive accommodations.
Office of Accessibility: disability@naropa.edu or 303-245-4749.
https://www.naropa.edu/academics/academic-support/accessibility-resources/
Will Library Services be available to me?
Our Online Audio Archive is always available.
The Allen Ginsberg Library will be open and available to Summer Writers during business hours. Students may print here or in the Business Services Office in the basement of the Lincoln Building.
How can I get to/from/around Boulder?
RTD serves the whole Denver Metro Area. The AB will get you from Denver International Airport to Boulder Union Station. The fare is $12, no change.
Naropa University, Arapahoe Campus is within a 20 minute walk of Naropa student housing, downtown, two grocery stores, and various parks. Most key parts of the city are also connected by bike trails.
Learn more about transportation options here. Keep in mind that student bus passes are for full time, residential students only.
How & Where to Eat
In addition to the Naropa Cafe and on-site vending machines, there are two grocery stores within walking distance of Arapahoe Campus, as well as many places to eat that accommodate all diets. Boulder is a food-fad friendly place with establishments that cater to all palates from hot dog stands to farm-to-fork vegan.
Many quick and easy options can be found at Arapahoe & Folsom.
