Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Academy camps are designed for students entering grades 9-12. Some partner Pre-College camps listed on our site serve other grade levels. Check the individual camp description for details. 

Yes.

Payment requirements vary by camp. Some camps require a deposit at the time of registration, while others require payment in full to secure a student’s spot. The required payment amount and due date are clearly stated on each camp’s registration form.

Please note that some camps require an application process prior to registration (Halliburton XCITE and REHAMS). Applying for acceptance to a summer program does not require a fee.

Refund policies, including whether deposits or program fees are refundable, vary by camp. Some deposits or program fees may be non-refundable. Families should carefully review the refund policy listed on the specific camp’s registration form before submitting payment.

Each summer camp has its own cancellation and refund policy, which is outlined on the camp’s registration form. Refund eligibility, deadlines, and amounts differ by program. The Gordon A. Cain Center is unable to make exceptions outside of the stated camp policy. *If a camp is cancelled, program fees will be refunded.

For all inquiries, please contact:

Cain Center Summer Academy camps: summer-academy@lsu.edu

Partner or departmental camps: precollege@lsu.edu

Go to our Contact Page or specific program on Pre-College Portal if you have any difficulties with registration.

Included:

• Instruction and academic programming
• Required materials, supplies, and equipment
• Access to top-notch academic facilities during camp hours
• Supervision during programmed activities

Some camps also include: 

• Meals and snacks
• Housing and evening enrichment activities (Residential only)

Families should review individual camp description and registration form for exact details. 

Depending on the camp, families are responsible for: 

• Transportation to and from LSU campus.
• Extra snacks and meals
• Optional housing upgrades or add-ons
• Personal spending money

Yes. (Commuter Only)

Commuter students with a valid drivers license may park on campus, but will be required to buy an LSU Parking Permit.

You may park here: LSU Parking Map

Please Refer to Specific Camp Rules!

We do not have an official dress code, but we do ask that everyone wear modest apparel for the sake of comfort and for focusing on learning.

You will walk a lot and engage in physical activity, so dress in a way that you will feel comfortable doing these things. 

In the past students said the following were useful:

• Pair of enclosed shoes
• Pair of long pants
• Warm layer for wearing to class
• Rain jacket, or an umbrella

Do Not bring the following items:

• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Weapons

Neither LSU nor the Gordon A. Cain STEM Literacy Center, nor any Summer Academy staff is responsible for loss, theft, or damage to any item or valuable belonging.

No.

Neither a laptop nor a tablet is not required for any of the Summer Academy offerings. 

To make the most of their camp experience, students are encouraged to:

• Remain professional, respectful, and attentive.
• Show interest and ask questions.
• Follow instructions during activities.
• Travel as a group or with faculty/staff.
• Eat with the group during mealtimes.
• Silence their cell phones during class.

In general, all that is required is a journal and either a pen or pencil.

We recommend also toting a water bottle and either a jacket or a sweater.

In previous years, instructors have included LSU faculty, staff, graduate students, as well as certified teachers from regional school districts and industry professionals. 

During our opening session, you and your family will meet your instructors and learn more about them.

Once you are registered for a camp, a weekday itinerary will be delivered. 

Residential students will have ample time to relax with other students and complete assignments.

There are plenty of planned activities, from swimming, volleyball, games and field trips to nearby attractions. Resident Assistants plan additional activities, so offerings vary each year and often reflect the interests of the current staff.

Past off-campus trips have included the The World War II Museum in New Orleans, the LSU Museum of Modern Art, and the USS Kidd.

Some instructors might assign a problem or a project that you would work on during your free time.

Many residential students are housed in double-occupancy rooms. In limited cases, triple dorm rooms are used based on availability. 

Some camps allow limited single occupancy rooms by request and availability. 

Roommate requests during registration are also allowed for some camps. While we make every effort to honor mutual requests, Roommate pairings are not guaranteed and depend on housing availability. 

Yes.

Trained Residential Assistants (RAs) and Mentors chosen through a competitive interview process monitor the students during residential programming and evening activities. 

With the exception of planned group outings, everyone will eat on campus in the dining hall.

During down time, groups can access vending machines, found in most campus buildings. We recommend every student carry a small amount of cash for this reason.

Note: Labs do not allow any food or drinks.

No.

As a summer residential student, you do not have access to LSU UREC.

While all camps aim to provide high-quality camp experiences, activities and schedules will vary. 

Parents are not permitted to stay overnight in student resident halls. 

Visiting guidelines are shared prior to the beginning of camp.

Families should note any medical, accessibility, or accommodation needs on the registration form.

Contact the program manager as early as possible to communicate these needs beforehand. We work with LSU Housing to support reasonable accommodations.

Yes.

Every residential hall will provide a coin operated laundry facility and it costs $3 per load. Detergent will also be provided. 

The LSU Interactive Map is searchable by building and can provide you with directions from your current location.

Yes.

Trained Camp Assistants (RAs) and Mentors chosen through a competitive interview process monitor the students during the program activities. 

LSU will have a mentor walking with students from location to location to ensure the student arrive to their destinations safely.

We will offer on-campus transportation when needed based on accessibility needs. 

We recommend that you download the Find My Class app onto your smartphone.

All students should remain with their group, including members of the Summer Academy staff, at all times. In the unlikely event that you are somehow separated from the group, you may dial the designated staff‘s cell phone numbers, which we will provide you with during the opening session. 

If you get sick or injured, tell a counselor or staff member immediately.

We'll help you access medical care, like going to the University Student Health Center, an after-hours clinic, or a pharmacy. Sometimes, you might contact your own doctor, who can call in a prescription to a nearby pharmacy.

For minor issues, we'll assist you back to your dorm for rest. Major problems will lead to contacting your family and your departure from the camp.

Our staff can decide if you stay at camp, considering your health and the safety of others. In some cases, we may need to send you home.

LSU Mental Health Service

LSU Student Health Center

List of After Hours Care Centers

List of Local Hospitals

Please refer to our Prescription Medication Policy.

Please refer to our Inclement Weather Policy.