Summer 2026 Courses Announced!
Morven in Summer is an expanded offering of the former Morven Summer Institute. MIS is an innovative sustainability-focused teaching, research, and engagement program for students and community members, hosted on Morven’s 3,000 acres, a key landscape for multidisciplinary learning at UVA.
About the Morven in Summer
During Morven in Summer, undergraduate and graduate students with interests in sustainability, equity, design, food systems, and historical research will have the opportunity to escape the traditional confines of the classroom while working on projects with real-world applications. Morven in Summer occurs during UVA’s Summer Session I.
In conjunction with time spent in the classroom at Morven, this multidisciplinary program features guest speakers, field trips, active group discussions, and hands-on projects to ignite creative collaboration among students and faculty.
Students from all years, departments, and outside universities are welcome to join the Morven community for this unique program.
Why Morven in Summer?
HANDS-ON LEARNING: As UVA’s Sustainability Lab, Morven provides students myriad opportunities to learn about sustainability in a real-world context.
UNIQUE PROGRAMMING: Morven in Summer provides students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous academic study while enjoying one-of-a-kind events and programs, from tea ceremonies in our Japanese garden to camp outs under the stars.
No application is needed — simply sign up on SIS during the spring semester.
2026 Courses and Programs
Session I - Block A: May 18-30, 2026
COMM 3570/GSVS 3559: Sustainable Ventures in Working Landscapes, Mark White
ETP 3500/MUSI 5810: Sound and Sustainability, Matthew Burtner
Session I - Block B: June 1-13, 2026
DANC 3460: Movement & Environment(s), Kathryn Schetlick
LAR 3500: Reading & Regenerating Morven’s Cultural Ecologies, Elizabeth Meyer & Michael Geffel
PLAP 3160/GSVS 3160: Politics of Food, Paul Freedman
Read more about the 2026 courses!
Events and Programs
In the past, staple Morven Summer Institute, now Morven in Summer, events and programs have included:
Teaching Tea Ceremonies in Morven’s Japanese Garden
Morven camp out under the stars
Film night in the Dogwood Theater
Special guest speakers that tie together unique course themes
How to Sign up
The Morven in Institute is offered through the University of Virginia’s Summer Sessions office. Taking courses during Summer Session is a great way for UVA students to earn additional credits outside the traditional school year. Visit the UVA Summer Session website to see more information about credits, tuition, and other relevant information.
To sign up for MIS, no application needed! just sign up on SIS in the Spring of 2026!