Summer Session is open only to currently enrolled Brown undergraduates. 

Brown University undergraduates with questions related to summer credits and degree completion, seeking a return to studies during Summer Session and/or would like additional information about Summer Session academic credits, please refer to Academic Standing site, which includes a link to the Handbook of the Committee on Academic Standing at the bottom of the page. The Handbook will provide additional details and information. Students should reach out to their academic advisor with any questions or concerns.

Summer Session courses are equivalent to semester-long offerings, compressed into a fast-paced seven week-long summer schedule. Courses are offered both on-campus and online. Course meeting times range depending on the learning objectives, there may be an additional laboratory or discussion sessions for courses. Summer Session class size is small, which allows for a high level of interaction and engagement with the instructor and peers throughout the seven-weeks.

Brown Faculty-led Global Summer Programs provide the opportunity for students to enroll in unique summer session courses with a global focus. 

Click here to learn more about course offerings.

Why Take a Summer Session Course?

• Learn in a highly focused environment that allows for immersion in a specific topic.
• Take an innovative course not available during the fall or spring semester.
• Spread out coursework throughout the year or earn the additional credit.
• Have more time and flexibility for an internship or research during the academic year.

​Enrollment and Credit

Summer Session courses may count towards a concentration or elective. Students will earn one unit of credit, equivalent to four semester hours.

Registration

Students may view and register for courses using the Courses@Brown site. PINs are not necessary for registration.

Note: Courses may be canceled if they do not meet the minimum number of students required. Active courses will be confirmed in early June after the initial registration period.

Grading

Unless otherwise indicated in the course description, Summer Session courses default to the ABC/NC grading scale. Students may change their grade option before Monday, June 23, 2025. Grade options cannot be changed after this date.

Adding or Dropping a Summer Session Course

The last day to add a course is Wednesday, June 17, 2026. All students must be registered for courses by this date. The last day to drop a course (with 0% reimbursement) is Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Please see the Student Financial Services website for Summer Session fees and refunds policies. 

Please see the Student Financial Services website for Summer Session fees and refund policies. Here you will find:

• Summer Session course fees and refunds
• Summer Session meals and housing refunds

Additional Summer Session Refund Notes

• All program-related costs not billed by Brown University are non-refundable. (i.e. travel, books etc.)
• For Pre-Baccalaureate students: Application fees and program deposits are non-refundable.

Summer Grants

Brown undergraduates who receive financial aid during the academic year may be eligible for a Summer Grant towards their Summer Session fees. Eligible students will be contacted by the Office of Financial aid in late February/early March with information about their eligibility.

Q: Who is eligible to enroll in a summer session undergraduate course? 

A: Currently enrolled Brown undergraduates. 

Current Brown Doctoral Students may be eligible to enroll in Summer Session courses, pending instructor permission and Graduate School approval. Doctoral students who are approved to enroll in a Summer Session course will be responsible for paying tuition independently for that course. Master's students are not eligible to enroll in Winter Session courses. Please direct questions to Vanessa Ryan, Associate Dean of the Graduate School.
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Eligible Brown staff who wish to take an undergraduate, advanced degree or work-related course should apply to the Employee Education Program (EEP) coordinated through the Benefits Office. Employees who wish to take Brown courses as degree candidates or who wish to take courses at an institution other than Brown should review the EEP FAQs to learn about applicable guidelines of the Employee Education Program and how to apply. If there are additional questions contact Christina_Bernier@brown.edu in the Benefits Office.

Q: Can I enroll in a Brown Summer Session course if I have already taken four Brown courses in previous Winter and Summer Sessions?

A: Effective 2025, Brown summer and winter courses DO earn enrollment units and can be used to satisfy the minimum 32 enrollment unit requirement. Students can earn a maximum of FOUR  credits from Summer/Winter Session to count toward the enrollment unit requirement. These credits do not, however, advance a students semester standing which is used for course registration timing/restrictions, housing, etc.

Q: How many courses may I take during Summer Session?

A: Due to the intensive nature of these courses, students may enroll in a maximum of two courses per Summer Session.

Q: If I receive a SPRINT Undergraduate Research and Teaching Award (UTRA) can I register for Summer Session course(s)? 

A: Unfortunately, the specific terms and details of the award do not permit enrolling in Summer Session courses. 

Q: Will any academic support services be available during the Summer Session?

A: There may be some support available during Summer Session but it is limited. If you would like more information about academic coaching, please visit the Academic Support Services website and contact academicsupport@brown.edu with specific questions.

Q: Will I be charged for meals and housing if I enroll in Summer Session?

A: Summer Session on-campus meal plans and housing are not automatic or required for Brown students. Only students who request these options will be billed for them. Students who want an on-campus meal plan should make their request through Dining Services. Students who want on-campus housing should make their request through the Office of Residential Life as noted in their Summer Housing student communication, or by email to res_life@brown.edu.

Q: Is it possible to study off-campus during the Summer Session and transfer the credits?

A: Yes, if needed to complete degree requirements. If you are interested in off-campus study, always talk to a transfer dean to start planning. More information can be found at Brown's Study Away and Transfer Credit website. Specific questions can be sent to graduationplans@brown.edu.

Q: Is it possible to study at RISD Summer Session and transfer the credits?

A: Summer Session is not included in the Brown-RISD cross-registration agreement. Brown students interested in RISD summer courses need to follow the transfer credit rules and procedures. 

RISD students interested in cross-registering in Brown University courses should visit the RISD Registrar webpage for detailed instructions on the process.

Q: Can I audit a Summer Session course? 

A: Yes, a currently enrolled Brown student can audit a Summer Session course. Instructor permission is required and Summer Session tuition and fees apply. 

• Academic Calendar
• Brown Dining Website
• Office of Residential Life
• Student Financial Services
• Financial Aid Information

Summer Session extends the undergraduate curriculum into the summer months where faculty are able to innovate and experiment with new materials and pedagogies. Summer Session offers a wide range of courses from across the disciplines, from those that are in regular high-demand or are prerequisites for further study to those that are uniquely attractive to students. All courses offered must be currently approved Summer Session courses. New course proposals may be submitted via the course proposal form shared with faculty and staff in late September of each calendar year. New courses are approved by College Curriculum Committee as well as by the offering department with instructors notified of their course status early February

Brown undergraduates and accelerated high school students are eligible to enroll in Summer Session courses both in-person and online, is an exciting opportunity for instructors who are looking to work with talented students and experiment with new material and pedagogies.The seven-week session provides students an intensive learning experience, enabling them to achieve a degree of focus that is for many a challenge during the fall and spring semesters. Since students have chosen their classes freely and are typically taking only one course or no more than two over the summer, they have time to focus on a limited set of objectives. Indeed, students regularly report that the compressed session, the small class size, the availability of the instructors and the absence of distraction during the Summer Session significantly facilitates their learning.  

The instructional staff of Summer Sessions consists primarily of Brown faculty, supplemented by visiting faculty and graduate students.

Fully Online courses must meet the following criteria, per the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines for distance education issued in July 2021:

1. The syllabus should identify regular opportunities during the term for students to engage in two or more substantive interaction activities, initiated by instructors, drawn from this list:

• Direct instruction (e.g., synchronous Zoom lectures or discussions)
• Assessment with feedback that is provided by the course instructional team (e.g., papers, projects, tests, quizzes, or homework)
• Opportunities for students to ask questions (e.g., regularly scheduled office hours, invitation in a syllabus to email questions with noted response time)
• Group discussions (e.g., Canvas, synchronous)

2. The syllabus should identify at least one way that instructors are attuned to student participation and performance, and support is offered when needed. Although possible demonstrations could go beyond this list, common examples include:

• Participation in synchronous class sessions is detailed, including how a student might get midway feedback about their performance
• Student activity on course websites or materials is noted (e.g., weekly discussion posts), including how a student might get periodic feedback about their performance
• Instructors evaluate and give feedback on assignments and assessments
• For fully asynchronous courses, the syllabus would note a schedule where an instructor would check in with a student to discuss progress in the course

For more information and resources, please go to Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning

Course development funds can be requested the first time a course is taught or when there are significant revisions to a course that was previously taught. These funds can help to support instructional needs of the course, for example, books, specialized software or translation of course specific materials. These funds do not support the compensation for TAs, as that is covered elsewhere. Request course development funds using this budget form.

The budget will be reviewed and approved by the Division for Pre-College and Undergraduate Programs (PCUG) after a course is approved by the College Curriculum Committee (CCC). It may be the case that some requested budget items are approved and others are not. Additional information may also be requested. Funds may not be distributed until the course is approved by CCC. Questions about course development funds can be directed to pcugcourses@brown.edu.

1. Connect with your Department Chair to secure approval to teach during the summer undergraduate session.
2. If you are an advanced graduate student department chair, DGS and Graduate School approval is  required l in order to propose a Summer Session course. Once the DGS, academic department and Graduate School have approved, please submit the course information via the form.
3. Submit the Summer Session 2026 Proposal form.
4. Please note that beginning with Summer Session 2026, a minimum enrollment of 10 students will be required for a course to be offered. Any course with fewer than 10 students enrolled as of 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 21, 2026, will be canceled due to low enrollment.

SUBMIT

The deadline for course proposals is September 22, 2025 
Program Director: Assistant Dean Carrie Nordlund
Academic Program Support: Associate Director Lisa Vidal

Information about instructor compensation for Summer Session can be found at this link.