Daily Schedule

A typical day at the conference looks something like:

7 am — Hike (every other day)
9:30am–12 pm — Workshops I & II (alternating days)
1:15–2:15 pm — Special Topics Classes
2–2:30 pm — Coffee/Social, Guerry Auditorium
2:30–3:30 pm — Participant & Staff Readings
3:45–4:45 pm — Faculty Craft Lecture
5–5:45 pm — Participant & Staff Readings
7:30–8:30pm — Faculty Readings
8:30–11pm: Social Events

*McClurg, our campus cafeteria, is open from 7 am–7 pm. We left timeslots for meals, but you are welcome to go eat when hunger strikes according to your workshop/special topics schedule, etc.

The conference is an exciting time for us and our participants, but we understand that it can be overwhelming to look at a fully-packed schedule with hikes, workshops, special topic classes, readings, and social gatherings (a ghost walk! a karaoke night! a dance! French House hangs after evening readings!)

We encourage participants to take things at their own pace. You will be embarking on a two-week journey, which means you will have plenty of time to participate in activities. Be sure to take time for yourself and enjoy the experience at your own rhythm!

Housing

The conference offers air-conditioned, furnished dorm rooms. Participants do not have roommates at the conference. Bedrooms are either arranged in suites with a shared bathroom or along a hall with a hall bathroom.

Bed linens, a pillow, blankets, towels, and washcloths are supplied, but daily hotel-style service is not. Sheets and pillowcases will be changed once. Fresh towels should appear regularly, although some participants prefer to bring their own. The dorms have free washing machines and dryers but no irons or ironing boards.

There is only overhead lighting, so past participants have frequently brought (or purchased once here) small lamps or fans for their rooms.

The dorms we use are within easy walking distance of McClurg Dining Hall and Guerry Auditorium, where most conference events will take place. Parking is available close to the dorms.

Eating

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at McClurg are included in the cost of the conference. Should you tire of living that caf life, there are some great spots in walking distance to get a bite.

McClurg dining hall

McClurg Dining Hall is within walking distance of the dorms, Guerry Auditorium, and Gailor and Walsh-Elliot Halls, where workshops and special topic classes will be held.

Committed to sustainability, McClurg Dining Hall sources some of its ingredients, such as fresh eggs and salad greens, from the University Farm.

The dining hall also accommodates allergies and dietary restrictions.

Arranged buffet-style, McClurg offers a variety of food stations: Homeline, Allergen-Free, Vegan, Sea to Table, Pizza, Pasta, Egg Line, Salad Bar, and Desserts.

Bagels, cereals, and fruits are available at all times, along with a selection of drinks. Coffee and tea will also be available at all meals.

Stirling's Coffee House

Located on central campus, Stirling’s offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and specialty drinks. It has an expansive porch surrounded by trees, as well as a cozy reading room where you can unwind with a cup of coffee.

LUNCH

With a great emphasis on local ingredients and seasonal produce, Lunch features a rotating menu based on what’s being harvested by our farmers. Alongside fresh baked goods, coffee, snacks, and craft beers, they also have dry goods and treats in their market.

The Blue Chair Cafe & Tavern

Walk downtown and enjoy a filling breakfast, a lunch special, or a baked good at The Blue Chair. The tavern next door is a great spot to catch a pint and enjoy the outdoor seating.

Shenanigans

Shenanigans is a beloved restaurant, pub, and gathering place housed in the oldest building in Sewanee. It serves made-from-scratch pizzas, feel-good Southern dishes, and a variety of burgers and grilled sandwiches. A rotating lineup of regional, award-winning craft beers rounds out the menu.

Judith

Judith is a new tavern in town led by James Beard-nominated Chef Julia Sullivan. It features a seasonal menu of creative and approachable dishes, including a selection of shareable plates. Judith is only open for dinners, and you can also enjoy cocktails and a variety of drinks.

Living

The Outdoors

The University of the South is set on a 13,000-acre Domain atop the Cumberland Plateau, making the outdoors a central part of both the student and town life in Sewanee. We encourage participants to explore our wonderful mountain and its beautiful surroundings, whether swimming or exploring our hiking and mountain biking trails. Here are a few not-too-demanding activities that you might want to try during your stay.

Fowler Fitness Center

The Fowler Fitness Center is open to participants and has regular but limited summer hours; an Olympic-sized pool (open limited hours); tennis and racquetball courts; exercise machines; and an indoor track.

duPont Library and William Ralston Music Listening Room

The University also offers indoor spaces for participants to unwind, such as the duPont Library, with a vast selection of books and the William Ralston Music Room, a world-class loudspeaker room where you can enjoy an expansive collection of recordings.