We have been in the summer experience industry for more than 58 years and have been providing superior pre-college programs for more than 40 years. Preparedness is paramount, and we pride ourselves in our ongoing commitment to student safety and security. Our years of experience and our breadth of campus offerings across two continents means we’ve seen it all. We've created safety and security plans to ensure our highly trained staff are ready to respond to any emergency.
Safety & Security
Delivering the highest safety standards in the business
Our Partners in Safety
Student safety isn't a one-person job; it takes a community approach. That's why we've partnered with experts in the field to keep our students protected. We also have partners that provide emergency services should they be needed.
Universities
At each of our partner universities, we work with university housing, campus safety, student health and wellness, and counseling centers to make sure our critical safety protocols and plans are in place should they be needed. Our university partners provide their guidance and expertise in the field of campus safety.
Insurance
Summer Discovery offers a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan provided by Travel Insured International (a Crum & Foster company)*. We highly recommend purchasing this additional coverage to protect your tuition investment. This optional plan provides coverage prior to and during your program. Travel Protection Plans are non-refundable. Download the brochure here for more information.
Staff
Our campus directors average more than 14 years of experience. Many are teachers, educators, professors, counselors, and principals who spend their summers serving our students. All of our Resident Counselors are 20 years or older and have been through Summer Discovery's safety training. We utilize background checks and extensive screening protocols for all staff members to ensure the best quality support for our students.
Parents
Parents have an active role to play in student safety. Our parents must complete student forms that provide essential information about student needs, health, and visitation allowances. Parents must approve all external visitors and are not allowed into the residence halls where students live.
Committed to Safety and Tolerance
Summer Discovery prioritizes the safety and security of every student. Respecting the rights of other students in a diverse society is an integral part of university life and Summer Discovery values. Student expression of opinion must be respectful of others – bigotry, hatred, and intolerance have no place in our community. In displaying or distributing expressions of opinion, students are expected to show respect for the social, moral, and religious views of others. Tolerance of different people’s religions, ethnicities, cultures, gender, and sexual orientation is an integral part of the Summer Discovery experience.
Harassment and abuse are prohibited and will result in dismissal; including, but not limited to: The use or threat of physical violence, coercion, intimidation, and verbal harassment and abuse. Sexual misconduct, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault, coercion, and threats or use of force, is prohibited. Verbal, physical, and/or bullying, cyberbullying, intolerance and/or sexual, racial, religious, or personal harassment, assault, and fighting of any kind are prohibited and can result in dismissal from the Summer Discovery program with no refund.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We continuously strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion through ongoing education and self-awareness. At Summer Discovery, each person brings unique and varied experiences which inform our thoughts, actions, and decision-making processes. Our mission is to create an inclusive, safe environment for our staff and our students, where everyone’s differences are celebrated, every perspective is valued, and everyone feels safe to bring forth their authentic selves.
The Difference is in the Details
We've been delivering pre-college experiences to middle school, high school, and gifted students for nearly six decades. We evaluate and evolve our safety protocols every year to ensure our standards and processes are top-notch and meet current trends. Below are just a few of our notable practices.
- Student Ratios - We are intentional about our student-to-staff ratios. We want our students to be on a first-name basis with all our staff. We want staff to know faces and names. This creates a more enriching experience for our team and your students! Even more importantly, our low student-to-staff ratios also help us ensure the safety of our students.
- Home Areas - Each university campus has been evaluated, reviewed, and physically walked to determine the areas most suitable for our students. Students are given a map of the "home area" for their campus upon arrival. Students must not leave the home area without supervision by one of our staff members. We want students to have freedom, but it must be balanced with the responsibility to stay within the home area.
- Safety Protocols - The key to safety is having a process. When we take our students on off-campus trips, we have systems in place for making sure all students are accounted for traveling to the destination, at the destination, and returning from the destination. We make rounds nightly to ensure all students are in their rooms at check-in times. We have sign-in and sign-out processes to ensure students are where they are supposed to be. Expectations are provided to students in their Student/Parent Handbook before arriving on campus and are reviewed at orientation on the day of their arrival. Students who don't follow given safety practices risk termination from our program.
- Identification - All students are required to have a campus-issued or Summer Discovery ID. This ID card allows us to restrict access to buildings and residence halls to Summer Discovery students. IDs are required to be worn at all times on a Summer Discovery-provided lanyard.
- Personal Attention - Summer Discovery Residential students have access to 24/7 medical care. Staff make all medical appointments, accompany students to medical facilities, manage and distribute all medications (both prescription and non-prescription), and notify parents after or during medical visits. Your student is more than a number; they are a part of our family.
Have Questions?
When attending our programs, your child is our responsibility. We are honored that so many parents have entrusted us with their students over nearly six decades. Our goal is to provide peace of mind to parents and a valuable experience for our students. If you have any questions about our safety practices or policies, please contact the office at
info@summerdiscovery.cominfo@summerdiscovery.comThe best way to get answers quickly.
+1 (516) 447-4907+1 (516) 447-4907We’re always happy to help.