The seminar will take place at the University of California, Davis. I live not far from the campus and will be able to invite the summer scholars who are selected to participate in the Arendt seminar to a welcome dinner at my home, Sunday evening, June 25th, the night before our seminar is scheduled to begin its official working sessions.

Situated in a tranquil area in the California agricultural region known as the Sacramento Delta, and not far from the famous wine-growing region of Napa Valley, UC-Davis is a world-class university with an excellent library and other facilities that provide a comfortable setting for the seminar. Ranked as one of the best towns in the nation to live in, Davis is also considered the most bike-friendly city in the nation. On Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, year-round, Davis hosts a farmer’s market as part of its commitment to sustainable living.

Heather Nordstrom, a New York teacher who attended my Arendt seminar in 2011, will be in residence at Davis during the seminar and provide support for the seminar’s activities. She will help organize selected weekend social activities for the group or parts of the group. On those weekends, these activities might include hikes in the surrounding area, a trip to nearby Napa Valley, a visit to the Culinary Institute of America, or even a journey into Sacramento or San Francisco.

The seminar will be restricted to sixteen participants, each of whom will receive a stipend of $3300. The first half will be available upon arrival, less housing costs, and the second check at the beginning of the third week.

As “visiting scholars” all participants will have access to and borrowing privileges at the Shields library. Summer scholars will also be able to take advantage of UC-Davis’s recreational facilities. Internet access will also be available in your residence.

Participants will be housed in the University’s dormitory-style residences. The cost for single-room occupancy for the four weeks is approximately $2000, and includes basic linens and three meals a day in the University’s award-winning dining facilities. The dorm buildings have Internet capacity, a laundry, and other amenities. There is also a group room available for informal gatherings. Cost of housing will be deducted from stipends, and the balance delivered in two equal checks, as above.

I have contracted for UC-Davis’s housing option because it facilitates collegiality. I cannot stress too much how important living near one another is to the seminar’s success. Late night conversations, informal meetings, shared meals—all these facilitate dialogue. You will be asked to indicate special needs or requests if and when you are selected.