Can you believe it's only a little more than two months before the start of the Jane Austen Summer Program?! As you've seen in our "sneak peek" and Austen-Curious Reader posts, we're prepping; we hope you are too. If you haven't done it already, it's time to ...
Sign up for JASP
Time is running out to join us in June! If you're a UNC staff member or a teacher, we have discounted registration! Don't miss out on your chance to learn about Austen's teenage writings through hands-on craft workshops, panels, a film screening, intimate small-group discussions, a Regency game night, Regency ball and more! With our move to campus this year, we are excited to offer a limited number of single- and double-occupancy dorm rooms you can stay in at a lower rate than local hotels (see below for more details on accommodations).
Order your books
We have several authors coming to JASP and they're eager to sign books for you. But you'll have to have your books in advance. How? Head to our virtual bookstore hosted by our friends Jane Austen Books. There you'll find titles by our speakers including Whit Stillman (director of Love and Friendship, this year's featured film), Sayantani DasGupta, Maria Grace and more. Don't want to bring your haul with you to JASP? Get it sent to us and you can pick it up onsite. Find the details on our bookstore page.
Read the readings
Okay, if you've got your assigned readings in hand, what to do next? Read them, of course! We'll be reading the Teenage Writings, Jane Austen (Oxford World's Classics) and Lady Susan, (Wordsworth Classics). If you have your own beloved editions of these books, no worries, you can read those. But we'll be referencing pages numbers and such from Oxford and Wordsworth editions. (and yes, Jane Austen Books can hook you up with these as well).
Book Lodging
This year, our events will be centered on the UNC campus -- immersing ourselves in a true learning environment. Founded in 1789, UNC-Chapel Hill boasts buildings that could appear on the set of an Austen adaptation (swoon). If you really want to get into the college experience (and JASP on a budget), you can opt to stay in one of UNC's dorms, just a short walk from Murphey Hall (if you're flying in, we have linens for rent for the dorms). We also have two hotel blocks you can choose from: AC Hotel Downtown Chapel Hill and Aloft Chapel Hill. We will be working to arrange transportation from these hotels to campus. Dorm lodging is limited supply so grab your room fast! Don't have a roommate? You can join our private dorm Facebook page to find one or we'll assign you one.
Apply for a Teacher Scholarship
Teachers, this is for you: We have scholarships available for JASP! Apply now and you could attend JASP on us.
Find your Regency Wear
Costumes are not mandatory at JASP or for our Regency ball, but some find it adds to the fun. If you can't find your Regency wear, don't worry: we've got you. We'll have costume rentals during JASP in a variety of sizes and colors.
This list should keep you busy this spring. Hope to see you in June!