Clarion was founded by Robin Scott Wilson in 1968 at Clarion State College (now Clarion University) in Pennsylvania. Wilson built his system partly on the tradition of mutual criticism in use at the Milford Science Fiction Writers' Conference, a workshop for professional SF writers established by Damon Knight and Kate Wilhelm (who helped Wilson with Clarion as well). From 1972 through 2006, Clarion was hosted by Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Since 2007 the workshop has been located on the beautiful beachside campus of University of California, San Diego.

Housing

In order to foster the group bonding that is part of the Clarion experience, it is mandatory that students reside in Clarion housing. Students will stay in college apartments.  Each participant has a private bedroom in a three-student apartment with shared bathroom and small kitchen. Laundry facilities are conveniently located. Beaches and shopping are  within easy reach by public transportation. Students who bring their cars will receive a UCSD permit for parking on campus. Summer temperatures in San Diego are normally 70-80°F, dry and comfortable.

Check-in time at the housing facility will be  2pm on Sunday, June 29. The workshop sessions run from the morning of June 30 to  the afternoon of August 8. Check-out time will be 2pm on Saturday, August 9. Information about nearby hotels will be provided for students who would like to arrive early or stay late.

Fees

APPLICATION FEE. There is a non-refundable application fee of $40.

TUITION for Clarion 2008 will be $1,600.

ROOM AND BOARD for Clarion 2008 will be $2,378. This fee includes the semi-private accommodations described above and meals at a college dining facility. Room and board period begins at 2pm on June 29 and ends at 2pm on August 9.

An additional NON-REFUNDABLE ENROLLMENT FEE of $200 is required on acceptance to the workshop.

Participants will be billed directly by UC San Diego for all fees. Payment will be by cashier's check payable to the UC Regents. All fees must be paid by May 15.

Incidental Expenses

 San Diego is a premier tourist destination. You may want to budget for visits to attractions such as Comic-Con, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, the La Jolla Playhouse, and The Old Globe Theatre. Although the campus is served by public transportation, we recommend you bring your personal vehicle or  else open an account with FlexCar (use zip code 92093 to see vehicle locations on campus).

A campus parking permit is included in the room and board fee. There is an optional fee of approximately $40 a month for the use of campus recreation facilities and pools (fee to be paid upon arrival at Clarion). There is no fee to use the outdoor tracks, fields, and most courts.

Scholarships

Scholarships and other financial assistance are available through both UCSD and the Clarion Foundation. You may apply by completing the Scholarship section of the application. Scholarship aid is based on a combination of merit and financial need.

Copyright © 2007 by The Clarion Foundation
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