More than your average classroom discussion.

For many students and faculty, participation in an ISI conference is a major highlight of their intellectual and professional life.

ISI gets the right people in the room.

Whether half-day seminars, weekend colloquia, or weeklong intellectual retreats, ISI conferences provide attendees with access to leading scholars who discuss and debate a variety of ideas. In addition, the ISI Conference program offers a unique opportunity for students from around the country to meet and engage in a critical assessment of perennial concerns.

Elite summer programs for the thoughtful conservative undergraduate.

  • American Freedom Institute
  • Leadership Retreat
  • Arguing Conservatism: Rhetoric and Debate Symposium

Learn more

American Cause Colloquia

ISI's American Cause Colloquia are organized by students with help from an ISI Regional Program Officer. Each colloquium includes a day-long discussion of Russell Kirk's American Cause, a timeless primer on fundamental American principles.

The colloquium model includes lectures by ISI faculty and faculty-led breakout sessions. In addition to intellectual formation for all participants, student gain first-hand leadership experience organizing a first-rate academic colloquium. Funding and logistical support are provided by ISI.

American Cause colloquia are open to all undergraduates in the region. To host a colloquium or find a colloquium near you, contact programs@isi.org.

Upcoming Colloquia

LocationDateRegistration DeadlineScheduleRegister
University of Virginia March 2, 2013 February 25, 2013 Download Register

Conferences for the general public.

An ISI education is available to students of all kinds—whether enrolled at a school or not. Check our conference schedule below and sign up for a free MyISI account if you want to hear about public conferences in your area.

Liberty Fund

Colloquia in a Socratic spirit.

"American Universities and the Principles of Liberty" is a series of colloquia devoted to a better understanding of specific themes and texts that have been crucial to the development and preservation of liberty in the West. It is part of a partnered program with the Liberty Fund, Inc.

These colloquia are by-invitation-only and bring students to appealing settings throughout the United States for a weekend of extended Socratic-style discussions, both formal and informal, over assigned readings that address specific themes. Leading scholars facilitate discussion during the formal sessions; the schedule also leaves time for casual interaction either during meals and hospitality or free time in the afternoons.

ISI covers the expenses for all eligible students, including travel, meals and lodging. The colloquia run from Thursday night, with an opening reception and meal, through a formal meal and hospitality on Saturday night. The schedule for Fridays and Saturdays consists of two 90-minute sessions each morning and one 90-minute session late each afternoon.

Students who are interested in participating in this program should contact Emily Corwin, the seminar program manager.

Upcoming conferences:

Conferences from the past 6 months: