Initiated in July 1996, the Summer University (SUN) is an academic program for university teachers, researchers, administrators and professionals. It offers a series of intensive two and three-week courses in the social sciences and humanities to encourage and promote regional academic cooperation and curriculum development by drawing together young faculty in lectures, seminars and workshops. Courses are led by professors from Central European University (CEU) departments/programs as well as other regional or western universities. The courses are supplemented by public lectures, teaching methodology workshops and optional evening Internet instruction.