Students live in dorm groups divided by age and gender, with a counselor and junior counselor residing with each group. All program activities are closely supervised with a staff to student ratio of approximately 1:8, creating a safe, tight-knit campus community. Time out of class in the afternoons presents students with a range of social options to choose from, including participating in various athletic events, hanging out around the dorm, or exploring the UO campus with friends. Evenings offer an ever-changing list of options as well that include arts activities, movie-making, sports and game competitions, musical performances, and much more. Students are encouraged to largely construct their own schedules while at SEP, allowing them to cultivate their interests while simultaneously promoting their sense of independence and self-assurance.