Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the sessions held?
- How many days does it last?
- How do I get there?
- Can I leave my car on campus while I’m in Itasca?
- How do I find the U of M St. Paul campus?
- How big is the group?
- What should I bring?
- How much does it cost?
- What will the learning modules be like?
- Are there special needs accommodations?
- What if I’m unable to attend?
- How do I sign up?
- What does Honors/PSEO Focus mean?
- What accommodations are provided at Lake Itasca?
- Who can I contact for more information?
When are the sessions held?
Students may choose one of the following 2008 sessions:
- Sunday, July 20 – Wednesday, July 23
- Wednesday, July 23 – Saturday, July 26
(Honors and PSEO Focus) - Sunday, July 27 – Wednesday, July 30
- Wednesday, July 30 – Saturday, August 2
How many days does it last?
Each session will involve a three-night stay at Lake Itasca.
How do I get there?
Transportation is provided from the St. Paul campus. If you live in the Itasca area, you can make special
arrangements to meet the group at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.
Can I leave my car on campus while I’m in Itasca?
All students are encouraged to be dropped off at the St. Paul campus but if that is not a possibility parking passes can be purchased for Nature of Life at Freshman Orientation for $15 ($3.75 per day). For those that need to park and do not purchase a pass at Orientation you will be able to park in the Gortner Ramp on the St. Paul campus for $12 per day.
How do I find the U of M St. Paul campus?
Click here for links to maps
and driving directions.
How big is the group?
Each session will include about 90 freshmen, eight faculty
and eight current CBS students who will serve as peer mentors.
Participants divide into groups no larger than 15 students
for the daytime sessions.
What should I bring?
Although students will be housed in cabins, please remember
that this is a biological field station with facilities
similar to a state park.
The following are suggested:
Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets
Pillow Case (pillows are provided)
2 pairs of practical shoes (outdoors, may get muddy/wet)
Warm clothes as well as seasonal wear
Shower shoes
Overnight toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, soap, .etc)
Rain gear
Bug spray
Sunscreen (min. recommended SPF30)
Towel and washcloth
Any needed medication
Alarm Clock
A couple plastic bags for wet/dirty clothes
Sunglasses/Hat
Small backpack
Pens/pencils/paper
Positive attitude
Recommended Items:
Water bottle
Swimsuit
Flashlight
Camera (inexpensive)
Binoculars (inexpensive)
How much does it cost?
The Nature of Life is a two-credit course (Biol 1805)
that incoming CBS freshmen will include in their Fall
enrollment during summer orientation after reserving
their session online. The U of M offers a flat tuition
rate for enrollment between 13-18 credits. If, for
example, you register for 13-18 credits, there will
no additional tuition charge for this course. A $230
course fee will also be included in your fall tuition
bill and includes transportation, lodging, and meals.
All students are charged the same course fee regardless
of the number of credits in their fall enrollment.
What will the learning modules be like?
With your small group of 15 freshmen, a peer mentor, and a faculty professor, you will participate in a variety of lab, field, and discussion experiences. Examples of modules include “Bog Biology” (an exciting chance to study plants in a bog environment), “Plants on Prozac™,” and “Your Genes, Your Choices” (a lively discussion on the ethical issues surrounding the Human Genome Project).
Are there special needs accommodations?
The Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories is a
handicap accessible facility and accommodations will
be made for students with disabilities. Please let us
know your needs ahead of time so we can meet them, either
by making notes in the online registration form or contacting
Student Services at 612-624-9717.
How do I sign up?
You’ll find a quick and easy online
registration form here.
Registration begins on March 18, 2008. Session dates are
assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t
delay in reserving your place at Itasca. You must register by July 1. During your summer orientation session, you will also register for the two-credit Nature of Life course.
What does Honors/PSEO Focus mean?
This session will focus on issues regarding the Honors
program for freshmen Honors students and students with prior college experience. Priority
registration is given to honors students until May 15,
at which time registration opens to all incoming freshmen. Students with prior college experience are also encouraged to register for this session.
What if I’m unable to attend?
This is a required class. If prior commitments make it impossible for you to attend, please contact us to make alternative plans.
What accommodations are provided at Lake Itasca?
Students will stay in cabins. Modern showers and bathrooms
exist and meals are served cafeteria-style.
Who can I contact for more information?
View a list of contact information.
