Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the sessions held?
- How many days does it last?
- Medical insurance requirement
- How do I get there?
- Can I leave my car on campus while I’m in Itasca?
- What if I live near Itasca and want to meet the Nature of Life group there?
- How can I get to campus from the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport?
- What time does the bus leave for Itasca? What time does the bus return to St. Paul?
- 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 accommodations are provided at Lake Itasca?
- Who can I contact for more information?
When are the summer sessions held?
Students may choose one of the following 2012 sessions:
- Wednesday July 11- Saturday July 14
- Sunday July 15- Wednesday July 18
- Wednesday July 18 - Saturday July 21
- Sunday July 22 - Wednesday July 25
- Wednesday July 25 - Saturday July 28
How many days does it last?
Each session will involve a three-night stay at Lake Itasca.
Medical Insurance Requirement:
You must have active health insurance to attend the Nature of Life Itasca Session. Please contact the NOL coordinator at (612) 624-9717 with questions.
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 by selecting “Parking Needed” on the NOL registration form and sending $15 to CBS Student Services ($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.
What if I live near Itasca and want to meet the Nature of Life group there?
You will need to make arrangements with CBS Student Services by calling 612-624-9717.
How can I get to campus from the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport?
Transportation to and from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport can can be arranged by using SuperShuttle service. Students must make a reservation between 2 and 24 hours in advance. Call 612-827-7777 or check the SuperShuttle Web site. You can also do a web search for local cab companies. E-mail nol@umn.edu for more information.
What time does the bus leave for Itasca? What time does the bus return to St. Paul?
The bus for Itasca leaves at 1 p.m. sharp on the first day of your Nature of Life session. Check-in begins at 12 p.m. in the lobby of Snyder Hall. You can enter the building through Gortner Laboratory. The bus will return to St. Paul from Itasca at approximately 12:30 p.m. on the last day of your Nature of Life session.
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
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 course fee will be added to your tuition bill for transportation, lodging, and meals during the Itasca session. 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.
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.
How do I sign up?
You can register for Nature of Life and your Orientation date after you complete the Pre-Orientation survey. The Pre-Orientation survey is #2 on the New Student Checklist.
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.
