Nature of Life at Itasca is a signature experience for all incoming first-year students in the College of Biological Sciences. During NOL@Itasca, students stay at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories (IBSL) and participate in intensive field/lab experience modules, each of which is taught by a faculty member with 10-12 student participants. With topics ranging from genetics (gene mapping, counseling, modeling) to ecology (wildlife tracking, insect behavior, bog ecosystems) to scientific method essentials (hypothesis formation, experimental design, critical thinking), there is something for every inquisitive mind and passionate learner. NOL@Itasca introduces students to the academic and intellectual rigor that they will experience in their CBS classes as well as builds connections with CBS faculty and instructors that they will see throughout their undergraduate careers.
Students also learn about time-honored University of Minnesota traditions and the campus resources available to support their academic and personal success. While attending NOL@Itasca, students meet one another over a game of volleyball or around the campfire, and form strong relationships that can see them through their entire undergraduate careers and beyond.
Program Dates & Requirements
The program is an immersive 4-day/3-night stay on site at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories within the Itasca State Park. There are seven sessions held during June and July.
NOL@Itasca 2025 Program Dates
Session 1: Sunday, June 22 – Wednesday, June 25
Session 2: Thursday, June 26 – Sunday, June 29
Session 3: Monday, June 30 – Thursday, July 3
Session 4: Wednesday, July 9 – Saturday, July 12
Session 5: Sunday, July 13 – Wednesday, July 16
Session 6: Thursday, July 17 – Sunday, July 20
Session 7: Monday, July 21 – Thursday, July 24
All sessions begin on the first day with Check-In on the St. Paul Campus at 12:00 p.m. and end on the last day at the St. Paul Campus around 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Students will choose which session to attend as part of their New Student Checklist, which becomes available once students confirm their acceptance to the University of Minnesota and will remain open through May. Seats in each session are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and students will receive confirmation of their session registration shortly before each session.
NOL@Itasca check-in information
NOL@Itasca Program Requirements
- All students are required to attend a Nature of Life Summer Experience. Students must register for a session through their New Student Checklist. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions listed above, email [email protected].
- There is a $430 fee for the Nature of Life Summer Experience. This fee is added to the student’s Fall tuition statement along with their other courses.
- Students need active medical insurance coverage during NOL@Itasca. Students without access to medical insurance should email [email protected] to discuss options.
- Students must commit to an NOL@Itasca session. Students may change their NOL@Itasca registration at any time while the New Student Checklist is open, but after the Checklist closes in May we have limited flexibility to accommodate changes or conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to NOL@Itasca?
All students are expected to check in with the NOL team in St. Paul at 12:00 p.m. on the first day of their session. They will then travel by coach bus to IBSL, arriving around 5:00 p.m.. Return travel departs IBSL at 8:00 a.m., arriving back in the Twin Cities by 12:30 p.m. on the last day.
If you need to deviate from this travel plan due to your location or other circumstances, please contact the NOL Program in advance to discuss options.
What will my stay at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories look like?
Session Size
- Each NOL@Itasca session hosts roughly 85-100 students split into groups of 10-12.
- Each group is led by an NOL Peer Mentor who will facilitate discussions and activities around IBSL.
Lodging
- Students stay in bunkhouse cabins which accommodate 6 to 10 people each. Students are assigned to cabins by the Nature of Life team.
- Some cabins have toilets and sinks; showers and laundry facilities are located in two central bathhouses.
- Cabins and bathhouses are separated on campus by gender.
- Student cabins are comfortable and reflective of their era of construction – click here to view images of the student bunkhouse cabins.
Dining
- The IBSL dining hall serves high-quality, locally-sourced meals in a communal setting.
- Student dietary restrictions are collected via the New Student Checklist.
Are there accommodations for disabilities, religious observances, or other specific needs?
Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories is an accessible facility, and NOL@Itasca strives to make the program as accessible as possible. We are able to accommodate a wide variety of student needs. Please note your accommodation needs in the registration survey and contact the Nature of Life program at [email protected] or 612-625-7799 with any questions or clarifications.
What does the NOL@Itasca fee pay for?
Nature of Life at Itasca is part of the core CBS curriculum — it is effectively the first academic college experience for new CBS students. To support the operation of the program, there is a $400 Nature of Life Program fee to support travel, room, and board costs, and a $30 lab fee to supplement the cost of the Nature of Life Summer Experiences. These costs are only charged when a student arrives on campus and are added to the student’s fall tuition bill.
What if I’m unable to attend any NOL@Itasca session?
All students are required to complete a Nature of Life Summer Experience, and we only offer sessions in June and July. There is no online or virtual option for NOL@Itasca. Please email [email protected] to discuss this requirement.
Who can I contact for more information?
You can reach the Nature of Life program at [email protected] or 612-625-7799. While NOL@Itasca is in session from June 22nd to July 24th, please allow us time to respond to your questions, as we will be busy running the program!