Instructors are invited to bring courses to the Itasca Station during any season. The steps below outline the process for scheduling a course at the station. Instructors with new courses should start at Step 1 – contact the station. Returning instructors may skip to Step 2 – Submit a questionnaire. Note: returning instructors are required to submit a new questionnaire every time a course is brought to the station.
Step 1 – Contact the station
To initiate the process of scheduling your course at Itasca, please review our Plan a Stay web page and rate information. Once you have reviewed these details and are familiar with the on-site lead responsibilities, contact [email protected] with the subject line “New Course Inquiry.” Include basic information about your course and its scope. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – we are here to help!
Step 2 – Submit a questionnaire
After receiving your initial email inquiry, we will follow up and direct you to submit the IBSL Course Scheduling Questionnaire (refer to our document of form questions for help preparing your materials ahead of time). To submit the questionnaire, fill out the form through the link below:
IBSL Course Scheduling Questionnaire
Please allow up to 2 weeks for confirmation that your course proposal has been reviewed.
Step 3 – Request lodging
You will receive a confirmation email when your course proposal has been reviewed. A confirmation number specific to your course will be included in the email. You will then be able to reserve lodging by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Lodging Request for (insert course name here)". Please reference your course confirmation number in this email. Details about housing options are available on our lodging webpage.
Step 4 – Apply for other permits
If you plan to conduct fieldwork as part of your course, you will likely need to apply for one or more permits. Course instructors are responsible for obtaining appropriate institutional approvals as well as state and federal permits. We are here to help if you have questions about which permits are needed. Email the Station Scientist at [email protected] for assistance.
- State permits: Depending on your course subject and where you intend to conduct fieldwork, you may need to apply for multiple DNR permits. All fieldwork activities within Itasca State Park require a Minnesota DNR Parks and Trails permit. Additional DNR permits may be required if your work involved endangered species, fisheries, Scientific Natural Areas, and other special topics. Refer to the link below to learn more about DNR permitting requirements:
- Federal permits: Some work may also require federal permits. Please check to ensure your proposed coursework complies with all federal requirements. Information on federal permits for activities involving vertebrates can be found in Table 1 of "Wildlife Researchers Running the Permit Maze."
- IACUC and IBC: Coursework that includes handling vertebrates or biological agents may require protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). External instructors should check with their home institution for similar requirements.
Instructors must send copies of their permits and approvals to [email protected] in order for coursework to be approved.
Step 5 – Review policies
Approval to conduct a course at Itasca Biological Station & Laboratories is contingent on course instructors meeting the following requirements:
- Review and follow station planning resources, policies, and guidelines:
- Create a course-specific field safety plan shared with all students and personnel (if planning course activities in the field).
- Obtain correct permits and/or institutional approvals and provide current copies to the Station Scientist at [email protected] (outlined in the section above).
- Complete the IBSL Laboratory Use Agreement form (non-UMN courses if using lab space).
- Complete the IBSL Motorboat Protocol Agreement form (if using IBSL motorized watercraft).
Step 6 – Course is approved
After IBSL has received all the information described above, you will receive notice that your course has been officially approved and scheduled at the Itasca Station. If you make any changes to your proposed course, please notify the station at [email protected].
