The application process begins by completing the FLBS Summer Session Online application. Alternatively, you may fill out and mail a paper application, with a check for the deposit. Classes are filled on a first to come, first-served basis to qualified applicants, so please apply as early as possible, but no later than May 26. Transcripts (official or unofficial) are required for non-UM students.

Courses require minimum enrollment by April 10 and may be subject to cancellation (thus, early registration is important!). Formal admission to The University of Montana is not required for Biological Station courses.

To apply for FLBS Summer courses, please choose one of the following applications:

FLBS Online Application	flbs.umt.edu/summer
FLBS Paper Application	Adobe PDF     MS Word

The Station offers numerous generous academic scholarships that pay from $500 to $4,000 in tuition while attending the summer session. Scholarships are available to both resident and nonresident students. Completed scholarship applications are due at the Biological Station by April 15, 2009. We highly recommend applying for a scholarship if you meet the criteria as a high percentage of applicants receive a scholarship.

For more information on scholarship requirements, availability, and deadlines, see the FLBS Scholarship page.

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We offer 6 intensive 2-week courses, 3 semester credits each. Students are in class with the professor for 5 days per week, 8 hours per day with the weekend for study and recreation.

Sound rigorous? It is, but it is a great way to earn needed credits without using up the entire summer break. On the other hand, taking a full load of 4 courses over the 8-week session is an efficient way to complete advanced courses during one summer, and this may make you eligible for a scholarship. Register for 1, 2, or 3 of these 2-week courses.

As an alternative to the intensive 2-week courses, we offer one highly recommended 4-week course, Field Ecology. This course is offered for 5 semester credits. Information, content and access to field sites is maximized and coursework is every bit as rigorous as the 2-week courses.

Courses may be taken for undergraduate or graduate credit (at the course level designated) or for audit (no credit).  Biological Station courses are also great for professionals looking to upgrade their basic training.

Please Note:  Scheduled classes will be held on Friday, July 3, 2009.

Living on the Biological Station grounds is required to allow full-time interaction between students, instructors and the world-class research program here. A number of meal plans are available to meet student course needs.

There are a total of 40 cabins; 31 are double occupancy (12' x 14') and 9 are larger and accommodate 4 people (12' x 24'). The larger cabins are reserved for faculty or students with families. All cabins are heated and furnished with lights, electrical (AC) outlets, two twin-size beds, chairs, desks and closets. Rest room and shower facilities are located near the cabins. A modern dormitory with 10 rooms is available in single or double occupancy. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Cabins are usually the lodging of choice.

Let us know in the appropriate space on your application if you have a roommate preference (i.e., particular person, non-smoker, etc.). Please note that housing assignments are final. Housing families at FLBS is contingent upon available space. All students, staff, family members and guests staying at the Biological Station are required to pay full room and board rates.

Generally, everyone dresses casually. Typically the last two weeks in June can be somewhat chilly and damp so it is suggested you bring a heavy jacket and warm clothes.

If you plan to do extensive camping, a small backpacking tent may be desirable. Recreational, musical and photographic equipment are useful.

Please Note: Checkout time is 11:00 a.m. on the day following your last scheduled class day. Please arrange flight times accordingly.

To reserve lodging, a completed application and a $100 deposit is required.

ADDITIONALLY:

• Due to the danger of forest fires, personal cooking is not permitted on the grounds.
• Pets are not allowed on Station grounds.
• All buildings at the Flathead Lake Biological Station are smoke-free, including lodging facilities.
• Part-time residency (4 days per week) is available to UM and local students only.
• Traveler's checks (or a debit card) for the duration of your stay are an added convenience. The nearest bank for cashing personal checks is 15 miles north of the Station in Bigfork.
• A telephone credit card or prepaid phone card is useful as virtually all calls are long distance and must be placed using pay phones.
• Cellphone service is available in this area.

Plan A is required for all students enrolled in one 2-week course; Plan B may be selected by students enrolled for a 4-week session and in residence full-time throughout the 4-weeks; Plan C may be selected by students attending only one 4-week course and in residence part-time throughout the 4-week session; Plan D is for students enrolled for 6 weeks; Plan E is required for all students enrolled during the entire 8-week session. Part-time residency (4 days per week) is available to UM and local students only.

Students are strongly encouraged to carry medical health insurance as it is not available through the Flathead Lake Biological Station. Medical facilities are available in the nearby towns of Polson, Bigfork, and Kalispell.

You will be assigned a box for mail and messages. Outgoing mail may be sent on normal mailing days; incoming mail should be addressed using the following address.

Your Name
32111 Bio Station Lane
Polson, MT 59860-6815

A computer lab is available which consists of Windows XP computers. Access to the internet is available from this computer lab. In order to retrieve email, you must have your own preestablished account. Bringing a laptop computer (with network port or wireless) is recommended (but optional) as computer lab space becomes limited during finals.

Many students drive their own vehicles to the Station. If you want riders or if you need a ride, contact the Bio Station for names of other students in your area or along your travel route. Airline service is available to Kalispell or Missoula. Also, there is a bus from Missoula to Polson.

By notifying us prior to June 11 of your arrival by bus or plane, we will see that someone is in Polson or Kalispell to meet you on June 14. Otherwise, you may call Kalispell Taxi & Airport Shuttle (406-752-4022) for transportation to FLBS (approx. cost $70.00 for first person and $1.00 for each addl. person).

Students and staff need to bring the following items.

Printable list(-PDF 13kB) or (MS Word- 26kB)

___blankets
___bed linens (twin-size sheets, pillows, etc.)
___towels
___toiletry articles
___proper clothing
___poncho or other raingear
___hiking boots (not too stiff)
___sleeping bag
___hot/cold mug
___lunch pack-up container (small, divided Rubbermaid container recommended)
___flashlight and batteries
___alarm clock
___sunglasses, sunscreen, cap or hat
___daypack and backpack
___mess kit for field trips and weekends (plates, cups, storage container and eating utensils)
___camera / digital camera (optional)
___laptop computer (recommended, optional)
___prepaid phone card