Summer Program

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Summer University Program consists of several sessions between May and August offering undergraduate and graduate courses which meet the degree requirements of the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium members.

Students enrolled in a non-MESC college or university may receive credit by arrangement between their home institution and the DISL.

For questions and more information contact the DISL University Programs Registrar via email registrar@disl.edu or by phone at (251) 861-2141, ext 7526.

How to Attend

  1. Find a MESC School and contact their Liason Officer
  2. Register with your MESC School
  3. Register at DISL
  4. Confirm your registration with your MESC School and DISL
  5. See your Schedule and login to Populi
  6. Find funding and scholarship opportunities.

To receive academic credit for your DISL courses, you MUST also register at your home campus and pay your home campus tutition. (not applicable for Birmingham Southern students).

The application deadline for priority registration is February 12, 2024.

2024 Summer Session Dates

Summer Bulletin

Session Dates
Coral Reef Session March 1-May 17
May Session May 6-17
1st Session May 20-June 21
2nd Session June 24-July 26
Neurobiology Session July 29-August 16

For help, speak with your campus liaison officer. A list can be found here.

Complete the steps below to secure your summer course enrollment.

Registration at DISL

  1. Complete the online DISL Summer School application*
    • You will need to provide proof of registration with your home MESC school.
    • Complete the vessel release and medical release forms. Notary required on each. You will upload these forms during the application process.
  2. Once you complete your application, you will receive a login to Populu via email.
    • Login to Populi to register for the classes you want to take under the student tab.
    • Click the + or - icons to add or delete a class.
    • Press save when you have your preferred courses selected.
  3. Select the my profile tab, then the registration tab.
  4. Email your proof of registration to DISL University Programs Registrar. Once confirmed, you will receive an email with a link and instructions for logging into disl.populiweb.com to complete the full appplication.
  • Your application is not complete with out payment of the $75.00 application fee.

    If your home institution does not permit you to register for classes before DISL classes begin and you fail to register at your home institution, you will be obligated to pay DISL directly for the cost of tuition.

  • You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your enrollment at DISL shortly after the priority registration deadline. It will include an acceptance statement and instructions to log in to your DISL Populi student account via disl.populiweb.com.

See your Schedule and login to Populi

  • When you log into your account, you will be able to:
    • View a listing of the course(s) you are enrolled in.
    • Your DISL bill, payable online prior to arriving on campus. DISL fees may be paid on a session-by-session basis if arranged beforehand with the DISL Bursar Daphne Wood.
      Please note: your tuition will be charged by your home institution and will not appear on your DISL Populi account.
  • Students will be able to check-in to their dorms the Saturday prior to classes starting in each session.
  • All students, new and returning, must attend an on-campus registration and orientation session at DISL before your session begins.
    • Registration will be held the first day of each session. Students will pay any outstanding fees and turn in any required forms not submitted online.
    • Orientation will be held at 8:30 a.m. on the first day of each session. Classes will begin after orientation.

Scholarships

Deadline March 10, 2024

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation supports scholarships for summer session students each year to defer educational related costs

  • The Rita George and George Crozier Scholarships provide 12 weeks of room and board.
  • DISL Foundation Scholarships waive academic fees for summer school.

The scholarship application must be completed online and requires:

  • A cover letter (2-page max) describing background, qualifications, and financial need.
  • Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended (unofficial transcripts accepted).
  • Three (3) Letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals that can evaluate academic potential such as professors or employers.
  • A CV or resume describing relevant coursework, research/work experience, honors, and extracurricular activities.

For more information contact DISL University Programs Registrar via email registrar@disl.edu by phone (251)861-2141, ext. 7526.

Work-Study

Deadline March 10, 2024

Students are needed to work as dorm monitors and library aides. Both graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply.

The application can be completed online and requires transcripts (unofficial accepted) and three letters of recommendation that are not from relatives.

Dorm Monitor

The student staff member for the Challenger Dormitory, the summer residence hall. This student is a leader among their peers and will act as an assistant to and under the supervision of the University Programs Registrar. There are two dorm monitors, one for each floor of students.

Responsibilities include assigning dorm rooms, helping to establish and maintain a healthy residential environment conducive to academic and personal growth, assisting with the disciplinary procedure as necessary, implementing University and Housing policies, and assisting with individual student needs such as transportation.

Dorm monitors receive $125 per week, receive a private dorm room and a meal plan.

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA
  • Residence hall living and/or student leadership experience.
  • Clean driving record and valid driver’s license
  • Attend CPR training if not certified.
  • Must be in residence for all three sessions
  • Be present on campus at least one-half of the weekends
  • Plan to arrive at least four to six days before the term starts

Library Aide

Library Aides assist with the DISL library and computer lab 10 hours per week after normal staff hours. Preference will be given to students enrolled in more than one summer session. Compensation is $10 per hour.

Laboratory Intern

Interns work in the lab of a DISL faculty member assisting with authentic research projects. Interns typically work 5-10 hours per week, but this is somewhat variable depending upon the nature of the work performed. Interns often work on weekends.

This opportunity provides a unique experience to gain research experience. Interns earn $10 an hour.

Undergraduate Mentoring Program

If you’re getting close to graduation and aren’t sure what you want to do next or if you have some idea of what you’d like to do but aren’t quite sure how to get there, this program is for you. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) Undergraduate Mentoring Program pairs undergraduate students with graduate student mentors, with the goals to:

  • Help undergraduate students identify, articulate, and achieve their long-term and short-term career goals
  • Improve retention and performance of students in the DISL UP summer program
  • Encourage students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in STEM
  • Build a stronger sense of community at DISL by connecting students
  • Provide professional development opportunities for graduate students through training in mentoring

Mentors are not tutors. Their role is to listen, provide guidance, and help you achieve your goals and overcome any challenges. If you are selected for the program, you will be expected to meet weekly with your mentor (virtually or in-person) through the summer session (generally ~30 min). These meetings will be more productive if you prepare ahead of time (e.g., revising your CV to discuss with your mentor).

If you have any questions, contact Kelly Dorgan, Mentorship Program Coordinator.