| How many students will be in my
session?
Up to thirty students are accepted into the program.
From what states do participants come?
Students from all over the United States attend this program. For the 2010 program, there were students from Alabama, California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
What are the ages of the students?
Students attending are typically 15-17 years old.
How many students know other participants prior to the
session?
Very few. Rarely do we get more than one student from the
same school.
How many faculty are involved in teaching the course?
A team of three faculty teach the course, with other
"visiting professors" making contributions of expertise on
occasion.
How much of the course work is spent in the field?
Approximately one-third of the course is spent in the field
investigating the various local habitats, one-third involves
classroom lectures giving detailed information, and about
one-third is spent in the laboratory doing dissections,
experiments, identification of species, and so on.
How difficult is this course?
While most find it challenging, the objectives can be easily
accomplished by the average student who gives it their best.
Participants should keep in mind, however, that this is an
academic course with assignments, projects, written tests,
and practical lab exams.
What kind of credit is awarded for successful completion
of this course?
Although the Discovery Hall Programs recommend one full
year's credit toward either a Standard or Advanced High
School Diploma, the actual credit awarded is determined by
each individual student's school. Most public schools in
Alabama will grant the credit. Some private and out-of-state
schools may be hesitant and request course information
before awards. Most students have, however, some
acknowledgement added to their transcript - if not a credit,
at least a listing of participation. No college credit is
recommended by the DHP.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes. All students are assigned a roommate except in events
of "odd numbers" of students - resulting in a single student
without a roommate. This rarely happens.
What is dorm life like?
Students share a room with one other student of the same
sex. Five adult chaperones live on the same hall in private
rooms. Community baths, one for the males and one for the
females, are at opposite ends of the hallway.
Will I have chaperones?
In addition to the faculty that teach, five adult chaperones
will be responsible for overseeing your health and safety,
and monitoring the rules in the dormitories.
How much free time can I expect during the four weeks?
The days and evenings during the week will be
devoted to the course. Remember, over 150 hours of
supervised instruction is given in the four weeks. We will
have one or two field trips on weekends; one to Panama City, Florida and possibly one other to be determined later. Other
weekend time will be free with some class project time.
May I have visitors?
Your friends and family are welcome. We recommend that
guests visit during the weekend - unless exceptional
circumstances. Overnight guests and leaving the campus
without a chaperone will not be allowed.
Students may leave campus only with visitors at least 21
years of age and with parental permission.
May I have a car on campus?
While students may bring cars, keys are requested and held
during the session by chaperones. Students are not allowed to
drive their own vehicles during the four weeks unless it is
for specific purposes of weekend trips home or other special
appointments with parental permission and the approval of
the DHP. Transportation is provided for students. In
addition to class activities, trips to local stores, snow
cone shops and so on are made nightly.
May I commute to this program?
This course is designed to be implemented in a residential
setting. Although some students may live close enough to
commute, it is the policy of the DHP that students live in
the dormitory - except for weekend and/or approved visits
home, because we teach in the evenings and on some weekends
as well as during the day.
If I live close enough, may I go home on weekends?
Most students do not live close enough for weekend visits
and all are encouraged to spend their free time with
classmates. Friendships and memories are made that last a
lifetime. Students may go home on weekends during times not
reserved for the course.
If I decide to go home other than for reasons beyond my
control (example: illness or death in the family), what kind
of refund may I receive?
Due to the financial planning and investments necessary for
the Summer High School Course, refunds of any kind are
limited to those students who leave for unexpected reasons
beyond their control and are given at the discretion of the
DHP.
What happens in the event of a hurricane?
The Sea Lab is well prepared for such an event with an
evacuation plan that includes transporting of students to
the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Should the
occasion arise, parents would be informed with specific
information.
Will I be expected to attend all classes?
Yes. This is an academic program and all students will
attend all classes.
How will I receive mail during my stay?
A mail box will be set up for the Summer School students and
Counselors will come by to check, then distribute all mail.
The Sea Lab
does not have stamps, so you might want to bring some with
you. The mailing address is as follows:
Summer High School Program
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Blvd
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
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