2008 Guide for Living & Working at the UM Biological Station
PDF of 2008 "Living & Working" Guide Also Available
Click Here for 15-Page Printable Booklet
Welcome to UMBS, a unique research and educational resource of the University of Michigan since 1909! In order to use facilities or reside at the Biological Station, each person must turn in the Application for Housing/Research Status at least two weeks prior to their scheduled arrival. Researchers and Investigators must arrive and depart on the dates indicated on their form or notify us of any changes at least two weeks in advance.
All residents and visitors must check in at the Administrative Office in the center of camp upon arrival & departure. Plan to arrive when the office is open (hours are: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to receive housing and parking assignments. If you arrive when the office is closed, housing assignments are posted on the wall next to the office or on the outside door of the office. Here's a sitemap of the Station grounds.
Spring Session
Faculty & Teaching Assistants arrive May 16 and depart June 15. Students arrive Sunday May 18 mid-afternoon and depart June 14. The All-Camp Orientation begins at 7 p.m. on the Sunday before classes. (Your faculty member may arrange an earlier meeting time. If so, you will be notified by e-mail or by letter.)
Summer Session
Faculty and TAs arrive June 20 and depart August 17. Students arrive by early afternoon on Saturday June 21 and plan to depart August 17. An All-Camp Meeting follows dinner on June 21 at 7 p.m. in the Lecture Hall for all residents of the Biological Station.
Class meetings with instructors and students begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. Your instructor may arrange an additional meeting time. If so, you will be notified by e-mail or by letter. An Ice Cream Social at the Chatterbox follows the meetings.
Travel to UMBS
Allow approximately 4½ to 5 hours driving from Ann Arbor. Transportation via UM vans may be available from UM central campus by previous arrangement. By bus, travel to Pellston (or Cheboygan). By air, fly to Pellston Regional Airport (Emmet County). Check with a travel agent. We can arrange to pick you up if you arrive by bus or air in Pellston. Please call (231) 539-8408 well ahead of your arrival with date, time, flight number, etc. Please call again on the day of your scheduled arrival to confirm the arrangements. If you arrive at other destinations, you will need to provide your own transportation to the Biological Station. Click here to see the Station's location.
Climate
Northern Michigan has an invigorating spring climate. Plan to bring warm bedding and clothing for cool and sometimes damp weather. Expect some rain, especially in the spring. During the summer months, temperatures usually range from 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit (10-22 degrees Celsius).
Parking & Driving
To maintain the unique atmosphere of camp, driving through campus is not allowed unless special permission is obtained. Parking is assigned for visitors and residents upon arrival. Please park only in your assigned space and display your parking permit in the front window. Please do not drive through camp or park near cabins or labs. Your cooperation keeps the dust down and creates a safer and more pleasant environment for all.
Housing
Biological Station residents live in the nearly 100 cabins or in three residence buildings. Students usually live in one- room, 2- or 3-person rustic cabins, which are served by central shower and toilet facilities. Specific roommate requests must be mutual and are honored insofar as possible. Families are generally assigned larger cabins with attached baths. All residents are responsible for keeping their own accommodations clean.
What to Bring
Life is informal at the Biological Station. Clothing should be chosen for comfort and with changing weather in mind. Bring clothes you can layer; it can be 50 degrees in the morning, and 80 degrees by early afternoon. Students need sturdy shoes to wear in streams, bogs, etc. Also:
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Backpack
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Insect repellent
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Alarm clock
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Jeans/shorts
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Sunscreen
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Flashlight
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Sweaters/sweatshirts Washcloths & towels Fan
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Heavy socks Soap & toiletries Clothes hangers
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Swimwear Water bottle/mug Mirror
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Hat & gloves Sewing Kit Laundry bag
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Heavy coat Sleeping bag/blanket Bedding/pillows
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Lighter jacket Rain coat/pants Phone cards
Housing is furnished with the essential furniture only (twin beds, desks, chairs, lamps). Phone cards are for sale in the Station store, as is laundry detergent and basic toiletries.
Quiet Hours & Noise
Because of demanding study schedules and the close community lifestyle, quiet hours are from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Any activities during these hours must be quiet and not disruptive. Please respect the varied schedules of other residents. If you do bring a stereo or television, make sure each is equipped with a headphone. Be considerate of your neighbors. Noise and music should not be audible outside your cabin.
Laundry Facilities
Coin-operated washers and dryers are in the laundry building near the dorm. Bring laundry soap. There are also clothes-lines behind the dorm.
Children
Families of faculty, staff and students are an integral part of the Biological Station community. A Family Meeting for parents and children will take place the first week of session. Responsibility for the conduct and safety of children belongs to the parents; UMBS cannot assume responsibility. Children may not be left unattended. A responsible adult in camp should always be accountable for minors. The Station tries to be as helpful as possible in maintaining safe and enjoyable conditions for families, but does not provide child care.
Please click here to continue to the Guide to Living & Working at the UM Biological Station PART 2. Click here for the FULL Guide as a printable PDF document (15-page booklet).