2019 rmbl application for education program information · 3) college transcript, unofficial is...

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2019 RMBL Application for Education Program BEFORE YOU START THIS APPLICATION, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW/HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION 1) Whether you are applying for Program One: Full time Independent Research/REU, Program Two: Independent Research and Course/REU, Program Three: Research Internship. 2) Names and email addresses of the two people who will be submitting recommendations on your behalf. 3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application. Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript is acceptable. A hard copy can be mailed to: RMBL Admissions PO Box 519 Crested Butte, CO 81224 -OR- An electronic copy can be sent to [email protected] We may require an OFFICIAL college transcript upon acceptance into the program. 4) Credit hours completed and current GPA in all courses and in biology courses. 5) Financial Aid Form. If you are applying for an REU award or RMBL scholarship, you should complete the financial aid form in order to be competitive. This form is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for REU applicants and students applying for financial aid; it is optional for all other applicants. This form can be downloaded from the link at the top of this page and should be uploaded with this application. If you have no financial need, you do not need to fill out the form. Your application will still be considered.

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Page 1: 2019 RMBL Application for Education Program INFORMATION · 3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application. Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript

2019 RMBL Application for Education Program

BEFORE YOU START THIS APPLICATION, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW/HAVE THE FOLLOWING

INFORMATION

1) Whether you are applying for Program One: Full time Independent Research/REU, Program Two:

Independent Research and Course/REU, Program Three: Research Internship.

2) Names and email addresses of the two people who will be submitting recommendations on your

behalf.

3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application.

Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript is acceptable.

A hard copy can be mailed to:

RMBL Admissions

PO Box 519

Crested Butte, CO 81224

-OR-

An electronic copy can be sent to [email protected]

We may require an OFFICIAL college transcript upon acceptance into the program.

4) Credit hours completed and current GPA in all courses and in biology courses.

5) Financial Aid Form. If you are applying for an REU award or RMBL scholarship, you should complete

the financial aid form in order to be competitive. This form is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for REU

applicants and students applying for financial aid; it is optional for all other applicants. This form can be

downloaded from the link at the top of this page and should be uploaded with this application. If you

have no financial need, you do not need to fill out the form. Your application will still be considered.

Page 2: 2019 RMBL Application for Education Program INFORMATION · 3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application. Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript

6) Unique REU ID. If you are applying for an REU award, you must FIRST register with the National

Science Foundation (NSF) program at www.nsfreu.org The website will ask you to create a user account

and assign you a unique REU ID. Enter your unique REU ID below.

7) Completed Essay. We recommend that you write the essay before you start this application, then

cut and paste it when you come to the "essay" page. Write one or two paragraphs about why you wish

to attend RMBL (no longer than a page of text). Please tell us why you are interested in field biology and

how such an experience might play a role in your future career. Fieldwork is difficult, often tedious, and

often conducted under harsh conditions. We are looking for students with the mental and intellectual

maturity to commit to hard work and with the ability to deal with a variety of challenges. Please address

these qualities in your essay.

.

BY COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION YOU AGREE TO ADHERE TO THE RMBL

RESEARCH CODE, KEEP ALL STUDY SITES AND RMBL FACILITIES ORDERLY AND FREE OF HAZARDS, TO

REMOVE ALL INSTRUMENTS, MARKING MATERIALS, AND OTHER NON-PERMANENT FIXTURES AT THE

END OF EACH FIELD SEASON, AND TO PAY FOR ALL FEES AND SERVICES YOU REQUEST.

Note that pets are not allowed at RMBL at any time.

The RMBL campus is smoke-free, and there is no smoking allowed within the RMBL fenceline. Smoking

is allowed on the county road only.

If your account becomes delinquent and RMBL refers the account to a collection agency or an

attorney for collection, or if we incur additional time collecting your delinquent account, you will be

responsible for all such collection agency and/or attorney fees, plus all additional costs including court

costs incurred as a result of such collection effort. By submitting an application to work and/or stay at

RMBL, the applicant agrees to the following terms with regard to space assignments:

1. Except where RMBL has signed a legally binding use agreement or is constrained by law, RMBL

reserves the right to make all final decisions concerning assignment of space locations, including but not

limited to, housing, laboratory space, and research sites.

2. RMBL has an old infrastructure. Due to time constraints, maintenance of housing as required, safety

issues pertaining thereto, availability, and accommodation issues as they relate to logistics, and any

other related issue, RMBL reserves the right to alter space assignments at any time and for any reason

related to the above, except to the extent constrained by signed use agreements or by law. Individuals

Page 3: 2019 RMBL Application for Education Program INFORMATION · 3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application. Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript

staying at RMBL may be required to move to a new housing location at RMBL, share housing with other

individuals, or be denied housing.

3. RMBL will make reasonable efforts to keep individuals informed of space assignments and changes

to those assignments as they occur. However, individuals need to be prepared for a change in housing

assignments as the same become known to RMBL.

4. Approval to conduct research at RMBL does not constitute a guarantee of housing.

5. Guidelines for decision-making concerning space assignments and acceptance of research plans are

identified in RMBL's Bylaws and Board-adopted Master Plans. RMBL reserves the right to interpret those

documents.

6. Individuals staying at RMBL or working through RMBL are required to sign a liability waiver and

release upon checking in at RMBL. Copies of the waiver and release can be obtained from the

Operations Coordinator at [email protected].

7. RMBL makes no guarantees that any of the services it provides, including but not limited to,

housing, water, electricity, and internet, will be available or will be fully functional.

8. RMBL reserves the right to interpret this Agreement. The fact that RMBL drafted this Agreement

including the terms herein is immaterial. Accordingly, this Agreement shall not be strictly construed

against the author.

9. You the individual by submitting an application to work/stay at RMBL acknowledge that you have

read and understand this agreement, agree to the terms herein, and sign it voluntarily.

.

Do you agree to the above terms? *

.

1 / 7

Page Break

.

Page 4: 2019 RMBL Application for Education Program INFORMATION · 3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application. Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript

Diversity Statement

RMBL is committed to a culture of inclusiveness. We provide services without regard to race, color,

religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation. We encourage people with questions about

logistics at our facility to reach out to us.

.

General Information

Throughout this application, items marked with a red asterisk (*) are required.

.

Summer Programs

We offer three summer programs for research and study. You can apply for one or more of these

programs using this one application.

Take a moment to read about the programs and decide which one(s) you would like to apply for. We will

review applications and students will be accepted into the program that best fits their level of

experience.

Educational Programs (with Senior Thesis Option)

10-week session: June 8-August 16, 2019

.

Program One: Full Time Independent Research

This program targets students who wish to conduct a full-time independent research project in field

biology; applicants may be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, graduates of an

undergraduate program, or may be early in their graduate career. The dates are June 8-August 16, 2019,

although some students may be asked to arrive earlier or stay later if necessary for their particular

research project. Students are expected to stay at RMBL for a full 10 weeks, regardless of starting date.

Students conduct independent research under the supervision of RMBL scientists. During the summer,

students will work with their mentors to develop a testable hypothesis, gather data, analyze the data,

and produce a written and oral report by the end of the program. They will work approximately 40

hours a week on their projects, in addition to attending biweekly discussions or workshops and a weekly

seminar series. Students wishing to turn their research into a senior thesis should contact the Science

Director ([email protected]) to help coordinate with their home institution.

.

Program Two: Independent Research and Course

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This program targets students who are relatively new to field biology as well as those who wish to

receive training in a particular area. The dates are June 8-August 16, 2019, although some students may

be asked to arrive earlier or stay later if necessary for their particular research project. Students are

expected to stay at RMBL for a full 10 weeks, regardless of starting date. Students conduct independent

research under the supervision of RMBL scientists. During the summer, students will work with their

mentors to develop a testable hypothesis, gather data, analyze the data, and produce a written and oral

report by the end of the program. They will work approximately 30 hours a week on their projects, in

addition to attending biweekly discussions or workshops and a weekly seminar series. Students conduct

independent research under the supervision of RMBL scientists (approximately 30 hours a week/75%

time) while taking one of two field courses (approximately 10 hours a week/25% time): 1) Rocky

Mountain Ecosystems or 2) Research Training in Wildlife Biology. Under certain circumstances this

research can become a senior thesis at the home institution of a student. Contact the Science Director

([email protected]) for more information.

.

Program Three: Research Internship

This track targets students who are new to field biology and wish to gain experience conducting

research in the field. Research interns will be a research assistant with a mentor and labgroup for 35

hours per week. In addition, interns will participate in RMBL Educational enrichment activities, including

discussions and seminars, for 5 hours per week. Scholarships, but not REU awards, are available to

Research Interns. The dates are June 8-August 16, 2019, although some students may be asked to arrive

earlier or stay later if necessary for their particular research project. Students are expected to stay at

RMBL for a full 10 weeks, regardless of starting date. Contact the Science Director ([email protected]) for

more information.

.

General Program Information

All students must enroll for ten credits in programs One or Two or participate for 40 hours a week in the

program as a research intern, unless they have another job at RMBL. All students are expected to live at

RMBL unless they are currently residents of a nearby town. There is a maximum of 20 students for the

Full Time Independent Research Program and a maximum of 24 students for the Independent Research

Program with Course. Successful applicants are those who exhibit a strong desire for a summer field

experience, and who are normally performing well in their classes at their home institution. Most

students have had at least one year of college biology, though this is not a requirement. Persons who

already have an undergraduate degree are welcome to apply.

Eligibility: No requirements.

Cost: Tuition, Room and Board for 10-week Session: $6,900

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Financial Aid is available. Please complete the financial aid form, if applying for a scholarship. Students

are funded in one of four ways: some students will pay the $6,900 fee, some will receive partial or full

scholarships from RMBL, some will receive partial or full scholarships from their home institution, and

the remaining students will be funded from our National Science Foundation REU grant. See below for

details on REU awards.

Application Fee: If you submit this application on or before February 15, there is no application fee.

Applications submitted after February 15 require an application fee of $35. *Mail fee to: RMBL

Admissions, PO Box 519, Crested Butte, CO 81224* or pay online.

Application deadlines:

* Feb. 15, if applying for an REU award

* March 1, if applying for RMBL financial aid

* June 1st, if not applying for financial aid

.

REU Awards

These awards are funded by the National Science Foundation. There are ten students selected for REU

awards. The awards provide $400 toward travel costs, pays a $5,750 stipend, and covers room, board,

and tuition at RMBL. Students should have a sincere interest in a career in field biology research.

Fieldwork is difficult, and often tedious. We are looking for students with the mental and intellectual

maturity to commit to hard work. We will judge the application in part on financial need and on student

motivation. We encourage participation by minorities currently underrepresented in biology, defined by

the National Science Foundation as Native Americans (including American Indians and Alaskan Natives),

African-Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Pacific Islanders. The application deadline for REU

Applicants is February 15th, and selection will be completed by mid-March. At that time students will be

matched with a research mentor.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students who will not have completed their degree by the time they are

participating in the program. Additionally, the program is limited to United States citizens or permanent

residents of the United States.

Unique REU ID: In order to apply for an REU award, you must register with the National Science

Foundation at this website www.nsfreu.org Please write down your REU ID number and enter it below.

Cost: No cost

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Application Fee: No application fee

Application deadline: February 15th

.

Scholarships

RMBL offers a number of scholarships for educational programs at RMBL. There are several full

scholarships that cover the entire Education Fee for the 10 week program. Several other student

scholarships provide partial amounts toward the Education Fee. All financial aid awards are based on an

assessment of financial need. No student should hesitate to apply to our programs solely because they

lack financial resources. Please note that students receiving financial aid are expected to maintain a B

average in all of their courses. Students will undergo a review mid way through the semester, and any

student not meeting this requirement will be asked to leave.

The information in the Financial Aid Form will be kept confidential.

Financial aid decisions will be made beginning in early March, and students will be notified of financial

aid decisions before the end of March.

.

Contact Information

Please provide us with accurate contact information so we are able to contact you with admissions

decisions.

.

Name *

First

Last

.

Birthdate *

MM

/

DD

/

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YYYY

Pick a date.

.

Email Address *

.

Name of School you Currently Attend *

.

Year in School *

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Non-grad Senior

Senior

Graduate

.

Date of Expected Graduation *

MM

/

DD

/

YYYY

Pick a date.

.

Major Field *

.

Credit Hours Completed Before this Summer: In All Courses *

.

Credit Hours Completed Before This Summer: in Biology Courses *

.

Page 9: 2019 RMBL Application for Education Program INFORMATION · 3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application. Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript

Current GPA (use 4-point system): in All Courses *

.

Current GPA (use 4-point system): in Biology Courses *

.

If your School Does Anything Unusual with GPAs or Course Credits, Please Explain:

.

Current Address *

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal / Zip Code

Country

.

Current Phone Number *

###

-

###

-

####

.

Dates in Residence at Current Address: *

.

Permanent Address

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Page 10: 2019 RMBL Application for Education Program INFORMATION · 3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application. Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript

Postal / Zip Code

Country

.

Permanent Phone Number *

###

-

###

-

####

.

How long will we be able to reach you at your permanent address?

.

2 / 7

Page Break

.

1. Physical Condition

Life at a remote high-altitude field station requires above average stamina. If you have any physical,

mental, or emotional condition that might adversely affect you during your stay, please indicate and

explain.

.

1a. Physical Condition *

I DO NOT have a condition that might affect me.

I have a condition that might affect me.

.

1b. Physical Condition

.

2. Meal Preference

Page 11: 2019 RMBL Application for Education Program INFORMATION · 3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application. Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript

All students eat meals in the Dining Hall inside the billy barr community center. There are two kinds of

meal plans available to students: meat and vegetarian. At this time, we are unable to provide vegan

meals in the Dining Hall. Indicate your meal selection below.

.

2a. Please indicate your meal preference. *

Meat

Vegetarian

.

2b. Food Allergies

.

3. Housing Preferences

Students are assigned to onsite housing in dorms. We at RMBL value communal living arrangements that

develop successful communities, that work for all, and strive for inclusivity. In the absence of

information about preferences we assign same-gender housing to dorms. However, we prefer to

develop housing assignments that reflect individual situations. Please do not hesitate to contact

Samantha Siegfried, RMBL's Operations Coordinator at [email protected], if you have an individual

situation that needs special consideration. Additionally, you are welcome to contact the Diversity

Committee’s designated liaison ([email protected]), who is available to discuss housing at

RMBL.

RMBL will post housing assignments to the housing page (www.rmbl.org/housing) typically the 3rd week

of April. RMBL users are responsible to locate their specific housing assignment on the housing

webpage. RMBL does not inform scientists and students about their housing assignments. Please

contact the Operations Coordinator at [email protected] with any questions.

.

How would you define your gender identity? We encourage a diversity of responses (e.g., Male, Female,

Cis man, Cis woman, Trans woman, Trans man, Non binary, prefer not to respond) and will use your

response to identify a housing situation that reflects your individual situation *

.

Are you comfortable with same-sex housing? We have a limited number of housing options, so we may

not be able to accommodate all situations. However, if you have an unusual situation, we encourage you

to communicate with us upon acceptance into our program, so we can do our best to work out a

situation that you are comfortable with.

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.

Some dorms are designated substance-free. Would you like to live in a substance-free dorm?

yes

no preference

no

.

3. Financial Aid

Any applicant who would like Financial Aid must complete the Financial Aid form. If you select "yes," this

means you have already downloaded the Financial Aid form from the RMBL website and completed it.

Please be prepared to upload your Financial Aid Form.

.

3a. Will you apply for financial aid? *

NO I will not apply for financial aid

YES I will apply for financial aid

.

3b. Please upload your Financial Aid Form here:

.

4. RMBL Credits

RMBL is a private, independent field station, unaffiliated with any university. Credits issued by RMBL are

normally accepted at colleges and universities in the US, but students should check with their school

before arriving to be sure that this is true. If you encounter any reluctance to accept RMBL credit, you

have the option of receiving credit from Western State Colorado University (WSCU) in Gunnison. There

is an additional fee per class, and you must enroll before the session begins. You will not be able to

apply for WSCU credit after the summer session ends. NOTE: WSCU students will need to register for

their classes through extended studies.

If you select (below) 'I will be applying for WSCU credits,' please make certain that you obtain the

appropriate forms from WSCU. If you need assistance, please email the Director of Operations:

[email protected]. You must return both WSCU forms and the appropriate fee directly to WSCU before

the RMBL session begins.

.

4. RMBL Credits *

I will NOT be applying for credit through WSCU.

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I will be applying for credit through WSCU.

.

5. REU Awards : Are you applying for an REU award?

Yes

No

.

5. REU Awards : ENTER YOUR UNIQUE REU ID NUMBER HERE. THIS IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO APPLY

FOR AN REU AWARD.***

.

6. REU Minority Student

We hope to give REU Awards to students from minority backgrounds currently underrepresented in

biology, defined by the National Science Foundation as Native Americans (including American Indians

and Alaskan Natives), African-Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Pacific Islanders.

.

6. If you feel you qualify as an REU Minority Student, please explain:

.

7. If you are applying for an REU award or RMBL scholarship, please indicate your citizenship or

residency status. We will require proof of US citizenship or permanent residence before an REU award

can be made final. We will require proof of US citizenship, permanent residence, or DACA status before

a RMBL scholarship can be made final. Questions about eligibility can be directed to the Science Director

at [email protected]

US Citizen

US Permanent Resident, with documentation

DACA, with documentation

Other

.

8. First Generation College Student

If neither your parents, nor grandparents went to college, you are a first generation college student.

.

8. If you feel you qualify as a First Generation College Student, please explain:

.

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9a. How did you hear about RMBL? *

RMBL website

RMBL poster

OBFS website

NSF website

Advisor

Teacher

Friend

Other

.

9b. Please explain your selection, or list by name the individual who told you about RMBL.

.

3 / 7

Page Break

.

Program Options

Please visit http://www.rmbl.org/students/undergraduates-beyond/summer-education-programreu/ to

read about the programs being offered this summer.

After you have reviewed the programs, please rate your program choices below. If you have no

preference, please state that.

.

My First Choice: *

Full Time Independent Research

Independent Research/Rocky Mountain Ecosystems

Independent Research/Training In Wildlife Biology

Research Internship

Other

.

Page 15: 2019 RMBL Application for Education Program INFORMATION · 3) College Transcript, unofficial is fine for the application. Either a hard copy or electronic copy of an unofficial transcript

My Second Choice:

Full Time Independent Research

Independent Research/Rocky Mountain Ecosystems

Independent Research/Training In Wildlife Biology

Research Internship

Other

.

My Third Choice:

Full Time Independent Research

Independent Research/Rocky Mountain Ecosystems

Independent Research/Training In Wildlife Biology

Research Internship

Other

.

Explain your class choices.

.

4 / 7

Page Break

.

Personal Essay

.

Have you participated in any NSF-funded REU Program in the past? *

No

Yes

.

Write one or two paragraphs about why you wish to attend RMBL (no longer than a "page" of text).

Please tell us why you are interested in field biology, and how such an experience might play a role in

your future career. Fieldwork is difficult, often tedious, and often conducted under harsh conditions. We

are looking for students with the mental and intellectual maturity to commit to hard work and with the

ability to deal with a variety of challenges. Please address these qualities in your essay.

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.

There are no right or wrong answers to the following questions. We are looking for students from a

diversity of backgrounds who could benefit from this experience. If you are accepted, your responses

will be used to help match you with a mentor.

We are looking for students who are passionate about conducting field biology in the mountains. Give

an example that proves your dedication and sincere enjoyment of doing field research. (100 word limit)

.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Describe how your experience at RMBL would fit into this

trajectory. (40 word limit)

.

Describe a situation in which you've failed at something. How did you deal with the failure? (100 word

limit)

.

Give a scenario of when you have been in a physically uncomfortable situation (e.g. bad weather,

insects, outdoors etc.) and how you were able to tolerate the conditions. (100 word limit)

.

How would your friends or family describe you? Include both positive qualities and something you’d like

to improve about yourself. (40 word limit)

.

Describe a mentor, supervisor, or teacher, who you have worked with in the past and who helped you

grow as a person or student. What characteristics did you appreciate in that person? (100 word limit)

.

5 / 7

Page Break

.

Recommendation Instructions

Ask at least two people who you know well, preferably biology professors, to complete a

recommendation form on your behalf.

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The online recommendation form is found on www.rmbl.org in the application section of the Students

tab.

It is your responsibility to provide the website or link to your recommenders. Please ensure that your

recommenders complete and submit the recommendation form by the deadline.

REU Recommendation Deadline: February 15th. You will not be considered for an REU award until your

application is complete. Your application is not complete until we have received both recommendations,

a financial aid form, and your unofficial transcript.

RMBL Financial Aid Deadline: March 1st. You will not be considered for financial aid until your

application is complete. Your application is not complete until we have received both recommendations,

a financial aid form, and your unofficial transcript.

Absolute Deadline: June 1st (if not applying for financial aid). Applications for the educational program

are accepted at any time until the start of the session assuming there is still space available. Admission

decisions are made within two weeks of receipt of your complete application (including the application

fee and supporting documents). It is advantageous to apply early as classes are often full before April

1st. Your application is not complete until we have received both recommendations and your unofficial

transcript.

.

Agreement Respecting Confidentiality:

Please answer the question below as to your waiving your right of access to these completed

recommendation forms under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. I understand that

these forms will be used by RMBL solely in its procedures relating to admission.

.

Waiver of Access *

I waive my right of access.

I DO NOT waive my right of access.

.

Name of Recommender #1 *

First

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Last

.

Email Address of Recommender #1 *

.

Name of Recommender #2 *

First

Last

.

Email Address of Recommender #2 *

.

6 / 7

Page Break

.

Please read the following detailed information about life at RMBL:

Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory is a private, non-profit field station located at Gothic, CO. High in

the Elk Mountains of south-central Colorado, at 9,500 feet, Gothic was a thriving mining community

during the 1880s. In 1928, Dr. John C. Johnson, a biology professor at Western State College in

Gunnison, purchased the land and old buildings as the first step in his dream of creating a research and

teaching facility for field biologists. For over 90 years the laboratory has grown and thrived, attracting

researchers and students from around the world.

Known widely as one of the leading field stations in North America, RMBL offers facilities for research

and study. RMBL owns 285 acres with more than 60 buildings, including research laboratories, offices,

cabins, a library, dormitories, a community center, a dining hall, classrooms, and a store and visitors

center. During the summer nearly 180 research scientists, students, and staff take up residence and

once again Gothic becomes an active community, with seminars, educational programs, and social

events.

Surrounding RMBL are the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Gunnison National Forest, White

River National Forest, Gothic Research Natural Area, and Colorado's first Natural Area, Mexican Cut, an

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alpine watershed owned by The Nature Conservancy and administered by RMBL. As a result, RMBL

scientists and students have access to diverse habitats, many of which are essentially undisturbed.

.

Location

RMBL is located 35 miles north of Gunnison, CO, which has airport and hospital facilities. Gunnison is

also home to Western State Colorado University. The nearby towns of Crested Butte (8 miles from

RMBL) and Mt. Crested Butte (4 miles from RMBL) provide dining, shopping, medical, postal, and other

community services. Major airports are located in Denver and Colorado Springs, both approximately 225

miles (5 hours by car) away.

.

Housing

Students live in shared very rustic non-cooking cabins and eat in the Dining Hall inside the billy barr

community center. Cabins offer little privacy and truly rustic furnishings: electricity, minimal heat, and

an outhouse nearby. The central wash house has showers and washing machines. Pets of any kind are

prohibited at RMBL.

.

Transportation

Students must arrange for their own travel between their home institution and Gothic. There is an

airport in Gunnison that is 40 miles south of Gothic. Also, Bustang runs a bus between Denver and

Gunnison. The schedule is posted under https://ridebustang.com/schedules/. The price for the Denver

to Gunnison one-way bus service is ~$40 and arrives in Gunnison at approximately 6:40pm and departs

from Gunnison at 6:15am. At this time, you must bring $40 cash to purchase a ticket.

RMBL will arrange for transportation between Gunnison and Gothic at a cost of $50/trip on the day the

program begins (Saturday, June 8 to Gothic) and on the day the program ends (Friday, August 16 to

Gunnison), as long as a travel form is submitted online by May 1st. When this option is selected, the

additional fee will be added to the student bill. If you travel on days other than June 8 and August 16 or

you do not submit a travel form to us by May 1, you are responsible for organizing your own travel

between Gunnison and Gothic.

The RMBL website has more information on travel under www.rmbl.org/travel.

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Other Academic Activities

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Two to three seminars are presented each week by resident researchers and visiting scientists. Students

are encouraged to attend these programs and to become acquainted with the diversity of research

projects conducted by RMBL biologists.

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Recreation

An integral part of the RMBL experience is the beautiful mountain environment. There is an emphasis on

outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, camping, birding, and mountain biking) along with informal indoor

activities such as folk dancing and yoga.

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Communication

If you have wi-fi calling or What’s App calling options, you may make phone calls from the Gothic

Townsite. Otherwise, there is no cell phone reception in most of Gothic; however there is service in the

nearby towns of Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte and along the Gothic Road typically 1-2 miles from

Gothic towards Mt. Crested Butte. RMBL has an internet connection in the main classroom and lab

buildings. Some, but not all, of the cabins also have internet service. Because bandwidth is limited at

RMBL, Skype video and any kind of video downloading is prohibited. Skype audio can be used.

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Medical Care

There are medical clinics in Crested Butte and a full-service hospital in Gunnison. RMBL staff will help

arrange transportation to and from clinics as needed.

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Vehicles

Parking space is at a premium in Gothic, and there is a cost of $10/day per vehicle for students, with a

maximum charge of $600 for having your vehicle with you for the summer. Unpermitted parking within

1 mile of RMBL is a violation of RMBL parking policy, and will be subject to fines. If at all possible, plan to

use public transportation or carpool to travel to Gothic. The RMBL ride board is a good resource for

information about possible rides.

Vehicles are rarely necessary for students at RMBL. A free bus runs 7 days a week between RMBL and

the local town of Crested Butte, where basic supplies can be purchased or students can connect to a

free bus to and from Gunnison. For students who must drive to RMBL, there is a free parking lot 4 miles

from the field station in Mt. Crested Butte. Cars can be parked here for the summer at no cost.

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Alcohol and Drugs

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All RMBL residents must abide by state laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21.

All illegal drugs are prohibited at RMBL.

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I have read the RMBL Facilities Information and I agree to abide by any rules or conditions stated

therein. *

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Submission

When you click "submit" below, your application will be submitted and you will receive a confirmation

email. At this time, you may want to page back and forth using the "Previous" and "Next" buttons to

double-check your application and confirm you didn't forget any information.

Thank you for taking the time to complete an application for the RMBL Summer Education Program!

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