Summer Program

How to Apply Summer Dates Courses Summer Bulletin Scholarships Work-Study

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.

The application deadline for priority registration is February 16, 2026.

2026 Summer Session Dates

Summer Bulletin

Session Dates
Coral Reef Session April 1-May 22
May Session May 11-22
1st Session May 25-June 26
2nd Session June 29-July 31
Neurobiology Session August 3-14

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

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Summer School Registration Application HERE. We MUST have this application on file before your registration can begin.
  2. Your academic advisor will meet with you and complete a Summer Advising form, that form is completed and submitted to the DISL Registrar.
  3. The DISL Registrar enrolls you in your Summer classes, per that Summer Advising form.

If there are any changes that need to be made, your advisor must let the DISL Registrar know.

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.

Scholarships

Deadline March 31, 2026

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 31, 2026

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.