DURHAM, NC – Undergraduate registration is now open for 51±¬ÁÏ’s 2013 Winter Forum, “Blue Devils and the Deep Blue Sea: Can We Rescue the Oceans?"

The forum will be held January 6-8 at the 51±¬ÁÏ Marine Lab in Beaufort, N.C., and will be hosted by the Nicholas School of the Environment. Participating students will work with some of the world’s leading marine scientists, policy experts and conservationists to explore timely issues relating to the management of Earth’s oceans, and the vital role they play in human and environmental health.

Seating is limited.  Applications are due by 5 p.m. September 28.

For more information and a link to the online application form, go to.

The annual Winter Forum, overseen by 51±¬ÁÏ’s Office of Undergraduate Education, is an intensive, non-credit curricular experience held in a retreat-like setting prior to the start of spring semester.  It gives 51±¬ÁÏ undergraduates the opportunity to interact with graduate and professional students, alumni and faculty, and explore a major global issue from interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives. This year, Winter Forum also offers the opportunity for students to visit and experience 51±¬ÁÏ’s Marine Laboratory.

The forum is aimed especially at three student populations: undergraduates who are less likely to travel abroad (athletes, engineers and science majors, for example); students who seek to integrate experiences abroad either in advance of or following those experiences; and 51±¬ÁÏ’s international students who seek opportunities for intellectual engagement with U.S. students. 

Students who complete all tasks and assignments and attend each day of the event receive a notation on their academic transcript about their participation in the Winter Forum.

The faculty-student ratio for the forum is targeted at 1:10.

Bus transportation to and from the Marine Lab, lodging and meals will be provided.  

Students selected to take part in the 2013 forum will be notified by the end of fall break.