{"id":1104,"date":"2024-07-08T22:33:08","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T22:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-usc-dornsife.pantheonsite.io\/wrigley\/?page_id=1104"},"modified":"2026-08-20T16:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T16:43:10","slug":"catalina-island-maymester-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/education\/catalina-residential-college\/catalina-island-maymester\/catalina-island-maymester-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Maymester FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--intro-text align-center\"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--intro-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  \n          \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>Thank you for your interest in the Wrigley Institute\u2019s Catalina Residential College Maymester at the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC). In this program, we run several exciting Maymester classes within a residential college model on Catalina Island. <\/p>\n<p>The purpose of a residential college setup is to provide a unique living-learning community for students as they expand their understanding of the environment and sustainability. Students are given a place for self-discovery through diverse experiences, educational support networks, exchanges with peers from different backgrounds, and close relationships with mentors in an interdisciplinary academic environment.<\/p>\n<p>Catalina Residential College Maymester courses offer a month-long immersive learning experience, bringing together students from across the academic domains (natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities) to learn from the faculty and each other. The program includes undergraduates, graduate TAs, and faculty members living and learning as one community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n                            \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\">This FAQ will answer many of your questions, and it provides contact information for faculty so you can get more specific information about the course that interests you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What classes are part of the Wrigley Institute\u2019s Catalina Residential College Maymester?\u00a0<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:\u00a0<\/b>We aim to offer 5 classes during Maymester. Note that some classes have prerequisites, which can be discussed with the faculty.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>BISC 431L: Aquatic Microbiology<\/b>. Instructed by Dr. John Heidelberg (jheidelb@usc.edu) and Dr. Eric Webb (eawebb@usc.edu)<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>BISC 457L: Methods in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography<\/b>. Instructed by Dr. Karla Heidelberg (kheidelb@usc.edu) and Dr. Noelle Held (nheld@usc.edu)<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>ENST 483L: Coastal Zone Sustainability<\/b>. Instructed by Dr. David Ginsburg (dginsbur@usc.edu) and Ryan Freedman (ryanfree@usc.edu)<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>ENST 484: Waves of Change: Unearthing Coastal Environmental Histories.<\/b>\u00a0Instructed by Dr. Sean Fraga (sfraga@usc.edu)<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>ENST 298a\/b: Introduction to Scientific Diving. <\/strong>Instructed by the Wrigley Institute Dive Team<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What does the application process entail?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>A:<\/strong> Below is a high-level overview of the application process. Applicants and\/or admitted students should refer to the more detailed instructions provided in the application and via email.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To apply for a Catalina Residential College Maymester, you will need to submit a STARS report and a 500-word essay about why you are interested in the Maymester and how it will advance your career goals. You can apply for up to two classes in the Catalina Residential College but will only be admitted to one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The course professors review the applications and make their decisions, and students are notified by the Catalina Residential College team about their application decision usually within 1-2 weeks of the application deadline.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students who accept their admission offer will then submit a commitment to participate form, receive D-clearance, and then register for the course.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Maymester 2027 application deadline is <strong>Monday, November 2 at 11:59 p.m.<\/strong> <strong>PT<\/strong>. This provides students the best chance at admission to their preferred course. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is Maymester registration competitive?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:<\/b>&nbsp;To foster a high-quality learning experience and to accommodate capacity limits on the island, each Maymester course is limited to 15-20 students. In years past, some courses have filled up quickly with waitlists. Faculty will have to be selective if interest exceeds available space, but some may be able to admit everyone who applies. We recommend applying early and contacting the faculty member for your desired course to express your interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What are the classes like and how do they differ?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:<\/b> All Maymester classes are part of the spring semester as far as units and tuition are concerned\u00a0<b>as long as you don\u2019t go into credit overload\u00a0<\/b>(no more than 18 total units INCLUDING the Maymester). Classes run May 17\u2013June 11, 2027. Class sizes are small (15-20 students maximum) to provide ample interactions with faculty and individual academic attention.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Generally, required class activities take place Monday-Friday on Catalina Island. However, some courses may have required activities on the weekend, so you are encouraged to contact the relevant faculty member for more information.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Classes are generally a mix of classroom\/lecture time, lab research, and field work. Most of the classes involve some kind of diving, boating, or hiking activities. Specific activities vary by course, so contact the faculty for more information about specific classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How can I learn more about specific classes?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:<\/b> You can contact the faculty member for each course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-6-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-6-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Which classes have prerequisites?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-6-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-6-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>A:<\/strong> See below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>BISC 431L: Aquatic Microbiology\n<ul>\n<li><b>Prerequisites:\u00a0<\/b>BISC 103, BISC 120,\u00a0<b>OR<\/b>\u00a0BISC 121; counts as duplicate credit for BISC 419L<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>BISC 457L: Methods in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography\n<ul>\n<li><b>Prerequisites:\u00a0<\/b>BISC 103, BISC 120,<b>\u00a0OR\u00a0<\/b>BISC 121<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>ENST 483L: Coastal Zone Sustainability\n<ul>\n<li><b>Prerequisites:<\/b>\u00a0None required, but ENST 100 is recommended<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>ENST298a\/b: Introduction to Scientific Diving (NEW)\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prerequisites:<\/strong> Prior to the beginning of the course, students must (1) obtain basic open water scuba diving certification and (2) pass a dive physical.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Prerequisite waivers may be granted at the discretion of the faculty\/department. Please discuss the implications of receiving a prerequisite waiver with your academic advisor before you apply for the Catalina Maymester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-7-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-7-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How can I get one of these classes to count for my major or minor?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-7-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-7-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>A: <\/strong>The Catalina Maymester courses <strong>can<\/strong> count toward your major or minor, depending on your course of study. Many of the courses are already approved for majors in Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science and Health, and more!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t see your Catalina Maymester course in your major\/minor course plan, you can request the syllabus from the Maymester faculty member and send it to your advisor\/department with a request to have the course counted toward your major or minor.&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-8-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-8-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How hard are the classes?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-8-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-8-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:<\/b> The Catalina Island Maymester is not a vacation. Classes are academically rigorous. Because they condense an entire semester\u2019s worth of work into a single month, the pace can be challenging. One day of instruction is roughly equal to a week\u2019s worth of instruction during a normal semester. In addition, these are upper-division courses, and some are designed specifically for majors in particular subjects. However, the small class size and close contact with faculty mean that students who want good grades usually earn them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-9-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-9-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">I am in my first year at USC. Can I still enroll?\u00a0<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-9-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-9-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:&nbsp;<\/b>Yes, it is possible to complete this Maymester as a rising sophomore. All Maymester faculty spend the full month on the island and are highly accessible to and supportive of our students, so this is a good environment in which to challenge yourself. However, note that all classes in the program are upper-division classes, and some classes have prerequisites that must be completed before Maymester begins. Please contact the individual professors for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-10-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-10-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What does it cost?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-10-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-10-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:\u00a0<\/b>Tuition is covered under normal USC spring tuition\u00a0<b>as long as you don\u2019t go into credit overload\u00a0<\/b>(no more than 18 total units INCLUDING the Maymester). There is an additional cost of <strong>$2,498.45<\/strong> for room and board (21 meals\/week) for the 4-week program.<b> <\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some financial support is available through the Wrigley Institute. The SOAR application period is October 1\u201331, 2026<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For eligible students, Wrigley Institute room and board support of up to $1,298 can be combined with SOAR funds of up to $1,000. All Wrigley Institute Maymester classes are eligible for SOAR, but students must meet additional eligibility requirements. See the <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/exl\/soar\/\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-outlook-id=\"a70f6dd6-2c9f-448d-a32a-9f2573574d6f\">SOAR website<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>Note:<\/b> Students who are admitted to Maymester and submit the commitment form will be subject to a withdrawal fee if they later choose to drop the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-11-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-11-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What are the housing and food like?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-11-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-11-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:&nbsp;<\/b>Students live in dormitories at the Wrigley Marine Science Center with 2 or 3 students to a room and 2 dorm rooms sharing each bathroom. The dining hall serves three meals each day, and the food is typically better than normal cafeteria food. Note that, due to WMSC\u2019s remote location and limited staff and equipment, <b>we are limited in the number and type of dietary restrictions we can accommodate<\/b>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"\/wrigley\/research\/wrigley-marine-science-center-wmsc\/visit-wmsc\/wmsc-dietary-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-mce-href=\"\/wrigley\/research\/wrigley-marine-science-center-wmsc\/visit-wmsc\/wmsc-dietary-policy\/\"><span class=\"s1\">Read the full WMSC Dietary Policy &gt;&gt;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-12-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-12-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Can I leave the island?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-12-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-12-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:&nbsp;<\/b>While students are encouraged to stay on the island Monday-Friday, USC runs boats several times a week to and from WMSC, and we schedule classes and labs around the boat schedule. Students are welcome to return to L.A. over the weekends, as long as this does not conflict with their class schedule. However, most students choose to stay on the island and take advantage of recreational activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, trips to Avalon, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-13-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-13-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What if I have a medical emergency while staying on the island?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-13-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-13-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:<\/b>&nbsp;Baywatch paramedics are based in the town of Two Harbors, and they can reach the lab in just a few minutes. We also have a first-aid team on site at the Catalina Hyberbaric Chamber. For minor issues requiring a doctor\u2019s attention, Catalina Island Medical Center is roughly 30 minutes away by boat in Avalon. Additionally, our campus has a helipad for medical evacuations to the mainland, which usually take about 30 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>We also recommend you add the <strong>USC Student Health&nbsp;Phone Line: 213-740-9355<\/strong> to your phone. This number connects to services 24\/7, even when the health center locations are closed. USC Student Health services include Advice Nurse, Mental Health Counseling Support, and Confidential Advocates for sexual assault survivor care.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Note that <strong>there is no pharmacy nearby<\/strong>, so students should plan to pack a full month\u2019s supply of all necessary medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-14-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-controls=\"section-1-14-eU3kIgvbAk\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What about health and other campus protocols?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-14-eU3kIgvbAk\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-14-eU3kIgvbAk\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>A:&nbsp;<\/b>WMSC is a satellite campus of USC. As such, we mirror the main campus in terms of all health requirements and recommendations. We encourage all guests to follow best practices for maintaining a healthy environment, including being up-to-date on vaccinations and remaining away from others and\/or wearing a mask if you are sick. A designated faculty member, TA, or WMSC staff member is always on call for after-hours needs during Maymester.&nbsp; Because WMSC is a USC facility, the full USC Student Code of Conduct, including <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2025\/05\/CRC-alcohol-policy.pdf\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2025\/05\/CRC-alcohol-policy.pdf\">alcohol<\/a> and drug policies, also applies and will be enforced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n      <div class=\"links-container\">\n      \n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= \/wrigley\/education\/catalina-residential-college\/catalina-island-maymester\/\n    aria-label=\"Read more about Return to Maymester program page\"  \n>\n    Return to Maymester program page \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FC0\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n          <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":182,"featured_media":0,"parent":1097,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1104","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - 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