/ Day1 Research Communities

Day1: Michigan Rocks

Travel to northern Michigan in this geological immersion experience before classes begin!

  • Kickstart your learning experience with hands-on immersionKickstart your learning experience with a hands-on immersion experience
  • Day1: Michigan Rocks lets you explore Northern Michigan Day1: Michigan Rocks lets you explore Northern Michigan’s lakes
  • Students bikingExplore the countryside in Northern Michigan
  • Students examining rock formationsExamine natural geological formations
  • Student looking at rocks by the waterThe class starts where it matters: in the field
  • Student examining the rocksInterpret clues preserved within rocks and other geological formations
  • The Michigan Rocks groupGrow and learn among a diverse and passionate group of peers
  • Students doing work in the rainDay1: Michigan Rocks is a truly immersive outdoor experience — rain or shine

Day1: Michigan Rocks gives you the opportunity to join upper-level students and faculty mentors to explore rock formations that record events from throughout Michigan’s rich geological history. Study ancient volcanoes and mineral deposits, fossil-rich inland seas, the footprints of expansive glaciers and modern geological processes as you build skills used by professional geologists and environmental scientists.

Good news! A donor who values field-based learning is covering the field trip expenses for incoming freshmen participating in the Day1 Michigan Rocks program. This year the 10-day trip will have no extra course fees for first-year Day1 students.

This research community brings together first-year students interested in learning science in the outdoors, as well as current Hope students who want an immersive introduction to geology. This Michigan Field Geology course gives you a first-hand look at modern geological processes and will show you how to interpret clues in ancient rocks to understand past episodes of glaciation, volcanic eruptions and other major environmental changes that have shaped Michigan. As part of Day1: Michigan Rocks you will travel and camp together throughout the wilds of northern Michigan for 10 days before the start of the fall semester (August 12–22, 2024). With this shared experience, you’ll arrive on campus knowing a cohort of incoming classmates as well as some seasoned students who can help you settle into college life.

Community details

  • Day1 Michigan Rocks is embedded in the Michigan Field Geology course. After completing an application, you will be enrolled in Michigan Field Geology (GES 125-02M)
  • Move into your residence hall room on Hope’s campus on Monday, August 12, 2024 (two weeks before classes begin)
  • Our week of camping will include sleeping in tents, preparing meals and packing our equipment — rain or shine
  • Return to campus on the evening of Thursday, August 22, 2024, in time for first-year orientation
  • Continue studying Michigan geology for the first half of the fall semester with your Field Geology classmates
  • No fees for first-year students in 2024: Normally this program has an additional fee to cover travel and meal costs
  • Note: This course may be subject to change or cancellation as determined by COVID-19 protocols

Faculty Mentors

Hope CollegeDay1 Research Communities

A. Paul Schaap Science Center35 East 12th StreetRoom 3207Holland, MI 49423

workP. 616.395.7405