Bermuda is a group of approximately three hundred coral islands that form a fishhook-shaped chain in the western Atlantic Ocean. Founded in the early 1600’s, it is the oldest self-governing British colony and is located roughly 700 miles east of North Carolina. The island is 21 miles long and has a landscape that includes pink, sandy beaches, rocky shoreline and semi-tropical vegetation. There are no freshwater lakes or streams; drinking water is obtained by natural catchment. Hamilton is the capital and the shopping center of the island.

ACADEMIC CONCERNS
Questions about course content, criteria for evaluation or administration procedures for a course should be discussed with the relevant instructor and/or Gerald Plumley at plumley@BIOS.edu.

ACCOMMODATION
There is no A/C or central heating, although fans or small heaters are available upon request from reception. The electrical systems are identical to those of the United States: 110 V.

Ants and cockroaches thrive in Bermuda’s climate, so expect them. Be advised that uncovered food or empty food containers will attract bugs, so keep edibles out of your room and in the refrigerator. Contact reception for bug spray.

CATERING
There are three meals each day. Packed lunches are provided on Saturday and Sunday, and students must prepare their own at breakfast time. Packed lunches are also available on any day in place of a regular lunch if previously requested.

COMPUTER ROOM
The computers are located in the Library and are accessible 24 hours a day. Both PCs and Macs are available (14 PCs and 3 Macs). If you have any queries, or would like to make any suggestions concerning the computers, see your TA or the Librarian, or contact the Computer Department staff. Please do not interfere with the computer systems, even if you are very familiar with them. Please do not install ANY software without first getting the permission from the Computer Department staff. Please report any problems to the Computer Department staff, preferably via e-mail or phone. Do not attempt to rectify problems yourself. Do not attach any peripherals (printers, ZIP drives, SCSI devices) without first getting permission from the Computer Department staff.

The integrity of data is NOT the responsibility of BIOS. Shared computers are continually at risk for data loss, therefore secure student accounts will be created on a file server for data only. Any application software put on the servers or local disk drives (without permission) will be deleted by the Computer Department staff. Because of the high demand on these computers, personal e-mail and web browsing is not considered to be a legitimate use of the computers at any time when others are waiting to use them for course-related activities. Please restrict personal e-mail and web browsing to the off-peak hours of 10 pm to 8 am. Anyone behaving in an obnoxious manner that results in the loss of opportunity or functionality for others will have their computer privileges revoked and they will be billed for any time and/or parts required to restore the system. For more details about the computer systems visit the web site http://sargasso.BIOS.edu/compsys/BIOSpolicy.html accessed from an internal computer.

CURRENCY
U.S. currency can be used throughout the island. Bermuda dollars are of equal value to American dollars. Traveler’s Cheques and major credit cards can be used at most shops and restaurants, although checks drawn on American banks are rarely accepted. Insta-teller machines are available and accept credit cards on CIRRUS and STAR systems.

DEPARTURE
You must notify Reservations and the Education Department if you alter your departure dates, as BIOS is responsible for informing the Department of Immigration of any changes.

DIVING
All divers must be certified. All diving is conducted using the buddy system.

Those who intend to dive must supply their own gear, excluding tanks and weights, which BIOS provides. Refills cost $10, unless the dive is part of a course. All divers must complete the appropriate forms and pass a dive skills assessment. Check with your course instructor or TA for details.

BIOS generally does not conduct any diving courses. However, if you wish to certify during your stay, there are a number of reputable dive shops on the island. Open-water certification will cost approximately $325-$360, although some will offer a deal if there is a group who wish to learn to dive. The nearest dive shop is Triangle Dive at Grotto Bay, tel. 293-7319.

ALCOHOL
The minimum age for consumption of alcohol in Bermuda is 18. Please carry ID when you are going out, and use one of the many taxi services to get home. Alcohol is not allowed in public (BIOS and Bermuda generally), such as on the BIOS grounds or in communal areas, excluding designated places such as the Passing Wind. The Passing Wind is BIOS’s own private club and is discussed below.

DRUGS
As a federal contractor, BIOS is obliged to provide a drug-free working and learning environment. Failure to comply may result in suspension or loss of federal funds. All personnel are expected to comply, including students and guests.

Any questions on drug counseling or rehabilitation should be directed to the Education Office.

Bermuda fully enforces its laws concerning drug use, and visitors to the island have served jail terms for disregarding the law. It is illegal to bring drugs or drug paraphernalia into Bermuda.

ETIQUETTE

• There is no smoking in any of the buildings at BIOS.
• Please be mindful of the fact that BIOS is a non-profit research and educational institute. Please treat all BIOS property with respect.
• Quiet Hours are from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• The dress code is the same as in Bermuda generally: no bathing suits other than on boats or on the beach. Shirts must be worn at all times except at the beach. Going barefoot is prohibited.

GIFT SHOP
BIOS has a Gift Shop stocking BIOS merchandise, such as polo shirts, tees and post cards. There are also a number of knick knacks. The shop is situated in the foyer of Reception and is open most weekdays.

GUESTS
Guests are not permitted for the duration of the course. Because of the workload, visitors are not practical. However, if you wish to extend your stay by a few days, guests are permitted if accommodation is available. Contact the House Manager at ext. 102 before making any arrangements.

GYMS / HEALTH CLUBS

Aerobics takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6.30 - 8 pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15-1:15pm and is taught by Lauren Yelle-Simmons (BIOS extension 315). Classes are located below Graham’s Gym on Old Military Road in St. George’s.

HARASSMENT
If a student feels that they have been in any way harassed and informal resolution is impossible, action can be initiated through Gerald Plumley. Charges will be taken seriously.

HOUSING
Housing usually consists of 2-3 students sharing a room with single beds and a shared-use bathroom. One set of linens and two towels will be provided for each student. Students are responsible for laundering them during their stay and leaving them in their rooms upon departure.

If additional linens or towels are desired we suggest bringing them with you to BIOS. Bathrooms will be cleaned once a week. Minimal supplies for other room cleaning (e.g. sweeping) will be provided. Students are considered tenants, not owners of rooms. This means that BIOS staff can enter student rooms if given sufficient cause to do so. Two members of BIOS staff must agree upon sufficient cause before action is taken.

If you have problems with roommates that cannot be informally or amicably resolved, see the House Manager. Students will be billed for any damage to housing.

LABORATORIES
Please follow appropriate laboratory rules for safety as instructed.

Salt water is extremely corrosive, so be careful when using microscopes and other lab equipment. Labs are off limits unless you are scheduled to use them.

Collecting Policy: some species are completely protected; most BIOS bulletin boards have a complete list. Do not collect anything for non-specific or educational purposes, unless the correct procedure has been followed. Collecting should be approved by your course instructor.

LAUNDRY
Rooms are provided with two towels and one set of bed linen on arrival and students are responsible for their own laundry. The laundry room is situated beneath Wright Hall, and the machines use quarters, which are obtainable from the change machine (in the laundry), or in reception. Washers cost $2 and dryers cost $1. Detergent can be purchased from the vending machine or from reception. Please do not leave laundry in washers or dryers for an unreasonable amount of time; this leaves them available for others to use and prevents theft.

LIBRARY
The Library is open 24 hours a day. No food or drink is allowed in the Library. Books may be checked out by pulling the card from the back of the book, signing the card with your name, the course name, and the date, and placing the card in the relevant box. For journals, follow the same procedure, filling out a journal slip. Please do not re-shelve books. Place them in the book drop-off bin.

To place an interlibrary loan request, either contact the Librarian at plumley@BIOS.edu ext. 217 or fill out an electronic ILL form on the Library’s web page. Photocopies cost 15 cents each. Photocopying cards are available from Reception.

The computer room is also open 24 hours a day. If there is a malfunction with equipment, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Report any problems to either the Librarian or the Computer Systems department at ext. 107 or ext. 257.

MAIL
Letters are picked up on weekdays from the Post Office by BIOS staff and are sorted at BIOS. Customs Officers will inspect packages sent via the postal service and any duty charged to the person in receipt. The recipient of a package will be sent a card informing them of the duty that is due. The money - accompanied by the information card - can be left for the driver, who can pay and deliver the package the following working day.

FedEx, UPS and DHL will run packages through Customs and deliver them to BIOS, where our receptionist will sign for them.

Mail is placed in an assigned group mailbox in the reception area, which is also the location of our internal mail system.

MEDICAL
Students are not covered by BIOS Health Insurance.

Students can use a local physician, Doctor Andrew West (297-0068), and Robertson’s Drug Store (store: 297-1828; dispensary: 297-1736).

The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital employs well-trained staff and you should proceed there for any emergencies. An ambulance can be dispatched by calling 911.

PARKING
For scooters, parking is at the back of Hanson Hall. Please secure your vehicle. For scooter rental, see TRANSPORT. There is no parking outside Wright Hall at any time.

PASSING WIND AND PARTIES
Parties are only allowed at the Passing Wind and must be planned well ahead of time and approved by one of the managers. The planner of the party is responsible for making sure the premises are locked and that the cleaning is completed by noon the following day. However, trash must be disposed of the night of the party. Cleaning materials are located beneath the bar. Recyclable items go in a blue bag by the other trash. To get the key for a party at the Wind, contact one of the managers (listed below).

People below the legal drinking age (18) must not be in the vicinity of a party or of the Wind during open hours. If an underage person is found at the Wind, the individual who invited them will have their honorary membership immediately suspended. Parties must be under the supervision of a TA, instructor or BIOS staff member, who should be present at the event. All parties should be conducted with decorum. The Wind was brought into existence as a club for unwinding and discussion, and as such general rules of propriety should be observed. This is true anywhere at BIOS and in Bermuda. BIOS is a residential area, so be mindful of others and respect their absence from your party.

The Wind is a private social club, not a public bar. Students are granted honorary membership, and must be of the legal drinking age (18). Prices are $2.50 for beer, $10.00 for a bottle of wine and $1 for sodas.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 5-11 p.m.

Friday through Sunday, closed by 1:00AM , although at the weekend the Wind does not always open to schedule.

One of the managers will open the Wind at 5 p.m. and will generally remain until 6 p.m., at which time the Wind will close if no full members are present. All members are responsible for cleaning up. No smoking is allowed inside.

Parties on BIOS premises must be respectful of Quiet Hours: 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. Remember that this is a small campus with residential areas both in Wright Hall and on the property, so be considerate of other residents.

RECYCLING
Bermuda recycles bottle and cans as well as white office paper, batteries and newspapers. These go in the marked bins provided at various locations around BIOS. Bermuda does not recycle plastic materials.

SAFETY
Please exercise caution as you would anywhere else. Do not travel around the island unaccompanied at night. Lock your room when you leave it.

SUPERMARKETS
Somers Supermart, located in St. George’s just past the main square, has most everyday items at reasonable prices. Tel. 297-1177. Cousin’s Variety is a 20 minute walk away from BIOS, on the way into St. George’s. These smaller stores are more expensive than the larger stores elsewhere on the island (taxi or bus ride away). Students are encouraged to bring necessities with them. There is a larger grocery store – Southside Supermarket – in St. David’s, 5-10 minutes drive from BIOS.

TELEPHONE
Local calls can be made from the courtesy phone in the lounge of Wright Hall, Reception, lecture rooms or your laboratory. Press the BIOS button to get an outside line. There are pay phones in Wright Hall, Reception area and at the dorms complex. Long distance calls can be made using a cash calling card or credit card, or by calling collect. Cash calling cards may be purchased from Reception. Phone credit cards, such as AT&T cards, are not accepted by the BIOS telephones.

TRANSPORT
Buses: The journey to Hamilton takes about 45 minutes on the bus. Blue and pink poles or shelters mark the bus stops. The closest one to BIOS is at the bottom of Ferry Road, on Mullet Bay Road. Buses depart from St. George’s for Hamilton every fifteen minutes Monday to Saturday, but less often on Sunday. For more detailed timetables and to purchase of tickets, ask at Reception. Previous students advise that you buy a month-long bus pass. These cost $30 and they are available from Post Offices.

Cycles: Auxiliary cycles can be rented in Bermuda, although cars cannot. Leased cycles are no more than 50cc and helmets must be worn. The speed limit is 22 mph, or 35 kph. The rental fee is high, and for your purposes auxiliary cycles are not entirely necessary, but useful to access the rest of the Island.

* BIOS visitors have commented that they get the best deal and service from this company.

Mention that you are staying at BIOS and the length of your stay - you may get a deal. If you do lease an auxiliary cycle, be sure to make a note of your license plate number as cycles are largely identical and therefore easily lost.

Taxis: Special arrangements can be made with a taxi driver for BIOS, for airport runs, island tours, etc. If you wish to take advantage of this, contact Reception.

* This service is only available for St. George’s and St. David’s areas, including the airport. They will do a pick-up and drop off service to BIOS, but will only drop off to the airport, not pick up. Hours of operation are limited.

WATER
In Bermuda, fresh water is rainwater collected from the roofs and stored in tanks. Please conserve water: do not leave taps running, and take short showers. If you turn on the tap and no water runs out, the tank has probably run dry. Please turn the tap off and inform the Reception desk, or use one of the emergency call-out numbers if after hours.

WEATHER
It can be very windy and rainy at times in the winter. Students are advised to bring a rain-proof jacket and pants.

WHO TO SEE

Rev 5/20