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Field trips are an important component of the educational process. They can significantly enhance course content by providing experiential learning and information that is difficult to convey in a classroom setting. It is important to the educational mission of the College that field trips be planned in ways that maximize student learning and participation and minimize risk and disruption with other scheduled College activities.

For the purpose of this policy, a field trip is defined as any activity occurring off college property. Field trips do not include, for instance, internships, study abroad, service-learning assignments for individual students, or on-campus activities.

Also, as part of this policy, students must be given prior notice that their class includes field trips and that participation is limited to students enrolled in Â鶹ÊÓƵ as well as authorized faculty and staff.

Field trips are College sponsored events and, as such, all relevant College policies and procedures, state, and federal laws apply to trip participants. Participants in field trips and college-approved travel must always remember that they are representing Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Participants are expected to behave with decorum, upholding and maintaining the college’s reputation through appropriate professional behavior and by respecting others, both in class and among those with whom they interact during the field trip.

The College may offer students and employees the opportunity to participate in educational travel experiences that are not a requirement of any course or degree or diploma program. The purpose of these trips is to provide educational experiences for students and employees. Student and employee participation in these trips is voluntary. When an instructor decides to conduct a College sponsored field trip for the purpose of enhancing the student’s educational experience, the instructor shall complete an Off-Campus Activity Release form for each College sponsored field trip. Each student shall be required to complete and sign a release form indicating they are taking the field trip at their own risk. For all students under 18 years old, the Off-Campus Activity Release for Minor Students form should also be completed and must have a parent or guardian signature. All forms shall be forwarded to the appropriate dean/director and the Chief Academic Officer.

Individuals participating in field trips do so at their own risk. Participants who violate College policies and procedures while on the field trip may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action as defined in the student code of conduct.

The following limitations apply:

A. Field trips may not be scheduled when or where there are abnormal hazards to health or safety; B. Field trips outside the territorial United States of America may be conducted only with the approval of the President.