| Title: | Undergraduate Education Field Trip Policy |
|---|---|
| Policy Owner: | Office of the Provost |
| Applies to: | Faculty, Staff, Students, Others |
| Campus Applicability: | Storrs and Regional Campuses |
| Effective Date: | June 5, 2013 |
| For More Information, Contact | Office of the Provost |
| Contact Information: | (860) 486-2421 |
| Official Website: | http://vped.uconn.edu/ |
Field Trips are an important component of the experiential learning advocated in the University’s academic plan for undergraduate education. In order to promote the success and safety of all involved in field trips, the University of Connecticut has established this Field Trip Policy.
I. PURPOSE
A. To establish a policy and related procedures for field trips that involve faculty members, support staff, students, and/or other persons.
II. REFERENCES
A. Student Code of the University of Connecticut
B. University Policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements
III. DEFINITIONS
A. “Field Trip” means an educational off-campus excursion that is part of a credit-bearing academic course and is indicated on the course syllabus. Field trips do not include internships, study abroad, service learning assignments for individual students, on-campus excursions or trips by co-curricular groups (the Chess Club, the Chemistry Club, etc.). (See IV.A. for further information).
B. “Field Trip Participants” means University of Connecticut faculty, staff, and students connected with the course. Other University of Connecticut faculty, staff, and students may participate with permission of the field trip coordinator, but they do so at their own risk and they must follow the designated guidelines.
C. “Students” means part-time or full-time students enrolled at the University of Connecticut.
D. “Trip Director” means the faculty member or other University employee designated to be in charge of a field trip.
IV. GUIDELINES
A. Instructors must give prior notice to students that their class includes Field Trips. Instructors should ensure that the Catalogue lists the Field Trip; however, at a minimum, instructors must notify students about Field Trips on the class syllabus and on the first day of class.
B. Field trips are University sponsored events and, as such, all relevant University policies, and state and federal laws apply to trip participants.
C. Field trips begin and end on campus. Students who join or leave the field trip at any other point do so at their own risk. Regional campus field trips may begin and end in designated commuter areas.
D. Field trips are either voluntary or mandatory. Voluntary field trips follow the same guidelines as those that are mandatory for the course.
E. The Trip Director has the responsibility to enforce compliance with University policies and the Student Code by all persons participating in the field trip as would be expected in the traditional classroom setting.
F. Students with disabilities must always be permitted to participate in field trips, and trips should be arranged in ways that reasonably accommodate them. Full consideration should be given by investigating the accessibility of the destination as well as transportation resources. Physical requirements should be clearly delineated and students should be afforded the opportunity to complete an alternate activity in the event that participation with reasonable accommodations is not feasible. Faculty members are encouraged to consult with students regarding accessibility concerns and may contact the Center for Students with Disabilities for assistance as well.
G. All participants are individually responsible for their personal conduct while on the field trip. The University has no obligation to protect them from the legal consequences of violations of law for which they may be responsible.
H. No alcoholic beverages or controlled substances shall be transported or consumed in any vehicle (private, rented, or leased) at ANY TIME or used or consumed during the course of the field trip.
I. No narcotics, illegal drugs, or other controlled substances may be in the possession of, or used by, any person engaged in the field trip.
J. Trip Directors must review and ensure compliance (including execution of any necessary forms) with the Field Trip Checklist while planning, preparing for, and executing a Field Trip.
V. SANCTIONS
A. Violations of this Field Trip Policy may be the basis of appropriate sanctions, including the initiation of formal charges under applicable provisions of the Student Code or the relevant collective bargaining agreements and University policies.
B. While actually engaged in a field trip, the Trip Director may enforce the provisions of this Field Trip Policy by withdrawal or limitation of privileges, or, in the event of repeated violations, by excluding the offending person from further participation and arranging to return the offender to the campus or to convey him/her to the nearest point of public transportation for return to the campus. The cost of such return transportation is a proper charge against University funds, but the University reserves the right to obtain reimbursement from the offender.
VI. VEHICLE USE
A. The University does not maintain a fleet of vehicles. If a vehicle is needed for a field trip, the department can rent or lease from a University-contracted rental agency. Drivers of rental vehicles must be employed by the university and must be at least 21 years of age. Insurance and damage waivers are required when renting a vehicle from a third party.
B. There may be occasions when you will drive your own vehicle for a field trip with the approval of the Trip Director. In that scenario, your own automobile insurance policy serves as the “primary” policy for third-party liability and physical damage to your vehicle. If a claim arising out of an accident exceeds your personal liability limits, then the University’s policy may cover the accident in excess of your policy, but only for liability, not damage to your vehicle. You are responsible for any deductible amounts under your policy.
C. Drivers of University owned, rented or leased vehicles must comply with the UConn Motor Vehicle Policy which can be found on the UConn ePolicy page. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer.
Any questions regarding this policy may be directed to the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.