Communicate codes of conduct for staff
and students, addressing such issues as fraternizing, consuming
alcohol, controlling activities, and conduct during "free
time". Advise participants of the consequences
of non-compliance and take appropriate action when aware that
participants are in violation.
Required versus Voluntary Field Trips
When planning your course, consider making
the field trip a required activity. Required field trips minimize
liability to the University - primarily through better planning
-- and provide access to secondary accident coverage for the
students through the Student Travel Accident Insurance held
by the campus.
Required field trips must be included in your
syllabus as a course requirement and having a brief description
of the activity helps students decide if the activity is appropriate
for them. Provide students with more specific information
regarding required field trips at the beginning of the term.
Voluntary field trips offer no secondary insurance
coverage to the students.
Advise Students of Risks
Discuss with your students the nature of the
activities during the field trip, including any inherent hazards,
strenuous activity, or unusual activity that might take place.
Invite students to apprise you in advance of any special accommodations
or medical conditions that may need to be addressed to help
ensure a successful trip for them.
Students needing special accommodations or
precautions typically know best what those should be and you
will know best if you can oblige. However, if the accommodation
or precaution is something you could do but wouldn't
be comfortable doing - performing a medical procedure or the
like - you're encouraged to contact the campus Disability Support
Services office for advice.
Authorized Participants
Allow only CSU, Chico faculty, staff, volunteer
employees, and students to participate in your field trip. The
minimal protection that accrues to each of these participants
is not afforded to family members or students from other institutions.
Field Trip Participant Roster
Print your class roster and note the field trip date at the top of the page. Just prior to departure, ensure that the list reflects only the names of those participating in the field trip. Provide the list to University Police Department prior to departure.
Consider the importance of this document if
your group fell victim to a major natural or manmade disaster.
Request
for Waiver of Liability or Informed Consent
Risk Management is responsible for preparing
waivers of liability and informed consents for your use for
on- and off- campus activities. Most off-campus activities
(unless walking a short distance from campus) and some on-campus
activities will require signed waivers or signed informed consents
from the student(s). To help Risk Management determine whether a waiver/informed
consent might be appropriate, complete a Request
for Waiver of Liability or Informed Consent and submit
it to Risk Management at least five (5) business days prior to the activity.
We may recommend that students sign a waiver for voluntary
activities or an informed consent for required activities.
Risk Management will complete a risk assessment
and provide a waiver/informed consent form if appropriate, along
with specific instructions as to who should sign the waiver,
when it should be signed, where it should be kept, and for how
long. Waivers and informed consents are typically signed
by participants who do not have employee status.
Travel Documentation
Contact Travel Services to complete the necessary paperwork
required for your travel. Information on Travel Services
can be found at http://www.csuchico.edu/ao/travel.
Refer to CSU Executive
Order 590 for Student Air Travel policies.
Transportation
Voluntary Field Trips:
If University or commercial transportation has not been
provided you need to advise the students that travel is done
at their own risk. Make sure everyone knows the destination
and stress the importance of not caravanning. For students
transporting themselves the field trip would begin and end at
the activity site. If it is necessary for an instructor
to coordinate the transportation arrangements the "Required
Field Trips" steps should be met.
Required Field Trips:
If University or commercial transportation has not been
provided each designated driver who will be transporting other
field trip participants must be appointed as an approved
volunteer employee and complete all requirements for driving on official state business, e.g. successful completion of Defensive Driver Training, completion of Authorization to Use Privately Owned Vehicles on State Business, Travel Request forms, etc. When transportation arrangements are
made by the instructor the field trip should begin and end on
campus.
Vehicle Drivers
The best option, when available, is to use
a University bus and driver. Other University vehicles
and privately owned vehicles may be used, but only CSU, Chico
employees may be authorized to drive on University business.
"University employees" are defined as those persons
who have completed all prerequisites to CSU employment; faculty,
staff, and student assistants and persons on volunteer status.
The CSU Use of University and Private Vehicles Policies and Regulations require that University employees
satisfactorily complete a CSU-approved defensive driver training
course prior to being authorized to use a University or private
vehicle on University business.
Volunteer
Employees
Individuals who volunteer services to the CSU,
whether on an ongoing basis or for a short-term event, are considered
CSU
volunteers. CSU, Chico volunteers are required to
sign and date a Volunteer
Employee Form. Once completed, send an original, signed
copy to Human Resources Office, Zip 010. A copy of appropriate
license or certificate, if applicable, must be attached.
