Academics

Field Trip Policy

1. Each field trip participant must file an Assumption of Risk of Release form.
2. The University of Oklahoma policy regarding alcohol and drugs “prohibits illegal use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace, on University property, or as part of any University-sponsored activities.”  (Section 5.2, Faculty Handbook).
3. Field trip leaders must obtain emergency contact information for each student prior to the trip.   
4. All persons operating University-owned vehicles must be employees of the University of Oklahoma and must have a valid driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle being driven.
5. While a passenger in a University-owned vehicle, all students must wear seat belts.
6. If the trip is outside the Oklahoma City area for a period exceeding 24 hours, an itinerary must be filed in the department or school and with the OU Department of Public Safety prior to the trip.  Please refer to section 4.24 of the faculty handbook below.

Under 18 Form

Over 18 Form

Section 4.24 Faculty Handbook

(1) Itineraries.   A field trip, requiring the filing of an itinerary, is any University sponsored activity that is conducted off-campus outside the Oklahoma City metro area for a period exceeding 24 hours. Academic units sponsoring off-campus field trips as described above for University students – whether mandatory or voluntary and regardless of whether credit is awarded – must file an itinerary with their department’s or college office and OU Department of Public Safety prior to the trip.  The itinerary should include:

• Telephone numbers where the group may be reached or emergency telephone numbers,
• Destinations and, if possible, trip routes.
• A list of the names of the students and other participants also must be filed with the sponsoring academic unit.”

(2) Releases.   In addition, academic units sponsoring any field trips that are either by
commercial carrier or that involve unusual activity outside the classroom (hiking,
climbing, athletic activities, etc.) are responsible for obtaining signed Assumption of Risk and Release forms from each participant prior to the field trip. The releases are designed to protect the University and inform participants of the University’s responsibilities in the event of injury. Low-cost accident and illness insurance policies are available for field trip participants from the Center for Student Life (325-4444).