NKU Field Trip Policy

What is an NKU Field Trip?

Planning the Trip

Transportation

Communication and Site Orientation

Duty to Warn, Protect, and Supervise

Compliance with University Policies

Sample Waivers - Adult With University Transportation Provided 

What is an NKU Field Trip?

A field trip is an off campus educational / institutional experience provided by NKU faculty / staff to their students which normally involves travel for the group. A trip to an art museum for art students which normally involves travel could be considered a NKU field trip, but a social gathering or trip without educational purpose would not normally be considered a field trip.

Planning the Trip

There are a number of steps you may consider in planning your trip:

  1. Identify any special requirements for participation in the trip - special skills, fitness, certification -- as well as any hazards or dangers on the trip or at the site that might affect the health and safety of the participants.
  2. Obtain departmental approval where appropriate.
  3. Ask students to advise you of any special disabilities, problems or needs that may need to be accommodated.
  4. Obtain signed parental permission forms for any minor students participating.
  5. Consider the need for special clothing or equipment that may be needed because of weather conditions.
  6. Determine transportation needs -- reservation of vehicles, drivers, need for site supervision..
  7. Plan for emergencies -- theft, illness, vehicle emergency, weather delays, student misconduct or threats to the safety of others.
  8. If the trip is outside the continental United States contact the Office of Legal Affairs for further information.

Transportation

See University Administrative Regulation AR-II-3.0-12, Vehicle Utilization Policy and Procedures

In general, scheduling of university fleet vehicles is on a first come first serve basis. Student vehicles should not be utilized. University vehicles may be driven by appropriately licensed university employees or agents. Students may not operate university fleet vehicles.

Determine the route, stops, timetables, and assign drivers. You will need a system for communicating and performing student counts. Make sure you have an adequate number of drivers for longer trips to allow sufficient rest for drivers. If you intend to use vehicles from rental agencies, !?!?

 

Communication and Site Orientation

Communicate information to students in advance about schedules, departure locations, route, rest and meal stops, lodging, emergency procedures, protocol for problems, and rules of conduct.

 

Duty to Warn, Protect, and Supervise

Familiarize students with the site and their surroundings. NKU Faculty and staff have a duty to warn their students of any known hazards at the field trip site. University employees must exercise reasonable care to protect and supervise students while they are participating in a field trip conducted by the University.

 

Compliance with University Policies

Faculty, staff, and students must comply with University policies while on field trips just as they would on campus.

The instructional activities and setting during the class time should conform with the University's policies including those concerning alcohol and drug use, vehicle use, student misconduct, smoking, principles of academic freedom, policy on sexual harassment and consensual relationships.

 

Sample Waivers - Adult With University Transportation Provided

NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY - WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

ADULT PARTICIPANT

I hereby certify that I am over the age of eighteen and by my signature below, I hereby release Northern Kentucky University (NKU), its officers, agents, employees, successors, and assigns from any and all liability, not caused directly by negligence of NKU or its representatives, arising out of or in any way related to my participation in a student field trip to visit the (Place of field trip) in (City and State). The group will leave on (Date) at (Time) and return on (Time).

I understand that there will be activities required of me as necessary for participation in the above-related trip and that there is some risk involved in all such activities. I hereby accept that risk.

I understand that the University is providing transportation by University vehicle and that (person sponsoring trip, of (your department) will be accompanying the participants and will be the primary driver.

If I require medical care while participating in the activities of this trip, I authorize NKU through its employees or agents (including the staff of the [your]Department) to contact Dr. _______________________ at phone number, ( ___) __________, or if that is not possible, I authorize NKU through its employees or agents to summon emergency medical care or to take me to the nearest medical facility for purposes of receiving medical care or to take me to the nearest medical facility for purposes of receiving medical care with the understanding that I will not hold NKU, or its employees, agents or representatives responsible for the actions of the agents, representatives or employees of the medical facility and that I will assume any and all responsibility for payment of same. My medical insurance carrier is ____________ And the policy number is _______________________ .

Date: ________________ Participant _______________________________________

 

Sample Waiver - Minor

NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY - WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

MINOR PARTICIPANT

I hereby certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of _________________________________ and that he/she has my permission to go on the trip to (Place of field trip). The field trip is scheduled from (Date) from (Time) to (Time). In case of an emergency, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) may reach me at _________________________, or by telephone at ______________________or another parent/guardian or responsible adult whose name is __________________________________ at phone number _____________, and whose relationship to the minor is ____________________.

I understand that NKU is not providing transportation and each participant is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from (Place of field trip). NKU faculty/staff member(s), (Name of person sponsoring trip) will be accompanying the participants.

I understand that there will be activities required of the participants in the above-related field trip and there is some risk involved in all such activities. I hereby accept that risk on behalf of my son/daughter and certify that I know of no medical reason to limit such activity.

If medical care is required while on the trip, I authorize NKU through its employees or agents (including the [your] Department staff) to contact Dr. ________________, at phone # _______, or if that is not possible, I authorize NKU through its employees or agents to take my son/daughter to the nearest medical facility for purposes of receiving medical care with the understanding that I will not hold NKU, or its employees, agents or representatives responsible for the actions of the agents, representatives, or employees of the medical facility and that I will assume any and all responsibility for payment for same. My medical insurance carrier is ________________________________, and the policy number is_________________________ On behalf of myself and my minor son/daughter, ______________________________________ I hereby release NKU and its officers, agents, employees, successors, and assigns from any and all liability arising out of or in any way related to this trip.

 

DATE__________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN___________________________________

 

PARTICIPANT_________________________________________

 

Disclaimer 
PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTHING ON THIS SITE SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS “LEGAL ADVICE” FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR LEGAL AFFAIRS AND GENERAL COUNSEL.  USERS SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT WITH APPROPRIATE LICENSED COUNSEL IF LEGAL ISSUES ARE INVOLVED.  THE MATERIALS PRESENTED ON THIS SITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 
NKU Home | Help/Search | Disclaimer | Feedback |