Academic Field Trip Guidelines

These guidelines are offered to supplement any existing College or Department procedures. To ensure the safety and well being of all participants, the following
guidelines are recommended:

1. All field trips should begin and end on campus. This gives the field trip supervisor
a much better chance to demonstrate that he/she has exercised reasonable
precautions to protect the safety and well being of the field trip participants.

2. All field trips should be designated as a mandatory course requirement. Student
Travel Accident Insurance, which can provide medical expense benefits to an injured
student, is only available if the field trip is a mandatory course requirement.

3. Advise students of any hazardous, extraordinary, or strenuous activity anticipated
during the field trip.

4. All field trip participants must complete and submit the Academic Field Trip Informed
Consent Form prior to participation.

5. A list of all persons participating in the field trip including emergency contact
information must be retained in the academic department office in the event of an
accident or emergency.

6. All designated vehicle drivers must obtain the appropriate authorization form from
the University . This form is submitted to the Department Chair prior to driving.

• ONCE AUTHORIZED, ANYONE DRIVING ON A FIELD TRIP OR CARRYING OUT ANY
STATE BUSINESS MUST POSSESS:

1. A valid California Drivers License.
2. A current Defensive Driver Training certificate.
3. A good driving record (DMV Pull Notice)
4. If driving a private vehicle**, a completed Authorization to Use Privately Owned
Vehicles on State Business form STD 261 is to be submitted.

Note:
Personal liability insurance is primary coverage when driving a privately owned vehicle. No alcoholic beverages or controlled substances shall be transported in a State or private vehicle (on State business) at ANY TIME.

For further information regarding State or private vehicle use, authorized drivers, and related information, please refer to the Department of Environmental Health & Safety/Risk Management web pages on State Vehicles.

• MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENT/INJURY:

Student Participants:

In the event of an accident injury during a field trip, the student's personal health care plan provides for primary medical coverage payment. If the student's health care benefits are exhausted, the CSU Student Travel Accident Insurance helps pay for additional related injury expenses up to a maximum benefit. Enrolled students without a private health plan may seek medical attention from the campus Student Health Center.

Please note that the CSU Student Travel Insurance policy covers accident injury only. The policy DOES NOT provide coverage for any illness or disease unless an accident is the direct cause of the illness.

Workers' Compensation Benefits:

If you are an employee with California State University, Northridge participating in a field trip (i.e. staff, faculty, student working on a field trip as an student assistant, college work study student, or approved student volunteer*, etc.) you may be eligible for Workers' Compensation benefits that may assist to pay for medical expenses related to your accident. Call the Human Resource Services representative at California State University, Northridge for further information.

Please contact the Risk Manager at (818-677-2079) for a quote or additional information.