3.1 Field Studies

Purpose

Field studies are educational activities that have been developed to provide participating students and teachers opportunities to learn and teach through visits to other areas of the state, the United States and/or foreign countries.

Field studies consist of separately identified credit-bearing courses recommended by the District and are offered as valid educational experiences with a definite educational goal rather than as "guided tours." Well planned and organized field studies courses will provide the students the unique opportunities to learn the skills and knowledge of a discipline while familiarizing themselves with the setting in which the event(s) or circumstances have occurred.

Definition of Field Studies

1. Individual credit-bearing courses in which the course material is covered while on the planned trip, except for limited pre- and post- meetings held at the college.
2. Conducted apart from the college in another part of the state, United States, and/or in a foreign country.
3. Intended to be self-supporting financially: students will be assessed costs for transportation, lodging, food, related other expenses and may be required to pay an additional field studies fee to defray instructor or other expenses. Expenses may be substantial for some field studies courses.
4. Courses that are distinct from field trips and are separate and apart from travel opportunities organized by interested parties that do not generate course credit hours after the completion of the trip.

Approval Authority

The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Development is responsible for approving a field studies course prior to the course being offered. Student travel outside of the United States must also be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Development. Any expenditure of district resources must be consistent with college/district fiscal office approval, within the adopted budget, consistent with any applicable administrative regulations and standard business/procurement procedures.

Business /Travel Processes

1. Requirements in the purchasing procedures manual are applicable to field studies programs after approval by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Development. To allow for sufficient time for participant sign-up and to meet deposit deadlines, programs that require a formal bid process (based on estimated dollar value) require a 6-12 month lead time to complete the purchasing process.
2. Students shall pay all field studies course fees prior to departure through the college cashier's office. Students are responsible for any medical expenses incurred resulting from the field studies course. Students must sign an assumption of risk and release of liability form prior to departure of the field studies program.
3. The Maricopa Community College District will refund all deposits as specified in the refund policy in the literature announcing the course.
4. Vice Chancellor approval should be secured prior to being submitted to purchasing.
5. Any district equipment (e.g., computing equipment, lab equipment, office equipment, cameras, musical instruments, audio/visual equipment, etc.) to be used for field study purposes must be authorized and documented consistent with administrative regulations related to check-out or loan of equipment.