Introduction

Student safety is a primary focus of the PVCC campus.

The intent of these guidelines and related procedures is to provide clarification and instruction for all Faculty, Staff and Activity/Event Coordinators interacting with students engaged in all off campus activities.

The purpose of the PVCC Field Trip Guidelines & Procedures is to assess potential risk and effectively provide ways to protect participants against possible harm/loss.

Procedure

Field trip activities/events are not authorized to take place until the required forms have been completed, reviewed, and approved by the appropriate levels and all specified requirements satisfied.

If a field trip is not recommended to proceed, the decision may be appealed to the Dean of Administrative Services. Dean of Administrative Services approval on all appeals is required before the field trip may take place.

Timeline

It is recommended that all required forms be submitted to the appropriate areas in sufficient advance time of the field trip to allow a 5-day processing time.

Form Availability

PVCC website will be the primary source for all Field Trip Form(s). A hard copy of all Field Trip Forms will be available at the Fiscal Office.

What is the difference between Service Learning, Class Field Trip, ClubField Trip, Volunteerism, and Student Internships?

Service-Learning

Involves collaboration between faculty and community agencies Faculty or the Office of Service-Learning verify work will be a meaningful, appropriate service project.

Addresses community needs and provides students opportunities to address those needs.

Connects to traditional classroom learning, part of the student’s grade and part of the course curriculum. Includes student reflective component (i.e., journal, paper, presentation, group discussion).

Classroom Field Trip

Field trip can be to any approved location.

Often is passive, students are not involved in "service."

Service may be involved, but it does not count toward the student’s grade and there is no reflective component upon returning to class.

Club Field Trip

Same criteria as Classroom Field Trip, plus;

Connection to or affiliation with a PVCC Student Club or Organization.

Classroom Field Trips and Student Club/Organization Field Trips may also be considered service learning if they meet the Service Learning criteria above.

Volunteerism & Student Internships

Volunteerism focuses on providing for an agency and can include any activity the agency needs accomplished.

Student Internships engage students in service activities primarily for the purpose of providing students with hands-on work experience.