Marine field trip policy

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Marine Field Policy

Academic performance required to participate in field trips

Participation in Marine field trips is a privilage and responsibility. Marine work involves inherent exposure to cold, dangerous or hazardous organisms and situations, and the risks of drowning. Students thus have a high level of responsibility to other group members for their behavior.

Students therefore are required to demonstrate this level of maturity and responsiblity BEFORE enrolling for field classes or trips. The following are considered the minimum evidence of an acceptable level of performance; and students who have not met this level will be asked to defer enrollment in marine field courses until they can maintain this level of performance over at least one semester :

1. An A/B GPA;
2. A history of regular and timely attendance to class and satisfactory completion of assignments;
3. Demonstration of ability to work congenially in a group without causing unnecessary disruption, including maintaining a respectful attitude towards group learning and comfort;
4. Satisfactory performance meeting responsibilities outside the classroom, such as assisting with lab work, work study performance, or other duties;
5. A record of a conscientious attitude to cleanliness and safety in a laboratory setting.

By participating in any Marine field trip, course or research cruise, you agree to the following Course Conduct Agreement:

I understand that it is important for me to act in a safe and responsible manner; and that the following policies and procedures are in effect for this entire course, including during unsupervised time as well as during scheduled class and activities, and homework hours.

I hereby agree to comply with them whenever and wherever applicable. I also understand that failure to comply may result in the termination of my enrollment in this course and my return to Anchorage at my own expense.

At all times during the course, supervised and unsupervised, I will:

1. act in a manner that reflects well on myself, my companions and Alaska Pacific University;
2. treat my traveling companions kindly and politely (even when they don't deserve it);
3. refrain from unruly, unseemly and unscholarly or otherwise disruptive behavior;
4. remain sober;
5. refrain from social activities that interfere unduly with study and rest necessary to enthusiastic participation and successful completion of all course activities;
6. not engage in any behavior hazardous to myself or others in the group;
7. actively discourage other group members from any activity that appears likely to violate any portion of this agreement

At all times during supervised, scheduled course time, I will

1. arrive at schedule activities or rendezvous points 5 minutes ahead of scheduled time.
2. be knowledgeable and prepared for scheduled activities;
3. attend to and enthusiastically participate in lectures, discussions and activities when expected to;
4. strictly adhere to all in-water safety procedures;
5. refrain from smoking in the company of non-smokers or in vans or rooms used by non-smokers;
6. turn cell phones off; or if necessary to have them on, leave the group to answer;