CALS Field Trip Policy
Field trips are occasional academic activities that take place off-campus and are required activities for a course that normally meets on campus. These may include but not limited to performances, service or experiential learning, or visits to research sites for data collection. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) encourages instructors to offer field trips and similar experiences that enrich student learning.
What Counts as “Off-Campus”?
“Off-campus” refers to any location not owned or leased by the university or at a distance from the normal course meeting location that would compromise students’ ability to reach subsequent courses on the main campus. While UW–Madison’s main campus covers about 938 acres, the university also owns over 10,600 acres across the state, including the Arboretum and Research Stations. This policy applies to:
- Trips to non-university locations
- Occasional class visits to university-owned sites far from the main campus (e.g. Agricultural Research Stations), where transportation and accessibility may be concerns
Course Requirements
If a field trip is required for a course:
- The date, time, and location must be listed in Course Search and Enroll and on the course syllabus
- Any course-related fees must be listed in Course Search and Enroll. See the CALS Policy on Special Course Fees for more details
- Instructors should avoid scheduling trips that conflict with religious holidays, campus events, or other obligations that may affect student participation
- Instructors will have students complete field trip participation and emergency contact forms UW–Madison Field Trip Guidance
- For independent study courses, the instructor-student agreement form should include information on whether or not travel may be required to an off-campus location and travel arrangements should be discussed to ensure there are transportation options for the student
Accessibility
Field trip locations must be accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.
Transportation and Costs
- Students cannot be charged extra for travel.
- Students should not be expected to drive themselves or rely on friends for rides
- Departments should arrange transportation or ensure public transit is an option
- Students may be asked to cover personal costs like meals or lodging. These costs must be listed in Course Search and Enroll. See the CALS Policy on Special Course Fees for more details