PIERCE COLLEGE PUYALLUP

EARTH SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

AND

CONTINUING EDUCATION

SAN RAFAEL SWELL/CAPITOL REEF FIELD EXCURSION

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! BY REGISTERING FOR THIS COURSE, YOU AGREE TO THE CONDITIONS BELOW

FIELD EXCURSION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.	This Field Excursion is a camping trip. This involves sleeping in tents and eating meals outdoors. You may provide your own tent, or borrow one from Pierce College (but if you borrow one, you may be required to share it with one or more persons of the same gender, and will be responsible for cleaning and repacking it for the next user).
2.	We will be camping at Goblin Valley State Park in south-central Utah. It has running water, flush toilets, and showers.
3.	Although it is anticipated that the weather will be pleasant, winter conditions may be encountered, including rain, strong winds, and even snow. Temperatures may be well below freezing at night, perhaps even into the teens (degrees F). It is expected that you will be prepared for such conditions. You must bring a sleeping bag, clothing, and other personal gear sufficient to insure your safety, health, and comfort. A detailed packing list will be provided.
4.	This Field Excursion will involve required hikes nearly each day of moderate difficulty in order to observe the geologic relations of interest. There are no activities that may substitute for these hikes. Accordingly, you are expected to be in reasonably good physical condition, and to have adequate clothing and gear to allow you to safely participate in these hikes in comfort.
5.	Some of the hikes will be performed in remote and isolated regions where the only rest room facilities will behind the local shrubbery or rock outcrop. Since avoiding using the restroom all day may threaten your health, you are expected to use whatever restroom facilities are available. Of course, all measures will be taken to insure your privacy.
6.	Since this is a camping trip, there may be wild animals, plants, or insects that may be a nuisance or pose a threat to your health or safety. You will be briefed in detail regarding these and how to minimize your risk at the orientation meeting.
By registering for this Field Excursion, you agree to the above Terms and Conditions.

FIELD EXCRUSION COURSE REGULATIONS
1.	You are required to conduct yourself at all times in a manner that is safe and conducive to the learning environment for all students, and which represents Pierce College to the public in a positive manner. You are expected to be tolerant of other students on Field Excursion who are of different racial, cultural, or religious backgrounds than yourself.
2.	Unlawful conduct will not be tolerated, including any misdemeanor or felony acts, especially the use of illicit drugs, or the consumption of alcohol by minors.
3.	Consumption of alcohol by any person during instructional hours (as defined in the course syllabus or otherwise amended by the instructor) is prohibited. Alcohol abuse by any person at any time is prohibited. Alcohol abuse will be defined as having occurred if a person acts in a manner that is considered rude, lewd, offensive, or disruptive by public standards, or disturbs the peace, as a direct or indirect result of alcohol consumption.
4.	If you operate a motor vehicle as part of the Field Excursion activities, you must have a valid driver’s license and proper insurance. A photocopy of your driver’s license and insurance card must be on file with the Pierce College prior to departure.
5.	No person shall operate a Field Excursion motor vehicle if impaired in any way, including by alcohol consumption, medication, illness, or fatigue.
6.	You are expected to comply with the instructional and travel schedule as outlined in the Field Guide (provided at the orientation meeting) or amended by the instructor.
7.	For safety reasons, students will be required to inform the instructor of the nature and location of after-hour activities, including expected return time to camp.
8.	The academic workday, as outlined in the Field Guide, is generally from 8 AM to 6 PM, unless otherwise modified by the instructor. You are expected to participate in each day’s activities unless precluded by illness, injury, or personal emergency. You are expected to rise each morning fully rested in order to start the day on time.
9.	Field Excursion quiet hours in camp are 10 PM to 8 AM. However, official quiet hours in most national park campgrounds start at 8 PM. If you are up during quiet hours, you must conduct yourself in a manner that will not disturb those who are sleeping, particularly those in neighboring campsites.
10.	You are expected to fully participate in camp duties assigned by the instructor. These include loading & unloading the van, setting up camp, assisting the Field Excursion Assistant, hauling water, taking garbage to the dumpster, keeping camp and the vans clean and tidy, and washing dishes. Participation in these duties is a part of your grade.
11.	You are expected to know, understand, and follow the regulations of the national parks, state parks, campgrounds, and other facilities that we visit on this Field Excursion.
12.	Smoking is not permitted in or near the vans, tents, or camp eating areas. Smokers are expected to be considerate.
13.	You will be held financially liable for any loss or damage that you incur to Pierce College equipment.
14.	Firearms, knives (except pocket knifes), and other weapons are not needed on a trip of this nature, and you are requested to leave such items at home. Assembled firearms, by law, are NOT permitted in national parks.
Violation of any of the above Rules and Regulations may result in a warning, a penalty to your grade, or under severe conditions, termination from the Field Excursion without refund.

SAFETY GUIDELINES
1.	You are expected to eat enough food at meal times and drink enough water during the day to maintain your strength and health for the activities of the day. When the weather is hot, generally you should drink at least 3 quarts/liters of water during the day. You are expected to carry sufficient food and water with you on hikes.
2.	You are expected to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. This means warm clothing during cold weather, rain gear during rainy weather, and loose, cool clothing during hot weather. When the sun is bright and hot, you should keep your face and skin protected by wearing a hat, sunscreen, and sufficient clothing. Over-exposure may cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
3.	You must wear footgear appropriate to the conditions at all times. Hiking boots are required during instructional hours unless otherwise indicated by the instructor.
4.	Use caution when observing a rock outcrop along a road or highway. Be aware of traffic at all times. If climbing an outcrop, take special care to avoid falling or dislodging rocks or other loose debris onto people or the road below you.
5.	If using a rock hammer or other geologic tools to examine rock outcrops or other geologic materials, adequate eye protection is to be worn. This includes safety goggles or Z85 safety glasses.
6.	All rocks, fossils, and minerals may contain trace quantities of toxic elements. Please do not eat while handling specimens, and wash your hands immediately afterwards. At times, you will use dilute hydrochloric acid to test rocks and minerals. Although weak, this acid may irritate the skin or cause damage to clothing if spilled. If this occurs, rinse your skin or clothing in cold water immediately.
7.	If you become ill, are bitten by an animal or dangerous insect or spider, or are injured in any way that could jeopardize your health or safety, or which could adversely affect your ability to perform your Field Excursion tasks, you must inform the instructor immediately.
Violation of any of the regulations listed above, or actions that put your health or safety or the health or safety of others on the Field Study at risk, could result in a severe penalty in your grade.