Field Exercise Guidelines

We want biology field exercises to be enjoyable and educational. This requires organization, efficiency, and above all safety. The guidelines to our field activities are listed below. STRICT ADHERENCE TO THESE GUIDELINES IS REQUIRED!!

  1. Always meet in the assigned laboratory room. Be prompt (late students have been left behind). We plan to spend as much time as possible in the field. If you miss lab for special reasons, or must be late, always call Dr. Benson. REMEMBER: Mother Nature waits for no one!
  2. Dress sensibly and appropriately. Your tuition does not include wardrobe replacement. Field days are field days, rain or shine. So, if the weather is rainy, bring raingear (or a big smile). For terrestrial trips, wear long pants and sturdy shoes; long-sleeve shirts are preferable to short-sleeve. For aquatic trips, wear clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and/or muddy.
  3. Plan accordingly for exposure to the sun or to insects. Wear a brimmed hat and sun protection and/or insect repellant as required.
  4. The following items are NOT ALLOWED on field trips or in the lab: alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, fireworks, or weapons of any kind.
  5. Always wear seat belts when in transit.
  6. Always wear fastened life vests when in boats.
  7. Make known to the instructors any special training that you possess such as Red Cross First Aid Certificate, CPR certificate, EMT training, etc.
  8. Report ANY wound, puncture, injury, or bite/sting to the instructor immediately. If on an extended trip, please report any blisters (particularly on your feet). Blisters, if not cared for appropriately, can make an otherwise pleasant outing very unpleasant.
  9. Know the location of all first aid and safety equipment taken on the trip.
  10. Stay with the assigned group and perform only the specific tasks of that group. If you complete your assignment with time remaining, request permission of the instructor in advance if you wish to carry out any further investigations not currently assigned.
  11. Do not perform any collections without the express permission of your instructor. Instructors have Virginia collecting permits for specific types of organisms. Illegal plant or animal collection can result in loss of the permit or legal penalties to your instructor. Any arrest of a faculty member due to the student's behavior will be reflected in that student’s final grade.