Prepare for a Successful Field Trip

Prepare for a Field Trip

Planning and proper preparation is a foundation for the success of field courses and research trips. We encourage you to take the following steps in preparation for your trip:

• Create a code of conduct.  Discussing the code of conduct BEFORE the trip will support a productive work environment and will suppress misconduct.
• Assess Potential Hazards
• Develop a Field Safety Plan
• Register your travel
• Identify appropriate equipment, gear and First Aid Kit. 
• Borrow a satellite communicator and other safety equipment that is available from EH&S.
• Complete required forms/documentation (e.g. UC Waiver of Liability, required permits, etc.)
• Consider transportation options, automobile insurance & precautions.
• Take the Field Safety Training. 
• Take the available online Heat Illness Prevention Training. The Field Safety Plan Template includes the required Heat illness Prevention Plan.
• Be prepared to report an incident or an injury.
• Communicate all the relevant information with participants before the trip.

More detailed information on the topics above can be found in the UC Field Research Safety Manual.
For additional information on university related travel please visit UCSB Risk Management Webpage.

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Travel Abroad

If you travel internationally for fieldwork, the recommended steps listed in Planning a Field Research Trip still apply. There are additional factors/requirements that should be considered:

• University of California Global Operations’ (UCGO) website is a portal to information and resources in support of UC’s global activities including Field Research Trips. The website provides travel and post-travel check lists, suggestions on what to pack, information on travel health and insurances, visas and etc.
• First Time Abroad? Take the available online training – UC Abroad:
  This course is an overview of travel abroad safety. Topics include: planning, safety, travel health, and international security.
• Shipment of physical items
• • Export control regulations might apply. Do contact exportcontrol@research.ucsb.edu  in the Office of Research for assistance.
  • Export control cover shipments of controlled physical items, such as scientific equipment that require export licenses from the United States to a foreign country, and transfers of controlled information, including technical data.
  • American Cargoservice, Inc. provides Freight Forwarding and Customs Brokerage services to the University of California system.
  • Instructions on how to fill out Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Import Certification Form can be found here.
• Communication: consider using our free service and take a satellite communicator on your trip. Keep in mind that in some countries inReach devices may be regulated, prohibited or embargoed.
• Travel Health at UCSB offers individual consultations, recommended and required travel immunizations, prescriptions and information for prevention of malaria and other illnesses, Up-to-date, country specific health and travel advisories. Schedule an appointment 12 weeks prior to your departure date.
• If you need emergency travel assistance while abroad, contact Chubb-AXA Global Travel Assistance (AXA):
  • +1-855-327-1420 – Toll free in the US
  • +1-630-694-9804 – Outside the US
  • Email at: MedAssist-USA@AXA-Assistance.us
  • For more information about how Chubb-AXA Global Travel Assistance can help, go to Travel Assistance. 

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Available Campus Resources

The following campus resources are available to you:

• Office of Title IX and Sexual Harassment Policy Compliance responsible for the University's compliance with federal and state laws and University policies and procedures regarding issues of discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment and sexual violence involving students, staff and faculty.
• Counseling & Psychological Services (UCSB CAPS) provides mental health services to students, faculty, staff, and families.
• Campus Advocacy, Resources & Education (CARE) office at UCSB provides confidential advocacy and support to students, staff and faculty impacted by sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking.
• Office of the Ombuds provides confidential consultation services to faculty, staff, students, parents, or anyone else with a campus-related concern. The Ombuds addresses workplace issues, interpersonal conflict, academic concerns, policy questions, and many other problems, whether as a first step, last resort, or at any point along the way.
• ASAP - Academic & Staff Assistance Program - ASAP supports the health and well-being of faculty, staff, and family members. They assist with identifying, managing, and resolving work-related and personal concerns that may affect job performance and relationships. They offer confidential short-term counseling, consultation, wellness workshops, and assistance with threat management.
• Researchers with disabilities are encouraged to contact the ADA Compliance Officer if additional support is required.
• Finding Funding
  • Undergraduate students
  • Graduate Students

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