Regulations
EQUIPMENT TO BE SUPPLIED
Forest Technology, Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology, and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, and Renewable Energy Students
A. TEXTS AND SUPPLIES
Texts and supplies required for individual courses will be specified by the instructor.
B. FIELD EQUIPMENT
Students will be provided with a program specific equipment list. Students are responsible to ensure that their equipment is available at the College at all times for field work.
Other course specific equipment may be required as specified in each course outline.
CONTRACT WORK WITH REMUNERATION
The College frequently enters into contracts with outside agencies for work projects which are designed to provide training and experience for students as part of their course work. Participation in these projects is mandatory to fulfill course objectives. These contracts result in some monetary return to the College over and above expenses. The College assumes all risks involved in carrying out the contracts, covers all incidental expenses, provides supervision and transportation, and provides required WorkSafe BC insurance and liability insurance.
Surplus funds from the projects, after all project expenses have been covered, will be retained by the College in special accounts, to be used for future program needs such as support of student field trip expenses, graduation, and other situations where the money is of direct benefit to students.
LABORATORY AND EQUIPMENT POLICIES
On the Castlegar campus the Faculty Assistant and the Equipment Room Attendant have the authority to ensure the orderly use and maintenance of the rooms in their area, and of departmental equipment.
Student policies for specific laboratories and equipment are appended to this document. Special policies covering use of certain equipment will be issued to students using this equipment.
A. PRIORITIES FOR EQUIPMENT USE
The following priorities will be used to resolve conflicts over use of equipment:
a. Laboratory, classroom, or field use in a course given by the School.
b. Preparation, by a School member, of a laboratory, field, or classroom lesson for a School course.
c. Collection of data or materials to enhance School course but not central to the lesson.
d. Use by other departments.
e. School faculty projects: projects peripheral to the teaching assignments of School faculty.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIABILITY OF EQUIPMENT USERS
a. Student Responsibility
Students are responsible for the equipment used in the laboratory, in the field, and for equipment used for individual assignments or projects.
b. Liability for Repair and Replacement Costs
Equipment users will be liable for the full cost of repairing or replacing damaged, broken, or lost equipment. Extenuating circumstances and condition of the equipment when borrowed may be taken into consideration in a decision whether to charge the student the whole amount. In the case of non-payment of the assessed cost, final grades, transcripts and credentials will be withheld.
c. Proper use of Equipment
Students shall demonstrate adequate knowledge or skill in the proper handling of the equipment, including knowledge of the safety procedures.
All equipment shall be used only for its intended purpose according to the established procedures for its use.
Safety procedures will be adhered to in full at all times when the equipment is in the borrower's care. (See appropriate appendices for specific types of equipment.)
C. EQUIPMENT SIGN-OUT
Equipment can be signed out by individuals from the Environment and Geomatics Equipment Room during normal operating hours as posted. Equipment is sometimes signed out during lab periods from the instructor in charge. Regardless of how equipment is signed out all equipment must be returned by 8:00 a.m. the following morning to the Environment and Geomatics Equipment Room. Students not returning equipment promptly will lose borrowing privileges. It should be noted that some items have special policies concerning sign out and others cannot be removed from the lab areas.
a. Equipment returned must be cleaned and in working order. If a borrower suspects something is damaged or not working properly lab personnel are to be informed so that repairs can be made.
b. College equipment is not available for personal use and will not be signed out for that purpose.
D. PRIORITIES FOR USE OF COLLEGE TRANSPORTATION
The following factors are used to prioritize van requests:
a. Vehicle repairs and inspections will take priority over any and all bookings.
b. Environment and Geomatics School have first priority over other requests.
c. Longer trips have higher priority.
d. Field trips where parking on the highway is a necessity.
NOTE:*See also Appendix B.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are an integral part of almost all courses in the department – and a vital component of the program.
A. RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENTS
1. GENERAL POLICY
a. Policy 8350 (Educational Field Trips) will be in effect at all times.
b. It is the responsibility of all students to make themselves aware of the field trip requirements and logistics. This includes pre-reading handouts, preparation of equipment and personal field gear, asking questions, and communicating with instructors.
2. Attendance
As with laboratory periods, attendance at field trips is mandatory. If a trip is (to be) missed, it is the student's responsibility to:
a. notify the instructor beforehand if possible.
b. demonstrate to the instructor that the reason for missing was justified and beyond the student's control. Pressing demands of other courses or tardiness in arriving at the departure site will not constitute a valid excuse.
3. Consequences of Absence
a. At the discretion of the instructor, a student who misses a field trip for any reason may be advised:
i. to complete alternative work to demonstrate the learning objectives.
ii. that it is not possible to duplicate the activity and that the student will not receive credit for that portion of the course.
iii. that no direct penalty will be imposed, but that material presented and/or skills practiced on the field trip will be subject to examination.
4. Departure Times
Students will be expected to be present at the scheduled time of departure. The class will not wait for those not present. Students will be expected to make their own way to or from the work area, if the area is known and safe, if they miss the bus. Otherwise, students will miss the lab and Part D of policy will apply as well as course outline policy.
5. Personal Equipment
Students are expected to arrive at the departure location with appropriate clothing, protective equipment and materials required to conduct the activity of the field trip. Failure to comply will normally result in the student being asked to miss the trip. Generally, students are required to have personal protective equipment (Vest, hardhat, rain gear, work boots), and other gear when requested, at all field labs.
6. Pets
No dogs or other pets are permitted on field trips or labs.
B. PERSONAL VEHICLES USED ON FIELDTRIPS
1. College transportation will normally be used for long distance trips which require highway or dirt road travel.
2. When College vans are used, all students are expected to use them. Persons who bring their own vehicles in spite of this may be advised that they are not eligible to participate in the exercise. It is imperative then, that a student wishing to bring their own vehicle when College vehicles are used should first receive approval of the instructor.
3. The College does not guarantee access to college vans for all field trips. Students may be required to use their vehicles where requested by faculty. If this is required, the mustering point for the trip will be designated by the instructor. Students being transported as passengers in vehicles do so at their own risk.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES OF INSTRUCTORS LEADING FIELD TRIPS
1. General Preparation Requirements
a. On overnight trips, the instructor must provide the School Chair with a detailed itinerary and contact information for the group leader(s). Instructors and students are responsible for adhering to the directives set out in the Safety and Emergency Management System Protocol (see Appendix E).
b. On day trips, instructors will adhere to directions in the safety and emergency handbook.
2. Student Information Regarding Field Trips
The instructor will inform all students prior to departure:
a. what protective clothing, equipment, and materials will be required on the trip.
b. of any out-of-pocket expenses to be incurred.
c. of an outline of planned activities.
d. of the time and place of departure and return.
e. of the consequences to students of participating in illegal or hazardous activities in their free time.
f. Document any safety concerns.
3. Instructor Responsibility
Instructors also are highly visible representatives of the College and as such are reminded to conduct themselves in accordance with College policies.
D. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL CHAIR
1. The School Chair is responsible to:
a. verify that student/instructor ratios are appropriate.
b. verify that the instructor has the appropriate technical practical experience to ensure the safety of participants.
c. act as a contact at the College for those on the field trip and to inform the proper authorities of any problems communicated.
d. in the event of mishaps or delays in the trip initiate a review of policies and procedures for future trips.
e. Inform the Dean and other relevant College employees of any safety concerns.
APPENDICES
Operation of College Vans Appendix A
Operation of College Boats and Canoes Appendix B
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Appendix C
Safety and Emergency Management Protocol Appendix D
Selkirk College Risk Assessment Forms Appendix E