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FIELD AND INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES OFFICE
Berg Instructional Center (IC) Room 3046
Hours:
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(630) 942-2356

Coordinator
Maren McKellin
mckellin@cdnet.cod.edu
 

Why do I need a "permit" to register for Field Studies classes?

Can I go on a field trip without signing up for the course or courses?

How much work is involved with the courses?

Can I take them on a pass/fail basis?

Can a fee payment plan be worked out?

What is the refund policy?

What is the experience level required?

Will all of the students be 18 or 19 years old?

What equipment do I have to bring?

Can I sign up for a course before my regular registration appointment?

What is the experience level of instructors?

Do these classes count for graduation credit?

If I really enjoy a certain class, can I take it again?


















Why do I need a "permit" to register for Field Studies classes?

For classes that include field trips, students are required to register for two codes. The course code enrolls students in the credit part of the class and assesses the tuition fee. The "permit," which really is a five-digit registration code, enrolls students in the field trip and assesses a separate fee which covers the cost of the field study. The "permit" is nothing more than a code.

Can I go on a field trip without signing up for the course or courses?

No. All classes/trips must be taken for credit. There are no exceptions. However, many of the people taking these courses are NOT traditional students. Many of the people in these classes may not "want" the course credit, but they choose these course organized field trips because they want to learn about the focus of the field trip. Grading options can be arranged with the faculty to reflect these choices.

How much work is involved with the courses?
It really depends on the course. For outdoor weekend adventures such as rock climbing, canoeing and backpacking, students must show an effort to learn the associated skills. These courses are graded on a pass/fail basis. Other classes, such as International, Social/Cultural and Natural Science, have course requirements that must be completed for a course grade. Check with our office for more information on a specific course.

Can I take them on a pass/fail basis?
It's up to the instructor. Most instructors do allow their classes to be taken on a pass/fail basis. In doing so, pass/fail usually allows a student to complete less work than would be required for an "A" or "B" grade.

Can a payment plan be worked out so I don't have to pay all of the trip fee at once?

Yes. In most cases, students may register and begin paying for classes with fees of $400 or more. The office has a separate payment schedule set up for each course.

What is the refund policy?
There are no refunds on "permit" fees once a student has registered. If there is a waiting list and we are able to find a student to take your place, we will refund your money unless a penalty is incurred by the airline or other vendor. If there is a medical emergency, we will make every effort to refund your money.

What is the experience level required?
Unless it's noted, all courses are for beginners. Some courses combine options for students with different skill levels where experienced people have new options and beginners are introduced to the course skills.

Will all of the students be 18 or 19 years old?
Though it's hard to predict the ages of students who will register in a class, the average age of students participating in our classes has been around 35 years old. It is not uncommon for classes to have students 18 years old, 80 years old, and everywhere in between.

What equipment do I have to bring?
Different courses have different equipment needs. For the outdoor weekend adventures, group camping equipment is provided: tents, pots and pans, camp stoves, canoes, ropes, etc. Students must provide their own personal gear and food for most camping trips.

Can I sign up for a course before my regular registration appointment?
Particularly in the case of more expensive trips, students may usually begin making payments for the "trip" portion before their registration appointment date. In this situation, your down payment will guarantee your space. Students are not able to register for the actual credit course before their regular registration appointment.

What is the experience level of instructors?
All lead instructors must be experienced teachers who have experience both in the classroom and in leading field experiences. We are committed to using only certified Lead Instructors whenever a commonly accepted certification exists.

Do these classes count for graduation credit?
Yes. All classes offered through this department count toward graduation credits, either as electives or required courses.

If I really enjoy a certain class, can I take it again?
You may take as many courses designated 188 as you'd like. As long as the class title is different, you will get additional credit for the class. You may even take the same class over, for example, Rock Climbing, Physical Education 155c; however, your grade will be recorded as "R" for repeat, and you will receive no additional credit for the course.



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