Policy 3.18

Part 1. Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines to ensure that field trips have an academic, curricular purpose related to the respective course, and to ensure such field trips are conducted safely. 

Students and employees traveling for college-related functions do so as representatives of the College and are required to adhere to college policies. All Minneapolis College policies and procedures, and those of the Minnesota State system office, apply to field trips. All student and employee travel related to field trips must comply with Minnesota State Board of Trustees Policy 5.19 Travel Management. 

This policy does not cover Student Life, or other co-curricular, field trips or off-campus travel. Those are covered by the standards and requirements established in the College’s Student Life Guide.

Part 2. Definitions

The following definitions apply for this policy and its supporting procedure. 

Curricular: Related to the curriculum defined by the college catalog

Field Trip: Any instructor-led course-related activity that occurs at a location other than the Minneapolis College main campus or the course’s regular instructional location Field trips may be optional or required.

Instructor: As defined in College Policy 3.08 Grading. 

Student: As defined by Minnesota State Policy 1B.1. 

Part 3. Criteria for Curricular Field Trips

Curricular field trips are intended to enhance the learning experiences of students beyond what is possible in the traditional class setting, and may be undertaken provided the following conditions are met: 

• The field trip must relate directly to the course content.
• Field trips should be used only if they are the most appropriate technique available in achieving educational goals.

Owner(s) Title: Vice President of Academic Affairs

Date of Adoption: 7/1/1999

Date of Implementation (if different from adoption date): N/A 

Date Last Reviewed: 9/30/2026

History and Subject of Revisions: 9/30/2026 (Comprehensive Review. Added a purpose. Added Definitions. Removed most of the field trip criteria and moved them to content in a new supporting procedure.); 7/31/2008

Regulatory Authority (e.g. Minnesota State policy, federal or state law): Minnesota State Board of Trustees Policy 5.19 Travel Management