With increasing numbers of students and scientists traveling off campus and abroad for educational experience and research, the University of California, Davis, has adopted an extensive policy for off-campus travel and safety to provide guidelines for the entire campus community.

The travel policy is the first of its kind in the University of California system and formalizes the process for coping with emergencies or a catastrophic event off campus.

The travel policy is the result of two years of consultation, research and development in the wake of a tragic March 2000 boating accident that resulted in the drowning death of five people on a UC Davis research expedition in Mexico's Sea of Cortez. The policy follows preliminary recommendations from the U.S. Coast Guard following that accident, and copies of the guidelines have been provided to Coast Guard officials.

"Safety and security of students, faculty and staff have always been of primary concern for the campus, and, in fact, much of what is written in the new policy is a reflection of existing practices," said Janet Hamilton, vice chancellor for administration. "Today, the events of September 11th, the increased tensions and unrest at home and abroad also call for a proactive response to the safety and security of our campus community members traveling off-campus."

The new guidelines, listed in the UC Davis Policy and Procedure Manual and available online at http://www.mrak.ucdavis.edu/web-mans/ppm/370/370-05.htm, contain information on the duties of the leader of the trip and waiver agreements for participants showing that they understand the risks and responsibilities involved. Also developed was a safety check-off list -- containing additional guidelines such as reviewing first-aid and food supplies -- for trip leaders. Procedures for reporting an accident are also detailed.

In addition to the policy, other campus efforts are in place to keep the campus community apprised of known risks and prepared. These include:

• Online guidelines for event planning and travel. Examples of orientation materials and helpful online tools and resources can be found at http://rms.ucdavis.edu/travel.htm.
• A short-term travel insurance policy that is available for $11.50 a week to students, faculty and staff, and their respective significant others and family who might be traveling with them. It covers accidental death, major medical expenses, search and rescue and lost luggage.
• Online access to safety guidelines prepared by College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
• Travel safety classes for faculty members or others leading excursions.

Boating safety guidelines are being developed by Susan Williams, director of the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory, and the campus office of Environmental Health and Safety. And presentations are being made by campus Risk Management Services to departments and student groups regarding the travel policy, guidelines and insurance.