TRIP CONTRACT AND RELEASE FOR CON 2233

MEXICAN ECOLOGY & CULTURE

MURRAY STATE COLLEGE

Spring Semester - Experiential Learning Field Trip: 12-24 March 2010

Traveling on long trips and working in field situations often involve having to deal with inclement weather, meals coming at odd times, going through periods of sleep deprivation, and engaging in physically exhausting activities.  It is important that people on a field trip maintain a sense of humor and a sense of being part of a team.  As a member of the Mexican Ecology and Culture course, you are expected and required to adhere to certain personal and professional standards throughout our field adventures.  These expectations and behaviors are extremely important to learn and practice since they are also expectations of any professional working in field situations and in many other work environments. This contract outlines some specific expectations for our trip.

I, the undersigned, understand that I am expected to:

• demonstrate enthusiasm and open-mindedness for learning about other cultures; for example:
  • I will remember that I am a guest in Mexico.  The people of Mexico are under no obligation to provide me with special accommodations just because I am from the United States; however, I am under an obligation to accept them and their culture with respect.
  • I will not ask for special favors from the people at restaurants, hotels, etc.  If I need something, check with Professor Stewart who will help or explain.
  • I will use what Spanish I know, and I will make an effort to learn more as we travel. I will not use English when I know (or should know!) the message in Spanish.
  • I will show respect for all instructors and students. I will observe the customs of our international collaborators during our trip and make every effort to respect those customs. For example, it is customary in Mexico to treat the professors with a high degree of respect.. I will address the Mexican faculty as is customary by Mexican students who often address their instructors as "profesor" (male professor), "profesora" (female professor), "maestro" (male teacher), or "maestra" (female teacher).
• get along well with peers during long strenuous drives and field activities; for example:
  • I will not whine and complain about things that cannot be changed.
  • I will not judge or grip about others. I will keep my complaints about others to myself unless there is something that needs to be reported to Professor Stewart because it could be a danger to me or others or could otherwise jeopardize the mission of our trip.
  • If I stay up late to socialize, I will be respectful to those who are trying to sleep and/or will move away from camp to talk if the noise levels could disturb others.
• be a positive part of our team; for example:
  • I will limit packing to those items and numbers on the packing list as amended on the web site and class so that I do not impose on others by taking up undue space.
  • I will watch out for my fellow classmates.  If somebody is about to make a mistake or get hurt, I will ask them about it.
  • I will contribute to group unity by camping, eating, and otherwise participating with all other participants of the group (both international and USA components).
  • I will be flexible since the daily schedule may change due to differences in cultural or circumstances beyond anyone's control..
• participate enthusiastically and fully in scheduled field activities; for example:
  • I will cheerfully accept placement in a field group as determined by the joint decision of the Mexican and USA professors.
  • I will be 10 minutes early to assigned places for group.
  • I will be sure to have the necessary equipment for each field activity.  I will dressed appropriately when going into the field, and will ask if I am not sure.
  • I will take care of myself and avoid unduly hazardous or risky activities.  I will make sure that I have sunscreen and insect repellant with me and will use them when necessary.
  • I will take sufficient time to complete my field journaling each day. I will not put this off until the next day!
• show self-responsibility regarding legal issues and acceptable behavior: for example:
  • I will not engage in any illegal activities under Mexican law. If in doubt, I will ask first.
  • I will not bring anything on the trip that would be illegal to have in the USA or to take into Mexico.
  • I will never have or conceal alcohol in any form in the Murray State College vehicle.
  • I will behave in a manner becoming of mature adults and do nothing that would reflect negatively on the group as a whole. This includes any social situations in the camp areas or other areas (towns, etc.) that I visit. I will avoid excesses that could result in loss of personal control.
  • I will report any injuries or illness immediately to Professor Stewart.
  • I will remember that my actions and performance must reflect favorably on Murray State College, Emporia State University, and the United States of America!

I understand that failure to adhere to these expectations could result in my expulsion from the group and that I would be required to return home early at my own expense. If I should be expelled from the group, I will be delivered and left at an appropriate Mexican bus station where I will be able to purchase my own tickets to the border. I will let friends or family know before the trip that this is a possibility if I wish to find a ride from the US/Mexico border!

Furthermore, I understand that there are always risks involved in travel and in doing fieldwork, whether in the USA or Mexico. The United States State Department issues periodic updates on travel advisories associated with certain areas of Mexico at the following link: Travel Advisories for Mexico. I have visited this site and understand these risks and how they apply or don't apply to our own trip and itinerary. . I have also visited and read the information at the following link: Spring Break in Mexico - "Know Before you Go!" While we will not be vacationing, I understand the recommendations and information at this site includes information pertinent to travelers in general. If I have medical issues, I will obtain the blessing (approval) of my doctor before leaving on this trip, and I will provide Professor Stewart with a copy of the doctor's approval..  I understand that only approved drivers who will be allowed to drive the 15-passenger van, and that under no circumstances will even approved student drivers drive without a faculty member or teaching assistant in the vehicle.  No luggage will be placed on the roof.  Our group will include eight students, one teaching assistant, and one faculty member will totally ten passengers, and our weight will be distributed so that we travel well below the capacity of the vehicles (a 15-passenger van).  In Mexico we will be using various means (buses, other vans, etc.) for local travel associated with field study. Murray State College assumes no responsibility for my personal property or any injuries I might incur during the normal course of this trip and field activities.

SIGNATURE ________________________

DATE ______________________________