College Field Trips

College Contacts for Field Trips and Presentations

AVID WAG Lessons on College Tours (Developing)

AVID WAG Lessons on College Tours (Advancing)

1. Determine Objectives:

   1. 1. 1. • Define the purpose of the field trip. Is it to explore the campus, attend a presentation, or learn about specific programs (e.g., STEM, arts, business)?

            • Decide which departments or areas of the university should be included in the visit to align with students' interests and academic goals.

2. Select the College or University:

   1. 1. 1. • Choose a college or university that matches the students' grade level, academic interests, and geographical accessibility.

            • Ensure the school offers tours or specific programs for high school groups.

3. Plan the Date and Time:

   1. 1. 1. • Helpful note!  Field Trips cannot be held on Mondays or Fridays in EGUSD

            • Coordinate with teachers, administrators, and parents to select an appropriate date for the field trip.

            • Consider the college's academic calendar to avoid scheduling during holidays, finals, or busy campus events.

            • Check with Transportation Lead of EGUSD for bus availability on the day you choose (they may not have busses available on the day you choose)

4. Contact the College/University:

   1. 1. 1. • Reach out to the college's admissions office or group tour coordinator to inquire about available tours, programs, or events for high school students.  This is usually a webpage where you enter your times online.  

            • Ask for group rates, schedule availability, and any specific requirements for booking a visit.

5. Create an Itinerary:

   1. 1. 1. • Develop a detailed itinerary for the trip, including departure and arrival times, the schedule of activities at the college (e.g., campus tour, info session, lunch), and breaks.

            • Share the itinerary with students, teachers, and chaperones in advance.

6. Organize Transportation:

   1. 1. 1. • Complete the Bushive form to request busses - Find that here: https://www.fieldtriprequest.com/ 

            • What to think of for busses:

              1. • 1. School buses or chartered buses?

                   2. Confirm the number of seats and ensure there is enough space for all students and chaperones.

            • Factor in travel time, considering both the distance and time needed for breaks or meal stops.  

7. Think About Food:

   1. 1. 1. • Decide whether to pack lunch or arrange for food on-site. 

              1. • 2. • If students are bringing their own lunch, remind them to pack something that is easy to carry and doesn’t require refrigeration. 

                      • If lunch is provided by the college or purchased locally, ensure that students have enough time to eat and that they have money to spend on lunch. 

            • Consider bringing lunch from the Cafeteria for students who cannot afford or bring their own lunch.  Make sure you contact the Cafeteria staff well before the field trip to receive bag lunches on the day of the field trip

8. Prepare Permission Slips and Forms:

   1. 1. 1. • Draft and send out permission slips to parents or guardians, providing details on the date, time, location, and purpose of the field trip.

            • Consider requirements or pre-requisites for the field trip - do they have the grades to be able to attend?  Are they on the no-activities list?  How is their classroom behavior?  

            • Collect emergency contact information, medical forms, and any other necessary documents.

9. Assign Chaperones:

   1. 1. 1. • Identify and confirm chaperones (teachers, staff, or parent volunteers) who will supervise students during the trip. A typical ratio is 1 chaperone per 10 students.

            • Brief chaperones on their responsibilities and expectations for student behavior.

            • ALL PARENT CHAPERONES HAVE TO BE FINGERPRINTED AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN ORDER TO ATTEND THE FIELD TRIP

10. Prepare Students:

    1. 1. 1. • Discuss the field trip with students beforehand, outlining the college’s expectations, appropriate behavior, and what to bring (e.g., comfortable shoes, notebook, lunch).

             • Encourage students to research the college beforehand and prepare questions to ask during the tour.

11. Finalize the Details:

    1. 1. 1. • Confirm all logistics with the college/university, including the tour guide, time slots, and any special requests.

             • Double-check transportation arrangements and verify that permission slips are collected

12. On the Day of the Trip:

    1. 1. 1. • Ensure all students are on time and gathered in the designated meeting spot.

             • Collect any last-minute materials, like tickets or directions, and distribute to chaperones.

             • Keep a first aid kit and emergency contact information handy.

13. Follow-Up:

    1. 1. 1. • After the trip, gather feedback from students and chaperones about the experience.

             • Discuss with students how the visit may influence their college plans or decisions.

             • Thank the college or university for hosting the group and provide any necessary follow-up information.

Visit CSU, Sacramento

• Check out the Planetarium

• Book a visit to The Well, their new Athletics Center

• Book a session at their Ropes Course

• Eat in one of their dining halls

• Book a tour (if you cannot book, don't worry!  Walking through the campus and attending one of the other activities on this list would be very impactful for all students)

• Attend their Japanese Tea Garden

• Provide your own tour!

Visit UC, Davis

• Get a Campus Tour and visit the Welcome Center

• Eat at the Silo

• Play in their Arcade at the UC Davis Memorial Union

• Explore the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory

• Visit the UC Davis Arboretum