Institute for Field Research (IFR) programs provide hands-on educational experiences that foster inclusive, welcoming group environments. It is the responsibility of every participant to contribute to the collaborative, respectful and collegial atmosphere of each program. You are expected to treat all participants, instructors, staff and others affiliated with the program with respect, and to behave in ways that make a lasting positive impact on those around you. Field schools strongly rely on local communities and government authorities for the ability to conduct research, and you are expected to act in a manner that makes IFR a welcome partner in the local community. In turn, you should expect that anyone affiliated with the program also treats you with respect.

You may be living and working in conditions that are quite different from those you are used to. Others in your group, on staff, and in the community will have different backgrounds and experiences, and may come from very different cultures. These differences can lead to situations that can be confusing, exhilarating, frustrating and rewarding, often on the same day. Participating in an IFR program gives you great opportunities, but also requires you to take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Be curious but not judgemental, observe, ask questions, communicate your needs, and be aware of safety concerns for yourself and those around you. You must follow all applicable laws in effect at your program location.

PROHIBITED BEHAVIORS

Students are subject to disciplinary action for misconduct or attempted misconduct, including but not limited to:

  1. Disruption of teaching, research, administration, or other IFR activities.
  2. Conduct that threatens the well being of any person, including but not limited to physical abuse, threats, or harassment of any kind.
  3. Disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, or failure to comply with the directions of an IFR employee or field school staff member acting in his/her official capacity;
  4. Unlawful use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, regardless of local practice.
  5. Dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information.
  6. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of IFR documents, data, or identification.
  7. Theft of, damage to, or destruction of any property belonging to the IFR, staff, instructors, other participants or organizations associated with the program or program site.
  8. Failure to pay bills incurred while on the program.
  9. Trading, selling or otherwise removing material culture from sites without authorization. Cultural and natural heritage belong to the people and nation in which they are located. In many parts of the world, trading in antiquities is considered a criminal offence, subject to prosecution and jail time. Similarly, uncontrolled excavation is considered looting and may be subject to prosecution. If you are participating in archaeological excavation, follow your program director(s) and staff instructions carefully and do not initiate excavations, surveys or any type of removal.

Consequences for prohibited behavior can include exclusion from program activities, restitution, and removal from the program. If a student is removed from the program, the student must leave the program site immediately and will not have access to any IFR activities, staff or infrastructure. No refund will be given. The student will be responsible for any expenses incurred after removal, including transportation, meals and housing.

ALCOHOL & OTHER SUBSTANCES

Drinking alcohol while socializing is common in some parts of the world, while in other places, alcohol use is not permitted or strongly discouraged by local customs. Drinking in some countries is part of the social experience, but not the focus of it, while in other locations, consuming alcohol in public is considered unacceptable or offensive. Excessive drinking or drunken behavior is not permitted on IFR programs. If you choose to drink, do so responsibly.

Please be aware that the legality of substances and recreational drugs varies widely across the world, and even state by state in the U.S. You must follow all local laws and regulations pertaining to alcohol and other substances.

If your consumption of alcohol or any other substance is disruptive to your program or prevents your full participation in program activities, it can be cause for immediate removal from the program.

AVOIDING LEGAL DIFFICULTIES ABROAD

If you are traveling to a country outside the US, you should be aware of the limitations of the US Embassy should you have legal trouble. When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction. You will not be given special consideration as a foreigner. If you are arrested on a drug or criminal charge, contact the nearest United States embassy or consulate.

The U.S. Consular Officer CAN: The U.S. Consular Officer CANNOT:
  • Visit you in jail after being notified of your arrest.
  • Give you a list of local attorneys.
  • Intercede with local authorities to make sure your rights under local law are fully observed and that you are treated humanely.
  • Protest mistreatment or abuse to the appropriate authorities.
  • Demand your immediate release or get you out of jail.
  • Represent you at trial or give legal counsel.
  • Pay legal fees or fines.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Review the full IFR Nondiscrimination policy here.

ANTI-RETALIATION POLICY

The IFR strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against any field school participant – student or staff member – who in good faith makes a complaint, raises a concern, provides information or otherwise assists in an investigation or proceeding regarding any conduct that he or she reasonably believes to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, other Institute for Field Research policies, or applicable laws, rules or regulations.

This policy is designed to ensure that all field school participants feel comfortable speaking up when they see or suspect illegal or unethical conduct without fear of retaliation. It is also intended to encourage all field school participants to cooperate with the IFR in the internal investigation of any matter by providing honest, truthful and complete information without fear of retaliation.

The IFR prohibits field school participants from being retaliated against even if their complaints are proven unfounded by an investigation, unless the participant knowingly made a false allegation, provided false or misleading information in the course of an investigation, or otherwise acted in bad faith. Field School participants have an obligation to participate in good faith in any internal investigation of retaliation. Field School participants who in good faith make a complaint or participate in an investigation or proceeding under this policy remain subject to the same standards of performance and conduct as other participants. The IFR takes all complaints of retaliation very seriously. All such complaints will be reviewed promptly and, where appropriate, investigated.

REPORTING VIOLATIONS

If you believe you have been retaliated against or that any other violation of this policy has occurred, or if you have questions concerning this policy or the Student Code of Conduct, notify the Institute for Field Research and/or your field school director. You may contact IFR by phone or WhatsApp at +1 424-209-1173, or by email at info@ifrglobal.org.