Student Code of Conduct

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, community members and others affiliated with the program with respect, and to behave in ways that make a lasting positive impact on those around you. In turn, you should expect that anyone affiliated with the program also treats you with respect. 

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 with the local community. 

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 judgmental, observe, ask questions, communicate your needs, and be aware of safety concerns for yourself and those around you. In most cases, you will be living and working in close proximity to other program participants. IFR expects you to be considerate of others in actions and words at all times.

You must follow all applicable laws in effect at your program location. These may be different than at your home; you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with local laws. You may be subject to disciplinary action for misconduct or attempted misconduct, including but not limited to:

  1. Disruption of teaching, research, administration, or other program activities.
  2. Conduct that compromises 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.
  5. Dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information.
  6. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of documents, data, or identification.
  7. Theft of, damage to, or destruction of any property belonging to the IFR, program staff, instructors, other participants or associated organizations.
  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. Follow your program director(s) and staff instructions carefully and do not initiate excavations, surveys, collection of natural or cultural artifacts, or any type of removal.

Consequences can include exclusion from program activities, restitution, dismissal from the program, and local prosecution. If you are dismissed from the program, you must leave the program site immediately and will not have access to any IFR activities, staff or infrastructure. No refund will be given. You will be responsible for any expenses incurred after separation, including transportation, meals and housing. If you break local laws and are arrested, you will be responsible for your own defense, including finding and securing legal services. 

Alcohol and substance use

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, while in other locations consuming alcohol in public is unacceptable or offensive. 

Be aware that the legality of recreational drugs and intoxicating substances varies widely across the world, and state by state in the U.S. You must follow all local laws and regulations pertaining to alcohol and other substances. Excessive drinking or substance use is not permitted on IFR programs. 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 dismissal from the program.

No Harassment 

IFR does not tolerate harassment of any kind. You must comply with IFR’s No Harassment policy.