Field Research Guidelines

“Field Research” for the purpose of these Guidelines refers to academic research, work, or studies conducted outside of a classroom or laboratory, in the natural environment.

Specifically, at UNC Charlotte, Field Research consists of activities that are authorized by UNC Charlotte and conducted by faculty, staff, students, or other authorized individuals for the purpose of research, teaching, or testing in locations that are physically secluded or remote from campus, where planning for risk in a natural environment is essential. 

The terms "field work," "field studies," and "field activities" are all considered "Field Research." For the purpose of this definition, the term "campus" refers to the UNC Charlotte main campus buildings, labs, and other controlled areas.

Normally, Field Research does not include travel for conferences, seminars, or visits to other institutions, organizations, and community partners.

In addition, “Field Research” should not be confused with the term “Field Trip.” (See Field Trip Planning and Compliance Procedure for information about Field Trips.)

Prior to engaging in Field Research, those engaging in Field Research should engage in the following steps:

All Field Researchers

1. Complete the Field Research Safety Plan (Appendix A), and consult the Field Research Hazards Appedices below to identify hazards:

• Appendix B — General physical and environmental hazards
• Appendix C — Hazards in North America
• Appendix D — International hazards
• Appendix E — Animals and pests general
• Appendix F — Animals and pests North America
• Appendix G - Animals and pests international
• Appendix H — Diseases general
• Appendix I — Diseases North America
• Appendix J — Diseases International
• Appendix K — Field research kit items
• Appendix L — Field Safety Research Risk Matrix

2. Complete the ORPI Compliance Questionnaire 

• Describe research project or activity
• Answer questions about human subjects research, microorganisms, infectious materials, animals, conflicts of interest, international travel, etc.

3. Consider the number of people traveling off-site for Field Research

• If more than one person is engaged in Field Research, the PI should complete the Plan to Foster a Safe and Inclusive Working Environment for Off-Campus or Off-Site Research and distribute the completed plan to all Field Research participants.
• If one or more non-employee students are engaging in Field Reserach off-site , ensure that they complete and sign the Off-Campus Activity Acknowledgement of Risk, Release, and Behavioral Agreement 
  • ​NOTE: The Acknowledgement of Risk, Release, and Behavioral Agreement is NOT intended for student employees ("student employee" is defined in PIM-15) who are engaging in activities as a part of their University employment.

Additional Steps Related to Travel Destinations

1. International Travel

• International Travel Program (organized through Education Abroad or the Office of International Programs)
  • Follow OIP or OEA procedures for registration, insurance, etc.
• Independent/Non-Programmatic International Travel (NOT organized through Education Abroad or the Office of International Programs)
  • Enroll in GeoBlue supplemental health insurance for all international travel
    • Faculty: Contact David Landrum in OIP to enroll in GeoBlue Business Plan
    • Students: Contact OEA to enroll in GeoBlue Student
• Export Control (EC)
  • Follow Export Control procedures

2. Domestic Travel

For off-campus University-sponsored student activities that are not course-related (non-field trip activities), activity leaders should ask students to sign an Off-Campus Activity Acknowledgement of Risk, Release, and Behavioral Agreement.

NOTE: A University-sponsored course-related, off-campus domestic activity led by a faculty member and designed to serve educational purposes is deemed a "Field Trip" and should follow the Field Trip Planning and Compliance Procedure.