Faculty, Get Started
Steps to taking your course off-campus
- Consult the Off-Campus Study Faculty Handbook for guidelines and resources to consider during your planning.
- Complete your 2027-2028 academic year off-campus proposal by October 9, 2026. (Proposal guidelines will be sent in early fall.)
- Work with our office to plan the logistics and budget for your course.
We've also included links to some digital tools and forms that can be helpful preparing for your courses.
Field trips are defined as off-campus trips which have a duration of two overnights or less. The Office of Off-Campus Studies can cover the cost of transportation (vehicle rental, gas, tolls, and parking). However, funds for food, entrance fees, etc must come from a different source of income, such as department funds or student course fees.
Additional Field Trip Guidance
To request boxed lunches for a field trip, please use the Bon Appetit Meal Pack Out Order Form.
Faculty vehicle request form
Faculty should use the Faculty Vehicle Request Form for making vehicle requests.
Rental vehicles must be requested a minimum of five business days prior to the date of use. Rental vehicle keys and paperwork are to be picked up from and returned to the Information Desk in Thomas Commons. Within the paperwork, you will be given a OCS credit card to purchase fuel and a receipt is required for each purchase. Please fill up all vehicles before returning them to the Info Desk. Additional fuel costs from Budget for failure to refill the vehicle will be billed back to the requester.
Please do not lock keys or paperwork inside the vehicle. Return credit card, receipts, keys and completed Budget Rental paperwork in the envelope. The envelope must be handed to a staff member at the info desk. If one is not available, please call Campus Safety at 319.895.4299 to take the envelope. Smoking is prohibited for all individuals driving or riding.
Note: Vehicles are not rented to individuals for personal use.
Additional information about rental rates is found on the Budget vehicle rental procedures page.
Driver eligibility policy
Everyone who drives a rental vehicle must hold a valid driver's license (without any moving violations within the past 6 months). A photocopy of the driver’s license(s) should be submitted five days in advance. It will be solely at the discretion of the College administrative staff if driving privileges will be granted based on a search of driver/motor vehicle records. Student drivers must be at least 20 years of age and must be accompanied by a member of the Cornell faculty or staff. All drivers must take the online Alert Driver Test— Defensive Driving; Individuals intending to drive 15-passenger vans must also take the Alert Driver Test—Large Passenger Vans. Contact us to arrange the test. All drivers will be personally responsible for any violations, fines, or fees (including parking fines). These are not chargeable to the College.
In case of an accident
Authorized drivers of rental/leased vehicles have auto liability insurance coverage through the College. In case of accident, submit a Auto Accident Report form when you return the keys. In the case of a minor vehicle problem (e.g. flat tire) you will need to make that repair yourself. Budget is not responsible for these repairs and they will be part of your rental expense. In the event of a serious break-down (e.g., engine failure), contact Budget and they will provide assistance
Insurance coveraage
Faculty traveling overseas on Cornell-sponsored course trips are covered by a supplemental plan through EIIA and Healix. (Spouses, dependent children, and others accompanying the faculty members may also be eligible. Faculty on other endeavors abroad, including while on sabbatical, may also be covered.)
While abroad and covered by this insurance, you can submit a claim for emergency services to EIIA first. For non-emergencies, submit a claim to your personal medical insurance company first.
U.S. Department of State Travel Division (DoS)
How do students apply for passports? Where are the U.S. consulates in India? What countries currently have DoS travel warnings?
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Airport regulations change all the time. Keep up to date with the latest rules.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Get the latest information about immunizations and other health information by country from the CDC. You can ask more specific health questions at the Ebersole Health and Wellbeing Center.