Trip and Workshop Policies

Outdoor Adventure Activities involve inherent risks.  The risks vary depending upon the activity, environment, terrain, time of year, etc.  Some risks are manageable while others are not.  Dates and locations are subject to change.  Get informed by attending the designated pre-trip meeting and discussing with your trip supervisors or Outdoor Adventures staff about potential hazards and conditions expected.

Trip Policies

  • OA Trip/Workshop participants must be SMU students, faculty, staff or sponsored guests.  Unless noted in the individual trip/workshop description, an SMU participant may sponsor 1 guest.

  • SMU Faculty and staff are not required to be a member of the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports.

  • Non-SMU guests will be allowed to participate only with sponsorship by an SMU community member accompanying the trip/workshop. 

  • Participants must be 18 years of age or older unless specifically stated in the trip/workshop description.

  • Unless specified in the trip/workshop description, Payment is expected at time of registration and may be in the form of cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

  • If deposits are permitted, specific cancellation and payment policies will be stated in the trip/workshop description.

  • Static Norms (applies to all SMU OA sponsored activities/events):

    • Alcohol or illegal drugs may not be consumed, purchased or transported on SMU OA sanctioned activities and events.  Prescription drugs should be noted on the Consent for Medical Treatment form and in the name of the person in possession;
    • Behavior deemed harassing and/or threatening to participants, staff or property;
    • Behavior deemed to be in disregard of individual or group safety including refusal to follow staff directives; and
    • Exclusive relationships that are determined to be disruptive or detrimental to  an individual(s) or the group.

    Violation of the above Static Norms may result in but is not limited to:

    • Cancellation of the activity/event;
    • Prohibition or restriction from future SMU OA activities/events;
    • Fines for damages or additional costs associated with violation(s);
    • Referral to Judicial Affairs; and/or
    • Removal of individual(s) from the event/activity at the individual(s) expense.  No refunds.

 

  • No pets.

  • Participants are expected to have personal medical insurance.  SMU OA will not be responsible for the costs of medical treatment or emergency response.

  • SMU OA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal devices or items.

  • If SMU OA provides transportation, personal vehicles or travel will not be allowed or highly discouraged.  Personal transportation is an option if not provided or with expressed, WRITTEN approval from SMU OA.

  • All participants must complete related administrative paperwork prior to participation including but not limited to an SMU OA Release of Liability and Consent for Medical Treatment Form, SMU Travel Form, etc. 

  • Personal equipment should be approved by OA Trip Staff prior to departure.

  • Unless otherwise stated in the trip description, trip fees include: transportation, food-in-the-field, activity gear and entrance/activity fees.  Some personal equipment such as backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, etc may be available on a first come, first serve basis.  Participants are responsible for personal clothing, meals "on-the-road" and personal purchases.

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Cancellation/Refund Policy

  • Unless otherwise stated in the individual trip description, individuals may cancellation up to 1 day after the trips designated pre-trip meeting.  Individuals not attending the pre-trip meeting fall under the No Pre-trip Meeting policy below.

  • Cancellations after the pre-trip meeting until the day prior to departure will result in 50% refund.

  • Cancellations the day prior to departure and no-shows forfeit the entire fee.

  • No Pre-trip Meeting, participants have up to 4 days prior to departure day to cancel with no penalty.  After 4 days, the above cancellation policy will be applicable.

  • If SMU OA cancels the trip, a full refund will be issued to all registered participants. 

  • Refunds for cash and check transactions will be in the form of a check issued by the University's accounts payable department (this may take several weeks to process).  All other refunds will be in the form of the original transaction i.e. credit card to credit card and Pony Express to Pony Express.

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For any questions please contact the Outdoor Adventures Office at 214-768-9918 or email outdooradventures@smu.edu.

 

 
Recreational Sports is a department in the Division of Student Affairs.