Domestic Field Study moves to Instruction
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
The University of Georgia Domestic Field Study programs provide students with site-specific
learning opportunities within the United States. Some Field Study programs include
tours of museums, archaeological digs, geological sites, and other experiences where
the site constitutes an important resource for instruction.
For the past five years, the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) has worked with Program
Directors of existing programs to complete the Program Planning Process for Domestic
Field Study programs. However, a recent Support Unit Review indicated that Domestic
Field Study programs did not fit well with the mission of OGE and should be moved
elsewhere. In response to this recommendation, final authority for Domestic Field
Study program has moved to the Office of Instruction with immediate effect. This responsibility
will now fall under the direction of Associate Vice President of Instruction, William
Vencill.
The field study course approval process will remain within the Office of Curriculum
Systems, which ensure that the program meets all regulatory requirements. The submission
of new program and program renewal information (program rationale, director information,
destination details, financial information, and budget planning) will continue to
be managed through the Terra Dotta software portal and will be reviewed by staff in
the Office of Instruction. All programs will also need to be approved by the department
head/Deans. By the end of the fall 2021 semester, additional details about the Field
Study programs and the links to apply for program approval/renewal will be available
within the Office of Instruction website.
The overall process will not change as faculty and staff who run Domestic Field Study
programs must engage in the annual program planning process. This process ensures
that the necessary academic, curricular, and financial information for each program
is communicated across campus. The Office of Instruction will form a Domestic Field
Study advisory group, that will provide additional insights and suggestions that can
help improve the process over time.
For questions about the Domestic Field Study program, please contact: Associate VP
for Instruction, William Vencill (ovpi@uga.edu).