Travel
When participating in travel, including driving or riding with peers to program sites, service opportunities, conferences, retreats, or field experiences, students are expected to uphold the values and standards of The Ohio State University. This outlines key expectations to support a safe, respectful, and professional experience for all students.
1. Safety First: Driving & Transportation Expectations
If you are driving:
- Drive safely and defensively. Follow all traffic laws, speed limits, and posted conditions
- Avoid distractions. No texting, scrolling, or handling devices while driving.
- Seatbelts are required for all passengers
- Check vehicle readiness (fuel, tires, visibility) before the trip
If your vehicle is used
To support safety and clarity considerations:
The student who owns the vehicle or is the insured primary driver should operate the vehicle. Students should not assume responsibility for driving another student's car.
This helps ensure:
- the driver is familiar with the vehicle
- boundaries and expectations are closer
If you are a passenger
- support the driver by minimizing distractions
- help with navigation if needed
- communicate respectfully if you need breaks or uncomfortable with conditions
Carpool Best Practices
- Decide departure times, meeting points, and return plans ahead of time
- Respect personal boundaries in shared travel spaces
2. Professional Expectations While Traveling
Even in informal settings, students represent themselves, organization, and the university. Expectations include:
- Be punctual for departure and scheduled activities
- Communicate in a respectful and considerate manner
- Use good judgment in all public and group interactions
- Keep social media professional, especially when tagging locations or groups
Professionalism applies during:
- Travel and transit
- Downtime or free periods
- Housing or lodging
- Public interactions
3. Code of Student Conduct Applies at All Times
The Ohio State Code of Student Conduct applies during:
- Travel to and from program sites
- Off-campus activities, including out-of-state trips
- Overnight stays or shared accommodations
- Any program-affiliated experience
This includes expectations around:
- Substance use
- Harrassment, discrimination, and misconduct
- Safety, property, and responsible behavior
4. Boundaries & Well-Being
To support a safe and comfortable environment:
- Be mindful of identities, needs, and comfort levels within the group
- Respect personal space and boundaries, especially during long travels
- Take breaks if needed, physical and emotional needs matter
- Practice patience and understanding during stressful or tiring moments
If conflict or concerns arise during travel, utilize university resources.
5. University Resources for Conduct, Safety, & Support
Office of Student Conduct
Guidance and support regarding the Code of Student Conduct
Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRCO)
Handles discrimination, harrassment, and sexual misconduct
Civil Rights Compliance Office
Counseling & Consultation Service (CCS)
Support for stress, conflict, or emotional concerns
Counseling & Consultation Service
Ohio State Department of Public Safety
Emergency and non-emergency information
Ohio State Department of Public Safety
Looking for more
- Visit the Collin's Law Training page for resources related to the Collin's Law Training
- Visit the Hazing Prevention & Reporting page for resources related to define hazing, different hazing behaviors, how/where to report
- Visit the Event Planning page for resources related to event risk management, event planning resources, clery reporting guidance
- Visit the Severe Weather page for resources relaed to severe weather safety, weather emergency preparedness, emergency weather response
- Visit the Fire Safety page for resources related to fire safety response, evacuation procedures