All participants in Marshall Adventure Program (MAP) trips and experiences must meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria outlined below. Many of the sites and venues for our activities are challenging, remote, and exposed to nature’s elements. Please read this document carefully.
The health and safety of our students and staff are a top priority as we deliver these high-quality educational experiences for our participants. To achieve our group goals, all individuals participating in each program must be fully capable of and committed to learning and using outdoor skills, meeting physical and social challenges, and taking care of themselves and each other.
The Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) are applied to all students on MAP trips and outings. A qualified person meets the general EEC as well as EEC for the specific activities and program areas they will be participating in. If an applicant does not meet specific criteria, we may be able to make accommodations, but will not do so if it significantly alters the fundamental nature of the program activity, jeopardizes the health and safety of the program participants or staff, or places an undue administrative or financial burden on Marshall University or the program. Requests for accommodations must be made in writing to the Marshall Adventure Program Director (Dr. Rick Gage, gager@marshall.edu) at least one month prior to the start of the program. Requests are not guaranteed, but MAP staff will work with Marshall University Student Support Services or other relevant offices to determine the feasibility of the request and appropriate accommodations. A final plan must be reviewed and approved by MAP, the requestor, and Marshall University administration at least one week prior to the start of the program.
Please note that MAP trips and experiences are designed to meet the needs of Marshall University students, and is not intended for the public at large. If you have questions about any Essential Eligibility Criteria or your ability to meet one or more of them, please contact the MAP Director, Dr. Rick Gage, at 304-696-2244 or gager@marshall.edu.
General Eligibility Criteria for all MAP Participants and Activities
All MAP participants must:
- Be able to understand verbal and visual instructions individually and in a group setting, and follow those instructions whether supervised or not.
- Be able to comprehend hazards and safety concerns when explained, and to adhere to safety policies and procedures even when staff and contracted guides are not present.
- Learn and practice Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics behaviors and techniques.
- Be able to identify and recognize hazards posed by the environment (steep or uneven terrain, moving water, sun, wind, cold, etc.) and other participants (fatigue, dehydration, state of mind and other influences on judgement and decision-making, etc.).
- Be able to effectively communicate to others personal distress, injury, or need for assistance, and communicate to others and hazards and dangers you perceive.
- Be able to stay properly hydrated and nourished, by day or night, and learn skills for self-care, including proper hygiene and use of clothing and equipment.
- Be able to maintain peace with the rest of the group.
- Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, and any misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications. If using prescription drugs, you must be able to follow correct dosage and usage and keep them in good condition between resupplies with or without instructor assistance.
- Be able to contribute to a safe social and learning environment and maintain appropriate relationship with other group members and instructors.
- Refrain from sexual activity, harassment, bullying, and any other behavior that disrupts the learning of others or the cohesion of the group.
- Be able to abstain from cell phone use for the duration of the program. (MAP staff carries communication devices for emergency situations, but programs are otherwise phone-free).
Eligibility Criteria for Select Activities
EEC for Camping Activities
All participants in Camping programs must:
- Be able to live and function in an outdoor camp setting without access to electricity for up to 4 days. Note: No prior camping experience is expected or necessary. This criterion is meant to address students who have medication or other medical interventions that require access to electricity.
EEC for Hiking Activities
All participants in Hiking programs must:
- Be able to walk continuously for 1 mile at a moderate pace over uneven terrain, unassisted, while carrying a small day pack weighing 10-15 lbs.
EEC for Backpacking Activities
All participants in Backpacking programs must meet Camping and Hiking EEC, and:
- Be able to walk continuously for 1 mile at a moderate pace over uneven terrain, unassisted, while carrying a large pack weighing 35-40 lbs., and then repeat following 15-30 minutes of rest.
- Be able to not have access to advanced medical care facilities for the duration of the backpacking portion of the program.
EEC for Aerial Challenge and Zip-line Activities
All participants in Aerial Challenge and Zip-line programs must:
- Be able to wear all safety equipment as instructed.
- Follow instructions provided by third-party vendors during aerial activities.
- Agree to additional policies and procedures implemented by third-party vendors.
- Weigh between 60 and 250 pounds (or be prepared to sit out for aerial activities).
EEC for Whitewater Boating Activities
All participants in Whitewater Boating programs must:
- Wear all protective equipment recommended/required by rafting outfitters and/or state law.
- Independently maintain sealed airway passages while underwater (i.e. hold your breath).
- Be able to swim or be comfortable in the water, including fast moving water, while wearing a personal flotation device.
- Independently maintain a seated body position with limited back support while paddling a raft in turbulent whitewater. Adaptive equipment may be used; if needed, this equipment cannot impede nor lessen the effectiveness of safety procedures or equipment. No participant may be strapped or belted into a raft or adaptive equipment while on the water.
- Get in and out of a raft from shore independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance.
- If in the water, independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face-up while wearing a properly-fitted life jacket.
- Re-enter the raft on the water independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance.
- In the event of a capsize, independently get out from under the capsized boat, remain face-up in the water with a personal flotation device, and identify, make progress to, and ascend the shoreline with or without instruction.
