Use or possession of illegal drugs and alcohol is prohibited at all times during the ORION program. Use or possession of such substances will result in immediate dismissal from the course, and the offending participant(s) will receive a failing grade.
Use of cell phones, MP3 players, and other electronic equipment is discouraged, as this prevents students from socializing with other group members.
"Challenge by choice" is a concept used for every ORION activity. Each student can make a decision about how he/she would like to challenge himself/herself during the activity portion of the course. A student will never be forced to take part in an activity if he/she voices discomfort with a situation.
To receive a grade for this course, Wilderness Experience (KINES 089), the students must complete the entire backpacking portion of the course; take part in the additional adventure; celebrate with our closing cookout; participate in a service project, which is at least four hours long and is conducted in or around State College; complete a trip journal (graded on the last day of the trip); write a reaction paper; set five goals for the first year at Penn State; and attend a wrap-up session in late September or early October.
Footwear must be worn at all times throughout the program.
The students are not permitted to leave the group to hike on their own for any reason. The leaders must be aware of their whereabouts at all times.
When traveling in the fifteen-passenger vans, the students must wear seat belts at all times.
Cliques and/or couples detract from the group. Be mindful about being inclusive with all the members of your group, as ORION is a time to meet as many people as you can who will help you make the transition from high school to college.
"Leave No Trace" ethics will be introduced by the group leaders on the first day. The students and leaders are expected to follow these ethics throughout the program.
All rules and regulations for each area in which you travel, including fire restrictions, are to be respected.
If for any reason a student is not able to complete the backpacking portion of the ORION course, he/she must drop the course from his/her schedule unless otherwise excused by the program director. The students are responsible for their own accommodations if the course is not completed.