The travel of CSUSB students to and from off-campus activities, which are officially recognized by the University, is the greatest liability exposure and must be controlled. Voluntary field trips or excursions are usually made in connection with courses of instruction or school related social, educational, cultural or athletic events. Such trips may be local, out-of-state or to a foreign country. You will note this page’s content focuses on reducing the liability associated with the transportation exposure of these activities. Please be advised that student travel associated with internships and service learning may not have University insurance coverage. Contact us to learn more about limited coverages.
The most used forms and resources are listed below. To find additional forms related to transportation requirements, visit the Forms page on the Risk Management website.
Defensive DrivingVehicle Accident Report (STD 270)Auth to Use Private Vehicles (STD 261)
Authorized Vehicle Driver Requirements
The following persons are authorized to drive on University-related field trips and required to adhere to the below:
Driving State Vehicles
- A valid California driver’s license
- A current Defensive Driver Training Certificate (contact Parking Services)
- A good driving record as verified by the Parking Services Department
Driving Privately Owned Vehicles
- A current Defensive Driver Training Certificate (contact Parking Services)
- A good driving record as verified by the Parking
- Annual completion of the Authorization to Use Privately Owned Vehicles on State Business form STD 261
- Proof of vehicle insurance for the minimum amount prescribed by law
Personal liability insurance is primary coverage when driving a personal vehicle
(Volunteers are approved persons as verified through Human Resources)
Driving State Vehicles
- A valid California driver’s license
- A current Defensive Driver Training Certificate (contact Parking Services)
- A good driving record as verified by the Parking Services Department
Driving Privately Owned Vehicles
- A current Defensive Driver Training Certificate (contact Parking Services)
- A good driving record as verified by the Parking Services Department.
- Annual completion of the Authorization to Use Privately Owned Vehicles on State Business form STD 261
- Proof of vehicle insurance for the minimum amount prescribed by law
Personal liability insurance is primary coverage when driving a personal vehicle
(enrolled, graduate, or teaching assistants)
Student drivers may not drive state vehicles unless they are employed by the State of California or appointed volunteers.
Instructors, if a student is driving a private vehicle ensure that field trip documents mention that travel is required for the field trip. Personal liability insurance is primary coverage when driving a personal vehicle, Proof of vehicle insurance for the minimum amount prescribed by law must be verified by the supervising staff or faculty. Please note, it is preferable for field trips to begin and end at the site location. Trips that transport from campus must be in a state owned or leased vehicle operated according to the Vehicle Use policy and Risk Management travel guidelines.
If student has been designated as a volunteer by faculty or staff to drive a State vehicle on behalf of the university:
- A current Volunteer Identification Form on file with HR (visit HR website and scroll down to 'Other Forms')
- A current Defensive Driver Training Certificate (contact Parking Services)
- A good driving record as verified by the Parking Services Department
Authorized participants of a CSUSB field trip are limited to the following: faculty, staff (academic), approved volunteers (registered with Human Resources), and enrolled students
Transportation Scenarios
If Traveling by Charter Bus or Van
- Be sure that the contract for the bus company is reviewed and processed by the CSUSB Purchasing Department to guarantee that the insurance and indemnification requirements have been met.
If Traveling by Air
- All students participating in programs, which require air travel, must be informed in writing that participating in such program is voluntary. Air travel involves risks to personal safety, which could result in damage to property, injury, or death. Students participating in such travel must be informed in writing that the California State University assumes no liability for damage, injury or death occurring on such voluntary air travel and that students undertake such travel at their own risk.
If Faculty, Staff And/Or Approved Volunteer Will Be Driving A Private Vehicle
- The Authorization to Use Privately Owned Vehicles on State Business must be filled out the first time this person drives on a field trip. The form is to be authorized by the Department Head/Chair and filed in the department. This form must be renewed annually.
If Students Will Be Driving A Private Car Pool
- Student drivers and those students who will car‑pool with drivers should self-organize transportation.