At UNCW MarineQuest we value students' safety, education, and enjoyment in that order. This maintains the integrity of our university and program as well as provides an academic environment that keeps our customers coming back year after year. All program participants must abide by the following policies and procedures.
UNCW is committed to the safety of minors during their participation with MarineQuest. As such the University employs effective measures to safeguard any young people visiting or involved in activities on UNCW campus or in our programs. The university’s obligation to these minor visitors (including your child) must ensure our programs address the elements necessary to reduce and prevent opportunities that can lead to an incidence of abuse or negligence. For more information including reporting mechanisms; complaint forms and reporting information; listing of the contacts to whom reports/complaints may be made; process for anonymous reporting; best practice resources and information for programs involving minors; and Title IX and Clery Act compliance information please visit UNCW Protection of Minors webpage.
UNCW MarineQuest works exclusively with minors and as such many of its rules, policies, and regulations are designed to promote the protection of them. Participants (especially teens) are encouraged to remember that UNCW MarineQuest takes the Minors Protection Policy very seriously, and enforcement of these rules and policies are designed to keep students safe while in MarineQuest’s care. These policies are not designed to inhibit a participant’s independence or treat them as immature, they are simply for the student's safety and protection as well as the University’s. This includes protecting our program participants from one another; therefore, students are expected to respect the privacy of their fellow MarineQuest participants.
Students, adults, and staff are prohibited from engaging in or encouraging any form of harassment, including but not limited to bullying and cyberbullying. The harassment policy applies to both in-person and virtual programming. This harassment policy is subject to the zero-tolerance policy and immediate dismissal from the program.
UNCW MarineQuest defines harassment as any unwanted, unwelcome, and uninvited behavior (verbal or physical) that demeans, threatens, hurts (physically or mentally), or offends the victim and results in a hostile environment. The hostile environment may be created due to aggressive pressures, intimidation, or passive pressure by one individual on another as defined as bullying, Title IX infractions, or discrimination. Bullying is defined as the use of forceful, threatening, or abusive behavior to intimidate or dominate others.
Title IX infractions and discrimination are defined as treating an individual differently than another based on one or more of the following identifiers: race, gender identity, age, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing or arranging student transportation to the UNCW campus to begin the Program and from the UNCW campus at the end of the Program. Students are not permitted to drive alone or park a vehicle on the UNCW campus.
Families that wish to carpool must notify MarineQuest before pick-up. MarineQuest can be notified in writing via email, pen & paper, or in the confirmation form.
Students must be signed in and out of the Program by a parent or guardian except for students attending the program via air travel. Students flying to the program must complete the airport transportation request form.
In an attempt to create a safe, productive, and positive environment, we require that all clothing be modest and appropriate for a young scientist. A student’s appearance, mode of dress, or condition of personal hygiene will not be permitted to disrupt the MarineQuest experience or constitute a threat to the health or safety of the participant or others. All clothing items worn must be modest (including swimsuits and pajamas). In general, we suggest that if you are not sure if a clothing item would be considered modest by the MarineQuest staff then you should not wear it. If there is a question of whether or not an item shall be considered modest, the final discretion is held by the Director for MarineQuest (This discretion is absolute and is not subject to appeal or challenge). The Director for MarineQuest may make reasonable accommodations to this policy based on a student’s religious beliefs or medical condition(s). Therefore, the following rules shall be followed:
When, in the judgment of the director for MarineQuest and/or MarineQuest staff, a participant’s appearance violates the intent of this policy, the participant will be required to make necessary modifications. If they refuse, they risk dismissal from the activity or program. Intentional violations of the dress code policy will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the MarineQuest student code of conduct and/or MarineQuest’s Zero-Tolerance Policy.
Students must be able to carry their gear containing all the materials that they pack/bring to the Program.
Please refer to the “What to Bring/Wear” of your Welcome Packet as to what to pack/bring to your program. We suggest overnight students pack light! One bag for bedding, one bag for clothing, and a day pack.
MarineQuest students are responsible for their personal belongings. Students are not allowed to share water bottles, sunscreen, food, cameras, etc. Food is particularly problematic in that students may not know ingredients that may result in an allergic reaction of another student.
All personal items brought to the Program are brought at the students’ risk. We do not suggest sending items that cannot get wet, dirty, or lost to program. We try our best to always double and triple check that students have all their item’s, but things get lost and forgotten periodically.
Please review the items that are listed in the “What Not to Pack” section of the Welcome Packet. They are NOT allowed at Program. MarineQuest cannot be held responsible for loss, damage, and/or destruction of items brought to the Program by any participant. Students are expected to use good judgment, respect, and consideration for others and their property while participating in the Program.
Students are expected to use all program equipment (including that belonging to external vendors for surf and SCUBA) in the proper manner it is intended for, following their instructor’s directions. Littering, vandalism, graffiti or misuse of facilities or property are grounds for summary dismissal from the Program. Monetary assessments for damages may be made to an individual, or to individuals or to the group.
Tampering with fire equipment or causing damage to university property may result in summary dismissal. UNCW will determine, to the extent possible, any damage by performing an inspection of the buildings, facilities and properties at the conclusion of the Program. Any damages determined to have been caused by the student’s use will be charged to the student and/or their parents or guardians, who must pay the charge within thirty (30) days.
MarineQuest does NOT have a full-time photographer on staff; therefore, we cannot guarantee that your child’s participation in Program will be photographed. As such, participants who would like to have pictures of their Program experience are encouraged to bring their own single use waterproof camera or tough digital camera.
Note, a cell phone is NOT allowed at Program and therefore cannot be used as a camera.
Students are allowed to use cameras while at MarineQuest, however use of a camera must not delay or otherwise interfere with the program progress/schedule. Water and electronics do not go well together therefore we encourage use of waterproof disposable or tough waterproof digital cameras. Please note some water “proof” cameras have depth maximums therefore be careful to choose one that best fits your program needs.
All personal items (including cameras) brought to the Program are brought at the students’ risk. MarineQuest cannot be held responsible for loss, damage, and/or destruction of items brought to the Program by any participant.
Students/Parents/Guardians are reminded that not all students have signed media releases, therefore if a participant innocently takes a photo of another student and then places it on their social media site, they could risk legal action by that student’s parents/legal guardians. To avoid any issues, we suggest talking to your child about accepting a student’s request not to be photographed. Also, parents who do not sign the media release are responsible for making sure their student knows not to include themselves in photos.
MarineQuest participants are NOT permitted to have cell phones on program. Each program has an assigned phone for emergencies. If you need to reach your child, you will call the main MarineQuest number (provided at check-in), and the main office will get in touch with your child’s program instructors to relay the message. We encourage students to develop friendships (non-romantic) while at MarineQuest. MarineQuest overnight participants will have access to hall phones for calling home. We encourage parents to allow their child to be independent and not request that they call them during the day. Multi week program participants are allowed to check cell phones in at check-in as they will be allotted time on the weekends to call family and catch up with friends during down time.
MarineQuest strongly discourages participants from bringing electronic devices. Some devices are strictly prohibited which includes: smart watches*, tablets, personal gaming devices, laptops, and DVD players. MarineQuest cannot be held responsible for theft, damage, or destruction of personal property. Participants found with a prohibited device and watching inappropriate programs are at the risk of dismissal from camp.
*Simple fitness/health watches may be approved so long as they cannot connect to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.
The curriculum goals of MarineQuest call for integrating technology into our instructional programs. Students' access to electronic resources, including the Internet, is directly related to specific educational program activities. All-access to the Internet will take place only under the direct supervision of trained staff.
Students' use of computers, networks, and internet services is a privilege, not a right. Students must use electronic resources to support the instructional activities currently occurring in the classroom. If the student is found to be using the electronic resources provided in a way that is deemed inappropriate by MarineQuest staff, the student may be subject to disciplinary action.
MarineQuest limits interactions with non-essential individuals to maintain the UNCW Minors Policy and public health. As part of this policy, parents/guardians will remain in their cars at drop-off and pick-up. A MarineQuest instructor will check your child in at the car and walk them directly onto the bus or classroom location. Students must remain with Program staff at all times. They will not be allowed to socialize with any family or friends they may innocently encounter during the program, at the beach for example.
Visitation by family is strongly discouraged as it interrupts the program and is unfair to other students who might like to see their family but are not able to. Once a student has arrived and checked in to MarineQuest, parents, legal guardians, and other family members or friends of the family must follow these guidelines if visitation is necessary:
One of our favorite sayings at MarineQuest is, “This is NOT love camp.” We do not tolerate romances during the program. Additionally, students are expected to be respectful of others' personal space. In consideration of public health, students must maintain social distancing and refrain from touching other students or staff.
Proof of medical coverage/insurance is REQUIRED to attend UNCW MarineQuest. This can be in the form of an insurance card or a letter from Medicaid or another agency that states the date of activation and the student’s name. We ask that you upload a file with the front and back of your insurance or Medicaid card/letter in the confirmation form before the first day of the program (email is not secure). This is in case of an emergency medical care.
UNCW MarineQuest must be notified of any pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions include illnesses or injuries that have occurred recently to the beginning of your program. For example, if a student recently had an ear infection and just completed a prescription medication, or any other serious illness including COVID-19 that may impact their ability to fully participate in the program, MarineQuest must be notified. Also, notify MarineQuest of any injury. We ask that students who are still recovering from an illness/injury wait to join their program until they are 100% recovered to prevent relapse.
The MarineQuest program is NOT equipped with an infirmary or mental health clinic. If a commuter student becomes ill or has a mental health crisis while attending the program, a MarineQuest staff member will notify parents/guardians of the student’s condition and must pick up the student from either the MarineQuest summer office or meet in the field. In the instance where a student must leave the MarineQuest program due to illness, the student will be allowed to return when cleared by a medical professional, but no sooner than 24 hours from the time of their original dismissal. If an overnight student becomes ill or has a mental health crisis, families and professionals will be contacted. MarineQuest sets up a memorandum of understanding with a local urgent care provider for residential illnesses and injuries. For non-COVID-related illness, a residential student will be offered an option to rest (with supervision) for 24 hours. If they have not recovered, they must leave the program. Any students with fever must be picked up as soon as possible. Students with fevers may return to the program once their fever has been controlled WITHOUT medication for at least 24 hours or they are released by a medical professional.
Any injury (including pre-existing) must be reported immediately to a MarineQuest staff member so that staff can take appropriate action, contact parents/guardians, provide temporary first aid or medical support, and if necessary, excuse a student from participating in program activities. If a medical professional determines that a student must be held out of an activity, the student shall follow that directive. In the event of an injury, staff will notify parents/guardians. Assistance in obtaining any necessary emergency response health services will be provided to students. However, all expenses for medical care are the responsibility of the student’s family.
Students must comply with the medical advice given by the medical professional. Failure to do so may result in their dismissal from the Program.
If a student must leave the program due to injury, illness, or family emergency, parents/guardians are responsible for arranging the student’s pick up, if they cannot respond immediately themselves.
***MarineQuest does not provide refunds for students who are dismissed during the program due to illness or injury once the program has started. This is because MarineQuest plans, schedules, and commits to paying for transportation, activity supplies, and recreational activities before the program begins. We
strongly encourage you to obtain traveler's or camper's insurance before the program starts in case such an illness or injury occurs.***
Each MarineQuest program curriculum is planned out for maximum learning effectiveness throughout the program. Some activities build upon others therefore, absences are highly discouraged. Missed activities will not be made up or refunded.
Persons unwilling or unable (due to pre-existing injury or chronic illness) to fully commit themselves to daily participation, or who are unwilling to conform to reasonable and accepted standards of discipline are advised not to enroll in the Program. Students (especially teens) who object to regulations that they find to be restrictive and not age-appropriate (in their opinion) are also encouraged not to enroll in the Programs.
If you cannot attend due to injury or illness the policy is still enforced. To protect your investment, we strongly encourage you to purchase traveler's or summer camp insurance.
(Intermediate and Senior Programs ONLY)
All portions of this seasickness policy should be reviewed with your physician, and in no way should it be considered medical advice.
MarineQuest wants to make sure students are safe and have fun during the Research Vessel Cruise and offshore diving trips. Going offshore of North Carolina causes many people to experience seasickness (even the most experienced boaters get seasick). Students who normally would not get seasick still tend to get sick on the Research Vessel. This is due to several factors including the size of the vessel, distance from shore, and the pitch and roll. On the vessel, students are focused on conducting experiments, deploying equipment, and interpreting data. This situation is similar to a passenger reading in a car and getting carsick when they would not get sick if they were just sitting and observing their surroundings.
We suggest that if you believe your child might experience seasickness (the parent/ guardian), administer seasickness medication to your child the evening prior and also the morning of the Research Cruise.
Non-drowsy Dramamine ( Dimenhydrinate) and Bonine ( Meclizine) are two medications that marine scientists have found personally helpful, however, check with your doctor before taking any medication. Please note that weather (particularly wave height) can change the research cruise schedule. Please check with your instructors during pick-up to confirm that the cruise is still scheduled for the next day. Instructors are required to confirm with parents and participants that the research cruise will take place as scheduled.
Parents/guardians and students should be aware that the Research Vessel is booked in advance and accommodates our entire group, not single individuals. As such, short of a medical emergency the Research Vessel will not return to land for seasickness. Seasickness is something that is often easily avoided, but without proper preparation can result in an uncomfortable experience for those who encounter it. If you are concerned, you and your child should discuss ways to help prevent seasickness (for example: proper hydration, good/bad foods, medication, etc.) with your physician.
MarineQuest requests that students attending MarineQuest have the North Carolina Public Schools’ recommended immunizations outlined below at least 14 days before the beginning of camp. These immunizations are also required for attendance at all public North Carolina schools. You must share this information for the safety of all MarineQuest participants and staff, however, noncompliance with the immunization requirement will not prevent you from participating in the Program.
| Required Vaccinations for all students | Number of Doses Required Before Camp Starts* |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis | 5 doses** 4 doses for children between ages 4 and 6 |
| Polio | 4 doses |
| Measles | 2 doses |
| Mumps | 2 doses |
| Rubella | 1 dose |
| Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) | 4 doses |
| Hepatitis B (Hep B) | 3 doses |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | 2 doses |
| Pneumococcal conjugate | 4 doses |
Additional Required Vaccinations for students who are entering 7th grade:
| Required Vaccine | Number of Doses Required Before Camp Starts* |
|---|---|
| Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis | 1 dose |
| Meningococcal conjugate | 1 dose |
MarineQuest does not require but encourages participants to be vaccinated against COVID-19 when attending MarineQuest overnight programs.
In the event of an outbreak of a contagious illness MarineQuest will consult with representatives from UNCW Student Health Services and Environmental Health and Safety to secure and provide appropriate information regarding the health and safety of MarineQuest participants. Parents/guardians of unvaccinated students will be notified if an outbreak of an applicable communicable disease occurs. Their student will be required to leave the program for their safety.
At the time this document is being prepared these are the current recommendations (10/18/2023). This is subject to change based on the public health status at the time of the program.
The UNCW Abrons Student Health Center supports MarineQuest in communicating and managing public health emergencies, in particular communicable disease outbreaks. Communication from Abrons Student Health Center may include gathering immunization records and quarantine requirements should any be applicable. If a program is canceled by UNCW before it starts due to a communicable disease outbreak, families will receive a full refund less processing fee. In case of a program-wide outbreak, MarineQuest will implement an emergency shutdown and all primary emergency contacts will be notified that their students must be picked up.
Regardless of a public health emergency, MarineQuest sets forth the following screening protocols to maintain the health of all participants. Guardians must monitor their students for 3 days leading up to the program for flu, cold, and COVID-like symptoms. If your child has any of these symptoms, they may not be able to attend the program. For residential students, there may be a required negative test for COVID-19 (dependent on the current status of COVID-19 illnesses).
This information is also included in the Cancellation Policy
In the event of severe weather such as a hurricane, students will be sent home with as much notice as possible. If the Program is canceled due to severe weather before check-in a refund less a processing fee will be issued. If cancellation occurs after the program has started, we will issue an appropriate refund (pro-rated) that takes into account the activities already completed. This is based on the unpredictability of severe weather.
To seek information about severe weather on campus, you can find UNCW alerts at: https://sites.google.com/site/uncwalert/ . You should also check the main www.uncw.edu website homepage for more information. MarineQuest will always contact parents/guardians in the event of an emergency.
***Please note under normal weather conditions we operate rain or shine. HOWEVER, some activities may be rescheduled or canceled due to safety concerns.
To ensure the safety and inclusion of all participants in the Program, UNCW reserves the right to discipline, up to and including dismissal of any student whose attitude, class attendance, work habits, relations with fellow students, faculty, staff, or general conduct is judged by the UNCW MarineQuest staff to be unsatisfactory or unacceptable according to the Student Code of Conduct. Determination if a student qualifies for dismissal is at the discretion of the Program. This discretion is absolute and is not subject to appeal or challenge. Under MarineQuest’s Zero-Tolerance & Inclusion Policy, the Program reserves the right to summarily dismiss and expel any student for the following violations:
All violations covered by North Carolina law, including but not limited to certain infractions involving alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, hazing, and sexual assault may be reported to local law authorities.
Program participants involved in any of the following actions will be subject to dismissal from the Program and removal from the residential hall:
Students may be disciplined or dismissed for any single violation or repeated violations of any nature.
UNCW requires that the parents or legal guardians of any discharged student or any student who voluntarily decides to leave the Program to arrange for the student’s return home as soon as possible that day. Per university practice, police authorities will be summoned to manage situations involving illegal activity on or off UNCW premises by any individual. All fees and payments paid on behalf of any discharged student or student who decides to voluntarily leave will not be refunded.
MarineQuest
Main Office: 626 MacMillan Ave.
MarineQuest Lab: Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane