Attendance Policy:

• You cannot miss more than 4.75 hours (20% of the 24 contact hours) This is a FMNP policy and cannot be modified by the Instructor.
• To receive certification, the 4.75 hours or less missed must be made up by completing an assignment of equal time and content. Approval of the Instructor is required.
• If total hours missed exceeds 4.75 hours, certification is not possible regardless of material made up.
• All absences should be discussed with the instructor in advance. In case of emergencies, please notify Instructor as soon as possible.

Make-up time frame:

• If you miss a class or a field trip, you must make-up the same material. Discuss with instructors prior to making up material. The make-up needs to be completed within a week when possible.
• If you miss more than 4.75 hours, the University of Florida will not certify you as a naturalist, but please keep coming to as many classes as possible…this is your class.

Classroom Presentations:

We will be meeting at a variety of locations throughout Indian River County, so please pay close attention to the schedule. Our classroom presentations will take place at the Indian River County Extension Office, but the classroom location may change based on the day. Instructors will provide detailed directions via email prior to the first class and ongoing throughout class prior to each field trip/new location. Please contact instructor if you have any questions. In the classroom, it might be very warm or very cool—please, dress accordingly.

Bring Course Material to Class Each Day:
• If you ordered a hardcopy of the course manual, bring that to each classroom session.
• You will receive a PDF version of the course manual. You’re welcome to bring a device to class to view the manual during class.
• There may be classroom sessions where you would benefit from bringing an electronic device and/or paper and pen. This will be discussed ahead of time.

On Your Own describes required course activities you are expected to complete on your own prior to the next Meeting time.

Field Trip Locations & Times: Activities and times may change due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to verify the field trip information. Transportation and lunches are not included.

Student Carpooling is suggested and is up to the students to arrange.

Flexible Schedule:

• The schedule times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible. 
• We probably will not get out early; however, we may run late by a few minutes. Please arrange your schedule so that the class can be flexible. We will try to stick to the listed times, however, your attentiveness to getting back on time from breaks and lunch impacts our schedule. Please be timely.
• Course time schedule does not include your travel time (except between AM & PM classes).

Caffeine, Snacks and Lunch!
Please, absolutely no polypropylene (Styrofoam) containers — violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day! Food and drinks are allowed in the classrooms. Please bring your own beverages and snacks as desired.

Cell Phones:
These are fine to use outside of class. Please don’t allow it to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips and keep your usage to a minimum during class time. We know everyone has busy lives, but please try to give the instructors your full attention.

Field Trip Recommendations:

• Don’t wear perfume/cologne or use perfumed soap/body lotion before going out in the field. This may attract more unwanted buzzing invertebrates known as mosquitoes, midges (no see ‘ems) and flies.
• There are insects (including mosquitoes), spiders, and snakes outdoors. Hopefully, we will see many of these beautiful creatures. Always watch where you are putting your hands and feet. Use your brain before your body.

Field Supplies:

• It might be very warm or very cool on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.
• Be aware that typically you will be experiencing wet and muddy environments. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes
• Required – Wear closed-toe shoes at all times in the field. No exceptions.
• Wear: Layered clothes, maybe long sleeves and pants for sun protection, closed-toe shoes (wet shoes or other appropriate footwear), hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen..
• Drinking water is required in the field. No exceptions. Bring it in a reusable, non-single-use container and bring water to refill it too.