Florida Master Naturalist Program

Attendance Policy

• You cannot miss more than 8 hours (20% of the 40 contact hours) This is a FMNP policy and cannot be modified by the Instructor.
• To receive certification, the 8 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 8 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 8 hours, the FMNP will not certify you as a naturalist, but please keep coming to as many classes as possible…this is your class.
• If you are a teacher receiving component points, check with your school board for their requirements.

Classroom Presentations: “Classroom” means we are at he Pinellas Technical College, Clearwater Campus. It might be very warm outside while the inside temperature may be the opposite—please, dress accordingly.

• Bring course materials to class each day, whether hardcopy or electronic.
• If you did not order a hardcopy manual, bring a computer with a full battery charge or other electronic device (tablet, cell phone) to view your course material. Make sure electronics are charged; outlets may be scarce.
• Pre/Post Tests and the Course Evaluation are electronic, so please bring a cell phone or tablet with internet access on first and last days.
• Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, scented body lotion, etc. during class. Other students may be sensitive to these odors making them nauseous, giving them a headache, or even causing physical symptoms like a rash. Bring a change of clothes to switch into after our field trips.

Bring Course Material to Class Each Day: Manual hardcopy or electronic
• If you did not order a hardcopy manual, bring a computer with a full battery charge or other electronic device (tablet, cell phone) to view your course material. Make sure electronics are charged; outlets may be scarce.
• Pre/Post Tests and the Course Evaluation are electronic, so please bring a cell phone or tablet with internet access on first and last days.
• Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, scented body lotion, etc. during class. Other students may be sensitive to these odors making them nauseous, giving them a headache, or even causing physical symptoms like a rash. Bring a change of clothes to switch into after our field trips.

Locations & Times may change due to unforeseen circumstances. This rarely happens. It is the student’s responsibility to verify field information. Be sure to check your emails and phone texts before class and field trips for last minute, unexpected changes. Transportation and lunches are not included.

Flexible Schedule:
• The scheduled times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible. Please arrange your schedule to be flexible.
• We probably will not get out early; however, we may run late due to unforeseen circumstances.

Course Time Schedule does not include travel time, except between AM & PM sessions.

Illness Precautions – Transmission Reduction Practices: If you have a contagious illness or you may have one, please stay home.

Student Carpooling is Suggested when safe to do so and is up to students to arrange.

Caffeine, Snacks and Lunch!
• If you enjoy coffee/non-alcoholic drinks or need a snack, you may bring your own IF you clean up after yourself – beverage rings, crumbs, etc.
• Absolutely no “Styrofoam” containers; violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day.
• Always bring a sack lunch – there will not be enough time to stop, or purchase from a park vendor, or get a drive-through meal.

Cell Phones are fine to use outside class. Please don’t allow it to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips. Talk on the gadgets during break time, lunchtime, before and after class. Violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day.

Field Clothes & Footwear:
• It might be very warm on our field trips—please, dress accordingly
• The field trails are not always level or easy to travel.
• Be aware that typically you, hopefully, will be experiencing wet and muddy environments. Avoid see-through fabrics when wet.
• 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, breathable long sleeves and pants for skin protection (including against mosquitos and ticks), closed-toe shoes (wet shoes or other appropriate footwear), sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Temperatures may vary during our field trips—please, dress accordingly. Wear breathable pants, & long sleeves.

Field Items to Bring:
• Bringing water is required.
• Use refillable, non-single use containers, please.
• Suggestions: Snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towels, plastic bags/old towels to cover floorboards in case of dirty/muddy shoes, and a complete change of clothes (spare shoes/socks/pants/shirt).

Field 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 bees.
• 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.

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