Study Tours
A faculty supervised study tour is encouraged of all undergraduate students in apparel and textiles. The purpose of the study tour is to provide students with a learning experience outside the traditional classroom setting. The tours are designed to provide information about the structure and function of the textile and apparel industry, as well as career opportunities within the industry. Additionally, students will have unique opportunities to interact with industry professionals. As an integral part of the whole college experience, exposure to cultural venues offers the students the opportunity to broaden their life experience.
Course Credit
Study tours may be offered for one to three semester credit hours. Congruent with university policy, the following guidelines have been established for each credit level:
One Hour Credit: *
- Approximately 15 contact hours with industry and cultural entities during the study tour, including pre- and post-meetings
- Approximately15 additional hours student work, including journals, papers or other assignments as determined by study tour faculty
Two Hours Credit:
- Approximately 30 contact hours with industry and cultural entities during the study tour, including pre- and post-meetings
- Approximately 30 additional hours student work, including journals, papers or other assignments as determined by study tour faculty
Three Hours Credit:
- Approximately 45 contact hours with industry and cultural entities during the study tour, including pre- and post-meetings
- Approximately 45 additional hours student work, including journals, papers or other assignments as determined by study tour faculty
* In the case of international tours, additional hours may be required for students to participate (e.g., additional travel time, etc.); this should be considered a part of the total study tour experience and not be counted as hours towards meeting study tour requirements.
Students' Rights and Responsibilities
Students participating in a study tour are entitled to an enriching educational experience. This requires a level of cooperation between the student and faculty, between the student and other participating students, and between students and professionals they encounter during the course of the tour. Students have the right to expect that the tour has been sufficiently planned and executed by the faculty supervisor and that their experience is both educational and enjoyable.
Generally, students are required to attend all events, both professional and cultural, as scheduled. Any exceptions must be approved by the faculty study tour supervisor. An example of such an exception might be a verifiable illness. Some events on the schedule might be deemed optional by the faculty study tour supervisor.
Students are representatives of the Department of Apparel, Textiles, and Interior Design and Kansas State University while participating in study tours. As such, students are expected to behave and dress as professionals. Faculty study tour supervisors should instruct students as to the type of dress appropriate for specific appointments. Additionally, students may not receive credit for the study tour if unprofessional behavior is impacting the student's participation in the study tour. Examples of unprofessional behavior might include: (1) being detained or arrested by authorities, (2) becoming inebriated or using illegal substances, and (3) being disrespectful to other students, faculty, or professionals involved in the tour.