Adventure Trips - Policies and FAQs

Participants can reserve their spot and register on UNG Connect and a payment link will be sent out once the trip date gets closer.

1. Currently enrolled University of North Georgia (UNG) fee-paying students and full-time, benefitted faculty and staff are eligible to register and participate in North Georgia Outdoor Pursuits (NGOP) trips.
2. Alumni of UNG and dependents* of full-time, benefitted faculty or staff members are eligible to register and participate in NGOP trips.
3. Participants who are not associated with UNG in any way are not eligible for NGOP trips at this time.
4. Participants 18 years of age or older may only register themselves. A parent/guardian must give signed consent if the participant is under the age of 18. Participants must be 15 years of age or older to attend a trip.
5. The NGOP Program will not hold space for individuals who have registered but not paid for the trip; participants who pay up front will receive first priority.
6. Payment for trips is due in full at the time of registration, with the exception of trips that require a deposit. Credit cards are the only acceptable form of payment at this time (excludes American Express).
7. Registration is complete once payment is received.
8. In order to be eligible for any trip, participants must complete an NGOP Waiver and Health History Form.

1. Transportation is provided. 
2. Prices vary based upon each trip. Typically included in the trip price is vendor/guide for the activity and trip leader service. More details about what is included in the specific trip will be given at the time of registration.
3. Food will not be provided on trips unless otherwise stated.
4. There will be no planned pre-trip meetings unless the NGOP Staff deem such a meeting necessary. In that case, the NGOP Staff will notify all registered participants via email about the pre-trip meeting.
5. The NGOP Staff will provide all necessary gear for any trip. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, harnesses, and helmets. If participants choose to use said gear, they will need to complete an Equipment Rental Agreement, which will be provided.
6. Participants are allowed to bring personal gear with the understanding that it will be inspected by the competent NGOP Staff to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for intended uses.
7. If a participant has a request requiring special accommodations, the participant should contact the NGOP Program Supervisor at least two weeks prior to any pre-trip meeting and/or trip.
8. Participants must follow the policies stated in the UNG Student Code of Conduct on all NGOP trips; if they do not comply, the NGOP Staff have the authority to remove said participant from the trip.
9. The use of alcohol, illegal recreational drugs or any form of tobacco while participating in an NGOP trip is prohibited.
10. Participants are strongly encouraged to adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
11. In the event that a participant voluntarily leaves the group or fails to follow University and/or NGOP Policies and Procedures and must be separated from the group, the NGOP Staff will no longer be responsible for said participant. The participant will bear responsibility for arranging and paying for return transportation.
12. In the event that a participant is late to the trip’s pre-determined group meeting, therefore causing them to miss the group departure time, they are no longer considered a participant of NGOP. NGOP Staff will no longer be responsible for said participant.
13. No pets will be permitted on trips, with the exception of service animals. In reference to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Titles II and III, NGOP reserves the right to ask for documentation of the service animal or doctor’s note concerning the disability the service animal is being provided for so the NGOP Staff can best accommodate any participant needs. Any additional assistance or requirements should be discussed with NGOP Staff at least one week prior to the trip.

Georgia law requires that a specially trained Assistance Dog be allowed to accompany a blind, deaf, or disabled person or trainer to all public accommodations and common carriers. Extra charges cannot be made due to the presence of the dog, but if the dog causes damage to the premises, the owner of the dog is liable.

1. In the event a trip is canceled because of bad weather or other circumstances, the Outdoor Pursuits Staff will notify registered participants 24 hours in advance. Trips will generally not be canceled because of rain, but in the case that one is canceled due to extenuating circumstances, the Outdoor Pursuits Staff will let participants know as soon as possible. Refunds will be given on a case by case basis.
2. If a participant registers with payment for a trip but is unable to attend, he or she has the option to transfer the payment to another upcoming NGOP trip or event. If the cost of the new trip exceeds the previous balance, the participant will have to pay the remaining associated fees. If the trip cost does not exceed the previous balance, the participant will not receive a refund.
3. Refunds will only be given on rare occasions, and in that event, all participants will receive a refund. A refund form, vendor registration form, and a W-9 must be completed by each participant and turned into the Outdoor Pursuits Program Supervisor within two weeks of the canceled trip. Once the Outdoor Pursuits Program Supervisor receives all forms, a check will be mailed to the participant's mailing address within two weeks.
4. All final decisions are at the discretion of the NGOP Program Supervisor.

Registration for trips is simple! Follow these quick and easy steps to get registered for any trip:

1. Register on UNG Connect
2. Reservations for trips are accepted on a first-pay basis.
3. Payment is due before the stated registration deadline; we will not hold your spot without your payment.
4. Use a credit or debit card to pay via online registration.
5. All participants will be required to complete and sign all forms associated with the Outdoor Pursuits Program. This may include additional forms which are required from the place of destination. These forms will be emailed to the participant and must be completed prior to the trip date. 

Each trip is different, but usually included in the trip price is vendor/guide for the activity and trip leader service. More details about what is included in your specific trip will be given at time of registration.

Yes, the NGOP Staff will provide all necessary gear for any trip. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, harnesses, and helmets. If participants choose to use said gear, they will need to complete an Equipment Rental Agreement, which will be provided. Participants are allowed to bring personal gear with the understanding that it will be inspected by the competent NGOP Staff to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for intended uses.

Not necessarily. You will receive additional information upon registration that will let you know if you need to bring food or money for food, as well as any restaurants we may be stopping at, as applicable. Food is generally not provided for single day trips. Some, but not all, meals are typically provided during overnight trips. We always encourage you to bring snacks and thoroughly read the information packet to know what meals we will be providing.

Trips can be canceled because of bad weather. We will notify you if a trip has been canceled 24 hours in advance. Trips will generally not be canceled because of rain, but in the case that one is canceled due to extenuating circumstances, we will let you know as soon as we can.

Only on rare occasions will refunds be given. In the case of a trip being canceled, every participant will receive a refund. A refund form, vendor registration form, and a W-9 must be completed by the participant and turned into the Outdoor Pursuits Program Supervisor within two weeks of the canceled trip. Once the Outdoor Pursuits Program Supervisor receives all forms, a check will be mailed to the participant's home within two weeks.