Results of an Alumni Survey on Professional and Personal Growth at Field Camp

Abstract

Geology alumni of Illinois State University were surveyed to determine the extent to which they felt field camp contributed to their professional and personal growth. The results emphasize that practicing geoscientists are required to perform tasks and use skills that are typically emphasized at field camp. Seventy percent have been required to do geologic mapping. Approximately 90% have worked with topographic maps, geologic maps made by others, and geologic cross sections. Over 85% have had to identify and describe earth materials and keep field notes and records. Only 11.6% have done plane-table mapping. Ninety-three percent of respondents say that field camp is essential to a geology curriculum. Some geology programs have eliminated, reduced, or are considering de-emphasizing field camp as a part of the required curriculum. This is a grave mistake that short-changes students and leaves them ill-prepared for a professional career. A secondary finding from the survey is that the field-camp experience is...