ADVANCEing FieldSafety: Changing the Culture of Fieldwork

The University of Colorado Boulder, founded in 1876 and set against the Rocky Mountains, is a major research university serving more than 37,000 students with nearly 3,000 international learners. CU Boulder is recognized for academic excellence, expansive research programs and a sustainability-driven campus culture. Students benefit from an array of undergraduate, graduate and professional offerings that encourage innovation across science, engineering, business, arts and humanities.

Research, entrepreneurship and experiential learning are central to the CU Boulder experience, with extensive laboratory facilities, innovation labs and co-op or internship pathways that connect students to industry and civic partners. The university supports cross-disciplinary projects and provides robust advising, career services and student organizations that help translate academic interests into practical outcomes and start-up ventures.

Boulder's outdoor lifestyle and proximity to tech hubs create strong opportunities for networking, recreation and balanced living. International students are supported by dedicated offices for admissions, orientation and visa guidance, making the transition smoother. With a large program portfolio and a campus culture that values sustainability, creativity and collaboration, CU Boulder is well suited to students seeking high-impact research experiences and an active campus community.

The ADVANCEing FieldSafety course is a non-degree program for field research team leaders and participants, taught in English at the University of Colorado Boulder. It lasts several weeks and helps teams build a welcoming culture.

The curriculum covers developing norms and codes of conduct, leadership, and field team organization. You'll learn to identify and respond to unsafe behaviors, support those impacted, and create inclusive mentorship. The course also considers factors for mitigating risk to diverse individuals and building cultural inclusivity.

After completing this course, you can apply your skills as a Field Research Team Leader, Research Coordinator, or Safety Officer. You may also work as a Mentor or a Team Lead in various research settings, including universities, institutes, or organizations that conduct fieldwork.