Planning Expeditions

Policies

Photo Credit: Tim Kelley

Equal Opportunity

NOLS is committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Please contact us with any questions.

Cornell Leadership Expedition for NOLS Pro Leadership trip in Patagonia.
One student climbing a cliff face, while another is belaying.

Before Your Course

Here’s what you can expect from the admission process for your NOLS Expedition.

  • Find your course online and click on the Apply Now button, or give us a call! We'll ask you for some quick contact information and a $65.00 application fee. Once you’ve paid your fee, your space on the expedition is reserved, if there’s space available.
  • Look for an email with a link to your NOLS Dashboard. Click on the link before it expires.
  • Your NOLS Dashboard will be your hub of information while preparing for your course. You’ll find your course information, required documents, and tuition deadlines here as well as your Admission Officer’s contact information.
  • Don't forget to check out the deadlines—we'll be asking you for your non-refundable tuition deposit and NOLS health form within 21 days of receiving your application. Your Admission Officer wants to help you make this adventure possible, so do contact us with all of your questions.
  • Send in all of your required documents by the due dates and we’ll do our best to review them as soon as possible. We’ll be in touch with any questions.
  • Students must adhere to deadlines set out by their Dashboard and/or Admission Officer for submitting enrollment forms and tuition. If a deadline passes, and an extension has not been granted by the Expedition Admissions Office prior to the passing of the deadline, enrollment will be cancelled, and the spot on the expedition will be released to another applicant. Please note that extensions are rarely granted.

Student Handbook (pdf)
Health Form (pdf)
Risk Management at NOLS (pdf)
Self-Reporting Health Form (pdf)
Student Agreement (pdf)
Insurance Form (pdf)
Statement Of Good Standing (for semester or year) (pdf)

Admission Policies

Final acceptance to your course is contingent upon the receipt and review of the required materials, which you can find online on your course Dashboard. 

The health and well-being of our students and staff and the effective education of our students are important to us. The wilderness environments NOLS courses live in and travel through are remote, dynamic, and physically and emotionally challenging. These environments, along with the educational activities conducted and the living and traveling conditions encountered, require all students to be fully committed to and capable of working hard, taking responsibility for themselves, and working effectively in the group to achieve the goals of the course. 

Our student health review process helps us support students’ health and safety and determine whether a current condition is appropriate at NOLS. It’s important that students provide accurate and honest health information so we can learn of conditions that our instructors need to know about. Our admissions staff may need to further discuss health issues with the student, their parent, or their health care provider. NOLS reserves the right to deny admission to anyone that NOLS, in its sole discretion, believes is unable to meet the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, or safety demands of our courses. 

You can learn more about our admission criteria by contacting the Admission Office.

Students hike down a snowy slope while mountaineering in the Yukon.
Pascal Beauvais
Students paddling down the Rio Grande as part of a two week canoe expedition.
Ashley Wise

Tuition Deposits and Payments

Your health form and your non-refundable tuition deposit are due 21 days after we receive your application. The remaining tuition is due 75 days before your course begins. You can find information about all required forms and due dates on the personalized checklist of your online course Dashboard.

Cancellation Policies

Betsy Winston
Betsy Winston
Students use crampons to backpack across a snowy field surrounded by mountains in Patagonia.

Transfer Policies

Risk Management at NOLS

A few students climbing Devils Tower in Wyoming
Isabel Adler
Students pause while canyoneering through a chimney.

Positive Learning Environment

We aim to create a positive learning environment. Each person’s values and beliefs affect the entire group, and we work to ensure that everyone is treated with respect.  

On your course, you can expect the following:

  • Freedom from discrimination of any kind and a learning environment free from physical or verbal harassment. 
  • Real challenges and meaningful experiences. We will try to inform you of anticipated curriculum and risks. At the same time, it must be understood that unanticipated situations may dictate that more attention is given to some elements of the course and others might receive minimal or no attention.
  • Thoughtful, honest, and timely comments concerning your performance and abilities.

Well-trained and qualified instructors.

NOLS expects the following of you:

  • To follow the field practices and policies described in pre-course information, course orientation, and as taught by instructors throughout the course, and to be responsible for your own well-being and for contributing to the well-being of the group. 
  • To participate fully in the expedition—take part in classes, camp chores, activities, discussions, leadership, conflict resolution, and the building of an inclusive course culture. 
  • Be inclusive by being warm and curious, and demonstrating respect for those aspects of a person’s identity as outlined in our equal opportunity statement. 
  • To be courteous to local residents and merchants and take time to learn about and respect local customs and culture. 

Issues, such as personal conflicts with fellow students or instructors, should be addressed promptly. If the issue arises with a fellow student, first, we recommend trying to work out the conflict with that student if you feel comfortable doing so. If the issue persists or if you need assistance, bring it up with one of your instructors and ask them to assist in resolving the conflict. Your instructors are always available to assist in resolving a conflict. 

If the conflict continues or you are in conflict with one of your instructors, then address the issue with another instructor or the individual conducting your course debrief when you return to the NOLS campus. They will be able to address the issue personally or pass it to the appropriate representative at NOLS’ headquarters in Lander, Wyoming.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

A qualified student is one that meets the Essential Eligibility Criteria for the course type they are applying for.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Two students jump kick for the camera in the Coronado National Forest.
Katherine Collins
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Promotion Policies

NOLS uses students’ names, photos, and other images in promotional material, videos, and press releases.