Tools and Support for Teaching Outdoors
This page offers practical resources for faculty planning outdoor teaching activities, including information on reservations, permissions, risk assessment, and campus processes. These tools are designed to reduce barriers and support smooth, effective outdoor instruction.
Each outdoor space will have different permissions, reservation requirements, and activity risk levels. Contact the Office of Sustainability and the Environment at sustainability@uiowa.edu with questions about specific spaces.
Many outdoor class activities, such as meeting outside or sitting under a tree to write or discuss, do not require Risk Management involvement. Higher‑risk activities, like taking students canoeing on the river or using specialized equipment, may require additional planning or permissions. University Risk Management is available to help faculty assess risk levels and determine when support is needed.
Contact Risk Management at 319-335-0010 or risk-management@uiowa.edu