Global Education Policy And Procedures Manual For Students

Transcription

1 Global Education Policy And Procedures Manual For Students Suite 234 Warren Student Services Centre 400 East Second Street Bloomsburg, PA U.S.A. Telephone: Fax: Web:

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I INTRODUCTION... 2 PART II BACKGROUND INFORMATION... 3 PART III PROGRAM CHOICE... 3 PART IV PROGRAM PARTICIPATION STIPULATIONS... 5 Article I Bloomsburg University Policies and Pennsylvania Laws... 5 Article II Course Load... 5 Article III Credit Transfer... 5 Article IV Graduate Students... 6 Article V Study Abroad Research... 6 Article VI Attendance Policy... 7 Article VII Official Academic Transcripts... 7 Article VIII Payment of Program Fees And Deadlines... 7 Article IX Costs Related To Withdrawal, Dismissal, or Absence... 7 Article X Program Orientation... 8 Article XI Travel To Program Site... 8 Article XII Disability Accommodation... 8 Article XIII Alcoholic Beverage Consumption... 9 Article XIV Illegal Drugs Possession And Consumption... 9 Article XV Dismissal From The Program... 9 Article XVI Valid Passport And VISA Article XVII Immunizations Required For Travel Article XVIII Medical Insurance, Healthcare, And Health Emergencies Article XIX International Health Insurance Coverage Article XX Operation of Motor Vehicle, Motor Cycle Or Farm Equipment Article XXI Personal Responsibility And Safety Article XXII Assumption Of Risk Article XXIII Third-Party Liability Article XXIV Family Educational Rights And Privacy Article XXV Study Abroad Consent Article XXVI Program Confidentiality Article XXVII Safety And Risk Management In Host Country Article XXVIII Program Assessment And Evaluation Pre-Global Perspective Inventory Survey Faculty Course Evaluations Post-Global Perspective Inventory Survey Assessment And Evaluation Of Study Abroad Program PART V STUDENT S SIGNATURE PART VI PARENT OR GUARDIAN INFORMATION GE 2013 Study Abroad Policy 1

3 PART I: INTRODUCTION We care about your global education as well as your wellbeing as you study abroad or out of State. Therefore, we encourage you to please help us to help you so that your experience away from the university is fruitful and successful. This Policy and Procedures Manual provides students with information regarding global exchange, study abroad, and cultural immersion programs requirements, and pertinent information relating to program type, course load, credit transfer, program assessment and evaluation, confidentiality, safety issues, and health insurance coverage. The policy and procedures contained in this document applies to all PASSHE and Non-PASSHE students who wish to study abroad through Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. As a participating student in any of our Global Exchange, State, Short-Term Faculty Led, or Third-Party programs, you are required to read the whole document, sign, and return the document to the Office of Global Education. Failure to abide by this policy and procedures will delay or jeopardize your study abroad chances. NOTES: Study Abroad Policy 2

4 PART II: BACKGROUND INFORMATION STUDENT S NAME (PLEASE PRINT) STUDENT BU/PASSHE ID # STUDENT BU/PASSHE TELEPHONE # PROGRAM DATES: SEMESTER AND YEAR ABROAD: NON-BU PASSHE STUDENT STATE UNIVERSITY: PART III: PROGRAM CHOICE Please check the program that you are participating in. Check only one box. Global Exchange Program: Academic Semester: Academic Year: Study Abroad Program: Academic Semester: Academic Year: Summer: Short-Term Faculty Led Study Abroad Program: Semester: Individualized Study Abroad Program: PASSHE: Academic Semester: Academic Year: Summer: Study Abroad Policy 3

5 PART III: PROGRAM CHOICE (CONTINUED) Third-Party: CEA: Global Education: Academic Semester: Academic Year: Summer: GlobaLinks: Learning Abroad: Academic Semester: Academic Year: Summer: Other University Approved Cultural Immersion Programs: Summer Semester: Fall Semester: Winter-Intersession: Spring Semester: NOTES: Study Abroad Policy 4

6 PART IV: PROGRAM PARTICIPATION STIPULATIONS Please read this document carefully and if you agree to the stated stipulations, then sign, date and return it to the Office of Global Education 1 month before departure to your study abroad destination. Please be advised that by signing this document, you agree with the illustrated Articles provisions. ARTICLE I: BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA LAWS I understand the rules governing student responsibility and behavior as stated in the Bloomsburg University Student Handbook (The Pilot), including the Academic Integrity, Judicial System Policies, and Program Policies as set forth by the Office of Global Education, and Program Coordinator are in effect for the duration of the program. I am responsible for adhering to established policies, heeding verbal and written announcements, and exhibiting reasonable and acceptable behavior which shows genuine concern for the cultural norms and mores of the Host Country as well as my personal integrity at scheduled events and on excursions. I understand that the laws of the Commonwealth of the State of Pennsylvania apply to the Global Exchange Program; Short-Term Faculty Led Study Abroad Program; and Individualized Study Abroad Program Affiliation Agreements. Any violation of the relevant Bloomsburg University Policies and or, laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania while studying abroad will result in my immediate expulsion from the program and all the privileges will be revoked without compensation. ARTICLE II: COURSE LOAD I will comply with the program s course requirements to enroll in the required minimum number of credit hours. I understand that the amount of credits taken must correspond to the length of the program in terms of actual class hours. For Instance: If I am enrolled in a Study Abroad program including FLT 3 Credit Hours for a period of 4 Weeks, I must spend 12 Actual Hours per week for the Course. ARTICLE III: CREDIT TRANSFER Undergraduate Students I understand that Bloomsburg University will only accept credit transfer if I earn a grade of C or better in every subject. I also understand that the grades that I will earn will not be calculated in my Grade Point Average (GPA). I further understand that if I fail to earn a grade of C or better in any course, I will lose those credits and have to repeat the course at Bloomsburg University. Study Abroad Policy 5

7 Graduate Students I understand that Bloomsburg University will only accept credit transfer if I earn a grade of B or better in every subject. I also understand that the grades that I will earn will not be calculated in my Grade Point Average (GPA). I further understand that if I fail to earn a grade of B or better in any course, I will lose those credits and have to repeat the course at Bloomsburg University. ARTICLE IV: GRADUATE STUDENTS As a Bloomsburg University Graduate Student or Graduate Student from another US University desiring to participate in a Short-Term Faculty Led Study Abroad Program, I agree to enroll for Graduate Research Credits under Individualized Instruction with a Bloomsburg University faculty participating in the program, according to Bloomsburg University s Graduate Studies rules and regulations. I also agree to pay the Program Fee as well as and pay Bloomsburg University Tuition and Fees for the credits that I am enrolled in. I also understand that I am required to complete NIH Training online and print out the Certificate of completion. In addition, I will complete Bloomsburg University s IRB application requirements and send my completed application to the Bloomsburg University s IRB Chairperson for review. I understand that if I fail to abide by these regulations, I will not be allowed to participate in the program and I will forfeit all the money that I have paid. ARTICLE V: STUDY ABROAD RESEARCH I understand that if I plan on conducting research abroad, I must follow Bloomsburg University s PRP 3990 Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects Research which states in part that: Bloomsburg University recognizes its ethical and legal responsibilities to provide a mechanism to protect individuals involved as subjects in research conducted under the auspices of the University. Research, as defined by the Bloomsburg University Graduate Council Research Committee, is the systematic inquiry/investigation of a specified problem or set of problems with the goal of advancing the discipline. Therefore, all research involving human subjects will be reviewed, prior to the initiation of the research, through the procedures set forth by the University and directed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Failure to submit research for review and approval is a violation of Bloomsburg University policy. The University assumes responsibility for encouraging research activities to benefit advancement of knowledge of human conditions and, at the same time, protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects, the investigators, and the University. This includes Study Abroad Policy 6

8 assuring the scientific validity of the research methodology as it relates to the protection of human subjects. University faculty, staff, and students conducting human subject research are responsible to comply with this policy and all federal regulations. The IRB reserves the authority to suspend or terminate approval of research that is not being conducted in accordance with the Bloomsburg University IRB policy #3990. ARTICLE VI: ATTENDANCE POLICY I acknowledge that attendance is mandatory at all classes and course-related outings and excursions except in cases of illness and or emergencies beyond my control. Visits by family and friends are not reasons for an excused absence from class. With the exception of personal and family emergencies where the program coordinator and I have made appropriate arrangements, I must remain in the program abroad for its entire duration of time in order to receive course credits. ARTICLE VII: OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS I understand that it is my responsibility to request an Official Transcript from my Host University upon successful completion of my study abroad program. I will ask my Host University to send the transcript directly to the Office of the Registrar at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. ARTICLE VIII: PAYMENT OF PROGRAM FEES AND DEADLINES I accept the responsibility for coordinating timely payments for Tuition and Fees, and or Program Fees that are associated study abroad program. I agree to follow Bloomsburg University procedures for Financial Aid and Scholarships disbursement. I am responsible for making payments of all remaining account balances by the structured payments deadline. I am responsible for all late fees and or costs for collection of fees in accordance with standard Bloomsburg University procedures. If I fail to meet the structured payment deadline dates, I will be removed from the program. In addition, non-payment of Tuition and Fees will result in my dismissal from participating in the program. ARTICLE IX: COSTS RELATED TO WITHDRAWAL, DISMISSAL, AND OR ABSENCE I shall be solely responsible for any and all costs arising out of my voluntary or involuntary withdrawal or dismissal from the program prior to its completion, including withdrawal for reasons of health, family emergency, illegal drug or alcohol use or abuse, legal detention, etc., or Study Abroad Policy 7

9 disciplinary action by Bloomsburg University. Costs incurred on my behalf include, but are not limited to, moneys advanced on my behalf for non-refundable deposits at other institutions, legal documents, special fees, air tickets, and housing contracts. If I withdraw, depart, or dismissed from the program for any reason prior to its formal completion, I will not be eligible for any Academic Credits, nor refund. I further understand that the fees charged for the program pay for the trip as a whole, and that I cannot be refunded for parts of it that I miss due to absence, withdrawal and or dismissal. If I withdraw within 60 days of the start date of my program, I will be responsible for the full Program Fee. Cancellation or withdrawal after the program has started will result in the forfeiture of all Program Fees. ARTICLE X: PROGRAM ORIENTATION I am responsible for attending required pre-departure and on-site orientation meetings, for submitting all application materials and required legal documents by the specified due date(s), for following instructions for course registration, and for complying with requests related to my enrollment. Failure to do any of the above may result in my removal from the program. ARTICLE XI: TRAVEL TO PROGRAM SITE I am responsible for securing travel arrangements that will allow timely arrival to the program site for on-site orientation and for notifying the program coordinator of my itinerary and transportation methods. I understand that Bloomsburg University strongly recommends that I purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance Coverage as protection against the possible cancellation of a program due to low enrollment, if I get sick and unable to travel, environmental calamities, world events, terrorists attack threats, and any other unforeseen events. I further understand that I should check with the program coordinator before purchasing an airline ticket. If I should purchase an airline ticket without the approval of the program coordinator, I understand that Bloomsburg University will not be held liable for the price of the ticket nor any fees associated with changing the ticket, should the program be canceled for any reason. ARTICLE XII: DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS I accept the responsibility for registering with the appropriate Bloomsburg University Office of Disability Services to determine eligibility for services and accommodations related to disabilities, if appropriate. Furthermore, I understand that an Access Plan outlining my accommodations should be submitted to the program coordinator at Bloomsburg University at least sixty (60) days before the program commencement date in order to assess and determine the ability of the respective Host University to provide a reasonable accommodation. Study Abroad Policy 8

10 ARTICLE XIII: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION I understand that Bloomsburg University prohibits the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcoholic beverages by students and that it is my responsibility to know the risks associated with alcohol use and abuse. Because I will be studying and traveling in countries where the legal age for alcohol consumption and rules regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages are different than those in the United States, I accept the responsibility to know relevant countryspecific local laws concerning the possession, use, and abuse of alcoholic beverages. If I am of legal age and choose to consume alcohol while abroad, I will be expected to drink and behave responsibly. The illegal or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages or misconduct due to alcohol consumption will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from participating in the program and campus judiciary proceedings against me through the appropriate Bloomsburg University Judicial System. I do confirm that I have read and understand Bloomsburg University s PRP 4810: Alcoholic Beverage Policy. ARTICLE XIV: ILLEGAL DRUGS POSSESSION AND CONSUMPTION Illegal drugs in any form are not tolerated. Possession or use of illegal drugs is punishable by law in the form of fine, imprisonment, and or deportation. I understand that if I am found using or possessing illegal drugs in any form, I will be subject to immediate dismissal from the program and Bloomsburg University Judicial Proceedings will be enacted through the appropriate Bloomsburg University Judicial System. I do confirm that I have read and understand Bloomsburg University s PRP 4805: Drug Policy. ARTICLE XV: DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM I understand that the program coordinator and other Bloomsburg University officials or representatives have the right to dismiss me from participating in the program at any time if: My conduct violates established rules of behavior (specifically, but not limited to: prohibition of going out alone at night, allowing what I did the night before to impact my performance in class or activities the next day or failure to immediately report any problem (including but not limited to) with lodging, meals, other participants); I violate laws, rules and regulations of my Host Country, community, Host University, or the program; or Study Abroad Policy 9

11 Program coordinator has reasonable cause to believe that my continued participation in the program constitutes a danger to the health or safety of other participants including myself, property, threatens the future viability of the program, disgraces the program or puts participants into legal peril. I understand that a decision made to dismiss me from the program will be final. The separation from the program will result in the loss of all academic credits and terminate my status as a program participant, and I will not be entitled to any refunds and will remain responsible for costs incurred on my behalf. I do confirm that I have read and understand Bloomsburg University s PRP 4819: Sanctions on Alcohol and Drug Violations Policy. ARTICLE XVI: VALID PASSPORT AND VISA I am responsible for applying for and obtaining my own Passport in a timely manner before I enroll in a study abroad or global exchange program. I am also responsible for applying for and obtaining my own VISA if it is required for travel to the country of my destination. I do have the following options to obtain my VISA: I can apply online by completing the application form and mailing it to the Country Embassy of my destination with return postage so that I do not have to incur travel costs. I can contract my VISA Acquisition Services to a company of my choice by completing the VISA Application online and sending my application with Money Order to the company to get the VISA for me. I do understand that this will cost me additional more money in service fee. I can also ask the Office of Global Education to acquire the VISA for me. However, I do understand that if the Office of Global Education agrees to obtain the VISA for me, it will cost me more money than if I just get the VISA by myself. The cost can be up to more than three times if I get the VISA through the Office of Global Education than through the first two methods above. Examples of some of the companies that I may look into in acquiring the VISA are but not limited to the two listed below: Study Abroad Policy 10

12 Travel Document Systems (TDS) World VISA Travel (WVT) In addition, I do understand that if I decide to utilize the services of any of the above companies, they may require that I submit the following documents or information: A copy of my Vaccination Card based on the requirements of the country Copy of Airline Tickets or Itinerary Letter of Invitation depending on my study abroad program requirements NOTES: Study Abroad Policy 11

13 ARTICLE XVII: IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL I am responsible for investigating and obtaining current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC & P) Country-Specific Health Information and Inoculation Requirements for the country of my study abroad destination. ARTICLE XVIII: MEDICAL INSURANCE, HEALTHCARE, AND HEALTH EMERGENCIES I am responsible for obtaining my own Medical Insurance, healthcare, financial integrity and travel plans related to the program. In the event of serious illness, accident, or medical emergency, my designated emergency contact(s), as indicated on the Health and Emergency Treatment Authorization Form, may be notified. I also authorize any official representative(s) of the program to secure medical treatment on my behalf, including surgery and the administration of an anesthetic and to provide any health information as appropriate. ARTICLE XIX: INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE I hereby certify that I am covered with International Travel Health Insurance (ITHI), which I have determined to be adequate and satisfactory for any injury or illness for in-patient or outpatient that might befall me while I am participating in a Bloomsburg University study abroad or global exchange program. I acknowledge that Bloomsburg University and its representatives have not made any representations to me concerning the adequacy of my ITHI coverage, and I further accept that it is my sole responsibility to ensure that my ITHI coverage is adequate for my needs. I further acknowledge that my ITHI covers medical evacuation and repatriation in case of ill health or political unrest in my Host Country. The Health Insurance coverage should include provisions for overseas travel, medical evacuation, and repatriation. ARTICLE XX: OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE, MOTOR CYCLE, OR FARM EQUIPMENT I understand that Bloomsburg University strongly discourages students owning or operating vehicles and farm equipment during the study abroad term. Traffic congestion and different traffic laws and regulations, can make driving motor vehicles or farm equipment in foreign countries extremely hazardous. Insurance requirements, or other financial responsibility laws, vary from country to country. Therefore, if I choose to operate a motor vehicle or farm equipment while abroad, I recognize that Bloomsburg University will not assume financial Study Abroad Policy 12

14 responsibility for care or legal assistance in the event of an accident, or death while operating a motor vehicle. ARTICLE XXI: PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SAFETY Although I am participating in a Bloomsburg University sponsored program, I understand that neither Bloomsburg University nor any of the program coordinators, instructors, or travel arrangers will be supervising me at all times. I will have the opportunity and the right to independently leave the group periodically, subject to the requirements for participation and attendance at classes and other activities that are a required part of the program. Therefore, I will be responsible for my own safety and cannot hold Bloomsburg University liable for any careless injuries that I may cause to myself, property, or any other losses as a result of my participation in the program. ARTICLE XXII: ASSUMPTION OF RISK I understand that my participation in the study abroad or global exchange program will subject me to greater risks including my property than if I were to remain in the United States. I therefore acknowledge that Bloomsburg University has attempted to inform me of the nature of those risks and to advise me how to minimize those risks. I expect that Bloomsburg University will continue to endeavor to use good faith efforts to keep me informed of material developments that would affect those risks, but I agree that I am the one responsible for my safety and the Safe keeping of my property. Accordingly, I agree not to hold the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), Bloomsburg University, and their respective agents and employees (including, but not limited to the program coordinator, and personnel of the Office of Global Education and Host University responsible for any liability whatsoever for injury, illness, death, loss, or damage to property which may occur in connection with my participation in this program that is beyond their control. In addition, I agree not to make any claim or to instigate any litigation or other proceedings against any of the aforementioned parties. ARTICLE XXIII: THIRD PARTY LIABILITY I understand that Bloomsburg University does not represent or act as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of any Host University, transportation carrier, hotel, tour organizer or other provider of goods or services involved in the program. I understand that Bloomsburg University is not responsible for matters that are beyond its control, and I hereby release Study Abroad Policy 13

15 Bloomsburg University from any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, or expense arising from any such matters. ARTICLE XXIV: FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY I agree to sign the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (F.E.R.P.A.) as my consent to Bloomsburg University to release to my parents or legal guardians information concerning my educational records. ARTICLE XXV: STUDY ABROAD CONSENT I agree to sign the Study Abroad Consent Form which authorizes Bloomsburg University to release all records it may have in its possession to the Host University or Institution if such records are requested and required in order to prove my academic qualifications to participate in a study abroad program. I also authorize my Host University or Institution Personnel or Bloomsburg University Personnel to act on my behalf in case of a medical emergency to give consent where I am unable to prove competent consent for medical treatment. ARTICLE XXVI: PROGRAM CONFIDENTIALITY I hereby give Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania permission to contact my parents or guardians with regard to my involvement in Global Exchange, Study Abroad, or Cultural Immersion program. The University may inform my parents or guardians about general program details, financial information, emergency health issues, and safety matters related to the program. I also agree that any photographs and videos taken while participating in a study abroad program will be utilized by Bloomsburg University and PASSHE for program advertisement and promotion. ARTICLE XXVII: SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN HOST COUNTRY I am responsible for investigating and obtaining current information from the US Department of State Country-Specific Information on Travel Alerts or Travel Warnings related to my study abroad destination. Study Abroad Policy 14

16 ARTICLE XXVIII: PROGRAM ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION I understand that I am required to complete Course Evaluations at the end of my study abroad program. I understand that I am also required to complete Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Surveys as part of my application packet and study abroad experience. Within two weeks of my return date, I will contact the Office of Global Education for information on when and where to complete course evaluations, post study abroad surveys as follows: Pre-Global Perspective Inventory Survey Faculty Course Evaluations Post-Global Perspective Inventory Survey Assessment And Evaluation Of Study Abroad Program Study Abroad Policy 15

17 PART V: STUDENT S SIGNATURE I have read all the articles of this document and I understand each one of them to the best of my abilities. By signing this document I certify that I agree with all its stipulations. STUDENT APPLICANT S SIGNATURE DATE: (MM/DD/YYYY) Study Abroad Policy 16

18 PART VI: PARENT OR GUARDIAN INFORMATION A copy of this agreement will be sent to your Parents or Guardians. Please provide their Permanent Physical Address, Address, and Telephone Number below: 1 NAME OF PARENTS ADDRESS, , AND TELEPHONE NUMBER 2 NAME OF GUARDIANS ADDRESS, , AND TELEPHONE NUMBER Please return this document to: Office of Global Education Suite 234 Warren Student Services Center Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania 400 E Second Street Bloomsburg, PA U. S. A. Study Abroad Policy 17