acu study abroad faculty handbook · study abroad programs faculty responsibilities and contract a...
TRANSCRIPT
ACUStudyAbroadFacultyHandbook
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DearFaculty,Webelievethatthishandbookwillhelptoanswermanyofyourquestions.Thedocumentsinthehandbookaresetupinfourdistinctsections:
1. Facultyapplications2. Policiesandprocedures3. Safetyandprevention4. Studentmaterials
Asyouhavequestionsthroughouttheprocess,pleasedonothesitatetocontactus.Thankyouforyourinterest,andwelookforwardtoworkingwithyou!
Blessings,
KevinKehlandRachelBrownRachelBrownStudyAbroadCoordinatorstudy_abroad@acu.edu325.674.2754AD124
KevinKehl,[email protected]
Thefollowingresourceswereusedinthedevelopmentofthishandbook:SarahE.SpencerandKathyTuma,eds.TheGuidetoSuccesfulShortTermProgramsAbroad.
NAFSA:AssociationofInternationalEducators.2002.R.MichaelPage,et.al.MaximizingStudyAbroad:AProgramProfessionals’GuidetoStrategiesfor
LanguageandCultureLearningandUse.UniversityofMinnesota.2003.
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TableofContents
FACULTYAPPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................................4 ThissectionincludesmaterialsrequiredtoapplyforaFacultyinResidencepositionatanACUStudy AbroadsiteandalsotoproposetheconsiderationofafacultyledStudyAbroadProgramatan offsitelocation.
FacultyResponsibilitiesandContract……....………………………………………………………5 Faculty‐in‐ResidenceApplication.................................................................................................7 Non‐HubSiteFaculty‐LedStudyAbroadProgramProposal…..........……………….....10 ProgramPlan…………………………...……………………………..................................................….11
POLICIES&PROCEDURES..................................................................................................................16
Thissectionincludesadescriptionofbenefitsandnecessaryregulationsthatfacultymembersare expectedtounderstandandenforcewhileabroad.
SummaryofFacultyBenefits.......................................................................................................17 GuestPolicy…......................................................................................................................................18 InsuranceRequirements…………....……………………………………………………………….....19 FacultySubstanceAbusePolicy.……………….…………………….…………………………..….20 StudentAlcoholPolicy.……………………………………………………………………………..…...21 SampleFacultyE‐MailtoParents..............................................................................................23
SAFETY&PREVENTION......................................................................................................................24
Thissectionincludespertinentinformationregardingtheproperpreparationforandhandlingofa crisisorothersafetyconcernswhiletravelingabroad.
CrisisManagementPlan................................................................................................................25 CrisisManagementTeamContactInformation..................................................................26 IncidentReport..........................................................................................................................27‐28 RiskManagementPlan……………………………………………………………..............................29 SafetyTipsandOtherResources..………………..………………..............................................31
STUDENTMATERIALS..........................................................................................................................35
Thissectionincludesapplications,forms,andguidelinesgiventostudentsthatarenecessaryforfaculty memberstoreadandreferencewhenappropriate.
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FacultyApplications
ThissectionincludesmaterialsrequiredtoapplyforaFacultyinResidencepositionatanACUStudyAbroadsiteandalsotoproposetheconsiderationof
afacultyledStudyAbroadProgramatanoffsitelocation.
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AbileneChristianUniversityStudyAbroadPrograms
FacultyResponsibilitiesandContractAtypicalfull‐timefacultyassignmentinasemester‐longStudyAbroadprograminvolvestheequivalentoffourcourses,whileafacultyassignmentforasummerprograminvolvestheequivalentoftwocourses.Theactualnumbermayvarybutwillincludeaminimumoftwocourseswithanappropriateamountofreleasetimeforadministrativeanduniversityserviceresponsibilitiesrelatedtothestudyabroadprogram.FacultywillworkwiththeExecutiveDirectoroftheCIEintheselectionofcourses.Selectionsshouldbeparticularlysuitedormodifiedwiththestudyabroadsite/contextinmind.Facultymembersplayacrucialroleinsupportingstudyabroadandtheoverallstudentexperience.Tohelpensurethatyouhavethebestpossibleexperiencewhileservingabroad,theCIEasksthatyoucarefullyconsiderthefollowingresponsibilities:
1. ThoseindividualsselectedtoserveasstudyabroadFaculty‐in‐ResidenceatoneofACU’sstudyabroadsitesshouldexpecttowork10hoursintherecruitmentprocessduringtheacademicyearpriortodeparture.TheseactivitiesareoftencoordinatedthroughACU’sStudyAbroadofficeinconjunctionwithyouracademicdepartment.Examplesofsuchactivitiesincluderecruitingactivelyinone’sownclassesaswellasinasmanyotherclassesaspossibleandinterviewingprospectivestudents.
2. Inpreparationforyourassignmentabroad,youmustattendallinformation/orientationmeetingsforboth
thevisitingfacultyandstudents.
3. Youmustaccompanystudentsonallrequiredgroup/classexcursions.
4. Youmustteach2‐3coursesasassigned,incorporatinginformationandexperiences.
5. Youmustserveasastudentmentorandgroupprojecttutor.
6. Intheeventofanemergencyorstudentillness,youmustbeavailabletoaccompanyorotherwisestaywithinjured/sickstudent(s)untiltheycanbereunitedwiththemaingrouportravelbacktotheUS.
7. Youmustserveasfacilityandstudentsupervisoronatleastthreefreetravelweekendseachsemester.
8. Youmustattendastudent/facultyeventinAbileneafterreturningfromtheprogram.
9. YoumustattendadebriefingmeetingwithCIEstaffafterreturningfromtheprogram.
10. AfteryoureturntoACU,youshouldserveasaresource/mentorforfuturestudyabroadfaculty.
Courses
1. InconsultationwiththeExecutiveDirectoroftheCIE,identifyatleasttwo(summer)orthree(semesterprograms)ACUcoursesyouproposetoteach.
2. Planandorganizeeachcourseinsuchawaythatitwillbestrengthenedviaclassexcursions,servicelearning,andindividualtravel.
Recruitment
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Ourexperienceindicatesthatthemoreactiveandengagedyouareintherecruitingprocesswithinyourowncollegeanddepartment,themoresuccessfulyouwillbeinattractingstudentstoconsiderstudyingabroad.Wehavealsofoundthatthemoretimeyouareabletospendengagingwithstudentspriortodeparture,thebetterequippedyouwillbetohelpshapeandinfluencethestudentcommunityonceabroad.Approximately20and60studentsapplyforeachsemesterprogramandapproximately15to40studentsforeachsummerprogram.Youwillneedtoattendallinformationmeetings,beavailabletoassisttheCIEininterviewingapplicants,andprovidepersonal/academicadvisingpriortotheirdeparture.MeetingsincludeStudyAbroadpre‐departureChapelsandseveralorientationsessionspriortodeparture.RiskManagementEachFaculty‐in‐ResidencemustattendascheduledmeetingwiththeExecutiveDirectoroftheCIEandACU’sRiskManagertodiscussissuesrelatedtooverallprogramandpersonalriskmanagement.PleasenotethatacopyofProofofTravelInsuranceforallnonACUemployeestravelingwithyoumustbeplacedonfilewiththeRiskManagerpriortoyourdeparture.Additionalinformation‐PleasesubmityourresponsestotheitemsbelowelectronicallyasaWorddocument.
1. IndicateallACUStudyAbroadprogramsinwhichyouhaveparticipatedinthelast10years.Listprogramanddate.
2. Whatindividualorgrouptravelexperienceshaveyouhad?Listdestinationsandduration.3. Whileforeignlanguageproficiencyisnotarequirement,pleaseindicatetheforeignlanguage(s)youspeak,
writeand/orread.4. WriteabriefpersonalstatementexpressingwhyyoudesiretoparticipateinACU’ssemester‐longStudy
Abroadprogram.5. WhatspecialqualificationsdoyouhavethatmakeyouparticularlywellsuitedtoserveasFaculty‐in‐
Residenceabroad?6. Willyoubeabletomakeallnecessarypersonalandfinancialarrangementsinorderforyoutoparticipate
intheprogram?Note:Allselectedfacultywillearntheirregularsalarywhileabroad.SummerFaculty‐in‐Residencewillearncompensationonapercoursebasis,accordingtotheACUsummerpayscale.Youwillbeprovidedcomplimentaryhousing,aperdiem,paidroundtriptransportationtothestudyabroaddestination,andpaidprogram‐relatedtravelforgroupexcursions.Facultyshouldexpectadditionalpersonalexpenses,suchasnon‐program‐relatedindividualtravelcosts.I,____________________________,understandandagreetocomplywiththefacultyresponsibilitiesasoutlinedinthisdocument.___________________(Date)Applicant–Faculty‐in‐Residence:_____________________________________________________________________________ Signature Date
RiskManager:___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature Date
ExecutiveDirectorCIE:________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature DateDepartmentChair:_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature DateCollegeDean:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature DateProvost:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature Date
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AbileneChristianUniversityStudyAbroadPrograms
FacultyinResidenceApplicationName:___________________________________________E‐mail:______________________________________________ACUBox:_____________________________________WorkPhone:__________________________________________HomeAddress:______________________________________________________________________________________City/Zip:_____________________________________Home/CellPhone:___________________________________TeachingField(s)/Discipline(s):___________________________________________________________________PleaseconsidermeasanapplicantforanACUSemester‐longorSummerStudyAbroadProgram.Checktheprogram(s)andsemester/summerforwhichyouareapplying.
ACUinOxford,England Fall20______ Other:_____________ACUinLatinAmerica Spring20____ACUinLeipzig,Germany Maymester20_____Other:___________________ SummerI,20_____SummerII,20_____
Signature:________________________________________________ Date:____________________________ FacultySignature:________________________________________________ Date:____________________________ DepartmentChairSignature:________________________________________________ Date:____________________________ CollegeDeanSignature:________________________________________________ Date:____________________________ Director,CIESignature:________________________________________________ Date:____________________________ ProvostComments:
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FacultyInformationForm
StudyAbroadLocation:________________________________SessionandYear:____________________________________Faculty:___________________________________________________________________________________________ LegalName PassportnumberSpousename:____________________________________________________________________________________ LegalName PassportnumberChildnameandage:_____________________________________________________________________________ LegalName Age PassportnumberChildnameandage:_____________________________________________________________________________ LegalName Age PassportnumberChildnameandage:_____________________________________________________________________________ LegalName Age PassportnumberChildnameandage:_____________________________________________________________________________ LegalName Age PassportnumberDepartment:___________________________________________ Extension:___________________________HomePhoneNumber:_____________________________CellPhoneNumber:___________________________RequestedReturnDeviationDate:(Due90daysbeforedeparture)__________________________________________
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CourseInformation________________________________________________________________________________________CourseNumber CourseName CourseDescription:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Booksneededforcourse:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________CourseNumber CourseName CourseDescription:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Booksneededforcourse:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________CourseNumber CourseName CourseDescription:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Booksneededforcourse:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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NonHubSiteFacultyLedShortTermStudyAbroadProgramProposalAbileneChristianUniversity
CenterforInternationalEducation
Pleasenote:ProgramproposalsforeachsummermustbesubmittedtotheProvost’sStudyAbroadAdvisoryCouncilatleast12monthspriortotheanticipatedstartdateoftheprogram.Facultywillbenotifiedregardingwhetherornottheirproposalhasbeenapprovedwithinonemonthofitssubmissiontothecouncil.Pleasealsobeawarethatatotalofuptothree(3)non‐hubsiteprogramproposals(neworrepeating)maybeapprovedforeachsummer.Sponsoringdepartmentandcollege_____________________________________________________________________Facultynameandtitle __________________________________________________________Extension__________________________E‐mail__________________________PROGRAMDESCRIPTIONProgramname _____________________________________________________________________________Programsite(s) _____________________________________________________________________________Duration(inweeks) ___________________________ Dates(approximate)________________________________Howmanyfacultymemberswillaccompanythegroup?______________________________________________________ Numberofcredithoursperstudent:____________________Targetstudentgroupsize(min,max)____________________Course(s)tobeoffered(pleasenotethatacademicdepartmentswillberesponsibletopayforfaculty‐teachingstipendsforallsummercoursesofferedthroughstudyabroad):____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ENROLLMENTANDINSTRUCTION–AllagreementswithpartnerinstitutionsmustreceiveapprovalfromtheCIEpriortothesubmissionofthecompletedprogramproposal.ProgramproposalsinvolvinganytypeofagreementorcontractmustsubmitarequesttodosototheCIEinwriting. WillACUfacultyteach?Circleone:NoSomecoursesAllcoursesWillstudentsenrollinaninstitutiononsite?Circleone:NoYes Nameofhostinstitution(ifotherthanACU):________________________________________________________ Checkone:
o Theinstitutionisaregionally‐accredited,degree‐grantinginstitutionofhighereducation.Studentswillreceiveanofficialcertificateortranscriptfromthehostinstitutionuponcompletionofcourses.
o Theinstitutionisalocallanguageschoolorotherspecialized,non‐accreditedinstitution.Nameofvisitingfaculty(non‐ACU)_______________________________________________________________TerminalDegree&Field_______________________________________________________________________
PROGRAMAPPROVAL
FacultyDirector DateDepartmentChair Date CollegeDean DateDirector,CenterforInternationalEducation DateProvost DateCompletedformreceived:
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NonHubSiteFacultyLedShortTermProgramPlanBrieflydescribetheproposedacademicprogram,includingcourse(s),excursions,andothercurricularandco‐curricularactivities:Describetheproposedstudentandfacultyaccommodationsforroom,board,andtransportation:Allstudentsmustattendapre‐departureorientationthatdisseminatesimportantinformationrelatedtocost,safety,internationaltravel,andallrelatedprogramexpectations.Nameoffacultyresponsiblefororganizingandleadingorientationsessions:Describeanysafetyissuesorotherrelevantriskmanagementconcernsthatmightbeassociatedwiththeproposedprogramand/orsiteandadetailedplantoaddresstheseconcerns(i.e.,emergencyplan):Inwhatwayswillthecourseandprogramcontentbe“internationalized,”utilizingresourcesfoundinthelocalculture?Howwilltheproposedprogramaddresshelpingstudentstothinkmissionally,criticallyandglobally?Describewaysinwhichthiswillbeassessed:Note:Pleaseattachaspreadsheetdetailingallestimatedprogramcosts(i.e.coursepay,facultyanddependenttravel,perdiem,excursions,airfare,etc.)aswellasasyllabusforeachproposedcourse.
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CHECKLISTTOASSISTINNONHUBSITEFACULTYLEDSHORTTERM
STUDYABROADPROGRAMDEVELOPMENT:
PURPOSE&GOALSTheprogram’spurposes,goals,andeducationalobjectivesareconsistentwithandsupporttheMissionandStrategicPlanofACUandtheCIE.
Aplanningtimelinehasbeenestablishedandwillbefollowed.TheprogramadherestotheNAFSA:AssociationofInternationalEducators’PrinciplesfortheAdministrationofStudyAbroadPrograms,asACUisaninstitutionalmemberofNAFSA.Informationcanbefoundatthefollowingaddress:(http://www.nafsa.org/content/InsideNAFSA/EthicsandStandards/PrinciplesStudyAbroad.htm)
ACADEMICQUALITY Thelengthoftheprogram,coursecontent,andvarietyofexperiencesaresufficienttoachievethe program’sstatedobjectives.
CoursesareatleastasacademicallyrigorousasACUcoursesintheUnitedStates.
Programexcursionsareplannedinadvance,serveasintegralcomponentsofthecourses,andare developedandledbyfaculty.
Admissionsrequirementsareconsistentwiththeprogram’spurposes,goals,andeducational objectives.
a)U.S.facultyareselectedbasedontheirprofessionalqualificationsintheirfields,college‐levelteachingexperiencesandeffectiveness,knowledgeofandexperienceinthehostculture,andcommitmenttotheprogram’sobjectives.b)Foreignfacultyareselectedbasedontheirprofessionalqualifications,college‐level
teachingexperiencesandeffectiveness,andcommitmenttotheprogram’sobjectives.
Theacademicfacilitiesareconvenientlylocated,sufficienttosupportthecurriculum,andadequatelyequipped.
Studentshaveaccesstoeducationalresourcesandlibrarymaterialstocompletecourseassignments.
Onlyasmallportionofcoursesmaybecanceledduetoadministrativeproblems;studentswillbenotifiedofacoursecancellationassoonaspossibleandpreferablyatleast6weeksbeforedeparture.Thefollowinghavebeendeterminedforeachcourse:
CourseTitleCoursePrefix&NumberCreditHoursCourseDescriptionContactHours:Hoursperday,daysperweek,andnumberofweeksthecourserequires.Syllabus
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QUALITYOFCULTURALINTERACTIONThecurriculumeffectivelyusestheuniquephysical,human,andculturalresourcesofthehostenvironment(s).Programresources,excursions,andactivitiesprovideenrichmentofferedbythehostculture.
Apre‐departureorientationisprovidedtoprogramparticipants.Atentativeoutlineoftheorientationhasbeendeveloped.
Orientationuponarrivalinthehostcountryandongoingorientationthroughregularcontactwiththeprogramdirectororresidentdirectorisprovidedtoassiststudentsinadjustingtolivingandlearninginthenewenvironment.
Academicexperiencesaredesignedtohelpstudentsobserveandunderstandthepolitical,economic,cultural,andsocialinstitutionsofthehostcountryandtocompareandcontrastthemwithsimilarinstitutionsintheUnitedStates.
Housing,localtransportation,meals,socialactivities,andotheractivitiesareorganizedtofosterstudentinvolvementintheeverydayactivitiesofthepeopleofthehostculture.
HEALTH,SAFETYANDLIABILITY
TheprogramadherestoNAFSA:AssociationofInternationalEducators’ResponsibleStudyAbroad:HealthandSafetyGuidelines(http://www.secussa.nafsa.org/safetyabroad/guidelines1298.html).
Itisunderstoodthatparticipationintheprograminvolvesrisksnotfoundinstudyattheuniversity.Theserisksinclude:travelingtoandwithin,andreturningfrom,oneormoreforeigncountries,foreignpolitical,legal,social,andeconomicconditions;differentstandardsofdesign,safety,andmaintenanceofbuildings,publicplaces,andconveyances;andothermatters.Participantshavemadetheirowninvestigationconcerningtheserisksandarewillingtoacceptthem.
AnEnglish‐speakingphysicianandlocalmedicalclinic,dentalclinic,optometrist,andhospitalhavebeenidentified.Names,phonenumbers,andaddresses,aswellasinformationonmakingpaymentstothesemedicalproviders,havebeenobtainedandincludedinorientationorregistrationmaterialsforstudents.InthecasethatnoEnglish‐speakingphysicianorpsychologist/psychiatristcanbefound,appropriateinterpretershavebeenidentified(bothmaleandfemale).Psychiatricserviceshavebeenidentifiedandareavailableifneeded.
Facultymembersareresponsibleforcollectingmedicalinformationanddetailsofanydisability‐basedneedsoftheirstudentssoaccommodationscanbemadeifappropriate.
StudentsarecoveredbyACUStudyAbroadtravelinsurancepolicy.Facultymembersandaccompanyingfamilymembersarecoveredbyatravelinsurancepolicythatcoversthematminimumformedicalevacuationandrepatriationofremains.Facilitiesthatareleasedbytheprogramandusedforinstruction,accommodations,mealservice,facultyoffices,andsoforthareconsideredcleanandingoodrepairaccordingtoreasonableandcustomarystandardsofthehostcountry/culture.Upkeepoffireextinguishers,smokedetectors,andcarbonmonoxideequipmentatthefacilitiesisprovidedbythehousingfacilities.
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Theprogramhasaplanforhandlingmedicalemergenciesandotheremergenciesatthestudysiteandwhileonexcursionsorfieldtrips.
RecommendationsoftheU.S.StateDepartmentfortraveltoandwithinthecountryaremonitoreddailybytheprogramdirector.
InformationfromtheCentersforDiseaseControl(http://www.cdc.gov/travel)pursuanttoinoculationsfortraveltothecountryandillnessesthatmaybeexperiencedbyvisitorstothecountrywillbeprovidedtostudents.Applicationdeadlineshavebeensettoleaveadequatetimeforstudentstoobtainanynecessaryinoculations.
Arrangementswithtravelagenciesorprovidersoftransportationorotherservicestothegrouphavebeenmadeinwriting.Participants(bothstudentsandfaculty)areencouragedtoitemizethecontentsoftheirbaggageforinsurancepurposesintheunlikelycasethatbagsarelost.FacultymustresearchDriversLicenserequirementsinareasinwhichheorshewillbedriving.Studentsarenotallowedtodriveforanyprogram‐sponsoredactivityduringStudyAbroad.
RIGHTS&RESPONSIBILITIES
Theprogramhaswrittenstatementsofprogramregulations,limitsofresponsibility,locallawsthatdiffersignificantlyfromthoseintheUnitedStates,andexpectationsoftheprogram’sfacultyandadministrators.
Studentsarerequiredtosignawrittenstudentagreement,whichclearlyexplainstheresponsibilitiesofbothpartiesandincludesthewaiverofliabilityandcovenantnottosue.StudentAgreementandWaiverwillbegiventostudentstosignatorientationoncestudentshavebeengivenaStateDepartmentConsularInformationSheet,anyinformationaboutrisksthattheywillbetaking,andaclearreadingandexplanationofwhattheyaresigning.Facultyarerequiredtosignawrittencontractwhichclearlyexplainstheresponsibilitiesofbothparties,includingrequirementsforfacultyparticipation,salaryarrangements,andcontingencyplansforlowstudentenrollment.
Iftheprogrampermitstheparticipationofminors,thereisawrittenplanforaddressingissuesthatmayarisewiththisconstituency.AnyandallcontractualagreementsforservicesrelatedtoACU‐sponsoredinternationaltravelhavebeenreviewedbytheOfficeofLegalServices.
COSTS&BUDGETING
Theprogrambudgetisbalanced.Actualprogramcostsarebalancedbyrevenuefromprogramfees.Allnon‐hubsitefaculty‐ledshorttermprogramsmustremita$500administrativefeetotheCIEforeachstudentparticipant(whichshouldbereflectedinthedetailedbudget).Thisamountwillbeinadditiontothe$250applicationfeeassessedtoeachapplicant.Thesecostsareawaytohelpencouragefacultytowork/developprogramsthroughtheCIEandtheACUhubsites.Iftheprogramisinanotherlocation,thesefundswillhelpcoverthefinancialcommitmentsACUhasatourhubsites.
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Theprogrambudgetincorporatesacontingencyfundforemergenciesandunexpectedexpenses,ortheprogramidentifiesanothersourceoffundsandthemaximumamountpermittedbythatsourceforcoveringemergenciesorunexpectedexpenses.
Items(suchasbutnotlimitedtotuition,applicationfeesandotherfees,healthandaccidentinsurance,housing,meals,in‐countrytransportation,internationaltransportation,orientationexpenses,andfieldtrips)thatmaybeincludedintheprogramcostarespecified.Estimatesofothercoststhatstudentswilllikelyincurbutnotpaytotheprogramsponsorarespecified.
Paymentdeadlinesarespecified.Theprogramhasclearlyarticulateditspoliciesanddeadlinespursuanttocancellationoftheprogramandhowcancelingtheprogramwillaffectacademiccredit,studentrefunds,facultysalaries,andreturntransportation.Theprogramhasclearlyarticulateditspoliciesanddeadlinespursuanttostudentrefunds,ifastudentcancelshis/herparticipation.
SERVICES
Iftheprogramhiresaresidentdirector,s/hehaspreviousexperienceininternationaleducationandproficiencyinbothlanguages.
Theprogramprovidesaclearexplanationofhowhousingarrangementsforstudentsandfacultywillbemadeandunderwhatcircumstances,ifany,housingarrangementsmaybechanged.
Theprogramprovidesaclearexplanationofwhatarrangementsaremadeformeals.
EVALUATION
TheprogramisusingtheCIEstandardevaluationform(maybeadaptedbasedonprogram’sactivities)andseparatecourseevaluationsandhasdevelopedamechanismforobtainingascompleteparticipationaspossible.Theevaluationswillbeusedforassessmentandwillassistinmakingpositivechangestotheprogram.Facultyarerequiredtoparticipateinapost‐tripmeetingwiththedirectoroftheCIEtoprovidefeedbackandsuggestions.Seriousallegationswillbeinvestigatedandacteduponasappropriate.
PUBLICITY/MARKETING
Thefacultyprogramdirectorhasaclearplanforrecruitingstudents.Publicityincludesthefollowinginformation:
Briefdescriptionofthesponsoringunit/institutionShort,officialstatementconcerningaccreditationShortstatementconcerninganyaffiliationswithahostcountryinstitutionorstudyabroadorganizationExplanationoftheprogram’spurpose,goals,andeducationalobjectivesDescriptionofhousingfacilitiesandmealarrangementsExplanationofitemsincludedintheprogramfeeExplanationofotherprobablecostsforparticipantsthatwillnotbepaidtotheprogramsponsorExplanationofadmissionsrequirementsanddeadlinesStatementthatapplicationtotheprogramdoesnotguaranteeadmissionExplanationoftravelarrangementsContactinformation:names,addresses,telephone,fax,e‐mail,andwebsite
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Iffacultymembershavemadeafirmcommitment,theyarenamedandtheirqualificationsandspecialtyareaslisted.Ifapplicable,namesofinternationalcarriersorcharterorganizersandtheclassesoftraveltobeusedwillbeprovided.
ITINERARY
Aprogramitineraryhasbeendeveloped.
Policies&Procedures
Thissectionincludesadescriptionofbenefitsandnecessaryregulationsthatfacultymembersareexpectedtounderstand
andenforcewhileabroad.
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SummaryofFacultyBenefits
SemesterStudyAbroadPrograms
• AbileneChristianUniversitywillpaythefacultymemberthesamesalaryandbenefitsasifthefacultymemberwereteachingontheACUcampus.TheCenterforInternationalEducation(CIE)willprovidefundstothefacultymember’sdepartmenttocoverthecostsforreplacementoradjunctfaculty.
• TheCIEwillprovideroundtriptransportationforvisitingfacultymemberandspouse
betweenAbileneandtheACUStudyAbroadsiteasarrangedbytheCIE.UponyourreturntotheUnitedStates,theCIEwillprovidearentalcarforyoutousefortransportationbacktoAbilene.
• Freeaccommodations,includingtheuseofafurnishedefficiencyapartment,willbe
providedforfacultyandallaccompanyingdependentfamilymembersatthesitesinOxford,Montevideo,andLeipzig.
• Aperdiemintheamountof$30perfacultymember,oritsequivalent,willbeprovided.No
additionalfoodallowancewillbepaidwhileonexcursions.
• Program‐relatedexcursionsandactivities,asarrangedbytheACUStudyAbroadoffice,willbepaidforbytheCIEforfacultymembersandallaccompanyingdependentfamilymembers.
• Facultymembersmaybeabsentfromthesitefortwoweekendsinadditiontothespringor
fallbreakholiday.Facultymembersmustarrangetheirdatesoftravelinadvancewiththeon‐sitedirector.
• Useofafacultyofficewillbeprovidedatthesiteswhenpossible.Thisincludesthefreeuse
offacultytelephonesforprogram‐relatedcallsandthefreeuseofe‐mail.
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ACUStudyAbroadFacilities
GuestPolicy
AguestoftheACUStudyAbroadfacilityisdefinedasanynon‐programparticipant.
1. WiththeexceptionofguestsstayingintheACUprogramdirector’sapartment(includingonedesignateddirector’sguestroom),allguestswishingtostayovernightatanACUoverseasfacilitymustbeapprovedbytheCIEOffice.
2. AllreservationsandadvancepaymentaremadethroughtheCIEOffice.
3. Allovernightguestsmustsignareleaseandindemnificationagreement.
4. GuestsmayNOTaccompanyanACUstudyabroadgrouponplannedgroupexcursionsortours.Guestsareexpectedtomaketheirowntravelandtourarrangements.
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ACUStudyAbroadProgramInsuranceRequirements
Wearecurrentlyintheprocessofupdatingthisinsuranceinformation
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ACUStudyAbroadProgramFacultySubstanceAbusePolicy
AllfacultymembersaresubjecttotheAbileneChristianUniversitySubstanceAbusePolicywhileabroad.Thispolicyisdescribedindetailbelow.Theupdatedpolicycanbereviewedbyvisitinghttp://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/hr/handbook/index.html.PURPOSE:Theuniversityearnestlysolicitstheunderstandingandcooperationofallemployeesandemployeeorganizationsinimplementingthepoliciessetforthhereininorder:
Toestablishandmaintainasafe,healthyworkingenvironmentforallemployees. Toinsurethereputationoftheuniversityanditsemployeeasgood,responsible citizensworthyofthetrustplacedinthem. Toreducetheincidenceofaccidentalinjurytopersonorproperty. Toreduceabsenteeism,tardiness,andindifferentjobperformance. Toprovideassistancetowardrehabilitationforanyemployeewhoseeksthe university'shelpinovercomingaddictionto,dependenceupon,oraproblem withalcoholordrugs. Tocomplywithfederalrequirementsforadrug‐freeenvironment.SCOPE:ThispolicyappliestoallemployeesandapplicantsforACUStudyAbroadPrograms.POLICY:Theuniversityhasanobligationtoitsemployees,students,andthepublicatlargetoreasonablyensuresafetyinourworkplace.Consequently,thefollowingarestrictlyprohibitedandwillresultinimmediatedisciplinaryaction,uptodischarge:reportingtoworkundertheinfluenceofintoxicatingliquororillegaldrugs;ortheuse,possession,purchaseortransferbyanemployeeonuniversitypremisesorproperty(suchasstorageinadesk,locker,vehicleorotherpersonalproperty),orduringworktime,ofanintoxicatingliquor,controlledorillegalsubstance,adrugnotmedicallyauthorized,oranyothersubstanceswhichimpairjobperformanceorposeahazardtothesafetyandwelfareoftheemployee,thepublic,orotheremployees;orthesaleofsuchitem.DEFINITIONS: Alcoholoralcoholicbeveragesmeansanybeveragethatmaybelegallysoldand consumedandthathasanalcoholiccontentinexcessof.5%byvolume. Drugmeansanysubstance(otherthanalcohol)capableofalteringthemood, perception,painlevel,orjudgmentoftheindividualconsumingit. Prescribeddrugmeansanysubstanceprescribedfortheindividualconsumingitby alicensedmedicalpractitioner. Illegaldrugmeansanydrugorcontrolledsubstance,thesaleorconsumptionof whichisillegal.
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ACUStudyAbroadProgramStudentAlcoholPolicy
AbileneChristianUniversityiscommittedtomaintaininganalcoholfreecampus.
TheACUcommunitycaresdeeplyaboutthehealthandsafetyofourstudentsandiscommittedtoeducatingstudentsaboutthephysicalandspiritualdangersofalcoholabuse.Furthermore,ACUrealizestheheighteneddangersinsomesocialsettingsoffcampusandthusdiscouragesstudentsfromattendingestablishmentssuchasdanceclubs,bars,andprivatepartieswheretheprincipalpurposeisknowntobethesaleand/orconsumptionofalcoholicbeverages.Thehistoryofactivitiesassociatedwiththeseestablishments(suchasalcoholabuse,underagedrinking,anddrunkenness)iscountertoourChristianvaluesandlifestyle.Thelifechoicesanddecisionsthatstudentsmakeextendfarbeyondthecollegeexperience;thus,ACUiscommittedtochallengingstudentstomakedecisionsthatultimatelyglorifyGodthroughouttheirlives.
Inaccordancewithoureducationalmission,andforthewell‐beingofourstudentsandtheACUcommunity,theUniversityhasestablishedthefollowingpoliciesrelatedtoalcohol:1. Thepossession,consumption,ordistributionofalcoholicbeveragesoncampus
(includingallACUresidencehallsandACUaffiliatedapartments)isstrictlyprohibited.Moreover,anystudentpresentwherealcoholisfoundoncampus(includingbutnotlimitedtoresidencehallsorapartmentrooms,vehicles,orinpersonalbelongings)maybesubjecttosanctions.
2. AlcoholisprohibitedatallUniversitysponsoredevents(includingoff‐campusevents).
3. Anyofficiallyrecognizedstudentclubororganization(regardlessoflegaldrinkingageofitsmembers)isprohibitedfromhostingorparticipatinginanyformalgroupevent(onoroff‐campus)thatinvolvesalcohol.Suchgroupsincludebutarenotlimitedtospecialinterestgroups,socialclubs,athleticandintramuralteams,andSpringBreakCampaigns.
4. IntoxicatedstudentscomingontocampusortoaUniversitysponsoredeventwillbesanctioned.ForthepurposesofACU’sstudentconductpolicyandprocess,intoxicationwillbedefinedasanydisruptive,destructive,hazardous,vulgar,oruncontrolledbehaviorduringorfollowingtheconsumptionofalcoholicbeverages.
5. AlcoholrelateddisturbancescausedbyACUstudentswhoresideinlocaloff‐campushousingmayresultindisciplinaryaction.
6. Alcoholparaphernalia(suchasglasswarecommonlyusedtoservealcoholicbeverages;emptybeerbottlesorcans;posters,clothing,orsignspromotingalcohol,etc.)isnotpermittedoncampus.
7. AllstudentsmustabidebyTexaslawrelatedtothepossession,consumption,anddistributionofalcohol.Specifically,Texaslawprohibitsthefollowing:
i. Thepurchase,possession,orconsumptionofalcoholicbeveragesbyapersonunder21yearsofage(TexasAlcoholBeverageCodeSec.106.02,106.04‐106.05,106.071);
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ii. Beingintoxicatedinpublictothedegreethatoneposesadangertohim/herselfortoothers(TexasPenalCodeSec.49.02);
iii. Furnishingalcoholbeveragestoaminor(TexasAlcoholBeverageCodeSec.106.06);
iv. Driving under the influence of alcohol (Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.04).
SANCTIONS: StudentswhoarefoundguiltyofviolatingtheUniversitypolicyconcerningthepossession,
consumption,ordistributionofalcoholorrelateddisturbanceswillbesubjecttoarangeand/orcombinationofthefollowingsanctions:(1)finesrangingfrom$100to$250;(2)completionofanalcoholeducationprogram,whichinvolvesa$75feetostudents;(3)counseling;(4)disciplinaryprobation;(5)indefinitesuspension;and(6)dismissalfromtheUniversity.Violationsofunderagedrinking,andservingormakingalcoholavailabletothosewhoareunderthelegaldrinkingagewillresultinstrictsanctions(uptoandincludingdismissal)andwillbeturnedovertotheappropriatelegalauthorities.Thisinformationisintendedtogivestudentsarangeofexpectedoutcomesorconsequences
regardingviolationsoftheUniversity’salcoholpolicy.Dependingonthelevelofseverityinvolvedperviolation,andatthediscretionoftheVicePresidentforStudentLifeorhis/herdesignee,sanctionsmayvaryfromwhatisoutlinedabove.Subjecttoprivacylaws,parentsorlegalguardiansmaybecontactedwheredeemedappropriate.
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ACUStudyAbroadProgramSampleFacultyEmailtoParents
Thisisanexampleoftheprogramspecificemailthatfacultymembersareexpectedtosendtotheparentsofstudentstravelingabroadwiththem.Thisemailisintendedtoprovideparentswithimportantprograminformation,afirstlinecontact,andpeaceofmind.ParentsofStudentsStudyingAbroad: IthoughtIwouldtakeamomenttointroducemyselftoyouandthankyoufor entrustingyourchildrentomethissummer.Anytimeyouneedclarification aboutsomethingwearedoing,orifyoubelieveyourchildishavingsome personaldifficulties,Iwantyoutofeelfreetocontactmebye‐mail.Iwill maintaintheconfidentialityofanypersonalissuesyoumightwanttodiscuss.I wouldalsoliketogiveyoumoredetailaboutourplansforourtimeabroad.ABOUTOURTIMEINABILENE FromMay18to29,wewillmeetatACU.Eachdaywewillhavea11/2hour classonSpanish/LatinAmericanCulture.Intheafternoonswewilldo healthcare‐relatedactivities.Thepurposeofthisistohelpourstudents understandhowourownhealthcaresystemworks.Wewillvolunteeratalocal non‐profitorganizationthatsendsmedicalsuppliesaroundtheworld,visita localhospitalandlearnabouttheeconomicsofhealthcare,visitthelocalPublic HealthClinic,talktoalocalinsuranceagentaboutthecostofmedical/dental insuranceandwhysomanypeopleareuninsured,andlearnhowtotakevital signswewilluseinourMedicalClinicworkinMontevideo.ABOUTOURTIMEINMONTEVIDEO WhileinMontevideo,wewillvisittheU.S.Embassyforareception,thenational medicalschool,thenationaldentalschool,themedicalschoolteachinghospital andlargepublichospital,theBritishHospitalandalocalneighborhoodclinic. Additionally,wewillworkwithlocalChristiandoctorstoprovidemedical clinicsinsomeneighborhoodsofMontevideo.Wewillhavetheopportunityto shadowaChristiandoctoronherroundsinthelocalhospitalsand accompanyanurseasshemakeshomevisitsinaneedyneighborhood. Bytheway,willhavesomefun.For5days,wewilltraveltoIguazuFallsin Brazil/ArgentinaandthentoBuenosAires.Wewillhaveacoupleofdaytripsto touristareasoutsideMontevideoaswell.Thestudentswillhaveone3‐day weekendtotravelontheirown(iftheywish).Idon'tknowexactlywhatthe weatherwillbelike,exceptthatitwillbelatefall(temperaturerange:upper 50's,lower40's).Ihavesuggestedtheydressinlayers. Onceagain,ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns,pleasecontactmebye‐mail. Thankyouforsendingyourchildrenonthisexcitingadventure!
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Safety&Prevention
Thissectionincludespertinentinformationregardingtheproperpreparationforandhandlingofacrisisorother
safetyconcernswhiletravelingabroad.
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ACUStudyAbroadProgramCrisisManagementPlan
• DefinitionsofaCrisis:
o Deathofastudentorfacultyparticipanto Seriousinjuryorillnessresultinginhospitalizationofastudentorfacultyparticipanto Civilorpoliticalunrest;terroristattacks,localorabroado Naturaldisastero Disappearance,abduction,arrest,ordetentionofstudentorfacultyparticipant
• DefinitionsofwhataCrisisisNOT:
o Injury/illnessthatdoesnotresultinhospitalizationo Minorcaraccidento Dismissalofaparticipant
• Pretripplanningactionstobetakenbydirectororhis/herdesignee:
o Acquireandcarrycontactandemergencyinformationforallprogramparticipants atalltimes.o Securecopiesofpassportsforallprogramparticipants.o AdviseparticipantsofappropriateU.S.Embassycontactnumbers.o Determineinadvanceacentrallocationforstudents,faculty,andstafftomeet.
• Actionstobetakenbydirectororhis/herdesigneeuponarrival:
o Identifyandlocatethepre‐determinedcentrallocationforparticipantstomeet.o ReviewCrisisManagementPlanwithallprogramparticipants.o Reviewcommonsecurityissueswithallprogramparticipants.
• Intheeventofanemergency,directororhis/herdesigneeresponsibilities:
o Assessthesituationandtakeappropriateaction,basedonthefollowing: Whathashappened? Wherehasitoccurred? Whoorwhatisindangeratthemoment? Howhavedetailsbeenverified? Whatimmediateactionshouldbetaken? Isthereathreattolifeorhealth? Whatislikelytohappennext? Howlonghavewegottoact? Whatoptionsexistandwhomightbeabletoassistus?
o Notifyandgatherprogramparticipantsatthepre‐determinedcentrallocation.o Accountforallmembersofprogramparticipants.o ContactamemberoftheCrisisManagementteam(seenextpageforadditionalinfo.):
1)KevinKehl–325.674.2231 2)StephenShewmaker–325.674.2317 3)SuzanneAllmon–325.674.2412 4)JeanNoelThompson–325.674.6802 5)MikeMurphy–325.674.2366 6)GrantRampy–325.674.2696
o Protect,inform,andcomfortparticipants.Remaincalm!o Preparethegroupforon‐siteassistanceorimmediatedeparture.o FollowproceduressetforthbytheCrisisManagementTeam.
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Insertcrisismanagementteamcontactinfo
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IncidentReportPleasefilloutthisformascompletelyaspossible.Intheeventofanylegalactionthisformwillserveasthebasicofficialcollegerecordofwhattranspiredandwhatactionsweretakenbyresponsiblecollegeofficialsatthesceneoftheincident.Attachextrasheetsasnecessaryandanydocumentaryevidence.FaxacopyofyourreporttotheCenterforInternationalEducation(325‐674‐2966)assoonaspossible.SubmitthecompleteoriginalreportandallsupportingmaterialstoKevinKehl,CIEDirector,uponyourreturntotheUnitedStates.DateofIncident_________________________LocationofIncident___________________________________TimeofIncident_________________________Wereyourpresent?__________________________________Nameofstudentinvolved(Pleaseuseaseparateformforeachstudent):_________________________________________________________________________________________________________Namesofotherstudentsinvolved:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Briefdescriptionofwhathappened:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whoprovidedthisdescriptionifyouwerenotawitness(Pleaselistallnames.):__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Ifyouwerenotpresent,whenwereyouinformed?______________________________________________Whatactionsdidyoutake?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Ifthestudentwastransportedtoahospitalorclinic,pleaseprovidecompletenameofthefacility,itsphoneandfaxnumbers,andaddress__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________NamesandphonenumbersofallphysicianswhoexaminedortreatedthestudentDr. Phone_________________________________________Dr. Phone_________________________________________
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Exactnamesofanymedicationsprescribedtothestudent(Pleasekeepallpackaging/inserts):Rx:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Rx:____________________________________________________________________________________________________Rx:____________________________________________________________________________________________________Rx:____________________________________________________________________________________________________Wasthestudentconsciousandcapableofmakinginformedjudgmentsabouthisorhermedicaltreatment?__________________________________________________________________________________Ifthestudentwasnotcapableofmakingmedicaldecisions,whomadeanydecisions?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________What,ifany,follow‐upcarewasrecommended?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Werethepoliceorlegalauthoritiesnotifiedoftheincidentorpresentatthescene?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________Namesandphonenumbersorresponsiblelegalauthoritiesinchargeofthecase: Case#________________________________WastheU.S.orrelevantembassynotified: Nameandnumberofresponsibleconsularofficialsinvolvedinthisincident_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Dates/timesofcontractwiththeCenterforInternationalEducationand/orparents:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Signature Date Time
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RiskManagementPlanforACUStudyAbroadPrograms
• Applicationprocessincludesthefollowing:
o EmergencyNotificationForm(includesmedicalinformation)o FacultyReferences(2)o StudentLifeReferenceo WithdrawalIneligibilityPolicyo BehaviorContracto ReleaseandIndemnificationAgreemento Pleasenote:studentapplicantswithquestionablerecommendationforms,medical
histories,oracademicrecordsarerequiredtospeakpersonallywiththeExecutiveDirectoroftheCIEforfurtherevaluationbeforeadmissionintoanACUStudyAbroadProgramisgranted.
• StudentsattendinganofficialACUStudyAbroadProgramatanyofourpermanent
sitesmustattendthefollowing:o Pre‐departureorientation.
Personalsafety:addressesissuessuchassexualassault,flowofautomobiletraffic,localareasandneighborhoodstoavoid.
Personalresponsibility:explainsadherencetotheACUCodeofConductandconsequencesforfailuretocomply.
o On‐siteorientationcoveringtheareasmentionedaboveplusadditionalsite‐specific
information. Uponstudent’sarrival,on‐siteDirectorsreviewemergencyevacuationfrom
thefacilitiesandothersafetyproceduresspecifictothesitewithstudents.On‐siteDirectorscommunicatecontactinformationforovernightgroupexcursionswiththeStudyAbroadoffice.
Studentsmust"signout"whentheyleavethefacilitytospendthenightawayduringpersonaltravel.Theinformationtheymustprovideincludestheaddressandnameoftheirchosenhotelandaworkingtelephonenumber.
• TheCIEregistersallstudentswiththeU.S.DepartmentofStateinthecountrythatservesasthehomebasefortheACUStudyAbroadProgram.
• TheCIEprovidesalaminatedcardtoeachstudentthatincludesimportantemergency
contactnumbers,includingcellphonenumbersofdirectors,faculty,andtheU.S.Embassy.
• AllstudentsareenrolledinaninternationalhealthinsuranceplanwithHTH
Worldwide,whichincludesmajormedicalcoverage,medicalevacuation,repatriationofremains,aswellasaccidentaldeathanddisabilitycoverage.
o Wehaveaverygoodworkingrelationshipwithhealthcareprofessionalsin
Montevideo,Oxford,andLeipzig. InMontevideo,wepayforaservicethatbringsmedicalcaredirectlytoour
facility.
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• Weaskourstudentstoreportanycasesofsexualassaultorharassmenttotheon‐sitedirectorsforpossiblefollow‐upwithlocalgovernmentauthorities.
• Wehaveareciprocal“safehouse”agreementwithPepperdineUniversityandHarding
University.Inthecaseofanemergency,ourstudentsmayseekrefugeintheirfacilities.Thisincludesthosecitiesinwhichtheirprogramsexist:London,Florence,Heidelberg,Athens,andBuenosAires.
• WeregularlycheckinformationontheCentersforDiseaseControlwebsiteandwith
localhealthcareproviderssoastoprovideuswithup‐to‐dateprotocolsregardingrequiredimmunizationandotherhealthconcernsforthecountriesinwhichweresideandmakegrouptravelexcursions.o TheCDCrequiresthatallvisitorstravelingtoIguazuFallshaveacurrentYellow
Feverimmunization.
• Ouron‐sitedirectorsreviewbuildingfiresafetyplanswiththestudentsupontheirarrival.
• Oxfordhousing
o FrontentrancestoourhousesinOxfordhavekeylessdoorcodeentry.o Thereareworkingfireextinguishersoneachfloorofthehouse.o St.Hugh’sCollege,theownerofthehouses,performsannualfiresafetyreviews.o St.Hugh’sCollegehassecuritypersonnelon‐site24/7,aswellasanextensiveCCTV
network.
• Montevideohousingo Multiplesecureddoorsmustbenegotiatedpriortoenteringstudentlivingquarters.o Thereareworkingfireextinguishersoneachfloorofthehouse.o TheMontevideoFireDepartmentconductsanannualfiresafetyreview.
• Germanyhousing
o Multiplesecureddoorsmustbenegotiatedpriortoenteringstudentlivingquarters.o Thereareworkingfireextinguishersoneachfloorofthehouse.o TrinomBusinessApartmentsconductsfiresafetyreview.
• Eachpermanentstudyabroadsitehasawrittenemergencyresponseplan,whichisreviewedannually.
Wereviewthepolicies,proceduresandsafetyprotocolforothershorttermprogramswhichACUfacultywouldfollowbeforeanewprogramwouldbeapproved.
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ACUStudyAbroadProgramSafetyTipsWhileAbroad
1) Remember that YOU are the foreigner and you are a guest in another country.
Respectthepeopleandtheircustoms,traditions,religion,styleofclothing,andrulesofetiquette.
2) Beawareofyoursurroundings.Takenoteofsuspiciouspeopleoreventshappening
aroundyouasyouwalkorridetoyourvariousdailyactivitiesandotherdestinations.Makechangestoyourroutetoavoidanypoliticaldemonstrationsorotherdangerouscircumstances.
3) Don’tbecomea target!Don’twear expensive jewelryorbecome carelesswith yourpurse orwallet, camera, etc. In general, don’t stand out.Wear conservative clothing.EspeciallyavoidanythingremotelyresemblinganAmericanflagshirtoranFBIbaseballcap.Noticewhattheaveragepersononthestreetwearsanddressinasimilarfashion.Don’tbeloudorobnoxiousinanysetting.Maintainalowprofile.
4) Thereissafetyinnumbers;travelingroupsoftwoormore.Makeabsolutelysureyouhave informed theOn‐SiteDirector inwriting of your destination andwhen youwillreturn.
5) Checkmaps before you go out.Looking lost or confused canmake you vulnerable. Planwhereyouaregoingbeforeyouleave.
6) Seekadvice about anything concerning “lifeoutside the facility”; ask theOn‐Site Directorandothercultureexpertsaboutappropriatebehavior.
7)Reportunfamiliarorsuspiciousobjectsoroccurrencestotheauthorities,beginning withtheOn‐SiteDirector.Treatpackagesfromunfamiliarsourceswithsuspicion.
8) Photocopy importantdocuments. Incaseyourwalletorbackpack is lostorstolen, keep a copy of your passport, health insurance card, driver’s license, student ID, etc. Store this information inasafeplace,preferablynot in thesameplaceas theoriginal documents,anddonotkeepthemwithyou.Youmayalsowanttoleaveacopyforyour parentsoremergencycontactsbackintheUnitedStates.
9) Avoidscamartists.Bewareofstrangerswhoapproachyou,areoverly friendly,offer bargains,oroffertobeyourguide.Pickpocketstendtoworkingroupsanddistractyou. Stayalerttoyoursurroundings.
10)Develop your own “personal emergency plan” to know what YOU will do in an emergency.Usecommonsenseasthelocalpopulationdefinestheterm.
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ACUStudyAbroad
OxfordTipsfromFacultyMembers
Oxford:• Ongettingtoknowstudents:
o Choosetohavestudentsoverforamealbeforeandwhileyoutravel.o Offerinvitationstostudentswhowanttoaccompanyyouontrips.o Invitestudentstowatchlocaltelevisionprogramswithyou,especiallyiftheyare
relatedtoclasstopics.o Haveclassesincoffeeshops,intheparks,onwalkways,andamongthetreesinand
aroundthecolleges.• Onpackingwell:
o Oneniceoutfitislikelysufficient,sobringthingsthatyoudon’tmindleavingbehindinOxfordorcoulddonatetoOxfam.
o Forwinter:Bringthingstolayer.o Forsummer:Bringthingstolayerandalightjacketforcooler,rainydays,and
shortsforwarmerdays.o Buyandbreakinaqualitypairofwalkingshoes.o Bringyourfavoriterecipesanduncommonfoodslikepeanutbutterordecaffeinated
coffeeandtea.o PackliquidsinZiplocbagsandbringasupplyofvarioustoiletries,cosmetics,and
contactsolution.• Onideasforaccompanyingfamily:
o ReadthebookOxfordforUnderEightsforactivitiesforkids.o Developaregulardailyschedule.o Bringsomecomfortfoods,toysforkids,andpicturesoffamily.o Joinsomeoftheextra‐curricularclassesoffered,suchasswimming.o FatTireBikeToursarefuntoursthatolderkidswillenjoy.
• Onthingsyouneedtoknowbeforegoing:o Thefacultyflathasawasheranddryerthatwillbesharedbyfaculty.o Linensandtowelsareprovided,butbringawashcloth.o Therearenumerousgrocerystoresinthecity,aswellasaconveniencestore
aroundthecorner.o Pharmaciesarenumerousandcanhelpyouwithoutanappointment.o Thereareafewmedicalclinicswithinwalkingdistanceofthehouses.
• Onsettlingthingsathomebeforeleaving:o Setupyourbillstobepaidonline.o Hireacarbabysitterwhowilldriveitperiodically.o Cancelorforwardmagazineornewspapersubscriptions.
• Usefulandinformationalwebsites:o DailyInfoOxford:www.dailyinfo.co.uko OxfordUniversity:http://www.ox.ac.uk
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ACUStudyAbroad
MontevideoTipsfromFacultyMembers
Montevideo:• Ongettingtoknowstudents:
o Choosetohavestudentsoverforamealbeforeandwhileyoutravel.o ShowstudentstheCasaACUvideoandamapofUruguaybeforeyouleavesothat
theyunderstandwheretheyaregoing.o Offerinvitationstostudentswhowanttoaccompanyyouontrips.
• Onpackingwell:o Takeclothesyoucanleavebehindsoyoucanbringthingsback.o Useroll‐upbagsthatyousqueezeairfromtopackclothesefficiently.o Donottaketoomanydressclothes,asjeansareacceptableinclass.o Bringaweek’sworthofbothwarmandcoldweatherclothing.o Asetofwork‐outclothingandaswimsuitarenecessaryitems.o PacktravelsizetoiletriesasmostproductsaresoldinMontevideo.o Bringmedicinesforallergies,nausea,headaches,etc.o Buyandbreakinaqualitypairofwalkingshoes.o Besuretopackanyspecialtyfoodsyoumayneed,likepeanutbutter.o Packalargesupplyoffeminineproducts,accordingtoyourneeds.o Bringasmall,durablepieceofluggageorbackpackforshorttrips.
• Onideasforaccompanyingfamily:o Montevideoishometomanybeautifulandfunparks.o Therearemanyaffordablegymsavailableclosetothesite.o Bringpicturesoffamilywhoarestayingbehind.o Bringalaptop,games,ormoviesyourfamilylikestowatch.
• Onthingsyouneedtoknowbeforegoing:o BesuretogettoknowthepeopleoftheElChanachurch.o TakesometimetolearnalittleSpanish,butrememberthatmanylocalsin
MontevideohaveaworkingknowledgeofEnglish.o Thereisaninexpensivelaundryserviceclosetothebuilding.o SchoolsuppliesarereadilyavailableinMontevideo.
• Onsettlingthingsathomebeforeleaving:o Setupyourbillstobepaidonline.o Notifycreditcardcompaniesthatyouaretraveling.o Hireahouseandcarbabysitter.o Cancelorforwardmagazineornewspapersubscriptions.
• Usefulandinformationalwebsites:o Uruguayannews:http://www.uruguaydailynews.com/
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AdditionalSafetyforStudentsAbroad
1. TheCIEhasfrequentandregularcommunicationwithallACUStudyAbroadPrograms.2. Eachsiteisrequiredtohaveanactionplanforcrisis,emergencies,andevacuation.3. Studentsareinformedatorientationandinsubsequentconversationsastowhattheir
actionsshouldbeintheeventofacrisis.Amongothersafetytips,studentsarediscouragedfromgatheringinlargegroupsattraditionallyAmerican/Westernbusinesses(e.g.,McDonald’s,Starbucks).Studentsarealsodiscouragedfromtravelingduringrushhours.
4. Studyabroadstudentscarryacardthatlistsphonenumberstocallintheeventofanemergency.
5. Programdirectorsarerequiredtocarrycellphonesatalltimes,andstudentsaresuppliedwiththesecellphonenumbers.
6. TheACUStudyAbroadofficeinformsthelocalU.S.embassyorconsulateofthenamesofourstudents.
7. TheACUStudyAbroadofficecarefullymonitorsU.S.StateDepartmentannouncements.Intheeventofacrisis,wewouldcarefullyfollowStateDepartmentadvice.
8. On‐siteprogramdirectorsabroadhavestafffromthehostcountryorcloserelationshipswithnationalsthathelpthemmonitoranygivensituation.Thesedirectorsalsospeakthelanguageofthehostcountryandlivelong‐terminthehostcountry.
9. Ourstudyprogramsarenotconductedliketouristprograms,where“foreigners”arealwaysobvioustolocals.Wedoquiteabitof“blendingin”withthelocallandscape,whichservestoenhancesafety.
10. Intheeventofanemergencyevacuationwewillendeavortooffersuitablealternativesforthecompletionofthefullsemesterofstudy.ContingencyplanningispartoftheoveralldesignofACUStudyAbroadPrograms.
11. Ifaprogramiscanceledduetoanemergencysituation,ACUwillrefundtuitionandfeesifanothersuitablealternativesiteorlearningsettingisnotavailable.
12. Programdirectorsattendregularin‐servicemeetingswithAbileneChristianUniversityadministrators,whichincludeasessiononemergencyplanningandsafetyissues.
13. Asufficientamountofcashiskeptsafelyon‐sitetohelpmeetexpensesinanemergency/evacuationsituation.
14. Locksand/orcombinationsarefrequentlychangedtoensuresafety.
Itisunderstoodthatparticipationinanystudyabroadprograminvolvesrisksnotfoundinstudyattheuniversity.Theserisksinclude:travelingtoandwithin,andreturningfrom,oneormoreforeigncountries,foreignpolitical,legal,social,andeconomicconditions;differentstandardsofdesign,safety,andmaintenanceofbuildings,publicplaces,andconveyances;andothermatters.Allparticipantshavemadetheirowninvestigationconcerningtheserisksandarewillingtoacceptthem.
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StudentMaterials
Thissectionincludesapplications,forms,andguidelinesgiventostudentsthatarenecessaryforfacultymembers
toreadandreferencewhenappropriate.
Whennotincludedinthishandbook,thesematerialsmaybefoundonlineathttp://www.acu.edu/academics/studyabroad/forms.html.