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Purpose: This document serves to confirm that each Study Abroad Program Participant (herein referred to as “program participant” or “participant”) is aware of Wayne State University’s, herein referred to as “WSU”, Study Abroad Participant Behavioral and Dismissal Policy and agrees to abide by the outlined policies and guidelines or accept the risk of dismissal from his/her Study Abroad program. Further, these guidelines and policies are in place to help each participant reasonably manage their activities and behavior while studying abroad. WSU expects all program participants to conduct themselves in a manner that is responsible, professional, respectful, supportive of the rights of others, and reflects WSU’s role in the global community in a positive light. Behavior that is contrary to these standards, including but not limited to acts, attitudes and behaviors that are insensitive to local customs; illegal; detrimental to or incompatible with the interests, harmony, and/or safety and welfare of WSU’s role in the global community may be considered grounds for dismissal from the Study Abroad program. WSU reserves the right to dismiss any participant on the grounds of such a breach of conduct including violating any policies and guidelines outlined in this document. WSU also reserves the right to choose to issue a formal warning to the participant instead of immediate dismissal. However program participants should be aware that a formal warning is not required and dismissal may occur without one. By initialing each section of this document, the participant expresses full understanding of, and agreement to, the policies and guidelines therein.
Policies: I. Wayne State University expressly prohibits participants from engaging in illegal activities, as defined by host country and local laws. Illegal activity includes but is not limited to possession or use of illegal substances. a. As a visitor in a foreign country, the participant falls within the jurisdiction of that country’s local laws and regulations and the local law authority. If the participant is caught by local authorities using or in possession of any type of illegal substance, the participant will be arrested and subject to the local justice system which sometimes differs significantly from the justice system in the United States. Participants should be aware that they will be at the mercy of the local justice system. If the participant is arrested for any illegal activity in a foreign country, then the participant will be responsible for payment of legal fees and/or fines and legal representation. WSU will not be responsible for a participant arrested for engaging in illegal activities and will not be in a position to assist the participant. b. Participants found in possession of or using illegal drugs or substances, or engaged in any other illegal activity, may be immediately dismissed from their Study Abroad program immediately without warning.
II. Wayne State University expressly prohibits participants from engaging in irresponsible drinking and underage. a. Irresponsible drinking is classified by WSU as drinking that puts oneself or others at risk, negatively affects one’s coursework, and/or negatively affects, in any way, the reputation of Wayne State University or that of its partners. Attending one’s Study Abroad program events or courses intoxicated and/or in a condition that is disruptive or threatens the safety and well-being of others is strictly prohibited. Underage drinking or alcohol use is also strictly prohibited. Participants should be aware of the legal drinking age in any foreign country in which they happen to be visiting. b. Participants who drink irresponsibly or to the point of being intoxicated will initially be given a formal warning. On the second offense, participants may be immediately dismissed from the Study Abroad program.
III. Wayne State University expressly prohibits participants from engaging in prostitution. a. Prostitution may be legal in some countries where WSU operates Study Abroad or other educational programs. Regardless of the country’s legal status regarding prostitution, if a WSU participant is found contributing to the prostitution industry in any way, then the participant may be immediately dismissed from the Study Abroad program with or without warning.
IV. Wayne State University expects all participants to conduct themselves while participating in their Study Abroad projects, coursework and within the local host community in a manner that is responsible, professional and respectful of local customs. A. Academic Programs and Language Courses: 1. Participants engaged in WSU Study Abroad programs and/or language courses are expected to approach their academic studies with integrity and in a responsible and respectful manner. Participants are expected to be on time for class, abide by course policies, complete all assignments, and treat their fellow students and professors with respect. 2. Problems or concerns with a participant’s professor(s), WSU faculty, or fellow participants should be dealt with in a professional and respectful manner. Issues that cannot be resolved should, in a timely fashion, be brought to the attention of WSU Study Abroad staff. 3. A participant’s behavior in an academic course can positively or negatively affect a relationship with the WSU partner institute and may impinge on WSU’s ability to place participants with the partner institute in the future. If WSU reasonably believes that a participant’s actions and conduct places the integrity of WSU or WSU’s relationship with a partner institute at jeopardy, then WSU reserves the right to dismiss the participant from the Study Abroad program. B. Community: Within the local community each participant is expected to carry him or herself and act in a manner that is in line with WSU policies and expectations as outlined in this document. WSU expects participants to take on the role of a “gracious guest” and behave in a culturally appropriate demeanor throughout the duration of their stay in their host country. This means that the participant make an effort to observe and adapt to the local culture and be respectful and mindful of cultural norms. This includes but is not limited to dressing appropriately and addressing community members in a courteous manner in accordance with local custom. 1. Participants are expected to treat WSU professors and faculty, and all other program participants, in a manner that is respectful and professional. In addition to the rules and regulations outlined in this document, participants are expected to comply with WSU Study Abroad program specific rules and policies which are outlined by the Study Abroad program staff leader(s). 2. Any behavior or activity that puts a participant’s own physical safety and/or well-being or that of another individual’s at risk, including but not limited to irresponsible drinking, engaging in illegal activities and ignoring or insulting local culture and tradition, may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program without formal warning. 3. Participants who fail to conduct themselves in a manner that is responsible, professional and respectful of local customs and culture, and knowingly and/or deliberately fail to comply with the expectations outlined in section V of this document will receive a formal warning. Further and/or on-going failure to remedy the behavior at question will result in dismissal from the program.
V. Operation of Motor Vehicles and Bicycles. In most countries where WSU Study Abroad programs operate, road conditions, precarious or unfamiliar driving patterns (driving patterns that are vastly different from U.S. driving patterns), and the lack of or difference in traffic laws or enforcement thereof, unfamiliarity with local signage and layout of the roads create dangerous environments for drivers, particularly foreigners or citizens/visitors from countries other than the host country. Under these circumstances, participants are susceptible to driving-related accidents. Therefore: a. WSU strongly discourages the use of motorcycles, scooters and bicycles while in a foreign country without the use of appropriate safety gear. When operating or riding as a passenger on either a motorcycle, scooter or bicycle, it is strongly encouraged that the participant wear a safety helmet. For motorcycle use, it is encouraged to wear additional protective gear, including but not limited to safety gloves, eye-protection such as sunglasses and/or a helmet with a visor, closed-toe shoes, and full coverage clothing, such as pants and long sleeve shirts. This is to prevent and mitigate bodily injury in case of an accident. b. Participants who possess a driver’s license and/or endorsement which is valid in the host country may operate a motor vehicle and/or motorcycle. Costs associated with the operation of a motor vehicle, and/or motorcycle, are the responsibility of the participant unless otherwise noted in program specific guidelines and contracts. WSU is not responsible for any costs incurred by participant relative to driver’s license endorsement or insurance for participants who operate either a motor vehicle or motorcycle. By initialing this section you are acknowledging that there are serious and potentially fatal risks involved when operating a motor vehicle and/or motorcycle and that WSU is not liable, legally or financially, if you are involved in an accident.
VI. Wayne State University strictly prohibits the travel or side excursions of participants outside of the confines of the Study Abroad program. Prohibited travel includes, but is not limited to, day and weekend trips that are not approved by the Study Abroad program leader(s) and accompanying staff as outlined by program specific guidelines. Participants who engage or participate in unapproved travel may result in the immediate dismissal of the participant from the program. a. Participants may travel immediately prior to or directly after the published Study Abroad program dates only if the participant provides the following documents with WSU Study Abroad approval: i. A full itinerary of travel plans including dates of travel, location of travel, the addresses and types of lodgings, and flight itineraries. ii. Contact information for persons the participant is traveling with and/or their lodgings in the case of an emergency. b. Participants must have their travel plans approved one month prior to the beginning of their trip.
VII. Wayne State University expressly prohibits the participant from continued participation in a program in which the associated Study Abroad course has been dropped or the participant has withdrawn from the course. WSU reserves the right to immediately dismiss the participant from the program if the participant is unenrolled in the program’s associated course at any time during the program.
VIII. Dismissal Policy for participants abroad at time of dismissal: In any and all cases in which a participant is dismissed from a WSU Study Abroad program while abroad or in a foreign country for failure to comply with this WSU Study Abroad Participant Behavioral and Dismissal Policy, WSU rescinds any and all responsibility for or to the participant at the time of dismissal. Participants will receive an email from Wayne State Study Abroad staff informing the participant of their dismissal. a. Dismissal from the program may result in the loss of any and all fees paid to WSU relative to participant’s Study Abroad program. Loss of fees includes the application fee, the program deposit, and all other program fees. Tuition and all tuition associated fees are NOT the responsibility of WSU Study Abroad; inquiries should be directed to the WSU Registrar’s Office. All outstanding financial obligations to WSU will remain in full effect. b. Unless otherwise instructed, transportation (including airfare, rail or bus) or other expenses incurred by the participant as a result of the early termination of his/her program or participation in the Study Abroad program, including transportation to and from the host country/Study Abroad program site and/or site of dismissal, and the return travel to the home country, remain the sole responsibility of the participant. c. Tuition and tuition associated fees are the responsibility of the participant. Course work and credits associated with the program should be resolved with the course instructor and are not the responsibility of WSU Study Abroad.
IX. Dismissal Policy for participants dismissed prior to departure to host country: In any and all cases in which a participant of a WSU Study Abroad program fails to comply with the WSU Study Abroad Participant Behavioral and Dismissal Policy, particularly sections V (a), V (b), V (c), and XIII above, prior to the participant’s departure to the host-country, WSU reserves the right to dismiss the participant from the program. Participants will receive an email from Wayne State Study Abroad staff informing the participant of their dismissal from the program. a. Dismissal from the program may result in the loss of fees paid to WSU. This includes the non-refundable application fee and the program deposit. b. Program fees (after deposit) are refunded as follows: i. 90 days or more before the start of the program – 75% of the program fees will be refunded less the non-refundable deposit. ii. 60-89 days before the start of the program – 50% of the program fees will be refunded less the non-refundable deposit. iii. 1-59 days before the start of the program – No Refund. c. Tuition and tuition associated fees are the responsibility of the participant. Course work and credits associated with the program should be resolved with the course instructor and are not the responsibility of WSU Study Abroad.
by signing this document acknowledge that I have been made aware of and understand Wayne State University’s Study Abroad Behavioral and Dismissal Policy as outlined in this document and I agree to abide by all stipulated regulations and behavior guidelines. I also acknowledge that in the case of dismissal from the program for failure to comply with the Wayne State University’s Study Abroad Behavioral and Dismissal Policy, Wayne State University, its officers, employees and agents will relinquish all responsibility to and for me, whether abroad in the host country or otherwise, at the time of dismissal. Further, Wayne State University, its officers, employees and agents will not assume or be responsible for any costs incurred by me as a result of my termination from the Study Abroad program, whether early termination or otherwise.