Policies and Procedures

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3.14 International Study Programs

Purpose:

To establish basic standards of quality assurance, financial management, risk management, and personal safety for all UNI programs involving student and faculty travel and residence abroad.

Policy Statement:

The University of Northern Iowa encourages student and faculty participation in University and Regent sponsored international activities. The Office of International Programs is responsible for helping to ensure that student and faculty travel and residence for such activities meets academic integrity and personal safety standards and is accurately reported.

Procedures:

1. All units at UNI active in international endeavors will annually report their respective activities to the Office of International Programs.

2. All units at UNI responsible for student or faculty travel abroad will provide their respective participants with a pre departure orientation, which provides information on the culture as well as on travel advisories announced by the U.S. Department of State. Every unit will consult with the Office of International Programs regarding the content of its pre-departure orientation, which includes disclosure of known risks to health and personal safety, academic practices at the host location, and cultural and legal norms that vary from customs in the United States.

3. All units at UNI responsible for student travel abroad will have their respective students read and sign a Conditions of Participation form and Waiver of Liability form before participation in the program (these can be obtained at the Office of International Programs). Faculty should consult with Human Resource Services for fringe benefit information, and submit a travel absence request prior to departure.

4. All units at UNI responsible for student travel abroad will conduct regular, on-site inspections and reviews of their respective programs. These rigorous evaluations should help to ensure the academic integrity of each international experience. Every UNI student should have timely on-site access to a UNI or Regents faculty/staff member or officially designated in-country professional provided by the host institution/organization to assist with academic, logistical and organizational problems during the program.

5. All units at UNI responsible for student or faculty travel abroad shall, when reasonable, conduct a post-program debriefing for their respective participants. Each unit will consult with the Office of International Programs regarding the content of its post-program debriefing, which addresses issues of reverse culture shock and re-entry into American society.

6. All units at UNI responsible for student travel abroad will work closely with the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of the Controller on their respective students’ registration as well as on tuition and financial accountability.