Study Abroad Office Northwestern

In This Section:

• HTH Health Insurance
• Applying to Non-NU Programs
• Refund Policy
• Student Agreement
• Non-NU Summer Programs

Online Guide to Study Abroad

• Academic Considerations
• Requirements
• Financial Considerations
• Health and Safety Abroad
• Diversity Abroad
  

Publications and Forms

• Study Abroad Guide 2012-2013
• Study Abroad Guide 2011-2012
• NU Summer Program Application
• Non-NU Summer Application 2012
• NU Summer Application 2012
• Barcelona Summer Interview Schedule
• Munich Summer TUM App
• Prague Summer Handbook
• NU Summer Scholarship Application 2012
• Bonn Summer Handbook 2011
• Barcelona Summer 2011 Handbook
• Summer 2011 Pre-Departure Guide
• Non-NU Summer Worksheet
• Summer: Flight Info Form
• NU Summer Pre-Departure Forms

Student Agreement and Code of Conduct

Student Agreement & Code of Conduct

All students who participate in a Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Program must agree to these terms:

Student Agreement for Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Program

Study Abroad Program:  _____________________________________

As a participant in the Northwestern University Study Abroad Program named above, I ______________________, hereby agree to the following statements:

1.    The Study Abroad Office has the authority to establish rules and guidelines necessary for the operation of its overseas programs.  The rules of conduct for student participants are outlined in the attached Code of Conduct for Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Programs and explained during the pre-departure and on-site orientation programs.  In addition, I understand that the host institution may have additional policies, rules, or guidelines to which I will be subject.  I agree to abide by these rules.

2.    I acknowledge that I am responsible for complying with the University’s study abroad program academic policies and procedures as outlined on the Web at: www.northwestern.edu/studyabroad/academic_issues. I further understand that I must enroll in and complete a full course load as determined by the program.

3.    I understand and agree that I will turn in all materials, forms, and payments by the due dates, and attend the mandatory orientation session as specified in my acceptance email.  I acknowledge that my failure to do so may result in my being withdrawn from the program.

4.    I understand that the Northwestern Office of Residential Life and Division of Student Affairs will release information regarding my disciplinary record at Northwestern to the Study Abroad Office and the University Study Abroad Committee and that this information will be used in determining my eligibility for study abroad. I further understand that the academic advisers in my school may release information regarding my academic record at Northwestern to the Study Abroad Office and the University Study Abroad Committee and that this information may also be used in determining my eligibility for study abroad.  I also understand that I may not be permitted to study abroad if I am on disciplinary or academic probation during the study abroad period.  I understand that the Study Abroad Office may release my name and program information to other Northwestern offices, including Counseling and Psychological Services.  Finally, I understand that my consent is required by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (“FERPA”), for Northwestern University to release any personally identifiable information from my education records not defined as “Public Information” under the University’s FERPA policy.  I, therefore, give my permission to the Study Abroad Office to release any of my education records necessary to the administration of my Study Abroad Program to such program abroad / host institution.

5.    I understand and acknowledge that there are inherent health and safety risks associated with living and studying abroad, and I agree I am personally responsible for obtaining all health information, medical procedures, immunizations, and medications appropriate to my study abroad program for my personal well-being.

6.    I agree that I will abide by all policies and regulations established by the host institution at my program abroad and obey local laws and ordinances.  I further understand that I remain enrolled as a student at Northwestern University, and I agree to abide by University policies for the duration of my participation in this program.

7.    I understand that the University has the right to withdraw me from the program at any time if, in the judgment of the Program Director or the Study Abroad Office, my conduct or academic standing warrants withdrawal (e.g., if I have violated the Code of Conduct, or if I have conducted myself in a way that has disrupted the program or brought the program into disrepute).  I understand further that if I withdraw, depart, or am dismissed from the program prior to its formal completion, no refund of any kind will be made, I will be required to pay all costs incurred on my behalf, and I will be required to return home at my own expense.  I understand that academic transcripts will not be released until such reimbursement is made.  I also understand and agree that if I withdraw, depart, or am dismissed from the program prior to its formal completion, I will not be eligible for any academic credits I would have earned and will automatically be withdrawn from the program.       

8.    I understand that I am required to submit a completed program evaluation to the Northwestern Study Abroad Office before the Study Abroad Office will forward my study abroad transcript to the Northwestern Office of the Registrar or my home institution. 

9.    I, on behalf of myself and personal representatives, hereby release Northwestern University and any cooperating institution and their officers, employees, successors and agents from any and all claims and causes of action for inconvenience, damage to or loss of property, medical or hospital care, personal illness or injury or death arising out of my participation in the study abroad program named above and/or travel or activity conducted by or under the supervision or control of Northwestern or any cooperating institution.

My signature below confirms that I understand and agree to all of these statements and conditions.

Signature: _____________________________                         Date:________________

Code of Conduct for Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Programs

The Study Abroad Office holds students responsible for understanding and abiding by the policies set forth in this document, as well as the Study Abroad Pre-departure Guide.  These policies are intended to facilitate the educational process and to promote a safe, fair, and successful experience for students.

 I.  The Code of Student Conduct

Students who participate in Northwestern Summer Study Abroad programs are representatives of Northwestern and their country for the duration of their time on the program.  Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and respectfully, and will abide by the rules set forth by the Study Abroad Office, the Program Director, the on-site program staff, their dormitory, hotel or homestay hosts.  Any student who engages in disrespectful, hostile, or violent behavior that threatens him/herself, another person, or the program will be subject to immediate disciplinary action and may be dismissed from the program, and sent home at his/her own expense, with no refund. Students studying abroad for academic credit on any Northwestern program who violate Northwestern rules and regulations —including Northwestern Study Abroad rules and regulations — may be subject to further disciplinary action upon returning to Northwestern.

Students participating in a Northwestern Summer Study Abroad program are expected to take responsibility for their own actions and will be held accountable for such by the Northwestern Study Abroad Office, the Program Director and/or the on-site program administrators.  Students are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct, the Code of Conduct set forth in the Northwestern Student Handbook, and the laws and customs that govern the host country where they are studying.  Students are legally subject to the same laws and regulations that govern the host country’s citizens and any other laws that are applicable to the student as a foreign citizen in the host country.

In addition to the rules and regulations identified above, the following is a non-exhaustive list of prohibited activities:

• Physical abuse of any person or any action that threatens or endangers the emotional well-being, health, or safety of any person (including oneself).
• Obstruction of Northwestern University or host university classes or obstruction of other Northwestern or host university activities.
• Theft of or vandalism to property.
• Unauthorized entry to or use of Northwestern or host university facilities or technology.
• Disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating conduct, gestures or actions.
• Violations of residential guidelines and/or rules established by hosts, including, but not limited to, unauthorized overnight guests, excessive noise, rowdy conduct, and drunkenness.
• Criminal behavior or violation of local laws.
• Violation of any policies contained in this document and/or the Study Abroad Pre-departure Guide.
• Failure to follow the Northwestern Study Abroad guidelines, directives, timetables, and instructions of the Northwestern staff or faculty members.
• Obtaining unauthorized access to, viewing of, copying or distributing confidential Northwestern or host university academic, administrative, or personal records.
• Falsification or alteration of academic or personal records, including, but not limited to, any unauthorized alteration of transcripts or grade reports, any verbal or written misrepresentation of student records, falsification or unauthorized alteration of any portion of the application for admission or financial aid or other official documents required for participation in a Northwestern Summer Study Abroad program.
• Permanent or temporary diversion of academic materials needed by other students, including unauthorized removal of library materials, audio-visual materials or technological materials.
• Self-endangerment, including involvement in activities or behavior that could result in personal harm, including, but not limited to, frequenting of dangerous places, association with criminals, repeated intoxication, etc.
• Alcohol or drug policy violations.  (See Section III below).

II.  The Academic Honor Code

Students enrolled at Northwestern must adhere to the university’s standards of academic integrity.  Students are expected to approach their academic work with dedication and integrity, understanding that they are responsible for enhancing their own learning through personal effort.  Students agree to be fully prepared for each class session and to complete a full load of academic work as determined by the program.  Further, because courses abroad are designed to integrate classroom work with the local sites, regular class and field trip attendance is mandatory.  Students who fail to attend will be subject to immediate disciplinary action and may be dismissed from the program.

Students also agree not to violate Northwestern University’s Academic Honor Code as set forth in the Northwestern Student Handbook, which prohibits all academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, obtaining an unfair advantage, aiding and abetting violations of the standards of academic integrity, falsification of record and official documents, and unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or systems. 

III.  Alcohol and Drug Policies

Alcohol may be consumed, within reasonable limits, by students who are of legal age in the host country. Students who choose to consume alcohol do so with the knowledge that they remain responsible for their actions at all times and are expected to drink responsibly. It is prohibited to illegally distribute alcohol to students who are not of legal drinking age. Further, excessive and irresponsible drinking leading to intoxication and behavior that interferes with the program or the rights of others is subject to immediate disciplinary action, and may result in dismissal from the program. The Study Abroad Health Insurance does not cover any injuries that occur while under the influence of alcohol, intoxicants or any drug not prescribed by a physician. 

Students are prohibited from selling, using, or possessing any drugs that are considered by host country law to be illicit or illegal.  Any drug infraction will be considered a grave violation of policy and will result in immediate disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from the program.  In addition, students are cautioned that the possession of drugs is often dealt with harshly by host country law enforcement.

IV.  Independent Travel

Prior to embarking on any independent travel (e.g., on free weekends), a student must inform the on-site director or program administrator of the travel destination(s) and the dates of independent travel. 

V.  Student Signature

I have carefully read each of the statements and conditions set forth above. My signature below confirms that I understand and agree to all of these statements and conditions.

Signature: ________________________________________                                                                                                          

Printed Name:                                                                     

Date:________________