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About Behavior, Responsibility, and Student Conduct
Policy Information:Issues of appropriate student behavior, student responsibility, and student conduct are important for study abroad. These issues will probably have written policy on the home campus. It is important that as administrators and faculty consider policies in these areas that the home campus student affairs professionals are included to ensure that policy abroad is appropriate and consistent with that on the home campus. There will be some procedures that will probably vary, based on the realities of each study abroad program. Students could be provided information on these policies, procedures, and expectations.
Drug and alcohol use and abuse continue to be problems at colleges and universities in the US. This will be reflected in the student population taking part in study abroad programs. Administrators can begin by doing a student conduct check or check with the student affairs administrators on whether students have a record of problems with drugs and alcohol on campus. Staff and faculty should consider having written approval by the student to obtain access to these records. Screening out problem students is a good way to start. Institutions should educate student about alcohol abuse, as many students who were not of legal drinking age in the US may be abroad. Information about possible violations of law with drug abuse is important as well. Students should be told that being an American does not make them less guilty.
Abroad, alcohol abuse among students may occur for several reasons: a mistaken impression of how alcohol is used in the new country, a lower drinking age, or a desire to fit in. The orientation should address the consequences of alcohol abuse. Many countries tolerate social drinking, but the use of drugs is seldom permitted. The consequences of drug use overseas are complicated. Institutions should contact university counsel to ensure that your program complies with the 1998Anti-Drug Abuse Act. Slind, M.H., Herrin, D.C., & Gore, J. (1997). Health and Safety Issues. NAFSA’s Guide to Education Abroad for Advisors and Administrators, Second Edition, 221.
Participation in Political Activities (Demonstrations/Strikes)
Labor strikes may be more frequent in other countries than in the US. Being prepared to handle how such a strike could affect academics is crucial. It would be wise to advise students not to become involved in such activities since outcomes are unpredictable. Raducha, J. and Monahan, M. (1997). Advising for Whole World Study. NAFSA’s Guide to Education Abroad for Advisors and Administrators, Second Edition, 213.
Responsibility to Follow Laws of Host Country and Policies of Home/Host University
In supporting the ability for students to act within the laws of the other countries and to understand the possible consequences if they are found to have acted outside of the law, institutions should consider providing background on these issues for the country where students study and other neighboring countries where they may travel. Clarifying the limits of the assistance a college or university of the US government can give when a student breaks the law should also be included.
Sample Forms:- California State University Bulletin: Student Conduct
- University of California Education Abroad Program Director's Manuel: Student Conduct and Discipline
- University of California Education Abroad Program Student Guide: Conduct Abroad
- University of California Education Abroad Program Student Agreement
- University of California Education Abroad Program Student Guide: Student Conduct and Discipline Policy
- University of Nevada Las Vegas Study Abroad Guide: Drug and Alcohol Use
- University of Nevada Las Vegas Study Abroad Handbook: Drug-Free Schools and Communities Amendment, 1989
- University of the Pacific Student Guide: Obeying Local and National Law
