Study Abroad Policies

Students are subject to the following policies as a condition of acceptance to any study abroad program. Please read carefully.

A. Administrative Policies

1. Students who want to transfer credit from non-FSU study abroad courses must complete the 'Academic Plan to Study Abroad' form prior to departure. This form may be obtained from the Center for International Education (CIE).
   
   
2. Any changes in non-FSU course selection following overseas registration must be immediately communicated to the CIE so that the CIE can inform other administrative and academic offices about the changed schedule of courses.
   
   
3. Students receiving state, federal or institutional financial aid must comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the sponsoring body, and
   
   
4. Students are responsible for obtaining comprehensive health insurance which will provide coverage during their entire overseas stay. The policy must include coverage of emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. Frostburg State University will not be responsible for covering medical expenses of any nature for students studying overseas. (Please note: purchase of the Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) travel insurance provides students minimal coverage for the above.)
   
   
5. Students must arrange FSU housing for the semester which will follow their return before they depart for any overseas study.
   
   
6. Students who are expecting to graduate must apply for graduation prior to departure if the application due date will occur during the students' absence from campus.
   
   
7. Cancellation and Withdrawal Policy: The following policy applies only to FSU study abroad programs in which FSU courses are taught, and only to those specific FSU courses. Students participating in any other type of study abroad program must follow the Cancellation and Withdrawal Policy of that program.

1. The University shall have the right to cancel the study abroad program without penalty, and reserves the right to make academic alterations, deletions or modifications to the program as deemed necessary by the University. The University will make every effort to notify students in writing of significant program alterations or cancellations within a reasonable time period. The University will not be held responsible for any program alterations, deletions or modifications made by the Host Institution about which the University has not been notified in writing.
   
   
2. In the event of the program's cancellation prior to the commencement of classes, the University shall refund students any moneys paid the University for participation in the program, excluding any application or administrative fees and any other nonrefundable program-related fees. In the event of the program's cancellation following the commencement of classes, the University shall issue a refund according to the tuition and fees refund policies stated in the University catalogue and in accordance with the federal and state financial aid regulations, if applicable.
   
   
3. Students who withdraw from the program prior to the commencement of classes shall be refunded any moneys paid to the University according to the tuition and fees refund policies stated in the University catalogue and in accordance with the federal and state financial aid regulations, if applicable. The refund excludes any application fees and any other nonrefundable program-related fees. Students must notify the CIE in writing to officially withdraw (see address below), and to avoid receiving a grade of 'FX' (for FSU courses) on their transcripts.
   
   
4. Students who withdraw after commencement of classes shall be refunded on a pro rata basis dependent upon the date of withdrawal, excluding any application fees and any other nonrefundable program-related fees. Students must notify the CIE in writing to officially withdraw (see address below), and to avoid receiving a grade of 'FX' (for FSU courses) on their overseas transcripts.
   
   
5. Semester students who are unable to complete their classes after completing seven weeks of the program may be allowed to complete the course work at a later date, provided such arrangements can be made with the Host Institution. In such cases, students must provide documented evidence of illness, injury or circumstances beyond their control which required them to discontinue classes. Students who cannot complete the work due to documented case/li>s of illness, injury or because of verifiable personal problems or circumstances beyond their control, should notify the CIE in writing for instructions and guidance.
   
   
6. Students dismissed for disciplinary reasons are not entitled to any refund of moneys, and will receive failing grades for all courses.

8. Students are responsible for obtaining a passport, visa, and any other required documentation prior to departure.
   
   
9. Students are responsible for making payment arrangements with the Student Billing Office and/or with any external agencies, and for ensuring that all required payments are made on time. Any anticipated payment difficulties or delays should be reported to the CIE immediately.
   
   
10. Students participating in exchange programs qualify for a tuition waiver if they are normally eligible for such a waiver. The waiver will not exceed the amount of tuition at FSU. Students participating in direct enrollment study abroad programs do not qualify for a tuition waiver and are responsible for the total cost of the program.
    
    
11. Alcohol and Drugs: Students should be aware that whereas in the US the legal drinking age is 21, it may by higher or lower in other countries. It is the responsibility of the student to know the laws of the host country and to obey them. Most controlled substances which are illegal in the US are also illegal overseas, including marijuana, LSD, cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy. Individuals found possessing, using, and/or selling these substances are subject to stiff penalties which may include fines, imprisonment, deportation, and possibly death. If you are uncertain whether a drug is legal or illegal in your host country, please check with the embassy for your host country. In some foreign countries, prescription medicines may be illegal.
    
    Students who are of legal drinking age in a host country in which a study abroad program takes place are permitted to drink in that country according to the laws of that country. However, the following policy applies:
    
    "The University will not tolerate disorderly or disruptive conduct which substantially threatens, harms, or interferes with university personnel or orderly university processes and functions. A faculty member may require a student to leave the classroom when his or her behavior disrupts the learning environment of the class. A student found to be responsible for disruptive behavior in the classroom may be administratively withdrawn from the course." (From the Student Code of Conduct) Students who are administratively withdrawn from any FSU study abroad program will be sent home at his/her own expense and will receive no refund. The following statement is the official FSU policy on drugs and alcohol. "Frostburg State University is committed to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and, as such, expects all members of the academic community to behave in a manner conducive to that end. Illegal or abusive use of drugs or alcohol severely limits one's education and human potential, and reduces one's ability to achieve educational, career and personal goals, jeopardizes the safety of the individual and the university community, and adversely affects the mission of the University. Frostburg State University is therefore committed to having a campus that is free of the illegal or abusive use of drugs and alcohol. Toward that end, it is the policy of the University that the illegal or abusive use of drugs or alcohol by employees and students is prohibited on university property or as a part of any university activity whether on or off campus."
    
    Students who use drugs or alcohol illegally or abusively while taking part in a Frostburg State University study abroad program will be administratively dismissed from the program, sent home at his or her expense without refund of moneys.

B. Academic Policies

1. Students should be full time, degree seeking candidates for at least one semester before participating in a study abroad program.
   
   
2. Students who have 90 or more credits, including transfer credit, may not transfer more than seven additional credits back to FSU, provided that they still earn a minimum of 30 credits at FSU (see FSU undergraduate catalog). Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Academic Standards Committee. Students must petition the Academic Standards Committee in time to receive a decision prior to departure.
   
   
3. Acceptance into a study abroad program will take into consideration the student's grade point average. Students should therefore be in good academic standing.
   
   
4. Students must maintain full time status while studying abroad (12 credit hours for a semester, at least 3 credit hours for intersession or summer session). Students may enroll for a maximum of 17 credit hours, but are advised to enroll for not more than 15 credit hours. Credit overloads exceeding 17 credit hours are not permitted.
   
   
5. Any substitutions for General Education Program course requirements must be approved in writing by the Academic Standards Committee prior to departure.
   
   
6. Students participating in non-FSU courses must register for the courses that have been approved on their 'Academic Plan to Study Abroad' form. Any changes to this form must be communicated immediately (by e-mail) to the CIE.
   
   
7. Students may drop a class within the period allowed by their Host Institutions, but must obtain permission from the CIE and their advisors. Any student dropping a class without permission from the Home Institution will receive a grade of 'FX' (for FSU courses) for the class. No student will be allowed to drop below full time status.
   
   
8. Students must attend all scheduled lectures and tutorials, and must complete all assigned work, projects, essays and examinations by the due date determined by their Host Institution or FSU faculty supervisor.
   
   
9. Students may not make individual or private arrangements with their Host Institution to substitute alternative work for regular class assignments, nor may they make special arrangements to hand work in late or to submit alternative assignments for final examinations. Any exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Director of the CIE.
   
   
10. Students should retain their course syllabi, reading lists and copies of their written work for all non-FSU courses until overseas transcripts have been received.
    
    
11. Students must inform their Host Institutions to send an official copy of their transcripts to the Director of the CIE (address below). Students should also request a copy for themselves.
    
    
12. Students are responsible for settling all personal accounts, library fines, phone bills, damage payments and outstanding residence charges before leaving the Host Institution. Outstanding payments will delay the release of transcripts.

Any questions or concerns regarding these policies should be directed to

Director
Center for International Education
Pullen Hall, Room 108
101 Braddock Road
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD 21532-1099

Telephone: 301-687-4714
Facsimile: 301-687-3057
e-mail: vmgearhart@aprender-a-bailar.com

Please note that by signing the FSU Statement of Responsibility, Release and Authorization to Participate in a Frostburg State University Study Abroad Program form (for students taking part in an FSU-sponsored program), or the Waiver for Students Participating in a Non-FSU Sponsored Study Abroad Program form, you are agreeing to these study abroad policies.