Student Conduct and Safety Abroad

Code of Conduct for University of Rochester Study Abroad Students

General Guidelines

You are required to read and to understand the following Code of Conduct.

You are required to be familiar with and to adhere to the UR "Standards of Conduct." These Standards are outlined in the UR "Handbook on Student Discipline: Conduct Standards, Policies, and Procedures." A copy of this handbook is included in the pre-departure orientation packet and can be found on-line at: http://www.rochester.edu/College/dos/conduct/conduct0708.pdf. The same behavior expectations exist overseas, in matters relating to student-to-student relationships, class attendance, and academic honesty.

The following are examples of behaviors on study abroad programs which will subject the participant to discipline and penalties. Discipline may include, and is not limited to: loss of privileges, community service projects, fines, and/or dismissal from the program, in the sole discretion of University of Rochester administration. The University of Rochester may, at any time, contact your parents (and your home school, if you are not a matriculated UR student) if program officers believe that your behavior is inconsistent with the terms of this agreement.

1. The use, distribution, or possession of drugs, including marijuana. Any quantity is prohibited, and no further warnings are considered necessary. Only prescription drugs with a valid prescription will be allowed and then only for use by the individual for whom it was prescribed.

2. The use or possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and other weapons, including, but not limited to pistols, rifles, shotguns, handguns, BB guns, paint guns, swords, knives, spears, and dangerous chemicals.

3. Assault, including sexual assault.

4. The theft or damage of personal property of another individual or company, or University of Rochester equipment; jeopardizing the safety and the property of others by neglecting to secure common spaces (e.g. failure to observe directions for locking doors, windows, shutters; loss of keys).

5. Public conduct (in host countries and in the program location) deemed offensive by ordinary standards of courtesy (e.g., indecent exposure, drunkenness or abuse of alcohol, personal injury, property damage), or any other behavior, which directly impinges on the rights of others.

6. Unwillingness to participate fully in the academic program, such as refusal to attend classes or to turn in assignments.

7. Failure to read and to comply with written directions and pre-arrival materials provided by the University of Rochester and your study abroad program concerning your safety, adjustment and academic success.

8. Failure to respond in a timely fashion to any communication received from the University of Rochester, and from your program, prior to and during your time abroad. This includes failure to monitor and to keep in working order your UR email account. This also includes failure to provide your overseas mailing address to the College Center for Study Abroad at the beginning of your program.

9. Harassment and abuse, directed toward individuals or groups, may include, but is not limited to the following forms: the use of threat of physical violence, coercion, intimidation, and verbal harassment and abuse. Verbal or written abuse beyond a reasonable expression of opinion, which is likely to cause another person humiliation, stress, psychological harm or which is harassing in nature. Sexual abuse, including, but not limited to sexual harassment, coercion, and threats of use of force.

10. Returning to the program late, intentionally missing the train, bus, or other type of transportation, or traveling to a prohibited area. Failure to inform the local site director, to the best of your ability, of your whereabouts during elective travel

11. Knowingly furnishing false or misleading information to a representative of the University of Rochester, and the falsification, alteration, duplication, or misuse of the official identification card, passport, and/or other documents issued to participants.

12. Creating excessive noise resulting in the disruption of others' rights to a peaceful environment, privacy and rest in the living areas during quiet hours and failure to respect the rights of others during the remaining time periods.

13. Assisting with or bringing unauthorized visitor(s) or substances in program housing or premises. Animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles etc. are prohibited in housing on study abroad programs.

14. Unauthorized use of University of Rochester property and/or unauthorized entrance into offices, and common spaces during office hours.

15. Creating a fire, safety or health hazard; tampering with fire safety equipment of any kind, including sprinklers, smoke detectors, and/or operating a fire alarm or emergency signal without the existence of a fire or a similar emergency situation.

16. Failure to comply with the terms of any disciplinary sanctions.

17. Operating motor vehicles of any type (automobiles, moped, motorcycles, etc.), or engaging in other dangerous travel behavior such as hitchhiking.

18. Failure to abide by smoking, drug, and alcohol policies established by the program.

19. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty or facilitating any such act inconsistent with the standards of academic integrity established by the University of Rochester.

20. Unauthorized use of computers, or use that is inconsistent with the local computer use policies. This can include downloading any files to public machines in cases where students have been forbidden to do so, violating time limits set by the program, or using applications not permitted on program computers, which might include Instant Messenger or music download software.

21. Failure to promptly meet financial responsibilities to the University of Rochester, including, but not limited to, knowingly passing a worthless check, money order, credit card, or other methods of payment to the University of Rochester or a member of the University of Rochester Study Abroad community acting in official capacity.

22. Unauthorized distribution of flyers, advertisements, informational materials, etc. The University of Rochester does not permit any type of unauthorized sales and solicitations for individual or company for private gain.

23. Failure to comply with the directives of University of Rochester staff or faculty acting in the performance of their duties.

24. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other study abroad activities.

25. Failure to follow the standards of conduct and behavior as established for all students while in the host country and on field trips, including failure to learn and to obey local laws as outlined by your program director.

Steps Involved in Progressive Discipline

Specific steps involved in a discipline process will naturally vary according to the seriousness of the offense. Factors, which may be considered in ascertaining the appropriate discipline steps, include:

  • Seriousness of the conduct
  • Student's academic and behavioral record
  • The student's ability to correct conduct
  • Surrounding circumstances
  • Should the individual have been aware of the rule or behavioral violations
  • Is there a reasonable excuse for the infraction?

Some behaviors may result in immediate dismissal and include but are not limited to the use and/or possession of drugs, firearms, bodily assault, and others. Any case may involve the entire range of sanctions. The sanction ranges and recommendations listed below are used as a guide to demonstrate the expected consequences from typical cases involving a specific charge alone and without mitigating circumstances. In all cases, Hearing offices, and Hearing Boards are expected to use discretion and good judgment, and are in no way bound by these recommendations.

However, in general University of Rochester administrators will use progressive discipline as follows:

STEPS SANCTIONS EXAMPLES
Level I Verbal Warning No sanction.
Level II 1st Written Warning Minor sanction: community service, written apology.
Level III 2nd Written Warning Sanction: Temporary revocation of privileges, 5-10 hours of community service, etc.
Level IV 3rd Written Warning Sanction: Permanent revocation of privileges, significant restrictions of activities, parents are contacted.
Level V Suspension Sanction: Unable to participate in any activities other than attending class until probationary status is lifted, parents are contacted.
Level VI Dismissal Sanction: Participant leaves the program at his/her own expense, loss of semester credit, no refund, parents are contacted.

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Safety Tips

University Security wants your study abroad experience to be a rewarding and safe one. Please review the information contained in the two U.S. State Department publications (listed below), as well as these common sense guidelines.

  • Remember, you are an ambassador for the University of Rochester, and of the United States. Bad impressions are lasting impressions.
  • Learn about the country, and their customs, in which you will be studying
  • Learn about local laws, and the consequences for their violations. What appears to me a minor infraction in the U.S. can have major repercussions in your host country.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are.
  • Learn how to summon help in any emergency, either for you or someone else. Know how to use a pay phone and have the correct change or token on hand.
  • Inform yourself about the safety of areas that you will commonly frequent. Consult with your program director.
  • Ask about, and learn, the emergency exit routes in your residence and school buildings.
  • Have a safe place to store valuables at your residence.
  • Carry only the cash or credit cards that you’ll need. Use travelers checks in place of cash.
  • When traveling, carry cash and credit cards in a money belt.
  • Whenever possible, travel with another person or in groups.
  • Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts. When traveling, let someone know with whom you’ll be, along with the date/time of departure and return.
  • Keep a low profile in demeanor and dress. Conceal jewelry, or don’t wear it at all.
  • Don’t shout in public.
  • Do not hitchhike, even though local citizens may.
  • Exchange currency only at authorized agencies or reputable establishments.
  • Before you go, make a copy of the identification page of your passport. Take the copy with you, but keep it separate from your passport.
  • Keep a record of your passport number, and the date and place of issuance.
  • Know the location of, and register at, the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Keep up on current events, in the U.S., and, as they relate to U.S. citizens in your host country.
  • Review on a regular basis all U.S. State Department Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts & Country Specific Information pages for the areas and regions you'll be residing and visiting.
  • If taking a cell phone, make sure you have an appropriate calling plan

More Advice About Safety and Conduct While Overseas

Clothing that immediately identifies you as a U.S. college student, such as fraternity/sorority logos, or baseball caps worn backwards, may hamper your efforts to blend in to your new surroundings and peers. More seriously, criminals often are able to seek out tourists or international students, simply because of their appearance. Many returnees recommend wearing black clothing, especially in Europe. If the locals don't wear white athletic shoes unless they are engaged in sports, don't use them for streetwear!

Be especially careful to be polite and to observe signs and regulations in public places.

Whenever possible, travel with another person. Leave the following with your program director: name of travelers, dates of departure and return.

Inform yourself about the safety of areas you commonly frequent.

If you are staying with a host family, bring gifts from the U.S. --inexpensive, lightweight and representative of our culture, UR, or your hometown.

Don't be insulted or make a judgment until you have had time to think it over and discuss it with someone.

Make an effort to immerse yourself in your new culture. Become more than a guest. You will be a resident...act like one. Adapt to their way of life; don't try to change it. (That doesn't mean you need to compromise your own moral standards.)

Keep a journal, or a log while you are abroad. Journals provide a wonderful opportunity to record all of your adventures overseas. This will be one of the most valuable pieces of memorabilia to look back at after you return to the United States.

Expect the unexpected. So you get off the plane and your luggage isn't there! Have those few necessities in your carry-on bag. Counteract something you don't believe is affecting you. But once you do recognize what is happening, there are a number of things you can do.

Flexibility, a sense of humor, patience, and counting to ten before you speak are all keys to a successful international experience!

Useful Links

REQUIRED READING. Review the information from the following two web sites:

U.S. State Department publication, Tips for Traveling Abroad, http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html

U.S. State Department publication, A Safe Trip Abroad, http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html

Recommended Web Sites to Review:

University of Rochester Center for Study Abroad: http://www.rochester.edu/college/abroad

U.S. State Department information on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts & Country Specific Information : http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html

U.S. State Department information on Assistance for Victims of Crime: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1748.html

U.S. State Department information on Overseas Road Safety:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html

U.S. State Department information on The Office of Overseas Citizens Services:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/about/who/who_1245.html

U.S. State Department Travel Publications Directory:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips//brochures/brochures_1231.html

U.S. State Department Background Notes on Foreign Countries:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/

U.S. Education Department, Network for Education Information: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/international/edlite-going-abroad.html

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