CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

Transcription

1 CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION I understand that Marist-LdM is a partnership between Marist College and the Lorenzo de Medici Institute. All references within this document to Marist-LdM, Marist Italy or the Marist Florence branch campus imply inclusion of Marist College and Lorenzo de Medici, their governing boards, employees, and agents. Marist Italy programs are located in Italy, and as such I acknowledge I am required to reside in Italy during the academic year (exceptions are made for certain internship or study abroad experiences with written consent of both Marist College and Lorenzo de Medici). Students accepted by Marist Italy are required to remain in good standing with Marist College and the Lorenzo de Medici Institute. Good standing is defined as maintaining a strong, consistent academic record; meeting the academic standards established at Marist Italy; adhering to student codes of conduct and other published policies, rules, and procedures; remaining in good judicial standing; and exhibiting good citizenship and personal conduct. The enrollment period begins with a mandatory orientation program and concludes on the final day of final exam week. These dates are noted on the Marist Italy academic calendar as the program start date and last day of classes. Students are required to be in attendance from the program start date to the end of the program. Failure to attend and participate in all required program activities may impact grades and/or a student s ability to participate in the program. Travel plans are to be made accordingly, and students will not be granted exemptions or accommodations for late arrival, early departure, or other unauthorized absences. Class attendance is mandatory and the Lorenzo de Medici Institute has a strict attendance policy. ASSUMPTION OF RISK I understand that while enrolled at Marist Italy, political, environmental, infrastructural, and cultural situations will differ from my own country and home environment. I understand that situations can be unpredictable and may become volatile within a short period of time. In addition to classroom-based studies, Marist Italy routinely offers group excursions and social/cultural activities to participants. Some excursions are required of participants while others are optional. These trips/activities may be overnight, located in other countries, and/or likely involve transportation by bus, train, and/or plane. I acknowledge that there are certain risks in overseas study (both at the program base as well as on excursion), and dangers include, but are not limited to, physical injuries and/or property damage or loss. In consideration of the service, facilities, and other assistance provided to participants by Marist Italy, I,

2 along with my assignees, heirs, distributes, guardians, and legal representatives, release Marist Italy from any and all liability, claims, and actions that may arise from injury, harm, death, or loss/damage to property in connection with these activities. PREDEPARTURE I agree to assume responsibility for my personal preparation for the program, including: timely completion of all forms and materials; securing travel documents such as passport, visa, and permit to stay; full participation in pre-departure orientations conducted by Marist Italy; and attendance and full participation in on-site orientation for its entire duration. I agree to enable my Marist College address as soon as it is available and that I will check this e- mail address a minimum of once a week throughout pre-departure planning and for the entirety of my enrollment with Marist Italy. I understand that I am responsible for reading and responding promptly to all correspondence sent to me at this address. If my personal contact information including my permanent address, phone numbers, or emergency contacts change, I am responsible for immediately informing Marist Italy of these changes. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE PROGRAM All Marist Italy students are required to follow Italian immigration regulations. Students (as dictated by citizenship) are required to have a valid passport, student visa, and permit to stay. There may be fees associated with the filing of these documents (fees vary depending on citizenship). It is the responsibility of students to understand and pay all fees related to immigration requirements; these fees are not included in the program price. In the event of a denial or non-issuance of a visa by the Italian Government or a restriction on travel by your home country, the responsibility of Marist Italy shall consist exclusively of reimbursement of tuition. Marist Italy will not refund housing or other fees that have already been allocated on the student s behalf. The Marist Italy program fee does not include the cost of round-trip air travel. Students are responsible for organizing their own travel. All arrangements and transactions will be between the student and their travel agency/airline; Marist Italy is not responsible for any travel transactions or arrangements, and will not intervene or interfere in students arrangements. I understand and acknowledge that Marist Italy assumes no responsibility or liability, in whole or in part, for any delays, changed departure or arrival times, fare changes, and dishonors of hotel, airline, or other transport reservations. ACADEMICS I understand that all Marist Italy Programs are academic experiences and therefore I am responsible for my academic progress. As such Marist Italy maintains an academic course catalog that outlines academic

3 guidelines, policies, and processes. I agree to assume responsibility for reading and understanding the rules and regulations outlined in the Marist Italy course catalog. Marist Italy is a fully accredited branch campus of Marist College. All Marist Italy students receive grades for academic work and these grades are factored into the grade point average. Visiting students are responsible for verifying with their home institutions how academic course work will transfer to the home institution. All students are required to carry a full Marist College course load (12-16 credits in fall and spring semesters*) to be eligible for study at the Marist College Florence Campus. (*Master s students enrolled in thesis and internship components of the program may be exempt from this rule with written permission from the Director of Marist Italy. Students electing to enroll in summer programming may take a reduced load of 3-6 credits per summer session and be considered full time for those sessions.) HEALTH & WELLNESS To the best of my knowledge, I am in good health and suffer no disability or condition that, even with reasonable accommodation, would render my participation inadvisable. I agree to notify Marist Italy of any significant changes to my health status that may occur between now and the start of the program. I have given serious consideration to my health and personal circumstances when applying for and depositing to Marist Italy. I understand that while Marist Italy strives to offer all necessary services to program participants, including accommodations and supports, such provision may not be possible or may be different in some cases. Available accommodations and supports can differ overseas, and travel, transition, distance from established support systems, and adjusting to available services are challenging circumstances that can alter previously effective ways of managing medical, physical, or psychological conditions. While Marist Italy cannot ensure the provision of all support services in Italy, disclosure and discussion of supports prior to departure for the program enables Marist Italy to investigate the availability of various services and to communicate any limitations or particulars to the student. Failure to inform and discuss with Marist Italy any special needs well ahead of departure may leave Marist Italy unable to offer assistance. As such, I agree to wholly complete the Marist Italy medical packet, and to submit all medical forms to Marist Italy no later than the published deadline. Marist Italy normally requires that all students participating in a Marist Italy program show medical and psychological stability for at least six months prior to the start of the program. The aforementioned Marist Italy medical packet, received following program acceptance, helps Marist Italy and Marist College staff to gain further insight and best support a student s well-being. Marist Italy reserves the right to recommend another Marist program or defer an applicant s start date in order to allow the demonstration of six months of stability. The student authorizes and permits the sharing of special service requests, medical and health information, disability, and student conduct information between the student, Marist Italy staff and

4 program affiliates in Italy, the Marist Counseling Center, Marist Health Services, and other appropriate Marist offices and staff. I understand that I am required to carry health insurance that will cover me outside of my country of domicile. Marist Italy will purchase an HTH Worldwide health insurance policy on my behalf that will be billed as a fee on my tuition bill. I agree to familiarize myself with the terms, conditions, and limitations of the HTH health insurance policy. Students may wish to purchase additional insurances, including but not limited to health and/or trip cancellation insurance. In the event I suffer an illness or injury that prevents me from making decisions relative to my immediate medical condition, Marist Italy will make every effort to reach the person(s) I designate as emergency contacts. If Marist Italy is unable to immediately communicate with my emergency contact(s), I authorize Marist Italy to secure any medical treatment on my behalf (including but not limited to x-ray examination; the administration of an anesthetic, surgery, medical and/or psychiatric diagnosis; or treatment and hospital care deemed necessary by a licensed physician). I accept all financial responsibility for such treatment and agree to reimburse Marist Italy funds it may pay on my behalf for the provision of medical services and treatment. I hereby release and hold harmless Marist College, Marist Italy, and the Lorenzo de Medici Institute, its trustees, employees, and agents from any responsibility or liability for expenses that I may incur while in the program. PERSONAL CONDUCT I understand and agree that I am personally responsible for my conduct, activities, actions, and behavior, and that I will be held to a high standard of conduct and level of personal responsibility while on the program. I recognize that my conduct impacts on the educational and institutional benefits intended by the program for other participants as well as myself. Additionally, I acknowledge the importance of a high standard of conduct in interactions with local Italian affiliates, agencies, institutions, and communities. Any conduct which may be damaging to Marist Italy, its programs, other participants, and working relationships with governments and partners may lead to sanction, up to and including dismissal from the program. I understand that each country has its own laws and standards of acceptable conduct, including dress, manners, politics, alcohol and drug use, and behavior. I recognize that behavior which violates those laws or standards could harm Marist Italy s relationships with Italian affiliates as well as my own health and safety. I will obey the laws and policies of the city of Florence, the Country of Italy, and of Marist Italy. I will become informed of, and will abide by, all such laws and standards for each country to which I travel while enrolled at Marist Italy. I understand that Marist Italy is not responsible for informing me of international laws and in-country standards of conduct; it is my responsibility to familiarize myself with the customs, regulations, and laws governing the countries I visit. I understand that Marist Italy has a Student Code of Conduct, a Resident Handbook, and a Course Catalog, and that I am responsible for and accountable to these policies. I understand that I am

5 additionally accountable to other policy documents distributed to students in Florence. As such, I understand that in becoming a Marist Italy student that I am subject to all rules and regulations regarding conduct, scholarship, and full participation at Marist Italy. The possession or use of illegal substances in any form is not tolerated. Laws state that possession or use of illegal substances is punishable by fine, imprisonment, and/or deportation. Sharing of prescription medications is also strictly prohibited. I understand that program students found illegally using drugs and/or sharing (or using shared) prescription medications are subject to dismissal from the program. Deviations from program rules, regulations, and laws include, but are not limited to, unauthorized absences from class, orientation, or other program activities; the making of threats or engaging in harassment, violence, or other misconduct; damage to, or defacement of, school, residence, or student property; the use, possession, or distribution of illegal substances; culturally inappropriate behavior as determined by Marist Italy; and/or other reckless or dangerous behavior. Marist Italy reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a student based on a student s deviation from such rules, regulations, and laws. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal from the program. Recommendations for dismissal are made by the Dean of International Programs to the Marist Office of Student Conduct. Review of disciplinary procedures is available in the Marist Italy Student Code of Conduct. Should I be expelled from the program, I understand and consent to being sent home at my own expense with no refund of tuition, fees, rent, or other expenses. I also understand that this may impact my academic study and limit my ability to obtain credits for coursework not completed prior to my dismissal. Marist Italy reserves the right to release information regarding failure of students to comply with rules, regulations, or laws, as well as the details of disciplinary action taken as a result thereof, to the authorities as well as the primary institution where applicable. I understand that while abroad I may not be protected by U.S. laws or the laws of my country of citizenship. Marist Italy has no obligation to intercede or undertake to protect me from the legal consequences of violations of laws and policies for which I am responsible. Additionally the U.S. State Department, other Foreign Governments and Embassy/Consulates in Italy are not required (and are often unable) to intervene on my behalf. PERSONAL SAFETY Students choosing to travel in Italy or other locations prior to the beginning, during periods of school recess, or at the close of their program assume total liability for themselves. I understand that I am responsible for researching and making informed decisions with regard to personal travel. I will research my travel locations and providers fully. I also agree to remain updated on U.S. Department of State travel announcements and warnings and host country laws. Marist Italy has not made, and does not make, any representations regarding the student s personal safety or the safety of the student s property while participating in the Marist Italy program.

6 PUBLICITY I understand that by attending Marist Italy and participating in Marist Italy related activities, I may be photographed or recorded. I authorize Marist Italy to use my name and likeness in publications and promotional materials. I understand that Marist Italy publicity materials, including but not limited to its website, social media sites, and printed collateral materials, may include statements made by participants and/or their photographs, likeness, file, or video images and voices in any medium including those that Marist Italy obtains from me or any other participant or other source. I understand that by sharing personal photographs, social media content, and video with Marist Italy or its representatives, I authorize Marist Italy to use these items in marketing and promotional materials for recruitment and promotion as well as other Marist College activities and programs. I agree to such use without charge. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS & WITHDRAWAL/REFUND POLICY I certify that I have adequate means of financial support, and that I am solely responsible for all financial obligations and liabilities that I may incur while attending Marist Italy. I realize that my particular experience may be more or less expensive than estimated by Marist Italy depending on my personal expenses and choices. I accept final responsibility for payment of tuition and fees associated with the program. I understand that Marist Italy fees and charges are due before the departure date, or each semester start date. I agree to pay or make arrangements suitable to Marist Italy for payment of all fees and charges by the settlement deadline set by the Marist Office of Student Financial Services. Failure to honor financial arrangements can lead to dismissal from the program and revocation of the visa/permit to stay. Marist Italy has a published refund/withdrawal policy that is specific to the Marist Florence campus and differs from the refund/withdrawal policy of the Poughkeepsie campus. The Florence branch campus policy is published on the Marist Italy website. It is the student s responsibility to read and understand the refund policy prior to signing this form. Students wishing to withdraw from the Marist Italy program must notify the Marist Italy Director in writing of their decision to withdraw in order for the refund policy process to be initiated. The refund policy takes effect on the postmarked date on which notification to withdraw was sent. Refunds will be based on the date of withdrawal s proximity to the official arrival date of the program. (The official arrival date is the date students are required to arrive at the program for orientation as indicated on the Marist Italy academic calendar.) Students who withdraw from the Marist Italy campus prior to the start of the semester and seek enrollment at the Marist Poughkeepsie campus may be responsible for tuition and fees for both campuses based on the financial structure of the Florence branch campus and the Withdrawal/Refund Policy. Students who withdraw for any reason after the program begins will not be able to transfer from the Marist Florence campus to the Poughkeepsie campus once the semester has commenced. The student

7 will automatically be withdrawn and need to reapply to the Poughkeepsie or Florence campus for a future semester. If a student is dismissed from the Florence campus they are also considered dismissed from the Poughkeepsie campus and will need to petition for readmission to the College through the Office of Student Conduct before they can resume their studies on either campus. Students who leave the program without approval from an authorized Marist Italy administrator may not be allowed to return and may be considered withdrawn. The withdrawal and refund policy will be in effect and all expenses related to withdrawal incurred due to premature return home must be borne by the student. Marist Italy reserves the right to alter or cancel any course or program at any time when deemed appropriate due to unforeseen circumstances. PERSONAL STATEMENT & CONSENT I represent that I am at least 18 years of age, and that my participation in the Marist Italy program is voluntary. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the above, and that I have had the opportunity to ask questions should clarification be needed on any matter. DATE: CWID: STUDENT SIGNATURE: STUDENT NAME (PRINTED):