Summer 2007 Study Tour Orientation (Guidelines)

Study Tour Defined The University of Central Missouri defines an international study tour as an academic course involving: 1.Traditional classroom learning 2.Experiential learning in an international setting

Purpose 1. Provide students with a first-hand opportunity to investigate other cultures, enhancing academic development 2. Provide faculty international experience and development

Who’s Eligible? 1. Current students in good standing 2. Visiting students Due to potential liability issues, all tour participants must enroll in the course.

The Proposal Consists of four forms that can be obtained electronically by contacting Shawn Smith at ,

The Proposal Part I:Course Syllabus & Itinerary Part II:Budget (Tour Package or Self-planned) Part III:Marketing Blurb Part IV:Approval

Course Syllabus & Itinerary (Part I of Proposal)

First order of business = determining your destination Things to keep in mind when considering your destination: 1. Academic opportunities 2. Safety (political, social, economic, etc.) 3. Cost

Course Syllabus & Itinerary (Part I of Proposal) Build the class and itinerary around the destination Build the class and itinerary around the destination It is imperative that the academic integrity of the course be upheld ensuring that it has as much rigor as any traditional class

Course Syllabus & Itinerary (Part I of Proposal) Determine how responsibilities will be divided if there is a director and co-director.

Course Syllabus & Itinerary (Part I of Proposal) Co-directors must have a legitimate role in the planning, teaching and evaluation of the tour, with specific responsibilities outlined in this part of the proposal. No more than ten students per faculty member is recommended.

Course Syllabus & Itinerary (Part I of Proposal) Compensation is only issued to directors unless arranged ahead of time with the director, department chair, and the Office of Extended Campus.

Course Syllabus & Itinerary (Part I of Proposal) An in-depth pre-departure orientation program is required for all students. The orientation should address issues such as: 1.The political and economic situation 2.Health risks 3.Cultural Differences

Course Syllabus & Itinerary (Part I of Proposal) The Office of International Programs will hold an orientation Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 3pm in Union 240. Tour directors and students are encouraged to attend.

Budget (Part II of Proposal) Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Shawn Smith or

Budget (Part II of Proposal) Two types of tours: Tour packages Self-planned

Budget (Part II of Proposal) As a part of the budget you will determine installment dates. Three installment dates are recommended dividing the tour costs (not tuition) into thirds. The first installment should cover deposits and is considered non-refundable.

Budget (Part II of Proposal) Helpful Hint: Encourage means other than financial aid to cover installments!

Financial Aid Contact Nancy Anderson or

Student submits 3 forms: FAFSA for the current 2006/2007 academic year FAFSA for the current 2006/2007 academic year Request to Receive Financial Aid For International Study Request to Receive Financial Aid For International Study Request for Summer Financial Aid (available March of 2007) Request for Summer Financial Aid (available March of 2007)

Financial Aid Contact Nancy Anderson or Things to remember: (see form provided in packet) 1.Students must be: Fully admitted to UCM as degree seekingFully admitted to UCM as degree seeking Receiving credit for the tourReceiving credit for the tour Enrolled at least half-time for the semester or term the tour takes placeEnrolled at least half-time for the semester or term the tour takes place

Financial Aid Contact Nancy Anderson or 2. Federal financial aid cannot be disbursed more than 10 days prior to the start of an enrollment term. Installments due prior to that date will have to be paid out-of-pocket.

Financial Aid Contact Nancy Anderson or 3. Students who have used most (or all) of their 2006/2007 federal financial aid will have to rely on other sources to cover expenses.

Marketing Blurb (Part III of proposal)

Will be included in/on the: 1. Summer Bulletin 2. Summer Sessions website 3. International Study Tour website

Marketing Blurb (Part III of proposal) Note: When the department puts the class in Banner (after approval granted), add the marketing blurb as the description for the class. A slight modification will need to be made so students are aware there are tour fees in addition to tuition fees.

Marketing Blurb (Part III of proposal) The Office of Extended Campus and Distance Learning can help you create a flyer for your tour. Please send your request in writing to Shawn Smith,

Approval Page (Part IV of Proposal)

Additional Resources & Tidbits Once your proposal has been approved you will receive correspondence from Shawn Smith indicating your next steps. 1.Securing a budget number and p-card 2.Specifications for putting up the class & enrolling students 3.Marketing

Additional Resources & Tidbits 4.Health Insurance (ordered after second installment) 5.Forms (Expense, ATM, and student tracker, course evaluations) 6.Requirements for closure of the tour and payment 7.Contingency money utilization (scholarships, return to students, support for future tours)

Additional Resources & Tidbits There are specific guidelines for: 1. Accompanying family members/significant others: A director/co-director’s first priority is to the students. A director/co-director’s first priority is to the students. All expenses remain the family member/significant other’s responsibility. All expenses remain the family member/significant other’s responsibility.

Additional Resources & Tidbits 2. Free Travel: Faculty using a travel agency or tour company may receive free travel if the policy is clearly spelled out in the travel literature and included as part of the budget package. If additional free travel is provided based on the number of students participating, only UCM faculty and/or staff are eligible. Should this faculty and/or staff member be a relative of the tour director/co- director, specific approval from the Director of International Programs must be obtained.

Additional Resources & Tidbits 3. Additional Compensation: Some tour companies provide additional compensation beyond the free travel option. This has been determined to be against state law by our university attorney, and is therefore not allowed. However, the tour director may accept these fees and donate them to the University Foundation, with these monies designated to support the tour director’s department or program. As the tour director must pay taxes on this income, the tour director, for tax purposes, may keep 25 percent of the money.

Additional Resources & Tidbits Additional Compensation cont. Under no circumstances should this money be returned from the Foundation to the tour director for personal benefit.

Dates to Remember Wednesday, November 15, 2006 Wednesday, November 15, 2006 Wednesday, January 24, 2007 Wednesday, January 24, pm, Union 236 Sunday, April 22, 2007 Sunday, April 22, pm, Union 240 Hand in proposal to Extended Campus (final deadline) Recruitment Opportunity: Study Abroad Fair Orientation hosted by the Office of International Programs recommended for all tour directors and students Note: Call Diana Duvall , with the number attending so packets can be prepared.