Procedure 214A: Study Abroad for Individual Students

University Procedure #214A

Section 1. Purpose

This procedure is designed for student-initiated study abroad programs, consistent with the study abroad mission statement, i.e., “Metropolitan State University believes that studying abroad is a life-changing educational journey which provides students the opportunity to experience culturally diverse environments throughout the world. The University encourages students to participate in international study and engagement to enhance their global understanding.”

Section 2. Authority

This procedure is issued pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the Minnesota State College and University System and Metropolitan State University.

Section 3. Effective Date

This university procedure shall become effective upon signature by the President and shall remain in effect until modified or expressly revoked.

Section 4. Responsibility

The responsibility for administrative oversight of this university policy is assigned to the Provost in consultation with the International Study and Exchange Committee and the Center for Community-Based Learning.

Section 5. Academic Process for Student-initiated Study Abroad Opportunities

1. Students may identify existing study abroad programs or independent study initiatives that meet any of the following three options:

1. A Metropolitan State course that includes a study abroad option as determined by individual departments and colleges.
2. Consistent with University Transfer Credit Policy 2120, courses completed abroad that are offered through accredited American colleges, universities, or qualifying organizations will be evaluated for transfer to Metropolitan State and/or GELS requirements.
3. Alternative/Creative Learning Strategies (e.g., student-designed independent studies (SDIS), academic internships, assessment of prior learning) will be referred to the appropriate college for evaluation.

2. Registration/ Tracking

For tracking purposes, in each case, an “A” is added to the course number to indicate study abroad.

3. Eligibility for Metropolitan State University Study Abroad Opportunities and Independent Study Initiatives
   1. All students participating in a study abroad opportunity must be fully admitted degree-seeking students and in good academic standing at Metropolitan State University.

2. Students with fewer than 30 credits are not eligible for individual student study abroad programs.
3. PSEO students are not eligible to participate in study abroad programs.

4. Approval Process for Metropolitan State University Study Abroad Programs
   1. Students obtain study abroad materials from the Center for Community-Based Learning Study Abroad Coordinator.
   2. Students must register for alternative/creative learning strategies (SDIS, academic internships, assessment of prior learning) which require faculty approval.

4. Risk Management
   1. The study abroad destination must not be on the U.S. State Department’s list of Current Travel Warnings.
   2. All students must sign the Metropolitan State’s Code of Conduct (Policy 1020 on http://www.metrostate.edu/msweb/choose/policies/index.cfm.
   3. Emergency contact information must be collected on the Student Application (Appendix A).
   4. All students must sign the MnSCU Student Release and Waiver form (Appendix B).
   5. Students must provide evidence of current health coverage for out-of-country medical expenses.

Section 6. Review

This policy will be revised as necessary.

Section 7. Signatures

Issued on this 20th day of December 2011.

Gary Seiler, Interim Provost and Vice President Academic Affairs

Sue K. Hammersmith, Ph.D., President