Policies set forth by the UW-System Administration, UW-Madison, and International Academic Programs (IAP) guide the administration, planning, and program development of all our study abroad programs. These policies and guidelines were established primarily for the protection and safety of study abroad participants. For these reasons, it is expected that you read, understand, and adhere to these policies and those for your study abroad program.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
A student’s rights and responsibilities begin when s/he enrolls in a UW System school and continue throughout his/her academic career; some of the conduct rules apply even during school vacations and off-campus or away from Madison. Study abroad students are expected to abide by the student conduct rules of the University as found in three chapters of the University of Wisconsin System Administrative Code commonly referred to as UWS 14 (academic conduct), UWS 17 (non-academic conduct) and UWS 18 (conduct on university lands).
All students need to continue to meet the eligibility criteria for their programs prior to departure. This includes remaining in good academic and disciplinary standing. If you are placed on probation, or do not meet other eligibility criteria you may be canceled from the program. Talk with your Enrollment Specialist Advisor if you have concerns about your eligibility.
Policy Limitations on the Safety and Welfare of Participants
Study abroad staff will provide extensive information for program participants; participants are expected to read all program information provided to them. However, International Academic Programs (IAP):
- Cannot guarantee or assure the safety of participants or eliminate all risks from the study abroad environment.
- Cannot monitor or control all of the daily personal decisions, choices, and activities of individual participants.
- Cannot assure that U.S. standards of due process apply in overseas legal proceedings, or provide or pay for legal representation for participants.
- Cannot assume responsibility for the actions of persons not employed or otherwise engaged by the program sponsor for events that are not part of the program or that are beyond the control of the sponsor, or for situations that may arise due to the failure of a participant to disclose pertinent information.
- Cannot assure that home country cultural values and norms will apply in the host country.
Financial Policies
Your program cost sheet, found within your MySA account, contains detailed information regarding the financial policies related to studying abroad on your program. Specifically, the Cancellation & Refund Policy can be found on this document, as well as any program specific financial policies of which you should be aware. Your payment schedule and details can also be found on this document. Read this document carefully and share with the person(s) responsible for your program payments. If you have any questions about these policies and guidelines, contact your Financial Specialist.
Statement of Responsibility, Release of Liability, Authorization and Acknowledgement of Risks to participate in Study Abroad and Exchange Programs
You electronically sign a Statement of Responsibility, Release of Liability, Authorization and Acknowledgement of Risks to participate in Study Abroad and Exchange Programs. A copy of this signed waiver can be found in your MySA account.
International Travel Advisory: Assumption of Risk and Release
If your program is taking place in a country or region which the U.S. Department of State has designated as a Travel Advisory Level 3 or 4, or which the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has designated a Warning Level 3, you electronically sign an International Travel Advisory: Assumption of Risk and Release. A copy of this signed waiver can be found in your MySA account.