Student Code of Conduct
This is the CIS Abroad Code of Conduct to which every participant must agree.
All participants will receive a copy of this as part of the application process.
While abroad, you are not only representing your home country, but CIS as well. For this reason, we expect all students to behave in a lawful manner that is respectful of other people, customs, and property.
As a student, you are responsible for researching and understanding issues that relate to your host country’s laws, as well as the safety, health, political, and cultural conditions of the host country.
While enrolled in a CIS program it is expected that participants will abide by the following code of conduct. Violation of this code will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program.
Behavior Policy
While in a foreign country, you are subject to that country’s laws and regulations. That country may not afford you the protections available under U.S. law. If you are convicted of a crime abroad, you can expect incarceration and/or fines. CIS will not assist you in any such criminal matter including any criminal matter resulting from your use of alcohol or drugs.
Violation of any of the following may result in disciplinary action from CIS:
- Violation of the Alcohol and Drug Use Policy (See below)
- Criminal behavior or violation of local laws, including theft or vandalism
- Violation of rules in effect in the student’s residence
- Violation of rules in effect at the host university
- Repeated intoxication
- Abusive language or behavior toward CIS staff, university faculty/staff, host family, or other CIS program participants
- Sexual harassment
- Disorderly, indecent, or obscene conduct
- Violent behavior
- Damage to CIS facilities, housing, university, hotels, or transportation vehicles
- Plagiarism and cheating
- Unauthorized use of CIS facilities, host university, residence, or CIS sponsored transportation vehicles or hotel rooms
- Falsification of documents or personal records submitted to CIS as part of the application or acceptance process.
- Any inappropriate conduct including but not limited to violation of any CIS policies.
Alcohol and Drug Use Policy
Participants who choose to drink alcohol are responsible for their actions at all times. Excessive drinking may be grounds for dismissal as it can affect the safety of the group and/or the individual. Intoxicated students may not be allowed to participate on any CIS excursion or activity, and will not receive a refund for the missed excursion or activity. The use, sale, or possession of drugs, including marijuana/cannabis, by CIS participants is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program. CIS Abroad adheres to US federal law around marijuana/cannabis, and therefore considers any use of cannabis onsite as a Code of Conduct violation even if local laws do not prohibit the use of marijuana/cannabis.
Disciplinary Action
In CIS’s discretion, CIS staff may conduct an investigation before taking disciplinary action. Please note: If a student engages in violent behavior toward any member of the CIS staff, host family, university faculty/staff or other CIS participants he or she will be immediately removed from the program.
Disciplinary action may include but is not limited to the following actions, any of which CIS may take at any time in its sole discretion:
- Notification: CIS may notify the student’s home university of any violation of CIS policies.
- Restitution: Student may be required to pay for damages or theft.
- Loss of privileges:Student may be denied permission to participate in CIS activities, excursions, etc. permanently or for a designated time period. No refund will be given for missed activities.
- Housing termination: CIS may remove any participant from his/her residence and/or the program in the case of inappropriate behavior. If this occurs, the student must then find his/her own housing at his/her own expense. No refunds for housing payments will be given.
- Probation: Student may be given disciplinary probation in the case of inappropriate behavior. Any further violation during probation will result in dismissal.
- Dismissal: Student may be permanently expelled from the CIS program. The dismissed student will not receive a refund of any kind. Termination of participation does not diminish or otherwise affect the student’s obligation to make any and all payments to CIS. The dismissed student will not receive any grades or transcript. The dismissed student may be required to reimburse his/her home university for financial aid received. The home university may take appropriate action in response to dismissal, such as denying registration, suspension or dismissal from the home university.