Most Resident Directors are surprised to discover the extent to which they can become involved in personal issues involving students. Some examples of what to expect are:

1. Culture shock
2. Financial crises
3. Emotional entanglements
4. Pregnancy and other health issues
5. Alcohol and drug abuse
6. Legal complications
7. Sexual harassment
8. Injury

Beginning at the pre-departure orientation, describe what constitutes acceptable behavior and conduct while in the program, and what the consequences are should the student violate these standards. The following is suggested language (also incorporate into student participation agreement):

During your participation in a Cal Poly study abroad program, you are responsible not only for your own personal conduct, but also for how your conduct reflects on Cal Poly, the State of California, and the United States of America. You are, in essence, an “ambassador” throughout your stay. You should, therefore, learn the rules of appropriate conduct in your host country and abide by them.

Examples of some unacceptable behaviors in any country include: cheating or plagiarism in your academic work; forgery or misuse of legal documents; physical abuse of property; sale or possession of illegal drugs; engaging in lewd behavior; failure to attend classes to the extent normally required; violation of the rules and regulations of the host university; violation of the laws of the host country; conduct which endangers others; flagrant disregard of local customs, mores, or beliefs which might result in offending or antagonizing host country citizens or officials. Serious violations of acceptable behavior may result in your disenrollment from the program. A serious illegal act by a student participant may result in expulsion from the program without any possibility of financial refund or chance to complete any academic credit requirements.

Participant agrees to properly conduct himself or herself at all times during the course of the Program. Any violation of University standards of conduct could lead to sanctions being imposed consistent with CSU Student Discipline Policies and Procedures, including, but not limited to suspension or expulsion from the program.

A student may leave the program prior to the group’s return to California for a limited number of reasons, such as:

• The occurrence of a death or serious illness in the family.
• Illness (physical/emotional): In this instance, the student and the RD and other faculty should decide on the best course of action, in some cases treatment in a neighboring country with better health facilities;
• Discipline. The Resident Director may decide that a student’s continued participation in the program is detrimental to the program as a whole, due to poor conduct and/or difficulties with local authorities.

In all cases, the Program Coordinator or another responsible Cal Poly official must be consulted before action is taken so that the appropriate person in the US can be notified in advance and, if necessary, concurrences obtained. If the RD decides that it is necessary to send a student home before the end of the program, he/she should contact the International Education and Programs Office, immediately. If prior consultation with Cal Poly is not possible, the Resident Director must proceed on the basis of his/her own authority. A full, written report on the reasons for the action must be prepared by the Resident Director and submitted to the IEP office within a week. All expenses involved are the responsibility of the student. No refund for the remainder of the program should be expected although, depending on circumstances, Cal Poly may make an effort to obtain one.