Site Development Guidelines: Credit-granting study abroad and community-based learning.
In order to ensure the quality of the international education provided, as well as the health, safety, and personal growth of participants, students are required to take part in programs operated by Santa Clara or its affiliated partners. Santa Clara currently offers over 110 study abroad sites. Programs consist of direct exchanges with partner universities, sites operated by Santa Clara University, and affiliated programs with which the University maintains formal contractual relationship. Santa Clara University accepts both units and grades from these programs and courses can be used to meet University Core and major requirements. International Programs, in consultation with the University International Programs Committee, approves and assists faculty in managing new programs based upon the following principles.
Guiding Principles:
- study abroad programs must reflect basic goals and principles of Santa Clara University.
- programs which emphasize the Jesuit character of education at Santa Clara are a priority.
- programs which provide non-traditional experiential learning and service are a priority.
- most international education will be provided by high quality affiliated programs with which Santa Clara has a close relationship.
- multiple Santa Clara programs in the same city/region or country location are only created for substantial academic purposes.
- the health and safety of students and faculty is a principal concern regardless of the educational or service opportunities a site may afford.
- relevant academic departments, programs, colleges and schools approve course content and faculty qualifications.
- programs must include a detailed assessment component.
University Operated Programs
Within the general guidelines described above, International Programs operates a limited number of its own specialized programs especially relevant to the University’s mission and goals. Programs which offer community-based learning and service opportunities for students, along with teaching, scholarship, community service and professional development are the highest priority.
Because of the resources required to operate semester or full year programs, most University operated overseas programs are short-term study/travel experiences or summer sessions. Other important considerations include the ability of a program to involve faculty and students from various disciplines, the potential for a program to provide value for students by offering courses which meet University or major course requirements, programs in the developing world, and the ways a program may promote diversity by serving all members of the campus community.
Due to this reliance on student paying for an overseas experience, minimum enrollment is mandatory and care must be taken to avoid the creation of competing programs. Successful creation of a program, moreover, often takes several years and thus it is important that at least two or more faculty members be prepared to make a long term commitment to co-directing a program. Faculty participants should consist of at least one tenured member of the faculty and all participants must have the support of their department and college/school. At least one faculty member must have previous experience in leading international programs and academic specialties relevant to the program location.
In general, given the initial investment (of time, resources, and talent) required, the University does not support one-time-only programs or travel study without a clearly defined academic component. Short-term immersion and travel study, in connection with a class or cluster of classes, is a viable option to internationalize education. Partnering with local community organizations is an important aspect of overseas programs, especially in the less developed world. Santa Clara’s goal is to create long term relationships which are mutually beneficial. “Giving back” to Santa Clara’s overseas community partners is an important aspect of program development.
Direct Exchanges
Direct exchanges offer an excellent opportunity for SCU students to be immersed in an overseas university and to create linkages for faculty. Exchanges also bring international students to our community.
International Programs is frequently contacted by other institutions seeking to establish exchange relationships. Along with the important considerations of academic fit, maintenance of a safe and suitable environment for
our students, and congruence of mission and goals, is the need for balance in demand. The number of schools which would like to send exchange students far exceeds the number of Santa Clara students desiring to take part in exchanges, especially in certain regions of the world.
Thus great care is taken to insure compatibility. Faculty, though encouraged to explore exchanges with colleagues abroad, should not assume that an institutional match is a simple matter. All direct exchanges are confirmed by a formal agreement signed by the Provost of Santa Clara University.
Program Development
Proposals to create new programs, consistent with the priorities outline above, should utilize the following format.
Faculty members are encouraged to explore internal and external curriculum development grants to fund establishment of a cross-border experience for students.
Program development follows a two year cycle from the initial proposal to the departure of the first cohort of students to the new location.
Year One:
1) Submit Proposal. The proposal must include:
- describe the educational and other goals of the program and how it is distinct from existing opportunities.
- indicate the location and duration of program. Indicate how program will take advantage of local setting and resources.
- outline existing SCU resources at site (study abroad program partner, institutional contacts) if any.
- identify the target student audience.
- budget, including projected cost per student (consult International Programs for assistance with budget).
- identify internal and external financial support.
- formulate a time line for development of the program.
- create a recruitment plan.
2) Faculty director/instructors
- Outline academic and other experience with the topic or topics addressed by the experience and list field experience where the program is to take place.
3) Assessment procedures and instruments.
Year two:
- Site visit to confirm arrangements
- Recruit and orient students.
Site Development Guidelines: Immersion Learning Experiences
Purpose: Santa Clara University immersion experiences are primarily facilitated and coordinated by The Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education and its Kolvenbach Solidarity Program. The overarching purpose of all Santa Clara immersion programs is to provide the participants with moments of direct contact with a diverse cross section of society, especially the materially poor and/or marginalized. Guided reflection on this contact is mandatory for an approved immersion experience and is oriented toward the development of well-educated solidarity.
Related goals that should be embedded in university sponsored immersion offerings include:
- To empower our students to see the world with new eyes -- to recognize their privileged position as well as their fundamental connection to those who experience injustice and suffering.
- To inform and further students' vocational discernment.
- To unmask the cultural and commercial messages that prevent us from experiencing true compassion and solidarity and which keep us separated from others.
Guiding Principles
- immersion offerings must reflect the basic goals and principles of Santa Clara University and the Ignatian Center.
- immersion experiences must include significant pre-departure preparation and orientation processes as well as substantial reflection components during and after the experience.
- risk management issues must be adequately addressed for all immersion experiences.
- any proposed new immersion offering must be approved The Ignatian Center in consultation with International Programs and other appropriate campus units.
- multiple programs in the same city/region or country during the same time are the exception and are offered only for substantial academic purposes.
- immersion offerings across campus must be coordinated and consistent with the Ignatian Center goals and objectives.
- immersion experiences should be offered in collaboration with well-established, trusted, and known community-based agencies in the host communities.
- the health and safety of participants is a principal concern regardless of the educational or service opportunities a site may afford.
Program Development
Proposals to create new immersion offerings, consistent with the priorities outlined above, should consult with the staff of The Ignatian Center and the Kolvenbach Solidarity Program.
Usually, program development requires approximately one year.
This lead-time is required in order to:
- coordinate with pre-existing immersion offerings
- adequately evaluate the host community and the partner community agency
- work with university risk management officers and the insurance carrier in order to ensure compliance with all risk management requirements
- design effective orientation, reflection, and assessment processes and instruments.
- form partnerships with faculty and staff who may support and help deliver the immersion experience
- promote the offering to a wide campus audience
- prepare the students for the experience, including the management of risk
Staff members of the Kolvenbach Solidarity Program are available for consultation regarding new immersion trips.
Risk Management
All immersion offerings must be led by an experienced faculty or staff member.
In certain exceptional circumstances, an immersion experience may be led by a trained student leader who works directly under the supervision and guidance of the Kolvenbach Solidarity Program.
The standard staff/student ratio is 15:1. This ratio may be adjusted when contracting with a reputable and well-established community partner.
All immersion trip organizers should consult and communicate with Campus Safety Services and the Kolvenbach Solidarity Program.
Participants must be provided appropriate health and safety information so they can make informed decisions concerning participation.
Immersion trip organizers must collect pre-departure documentation including:
- waiver and release of liability
- health and safety
- emergency contact
- conduct agreement
Leave one copy of these documents, along with one copy of travel documents (i.e., passport) if required, with the Kolvenbach Solidarity Program during the trip.
These guidelines are intended to ensure that all immersion experiences offered through the university are consistent with the university’s mission and identity, are conducted professionally and with adequate attention to health, safety, and risk management issues, and advance the overall strategic goals of the University of forming men and women of well-educated solidarity.
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