Download Better Safe than Sorry: Collaborating with Students for Their Health

Better Safe than Sorry:
Collaborating with Students for
Their Health & Safety
Jane Atkinson, Lancaster University
Kim Kreutzer, University of Colorado, Boulder
Natalie A. Mello, The Forum on Education Abroad
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Today’s environment
 Policy of many universities ‘to internationalise
the student experience’
 Aim to increase numbers studying abroad or
having an international experience
 Today’s students more sophisticated,
therefore would appear to be more able to
cope with life abroad
 But are they?
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Today’s students
 Are students less independent?
 Is it more challenging for students to succeed
overseas?
 How can more vulnerable students be
identified?
 What tools are available to help identify and
support these students?
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Screening
 Academic screening
 Indicator of anticipated academic ability
and success
 Health screening
 Used to anticipate medical issues
 Judicial screening
 Past behavioural issues do provide insight
See
http://www.wpi.edu/Images/CMS/GPP/Policy_on_Student_Judicial_Re
cord_Review_and_the_Global_Perspective_Program.pdf for WPI
judicial screening policy
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Transcript and Judicial Release Form
NOTE: Your application is incomplete unless this section is filled out
in its entirety and returned to the IGSD.
By signing this release form, you authorize the WPI Registrar’s Office
to provide a summary of your WPI academic record to the IGSD. This
information will be used expressly for the determination of admission
and continued eligibility to the Global Perspective Program. You also
authorize the Office of Student Life to release any records of judicial
proceedings resulting from violation of the WPI campus code of
conduct. Review of these records will be part of determining your
eligibility for the program.
I authorize the WPI Registrar’s Office and Student Life Office to
release my records to the IGSD and to provide information to
monitor my satisfactory academic progress.
Signature
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Date
Judicial Screening as Part of Application
Process:
 When the IGSD requests information from the Dean of
Students Office regarding student applicants’ judicial
records, this information will be provided.
 If the student has no record, they will continue on in the
process (provided that they are in good academic standing as
well).
 If a student has a judicial record, this information will be
reported back to IGSD using the standard reporting
template. Each student with a judicial record will be placed
into one of three categories based on the nature and extent
of the record:
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Categories
Category One: This category includes low level
incidents, single low level offenses, and minor residence
halls offenses.
Category Two: This category includes repeated
violations of the Code of Conduct or residence hall
policies, as well as more serious policy violations.
Category Three: This category includes very serious
violations of WPI’s Code of Conduct and/or policies, for
example, that may have resulted in a student being
suspended from WPI for disciplinary reasons or that
indicate a troubling pattern of behavior.
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Consequences of Categorization
For Category One violations, this information will be
reviewed and noted by IGSD personnel and directors.
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Consequences of Categorization
 For Category Three violations, a joint
recommendation will be made by the Dean of
Students and the Director of Global Operations
(based upon the existing judicial record of the
student and its implications for off-campus
residential academic work) to the Dean of the IGSD.
 The Dean of the IGSD will render the final decision
and the student will be informed by the IGSD of that
decision.
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Consequences of Categorization
For Category Two violations, a review committee
(specified in the Policy) will meet with the student to
review the specifics of the student’s record:
 an opportunity for student to address their record
This committee will decide:
 Can the student apply? Or can they continue if they have
already been accepted?
 Is a behavioral contract appropriate?
The decision of the review committee will be communicated to the
student by the IGSD and will include the rationale for the decision.
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Category Two Meeting
Serves as a model for the faculty member on how to
talk to students about behavioral issues
Provides an opportunity for student to reflect on their
behavior and its implications
Provides an opportunity for university to discuss
concerns about the student’s behavioral choices, the
implications, and the expectations for students
participating in project experience
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Rigorous application process
 APPLY - general application
 ATTEND SITE SESSIONS
 APPLY TO A SITE
 SIGN UP FOR AN INTERVIEW
 SIGN & RETURN “Participant Statement of Agreement”
http://www.wpi.edu/Images/CMS/GPP/Participant_Statement_of_Agreement_
Revised_12-13.pdf
 MANDATORY ORIENTATIONS – three!
 MANDATORY PAPERWORK
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Deadlines
Please reference the table below to determine when the
mandatory deadlines are. (Your ability to meet deadlines
matters! It is one of the factors those reviewing your
application will consider in determining your eligibility for an
off-campus experience. You will not be sent reminder e-mail
messages.)
http://www.wpi.edu/academics/GPP/application-process.html
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Disclosure
 It’s to everyone’s benefit.
 American proverb: “You can catch more flies with
honey than with vinegar”
 It’s a partnership between:
 the student
 the education abroad professional(s)
 the medical professional(s)
 and sometimes parents (in the U.S.)
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Student issues to explore
 Pre-existing physical or mental conditions
 Medications
 Allergies
 Disabilities
 Judicial affairs/behavioral issues
 Clearance from a medical professional
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Barriers to Student Disclosure
 Fear of not being accepted to program
 Not realizing the benefits of disclosure
 Not realizing the potential seriousness of
condition/treatment
 Wish to keep condition private (stigma)
 Mistrust
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Assisting Student Disclosure
 Must be done post-acceptance in the U.S.
 Use inclusive and non-threatening language
 Help students see the benefit to them in disclosing
 Collaborate with campus health professionals who
might actually do a screening
 Consider both pre-departure and upon arrival
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Student Disclosure
Health disclosure forms can have many benefits. They can:
 raise students’ awareness about health issues and how they
can relate to their experience abroad
 provide institutions with information about health issues that
may be addressed proactively
 raise red flags in the case of some serious medical conditions
that may not be treatable overseas
 provide important information that can be useful in an
emergency situation
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Form Text Sample (part 1)
The purpose of this form is to help Middlebury College be of
assistance to you should the need arise during your study abroad
experience. Mild physical or psychological conditions can become
more serious under the stresses of life while studying abroad.
Moreover, the system of US health care is unlikely to be replicated
in the host country. It is therefore extremely important that we be
made aware of any medical or psychological/psychiatric
conditions, previous or current, that you may (have) suffer(ed)
from so that the director abroad will be better able to respond
appropriately should any such condition become exacerbated in a
foreign study context.
Source: NAFSA’s publication, By Example: Resources for Education Abroad Officers and Advisers and
Middlebury College
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Form Text Sample (part 2)
Please answer the following questions as honestly and
completely as possible. You should consult with your treating
physician(s) regarding what information should be provided.
Providing the information requested by this form is not
absolutely mandatory, but given the particular stresses and risks
involved in study abroad, your refusing to do so could create a
substantial risk of harm, and should only be done after
consulting with a physician. The information will only be used in
circumstances where it is judged by the program director to be
essential to your well-being.
Source: NAFSA’s publication, By Example: Resources for Education Abroad Officers
and Advisers and Middlebury College
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
CSU Health Network Travel Clinic
 CSU provides a free, comprehensive advisory
consultation to assist students in their preparation
for healthy and safe experiences abroad.
 It consists of a private meeting between the student
and a nurse at the CSU Travel Clinic.
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Results of Travel Clinic
The nurse:
 reviews pre-existing health conditions, any medical
problems, and the anticipated travel itinerary
 advises about what immunizations might be needed and
discusses measures to avoid illness and environmental
hazards
Students receive:
 advice about their particular health situation (including
recommended measures to take before departure)
 options for creating a support system and ways to stay
healthy
Education abroad professionals receive:
 confidence that students have been well prepared
 warnings about red flags (with student disclosure)
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Example Clearance Form Preamble
You are being asked to evaluate the physical and emotional health of
an individual who plans to live and study overseas, the pressures of
which can be considerable. It is important that participants in this
program be able to adjust to changes in climate, diet, and living
conditions.
Living abroad can create emotional and physical stress for those not
able to meet the demands of a new and different environment. In
some cases, mild disorders can become serious under the stress of
living in alien surroundings. It is essential that your reply be based on a
current and thorough physical examination and knowledge of the
individual’s medical history.
Source: NAFSA’s publication, By Example: Resources for Education Abroad Officers
and Advisers and University of Villanova – slightly modified
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Sample clearance form questions
 Is the student currently under treatment for a physical or
mental health concern?
 Is the student currently taking any medication?
-------------------------------------------- Does the student have any medical condition or disability that
might be worsened through change or strenuous travel?
 From your knowledge of the patient’s ability to handle
change, how readily would you expect him/her to handle the
stress of living overseas?
[ ] Easily [ ] Normal adjustment anticipated (e.g. homesickness)
[ ] More difficulty than most people
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Sample physician clearance
I have reviewed the student’s Confidential Health History form and medical records on file with the
student. Based on the information provided to me by the student on the Confidential Health History
form, and pursuant to a review of the student’s personal health history, to the best of my
knowledge, the student is:
1.  UNCONDITIONALLY cleared: There are NO medical or psychiatric contraindications to
EAP participation.
2.  CONDITIONALLY cleared: Student is responsible to arrange the following before EAP
participation:
 a. Services that would facilitate the student’s education
 b. Services that would facilitate a healthy and safe stay abroad
 c. Sufficient supply of medication to last through EAP and ensure that the medication is
locally available and legal.
3.  Student is NOT CLEARED: There are medical contraindications to EAP participation.
4.  Student is NOT CLEARED: There are psychiatric contraindications to EAP participation.
Source: SAFETI Clearinghouse and University of California Education Abroad Program
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Follow up needed
 Talk to students to make sure the understand
the need for contingency plans
 Confer with medical professionals, as
necessary
 With students permission (release), talk to
relevant people in host country
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Pre-departure preparation
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Different formats but common aims
Practical issues eg paying tuition fees at home
Minimise stressors
Personal strategies
Support network
Be proactive
What’s Up With Culture – free website with good tools
http://www2.pacific.edu/sis/culture/
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Managing Expectations
TOOLS TO ASSIST:
 Acceptance Agreements
 Behavioral
 Academic
 Student responsibilities
 Behavioral Contracts
 Academic performance
 Judicial concerns
 Medical concerns
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
The Forum on Education Abroad
• Not-for-profit association, founded 2001
• Recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and
the Federal Trade Commission as the Standards
Development Organization (SDO) for education
abroad
• Members are committed to the Forum’s Standards
of Good Practice for Education Abroad
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Standards of Good Practice
• Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad, 4th
edition, 2011
• Standards of Good Practice for Short-Term Education
Abroad Programs, 2009
• Code of Ethics for Education Abroad, 2nd edition,
2011
• Education Abroad Glossary, 2nd edition, 2011
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
Standards that apply
All do, but specifically…
4. Student Preparation for the Learning Environment Abroad
5. Student Selection & Code of Conduct
7. Organizational & Program Resources
8. Health, Safety, Security and Risk Management
9. Ethics and Integrity
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
4. Student Preparation for the Learning
Environment Abroad:
The organization provides advising and orientation
support that is consistent with the program’s mission
and student needs.
a. Pre- and Post-Departure Advising and Orientation: The
program provides appropriate orientation and advising
support to meet student needs as they evolve
throughout the term of education abroad.
b. Returning Student Support: The organization and
program staff provide support for students returning
from abroad.
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
5. Student Selection & Code of Conduct:
The organization maintains, and makes publicly accessible,
its commitment to fair and appropriate policies regarding
student selection and code of conduct.
a. Student Selection: The recruitment and selection
processes are transparent and fair.
b. Code of Conduct: The organization makes explicit its
student code of conduct and its disciplinary processes.
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
7. Organizational & Program Resources:
The organization provides adequate financial and
personnel resources to support its programs.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Academic Personnel
Administrative and Support Personnel
Financial Resources
Learning and Academic Support Facilities
Student Housing
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
8. Health, Safety, Security and Risk
Management:
The organization assures continuous attention to the
health, safety, and security of its students, faculty, and
staff, from program development stages through
program implementation, by way of established policies,
procedures, student orientation, and faculty and staff
training.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Health, safety, security and risk management in program
development
Health issues for program students, faculty and staff
Safety of students, faculty and staff at all locations
On going risk-management review
Adherence to applicable laws and regulations
Risk assessments are conducted throughout
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
9. Ethics and Integrity:
The Organization educates its employees in and
adheres to its own code of ethics and/or to the ethical
principles of the Forum’s Code of Ethics for Education
Abroad.
Operations: The organization operates its programs in
accordance with ethical principles.
b. Student Life: The organization conducts its activities
and advises students in an ethically responsible
manner.
c. Intercultural Relations: The organization respects the
cultures and values of the countries in which it
operates or sponsors programs and from which it
draws students.
a.
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad
For more information about the Forum
www.forumea.org
© 2012, The Forum on Education Abroad