International Program Policy

Consistent with its mission in teaching, research, and service, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UW-Eau Claire) is actively involved in international education. International education has become an integral and vital component of university life, and its importance continues to expand. Responding to this growing interest, UW-Eau Claire encourages the development of study abroad opportunities that meet the legitimate academic needs of its students. At the same time, all programming abroad is expected to maintain standards of quality in the delivery of instruction, support services, and administration, which are consistent with the educational excellence that every student is entitled to receive.

It is therefore essential that all international programming, whether operated or sponsored, be done so in a manner that is:

Appropriate to the mission of the university
Integrated into the undergraduate and graduate curricula
Subject to regular, periodic review, evaluation, and assessment, according to the university's normal review procedures for academic programs and academic support programs
In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations

In addition, all programming abroad shall adhere to the specific guidelines set forth by the University of Wisconsin System. Academic Information Series (ACIS) 7.1-4 relates to the conduct of international programs at Wisconsin System universities. ACIS 7.1-2 specifically relates to the development and operation of educational programs abroad, and establishes policy guidelines for University of Wisconsin System faculty and academic staff abroad.

It is the responsibility of the UW-Eau Claire's Center for International Education to ensure that UW-Eau Claire remains in compliance with these guidelines. The CIE is charged with reviewing, evaluating, and assessing all programming abroad, and ensuring that all new programming is developed according to the UW-Systems Guidelines of ACIS 7.1-2. Thus, all international programming must be developed, implemented and conducted in cooperation with the Center for International Education and the International Educational Advisory Board.

The Center for International Education will assess such programming with respect to the following issues:

Health, safety and welfare of participants
Recruitment, participant selection, admission, orientation, participation, and re-entry programming
Institutional liability
Host country considerations
Financial management
Responsibilities of faculty and staff
Responsibilities of the institution and the System
Academic fit in overall programming
Geographic representation