Although academic requirements and standards for courses held off-campus parallel those in Ithaca, standards of acceptable behavior often differ and can be more stringent. In addition, every program will have unique guidelines based on the location and cultural mores of the population; these guidelines will be shared during your pre-departure orientation or when your program begins.
We expect all participants to conduct themselves in a manner that brings credit to themselves, Cornell University, and the program at all times. Failure to adhere to these standards of conduct may result in removal from the program without appeal and without credit. In such an event, no tuition refunds will be provided. Some offenses may also subject a student to formal Cornell disciplinary procedures and/or criminal charges and jail time where the event occurred.
Standards of Conduct
- Relevant Laws and Policies: The participant will be subject to Cornell University regulations (including but not limited to the Cornell University Campus Code of Conduct, including sexual harassment and other policies pertaining to behavior of students, faculty, and staff), the host university's or program's regulations and guidelines, and laws of the host location. In the event of violation of these or behavior which is detrimental to participants, other students or individuals, or the program, the director of the program shall have the right to dismiss the participant from the program. Cornell University is not responsible for the defense of a student accused of a violation of the laws in the program location and is not responsible for the payment of any fines or other penalties resulting from such violations.
- Possession, Use, and Sale of Alcohol and Controlled Substances: The manufacture, distribution, possession, use or sale of controlled substances as defined by New York State, Federal Law, or the laws of the host state/locality is prohibited. Participants are solely responsible for ascertaining the legal age for the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages while in the U.S.
- Use of Motorized Vehicles and Other Transportation: According to university policy, students are eligible to rent a Cornell Fleet vehicle, upon approval by the Office of Risk Management.
- Engaging in High-Risk Activities: Participants must refrain from engaging in any sporting, recreational, or adventure activity against the advice or direction of the program, local authorities, or a qualified instructor. When participating in a permissible activity, participants must agree to follow the rules and procedures of a recognized governing body for that sport or activity. Insurance may exclude coverage for any illness or injury sustained while engaging in a wide range of common sporting, recreational, or adventure activities. Participants are solely responsible for ascertaining what is covered or excluded.
- Export-Import Regulations: Participants must not attempt to leave program locations with materials that legally require collecting, export, and/or import permits, including, but not limited to, archeological artifacts, geological structures such as rocks, and biological materials such as bones, teeth, feathers, seeds, etc.
- Firearms: Participants must not possess firearms. Note: In rare cases, some firearms exceptions may be applicable for certain locations and your program will inform you of such expectations.
- Program-Specific Guidelines: Participants must not violate any additional stipulations set forth by the faculty/staff trip leaders prior to or during the trip (e.g., disorderly conduct, use of alcohol, curfew, dress codes, sexual misconduct, unauthorized travel, failure to report in, etc.).
