Procedures for Approval of New Programs

Purpose:

The establishment of a process for approving faculty-led study abroad courses enhances the communication between faculty interested in creating the courses, and the Office of International Affairs. This process helps faculty members to create international courses while ensuring the quality of their students' experience. Legal and safety issues are addressed, and a more accurate knowledge of Marywood University international and intercultural efforts is provided to the campus community.  This process must begin at least  eighteen months to one year prior to the planned program.

Procedure:

1. Faculty proposing to lead an academic course abroad will seek approval from their academic chairperson, and Dean.

2. Faculty should make an appointment with the Associate Director of International Affairs to discuss:

   • Course details and itinerary
   • Program promotion and recruiting
   • Application Procedures
   • Orientation meetings

3. The Associate Director of International Affairs will inform the Cashiers Office and Financial Aid Office about the program.
   

4. Both the International Affairs Office and the faculty member will develop promotional materials including brochures, e-mails, open houses, and word of mouth.

5. Students interested in the program will make an appointment with the International Affairs Office and complete an online application at www.marywood.edu/studyabroad. A non-refundable deposit of $500 will be required. This payment will be made to Marywood's Cashier's Office naming the program that the student is applying to. The student should then immediately take the receipt from this transaction to the International Affairs Office where the student will be placed on the list of travelers for the specific program he/she is applying to. 

6. The student will make an appointment with the Associate Director for International Affairs to complete financial aid forms, if required. The student will then meet with the Financial Aid Office.

7. A MANDATORY pre-departure meeting will be held where the International Affairs Associate Director will meet with all students and faculty going on the trip. The meeting will include the students' itinerary, insurance information, rules and regulations, and general tips and safety information.

8. A post-flight meeting will be held to evaluate the trip.