Student Handbook

in these surveys is optional. The Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs meets informally with each class periodically, and the Dean and Department Chairs also meet each term with the Class Officers to discuss academic issues and provide students with an informal forum to discuss issues and concerns. Policy on Service Trips Eligibility for Participation on Service Trips Abroad The College does not endorse any given organization involved in service trips abroad, and students are personally responsible for abiding the bylaws and requirements of each organization. Students must obtain written authorization from faculty and clinical supervisors to be excused from their respective didactic and clinical assignments. Please refer to the policy on Student Leave and Courses in Clinic, available in this Handbook, for more information. Candidates should carefully consider all the items below before deciding to apply to mission trips abroad: • If the student is going to a foreign country where English or his/her native tongue is not widely used, student must ensure that s/he have sufficient language skills and confidence to conquer linguistic hurdles. • Students must consider personal levels of maturity and flexibility to adapt to living and learning in a non-English speaking environment with different customs (i.e., cultural and religious) and expectations. • Students must determine if they have any foreign travel experience which would prepare them for such challenges. • International Mission trips require financial resources (airline ticket, student visa, passport, insurance, local housing expenses, health insurance, daily living expenses, etc.). It is the student’s responsibility to determine if sufficient financial resources are available to enable them to live abroad for the specified time. • Students are fully responsible for verifying all travel related documents for accuracy, validity, and completeness (i.e., passport, visas, required immunizations, credit card expiration, etc.). Non-us citizens must verify the visa requirements with the consulate of the country to which they will visit. • SUNY encourages U.S. citizens traveling abroad to use the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov/step/ . Students assume full responsibility for any risk of loss, property damage or personal injury, including death, that may result from participation in event activities.

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