This document outlines expectations for student conduct and academics for students studying abroad through St. John's University. It discusses expectations around alcohol and drug use, both of which are strictly prohibited. Violations can result in sanctions up to and including immediate dismissal from the study abroad program. The document also discusses academic expectations, including mandatory class attendance and treating coursework abroad with the same level of dedication as on campus. It provides recommendations for how to handle situations involving alcohol in the residence halls.

1. Part 4: Student Expectations

2. Part 4: Expectations and Academics While Abroad
In this lesson, you will learn about:
• Expectations for student conduct while
abroad
• University alcohol policy
• University drug policy
• Examples of misconduct
• Academic expectations
This section is all about expectations: what’s expected of you as a representative of
St. John’s University (the “University”) and the United States, and what you should
expect as you look ahead to the academic side of your program.

3. Expectations: Student Conduct
Expectations for Student Behavior
• All Global Studies students are bound by the expectations of the St. John’s
University Student Code of Conduct even when they are attending classes
outside of the United States.
• Traveling students are held to an even higher standard when representing St.
John’s University in another country. As such, you won’t be given as many
“chances” before major sanctions – including dismissal from your Global Studies
program - are imposed. A violation that may have been handled much less
conservatively in New York, can actually result in program dismissal when you
are in a Global Studies program.
• The student conduct process will also be different from your home campus.
This will be most evident in the appeal process, which has a much shorter
window than for violations that take place in New York.

4. Expectations: Student Conduct
Expectations for Student Behavior
• Students with a previous conduct history in New York have even fewer
“chances” and may find themselves dismissed from their Global Studies
program as the result of even one violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Sanctions are determined collaboratively between the local student conduct
administrator, the Office of Global Studies and the Director of Student
Conduct.
• One sanction unique to a Global Studies program is a travel restriction,
which will limit a student’s opportunities to travel and fully experience the city
where he or she is studying. Travel restrictions are often the last step before
program dismissal.

5. Expectations: Student Conduct
Alcohol Violations (as defined by Student Code of Conduct)
The sale, use, distribution, consumption or procurement of alcoholic beverages on
University premises is prohibited. The sale, use, distribution, consumption or
procurement of alcoholic beverages for anyone who is under the age of twenty-one
(21); being in the presence of alcohol on University premises; suspicion of alcohol
intoxication; the use of false identification to procure alcohol. Students are expected
to abide by all federal and state laws regarding alcohol.

6. Expectations: Student Conduct
Alcohol Violations Abroad
• Although you are very likely studying in a country that either has no established
drinking age or has no law that prohibits people under 21 from engaging in
alcohol use, you remain bound to the expectations of the Student Code of
Conduct.
• Do not purchase bottles of wine or other alcohol-related “souvenirs” for friends
or family members back home. If you keep the alcohol in your room, you are
subject to an alcohol violation.
• If you are even in the presence of alcohol or empty alcohol bottles while on your
campus, you are still considered in violation of the alcohol policy. It is not
sufficient to claim that you were not drinking and it is not sufficient to claim that
you did not “see” the empty bottles.

7. Expectations: Student Conduct
Alcohol and Cultural Context
• Binge drinking is an unfortunate part of American culture. Because young adults in
other countries grow up with different attitudes regarding alcohol, drinking in
moderation is considered a standard expectation. In some places, the cultural
stereotype of the “ugly American” who drinks too much and loses control is
prevalent. Drunken behavior is looked down upon in many parts of the world.
• Because binge drinking is an ongoing problem among the college student
population in the United States, American hospitals routinely deal with patients
suffering from severe or acute alcohol intoxication. While the same assistance can
and will be provided abroad if needed, treatment for alcohol poisoning is considered
a waste of resources and medical staff time that could be spent on other
(unavoidable) incidents. If our staff determine you are intoxicated enough to go to
the emergency room it’s likely you will be dismissed from the program.
• Be smart, stay safe, drink in moderation (if you’re over 21).
• Remember, if the onsite staff, faculty or program leader suspect that you are
intoxicated, you will be charged with a violation of the alcohol provision of the
Student Code of Conduct (even if you’re over 21).

8. Expectations: Student Conduct
Drugs Violations (as defined by Student Code of Conduct)
The use (or being in the presence of the use), possession, distribution or
manufacturing of narcotic or dangerous drugs or any illegal or controlled substances,
except as expressly permitted by law or those prescribed by a physician and kept in
their labeled containers. Being in the presence of narcotic or dangerous drugs and/or
illegal or controlled substances on University premises or off-campus is prohibited.
Use, possession, distribution or the manufacturing of plants or chemicals to induce
an altered state of consciousness is prohibited. Students are expected to abide by all
federal and state laws regarding illegal or controlled substances.

9. Expectations: Student Conduct
Drugs Violations
• If a substance is illegal in the United States, then it is considered illegal for use,
possession or distribution by a student in a Global Studies program.
• A student found in violation of the Drugs policy will be dismissed from their
Global Studies program immediately. This includes the loss of all tuition and
fees associated with the program – not to mention the loss of opportunity to
enjoy the full experience of studying abroad.
• In addition, some prescription drugs that are legal for use in the U.S. may be
illegal for use in the country where you are studying or traveling while abroad.
Be sure to research this carefully prior to departure!
• Just say no.

10. Expectations: Academics
Academic Excellence – the standard, not exception!
• Treat your course like any other; it will show up on
your transcript like any other!
• Participation in activities and assignments should be
taken very seriously
Attendance:
• Attendance is mandatory - you must attend EVERY
class
• Excused absences must be accompanied by a
doctor’s note or other verification of illness by on-
site staff or program leaders. If you are too sick to go
to a doctor, please notify the on-site staff or program
leader so that they can get you the care you need
and you are not penalized academically.
• Academic penalties for missing classes and activities
can be severe
Remember, this is study abroad, emphasis on “study.” Academics always come first,
and you’re expected to devote the same care and dedication to these classes as you
would any other.

11. Expectations: Academics (Courses Abroad)
• The Office of Global Studies will enroll all
summer program participants for the
approved course(s) abroad.
• Faculty-led program students must take at
least one of the courses offered in order to
participate on the program (and for some
programs, the only course offered).
• Any add/drops must be approved by the
Office of Global Studies.
• Pass/Fail options are at the discretion of
your dean and must be requested from
him/her.

12. Expectations: Course Materials
• Just like in New York, your classes
will have required readings, books
or other materials necessary to
successfully complete assignments
• The course materials needed will
be explained during the site specific
pre-departure orientation which will
take place approximately one
month prior to departure.
• The course materials will also be
posted on the Accepted Student’s
Site following the site specific pre-
departure orientation.

13. Expectations: Online Courses
• Take note of the time difference – this means your deadlines will be different than
those listed on the syllabus.
• Notify the professor beforehand that you’ll be studying abroad.
• Make sure you know which book/course materials to purchase well before your
program departs. It’s very possible these materials will not be available abroad.
If you are taking an online course along with your abroad courses, please note a few
considerations you should take prior to your departure.

14. Expectations: What would you do?
Your roommate has decided to invite some friends over to have a few drinks. He
or she asks you if you’re ok with this and invites you to join in on the festivities.
• What would you do? (Our recommendations are on the next slide)

15. Expectations: What would you do?
Remember that even being in the presence of alcohol is considered a violation
of the St. John’s University Student Code of Conduct – regardless if you were
drinking or not. If a situation like this occurs we recommend:
1. Reminding your roommate that everyone could get in trouble and advising
him against such activities.
2. Chances are your roommate already knows this (everyone has to complete
this Blackboard course before departure) and may brush off your advice. In
this case, feel free to notify an RA or on-site staff member if you know
something like this is occurring without your consent. In Seville, notify the
security guard after normal business hours.
3. If you feel uncomfortable notifying an RA or on-site staff member, we
recommend leaving the room and removing yourself from the situation as
soon as possible. Our campuses abroad are pretty intimate and any more
than 3 people in a room will quickly start to sound like a party – which will
immediately be checked up on by an RA.