Many organizations send communications regarding a range of study abroad programs. Many are reputable with a track record of good practice and exciting programming – SOME ARE NOT.

That is why HSU has standing Guidelines to NOT PROMOTE or ADVISE students on any type of program that has not been vetted by the university’s International Program Review Committee (IPRC). The IPRC is a subcommittee of the Senate International Advisory Committee and includes the Vice Provost, the Dean and staff of the College of Extended Education and Global Engagement (CEEGE), the Registrar’s Office, the Financial Aid Office, Risk Management, and Faculty.

If you see a program you think would be a great opportunity and you would like to encourage participation, please refer the program to the Study Abroad Coordinator in CEEGE, Megan Mefford, who can help facilitate the IPRC vetting process

Note: students can, and do, go on a wide variety of international programs that are not IPRC approved or listed on the Study Abroad website, but they cannot receive financial aid or scholarships through the university. Non IPRC approved programs do not receive critical advising from the Study Abroad Coordinator, and there is no guarantee that the courses or units will transfer back to HSU. Students who participate in these programs do so at their own risk.

If HSU is seen to promote (advise, recommend, put up posters, host information sessions, forward emails, etc.) a program, we could become liable for any issues while the student is abroad. This is unsafe for our students and an open risk to the university.

Staff and faculty should also be aware of EO 1081 V.B, which strictly forbids any CSU campus or employees, in the course of cooperating with a program provider, from accepting payments or benefits for approving or recommending a program to students. This includes:
1. Payment of conference or training registration fees, transportation, or lodging costs.
2. Fees for advertisements in official publications designed to explain the program options.
3. Payment of site visit costs in conjunction with program familiarization or program oversight responsibilities.
4. Payments per number of students recruited.

If a program sends you unsolicited information, please do not recommend it to students before contacting Megan Mefford (megan.mefford@humboldt.edu). We appreciate all efforts to provide enriching opportunities for our students. Please help us keep our students safe and on track to a timely graduation by using study abroad programs that are vetted and approved. (@11.15.2019)

Mary Oling-Sisay, Vice Provost
Carl Hansen, Dean, College of Extended Education and Global Engagement
Kathy Thornhill, Director of Undergraduate Advising, Career Service and Service Learning and Internships
Alison Holmes, Chair, International Advisory Committee