Policies

By applying to a study abroad or off-campus program that is approved by the St. Norbert College Center for Global Engagement (CGE), you agree to the following CGE policies. Please note that all policies are subject to change.

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Eligibility
Incoming first-year students, first-year transfer students, and sophomore transfer students are eligible to participate in a semester-long program after being enrolled at St. Norbert College for two consecutive semesters immediately prior to the off-campus program. Junior and senior transfer students are eligible to participate in a semester-long program after being enrolled at SNC for one semester immediately prior to the off-campus experience.

Degree-seeking students may participate in Global Seminars (i.e., short-term, faculty-led programs) throughout the duration of their time at SNC. Students may enroll in as many Global Seminars as they wish. Eligibility requirements vary by program.

Several variables are considered during the application process, including (but not limited to):

Grade point average (GPA): Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Some programs require a higher cumulative GPA.
Language proficiency: Some foreign-language programs require coursework in a foreign language or evidence of proficiency (e.g., results of a placement exam).
Academic background: Students may not be on academic probation at any point during the off-campus program.
Disciplinary history: Students may not be on disciplinary probation at any point during the off-campus program.
Goals for the off-campus study experience: Students must author a Personal Growth Plan to focus their growth and development.
Recommendations: Faculty and/or staff members will provide an assessment of students’ academic performance and personal character.
Financial standing: Students’ Bursar accounts must be current (i.e., balance must be zero, an approved payment plan must be in place)

The Center for Global Engagement is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Approved Program List
To benefit from the support of the Center for Global Engagement, students must participate in an approved study abroad or off-campus program.

Students who participate in a summer or January-term program that is not approved by the Center for Global Engagement must navigate through the process (i.e., program selection, application, confirmation of credit transfer, payment) independently.

Students who participate in a semester program that is not approved by the Center for Global Engagement must withdraw from St. Norbert College. Before new study abroad and off-campus programs are approved by the college, the program must be thoroughly vetted to align with the mission of the college and the Center for Global Engagement. Students who decide to pursue a non-approved program must navigate through the process (i.e., program selection, application, confirmation of credit transfer, payment) independently.

Exchange Programs
Spots on exchange programs are not guaranteed. The Center for Global Engagement must be mindful of keeping exchange programs balanced (i.e., the number of outbound SNC students must match the number of inbound international students). Please contact the Center for Global Engagement to determine if spots are available for the exchange program that interests you.

Global Seminars
If the number of applicants exceeds the number of spots available on the Global Seminar, students who are not admitted will be placed on a ranked waitlist. The Faculty Director will update the students on the waitlist as spots become available.

Students who have all St. Norbert College graduation requirements fulfilled (i.e., requirements for major(s), minor(s), the core curriculum program, and 128 credits) at the start of the off-campus experience are considered non-degree-seeking students. The applications of degree-seeking students will be considered before the applications of non-degree-seeking students. Non-degree-seeking applicants will be offered a spot on a space-available basis.

Deadlines
Deadlines vary by program and term. Please review the Events & Deadlines page.

Incomplete Applications
The status of incomplete applications is at the discretion of the Center for Global Engagement. Students who receive an extension must complete their application by the program confirmation deadline (see the Program Confirmation policy).

Late Applicants
Students will not be permitted to apply to a study abroad or off-campus program after the stated deadline.

Program Confirmation
Semester Programs
Students must adhere to the following timeline for fall semester-long programs:

Deadline: March 01
Decision Date: March 10
Confirmation Date: March 20

Students must adhere to the following timeline for spring semester-long programs:

Deadline: October 01
Decision Date: October 10
Confirmation Date: October 20

Students are required to commit or deny their acceptance via their online account by the aforementioned deadlines. Failure to take action on their acceptance could result in program withdrawal. The $400 Study Abroad Fee is non-refundable on the first business day following the confirmation date.

Global Seminars
Timelines for Global Seminars vary by program and are available on each program page. Students are required to pay a program deposit of $500 with their application. This payment confirms participation in the program. The $500 deposit is refundable if a) the Global Seminar is canceled or b) the student does not receive a spot in the Global Seminar.

Students pay the remainder of the program fee prior to departure. Regardless of circumstances, the second payment also is non-refundable.

Program Withdrawal
Before withdrawing from a study abroad or off-campus program, students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor and study abroad advisor. In addition, students must review and consider the host program’s withdrawal policies. The financial implications of a late withdrawal are dictated by the host program’s policies.

Students wishing to withdraw their application after the application deadline must notify the Center for Global Engagement of their intent to withdraw by completing the Program Withdrawal Form. Verbal or email notification will not be accepted. The financial implications of your withdrawal depends on the date that you submit the form. After a student submits the Program Withdrawal Form, the decision is final and cannot be reversed.

Online Account & Email Communication
It is the student’s responsibility to monitor the requirements of their St. Norbert College online account (i.e., TDS) and St. Norbert College email at all phases of the study abroad and off-campus program process: pre-acceptance, post-acceptance, while abroad, and upon return. Failure to complete the requirements of the study abroad and off-campus program process results in possible implications that range from program withdrawal to registration holds.

Semester Programs
Furthermore, it is the student’s responsibility to monitor the requirements of and email from the host program, if applicable. Typically, after you have been accepted, the staff associated with your program will contact you--not the Center for Global Engagement.

Military Science (ROTC) Students
It is possible for ROTC students to participate in Global Seminars and semester-long program. You must work closely with the Military Science faculty and Study Abroad to ensure that you meet all ROTC requirements in the allotted time frame before you graduate. Please begin your planning as soon as possible.

Students From Other Institutions (Non-SNC Students)
Students who are enrolled at WAICU (Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) institutions may participate in SNC study abroad programs (pending availability). You will be billed by and make payment to your home institution. Please consult your study abroad advisor at your home institution for program cost information.

Logistics

Passports
Students must have a valid passport by the application deadline for the study abroad or off-campus program. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the program.

Flights
Semester Programs
Students who participate in semester-long programs are responsible for financing and booking their own round-trip flights. Students may book their flights after a) they have been approved to study abroad by the Center for Global Engagement, b) they have been accepted by their host program, and c) the dates of the program are confirmed.

Global Seminars
Students who participate in Global Seminars may take the optional group flight at an additional cost. Students may also finance and book their own round-trip flights in coordination with the Faculty Director.

Visas
Although the Center for Global Engagement and some host programs provide guidance on visas, students ultimately are responsible for applying for, obtaining, and financing the appropriate visa for their program.

Pre-Departure Orientation
The pre-departure programming offered by the Center for Global Engagement consists of two required sessions for students on semester-long programs and one required session for students on Global Seminars. The in-person sessions are supplemented by online modules. Students who do not attend the mandatory orientation or complete the Google Classroom component will be withdrawn from their study abroad or off-campus program.

Commencement Regalia Policy
Learn more about commencement regalia for students who participate in study abroad and off-campus programs approved by the Center for Global Engagement.

Finances

Program Fees
Students are required to pay the following fees. Students may access a detailed budget sheet by visiting the program brochure.

Semester Programs

Tuition
Study Abroad Administrative Fee
Room (if included)
Board (if included)
Additional fees as outlined on the budget sheet for each program

Global Seminars

Tuition
Program Fee
Additional fees as outlined on the budget sheet for each program

Study Abroad Scholarships
In most cases, St. Norbert College study abroad scholarships and program-specific scholarships are applied as a credit to students’ Bursar account. Please consult with the Center for Global Engagement regarding the award.

Refunds
Semester Programs
Students who withdraw within 20 days after the application deadline (March 01 for fall programs; October 01 for spring programs) will not face financial penalties for their withdrawal. The $400 study abroad administrative fee will not be refunded to students who withdraw after March 20 (for fall programs) or after October 20 (for spring programs). Additionally, further financial implications of a late withdrawal are dictated by the host program’s policies. If a student withdraws from a program after March 20 (for fall programs) or after October 20 (for spring programs), all charges as mandated by the host program will be placed on the student’s Bursar account.

Global Seminars
The $500 deposit that students submit with their application only is refundable if a) the Global Seminar is canceled or b) the student does not receive a spot in the Global Seminar. Students who withdraw after submitting the payment for the remainder of the program fee will not receive a refund regardless of the circumstance.

Costs & Billing
Semester Programs
Regardless of the semester-long program that you choose, you will be charged tuition at the current SNC rate. (Dependent-waiver, tuition-exchange, and Norbertine-waiver students should review our financial policies below.) If housing and/or a meal plan are included in your program, you will be charged at the SNC rates. Additional costs vary by program. Budget sheets may be accessed via each program page.

Students may apply financial aid to one semester of off-campus study. If you wish to spend more than one semester off campus, you must participate in at least one study abroad exchange program.

Billing procedures for students studying abroad on semester programs will continue as if you were on campus. In order to be eligible for a study abroad program, your student account must be in good standing. Contact the Bursar Office with any questions regarding your account.

Global Seminars
The costs for Global Seminars (J-Term and summer programs) vary by program. (Dependent-waiver, tuition-exchange, and Norbertine-waiver students should review our financial policies.) To learn more about the exact costs, access the budget sheets for our Global Seminars via the program pages.

Although students cannot use their financial aid package for Global Seminars, you may consult with Financial Aid to explore additional funding sources.

Billing procedures vary by program. Please reference the timelines for student payments. In order to be eligible for a Global Seminar, your student account must be in good standing. Contact the Bursar Office with any questions regarding your account.

Dependent-Waiver, Tuition-Exchange, & Norbertine-Waiver Students
Semester Programs
Students who receive the dependent-waiver benefit, tuition-exchange scholarship, or Norbertine-waiver scholarship must participate in an exchange program in order to utilize the waiver of tuition. A spot must be available on the exchange program to use the benefit or scholarship.

If you are a dependent-waiver student who wishes to participate in a non-exchange program or an exchange program without a spot, you must pay the actual costs of the host program's tuition, room (if included), and board (if included). If you are a tuition-exchange student or Norbertine-waiver student who wishes to participate in a non-exchange program or an exchange program without a spot, you must pay SNC costs for tuition, room (if included), and board (if included).

Global Seminars
Dependent-waiver students may utilize the waiver of tuition for J-Term and summer Global Seminars (as long as students do not exceed 144 credits and 9 enrolled terms). Tuition-exchange students and Norbertine-waiver students cannot apply the scholarship to Global Seminars. All students still must pay the program fee.

Catholic Link Students
Students who receive the Catholic Link scholarship may apply the scholarship to any approved semester-long study abroad or off-campus program.

Two Semesters of Off-Campus Study
We encourage you to consider spending two semesters off campus--either on the same program or on two different programs. Students who would like to study abroad for two semesters must select an exchange program for at least one of the semesters abroad. If you participate in a non-exchange program, you will not be able to apply your SNC institutional scholarships to your second semester of off-campus study.

Refunds for Credit Balances
Please review the Bursar's policy on refunds for credit balances, as this may affect your timeline for paying costs (e.g., airfare) associated with your program. The Bursar refunds semester loan overage two weeks after the start of your official study abroad program date.

Health

Health Insurance
Students who participate in an approved semester-long or short-term program abroad are automatically enrolled in an international health insurance plan through CISI for the duration of their program. Coverage beings on the first day of your program abroad and concludes on the last day of your program. This coverage is mandatory and cannot be waived. After the Center for Global Engagement enrolls students in the plan, CISI sends an automated email prompting students to create an online account and download the app.

The plan provides up to $500,000 medical coverage, and students are covered up to 100% of reasonable expenses with zero deductible. Additionally, the plan includes political and natural disaster evacuation services. Students are strongly encouraged to review the plan to learn more about getting care, accessing self-service tools, submitting a claim, and benefits and exclusions.

Vaccinations & Immunizations
In addition to the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Health & Wellness Services provides vaccination and immunization information to students via their online account. Students must take responsibility for reviewing and understanding the recommended and required vaccinations and immunizations for their host country or countries. Students may schedule a one-on-one consultation with Health & Wellness Services. Students are responsible for all costs associated with vaccinations and immunizations.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
All U.S. students are required to enroll in the Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP), a service managed by the U.S. Department of State. After registering with STEP, you will receive important safety and security information from the U.S. embassy in your host country. Family and friends also are able to get in touch with you during an emergency situation.

Non-U.S. citizens should explore if the government of their home country offers a similar service.

Recommended Appointment(s)
The Center for Global Engagement recommends that you schedule an appointment with your medical care provider, Health & Wellness Services, and Counseling Services prior to participating in your study abroad or off-campus program. You are encouraged to discuss your physical health, mental health, vaccinations, immunizations, and prescriptions.

Accommodations
The Center for Global Engagement is supportive of students with the need for special accommodations. If you require accommodations, please work with Academic Support Services to grant the Center for Global Engagement access to your documented needs. The earlier that you communicate your needs, the more support the Center for Global Engagement may offer.

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory System
The safety of St. Norbert College faculty, staff, and students is of the utmost importance. Similar to other U.S. universities, St. Norbert College monitors the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory System, which consists of four levels:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security.
Level 4: Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.

To minimize health and safety risks, St. Norbert College has an approved, campus-wide policy to govern college-related international travel. In brief, St. Norbert College does not permit college-related international travel to countries where the whole or any part of the country us under Level 3 or Level 4. Should a Level 3 or Level 4 warning be issued subsequent to receiving approval or while St. Norbert College faculty, staff, and/or students are in the affected country, the International Travel Committee will convene to assess the situation.

Conduct & Academics

General Responsibility: Behavior
All students who participate in a study abroad or off-campus program approved by the Center for Global Engagement must adhere to the academic and behavioral policies that are articulated in The Citizen, the student handbook of St. Norbert College. Students also must adhere to the academic and behavioral policies of their host program.

Alcohol
Students are permitted to consume alcohol in a responsible manner if they are of legal drinking age according to the host country’s laws. Violations of local laws, St. Norbert College policies, and/or the host program’s policies will be considered on a situational basis by the Center for Global Engagement, the host institution (for semester-long programs) or Faculty Director (for Global Seminars), and Judicial Affairs at St. Norbert College.

Drugs
Possession or consumption of illegal drugs (by U.S. definition or by definition of the host country) results in immediate termination of the program at the student’s expense.

Gender-Based Misconduct & Sexual Harassment
St. Norbert College is committed to supporting a learning and working environment that meets the Norbertine values of human dignity and respect. St. Norbert College believes in a zero tolerance policy for gender-based misconduct and all forms of discrimination and harassment including sexual misconduct. Students who participate in study abroad and off-campus programs approved by the Center for Global Engagement are subject to the St. Norbert College Gender-Based Misconduct & Sexual Harassment Policy.

Disciplinary Process
Students who violate St. Norbert College policies on alcohol, drugs, and sexual misconduct are subject to the appropriate sanctioning policy (i.e., Alcohol Sanctioning Policy, Drug Sanctioning Policy, Sexual Misconduct Sanctioning Guidelines) detailed by Judicial Affairs. Students also may be subject to the appropriate sanctioning policy of the host program.

General Responsibility: Academics
All students who participate in approved study abroad and off-campus programs must adhere to the St. Norbert College Academic Honor Code. Students who engage in academic misconduct are subject to the St. Norbert College sanctioning process, as well as the sanctioning process of the host program.

Course Pre-Approval Process
Semester Programs
Students who apply to semester-long study abroad abroad programs are required to complete the Study Abroad Course Pre-Approval Form. As part of this process, you will receive pre-approval for courses in which you might enroll abroad. The document is not a course registration form. Please adhere to the course registration process for your program.

Global Seminars
Students who participate in Global Seminars do not need to navigate through the course pre-approval process.

Add/Drop
Semester Programs
Add/drop policies vary by program. Please consult the academic policies of your host program.

Global Seminars
Students who participate in Global Seminars enroll in only one course. An add/drop process does not exist for Global Seminars. If you wish wish to withdraw from the Global Seminar, please consult the appropriate academic policies.

Minimum/Maximum Credit Enrollment
Semester Programs
A typical full-time student at St. Norbert College enrolls in 16 credits per semester. Students who participate in a study abroad or off-campus program are expected to enroll in 15 to 16 credits. Students who enroll in fewer than 12 credit drop to part-time status, a situation that has negative implications for students’ financial aid packages.

Global Seminars
All Global Seminars at St. Norbert College are worth four credits.

Grading/Grade Appeals
Semester Programs
Learn more about the grading scale at your host institution by reviewing the Grade Equivalency Worksheet for your program.

You must earn the equivalent of a “C” or better to be granted credit at St. Norbert College. Courses in which you earn the equivalent of a “C” or better will be listed on your SNC transcript as transferable (T). If you earn the equivalent of a “C-” or lower, you will not receive credit for the course. Courses in which you earn the equivalent of a “C-” or lower will be listed on your SNC transcript as not transferable (NT).

The Registrar at St. Norbert College does not accept courses from abroad that are graded as pass/fail. You must earn a letter grade in order to receive transfer credit.

Students who wish to appeal grades must follow the policies and procedures of the host program. Please consult with the Center for Global Engagement for support.

Global Seminars
Faculty members who teach Global Seminars use the same grading system as on-campus classes at St. Norbert College. Please consult the Faculty Director of your Global Seminar or your syllabus for more information.

Students who wish to appeal grades must follow the same process as on-campus students.

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
Semester Programs
The four-year graduation guarantee does not apply to students who participate in at least one semester-long study abroad program.