Introductory Information
1. Lamar University’s International Education Fee
As approved by the 72nd legislature of the State of Texas, the students of Lamar University may vote to levy an international education fee every long semester. The funds collected, according to the legislative provision, may be used only to assist students who seek to participate in international study abroad programs. As a consequence, Lamar students not only have an opportunity to study in foreign countries, but they also may apply for financial support through the university’s International Education Fee Grant (IEFG) program. No funds generated from student fees shall be used for administering the program.
2. Definition
Study abroad will include any academic work completed outside of the United States of America, which, in terms of quality and subject matter, satisfies both the course and degree requirements expected by Lamar University.
3. Awarding Authority
The Director and the Advisory Committee of Global Studies and Study Abroad will serve as the awarding authority for the IEFG program. The Director will be appointed at the rank of Associate Dean, and the Advisory Committee will be comprised of five members of the student body appointed by the President of the Lamar Student Government Association, two faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences, and one faculty member from each of the other four colleges within the university.
4. Student Eligibility
a. Applicants must be enrolled in good standing or be admitted to a designated degree-granting program.
b. Applicants must be enrolled as an active full-time student at Lamar University at the time of the application.
b. Applicants must hold a minimum 2.0 grade point average if an undergraduate student or a minimum 3.0 grade point average if a graduate student.
d. International students, like all other Lamar students, are eligible to apply for an IEFG; however, no money will be awarded to international students for study at Lamar University or for study in their home country.
e. Applicants either on academic/disciplinary probation, or who have delinquent financial obligations to Lamar University are not eligible for an IEFG award.
f. Applicants must be Texas Success Initiative (TSI) compliant.
g. Applicants who apply to study-abroad program offered through another university must be certain that the credit hours earned at the foreign institution of higher learning are fully transferrable to Lamar University. As part of the application process, a Lamar student must confer with his or her home department chair and with the respective department chairs who have signature authority in those other academic disciplines that pertain to the courses which the student plans to study abroad. All parties must agree in advance that the credit hours earned at the designated foreign institution are transferable to Lamar and are pertinent to the student’s chosen degree plan.
h. Applicants must submit a completed application form, sign an acceptance agreement, and provide the relevant Transfer Certification Form signed by the appropriate department chair and college dean approving the earned hours for transfer to Lamar.
5. Contractual Agreement
Students who apply for and are subsequently awarded an IEFG must agree to the following conditions:
a. Successfully complete the academic requirements of the course or program and earn a passing grade for each college credit.
d. Dutifully obey all rules and regulations of the organizers and sponsors of the international program.
b. Adhere to all laws, rules, and regulations of the host country and host institution.
c. Obtain health insurance to include repatriation insurance in so much as neither Lamar University nor the Texas State University System is liable for repatriation expenses in the event of injury or death.
e. Accept personal responsibility for safety and health and to exercise prudent behavior given that all international travel involves potential risks to one’s well being and security.
f. Indemnify Lamar University, the Texas State University System, and the State of Texas and its agents from any liability arising from participation in any international program or activity.
g. Inform the Director of Global Studies and Study Abroad of any change in plans concerning the international program of study and further to understand that if the applicant elects not to participate in the course specified in the application after being awarded a fee grant, for whatever the reason might be, the student is obligated to return in full the entire amount of the IEFG.
h. Refund all or part of the IEFG in the event of failure to fulfill contractual requirements.
Failure to comply with the above stipulations may result in punitive action against the student, penalties which may include, but are not limited to, suit for repayment of fee grant award, submission of complaint against a student to the Office of Student Life for disciplinary action leading to suspension, prohibiting a student from future registration, or blocking a student’s records. Criminal violations will result in referral to appropriate authorities for immediate action.
6. Completion of Program
Evidence of completion shall consist of a passing grade submitted by a Lamar University professor and entered into a student’s academic record or an official transcript issued by the host institution.
7. International Education Fee Grant Awards:
IEFG awards must be approved by the Advisory Committee for Global Studies and Study Abroad.
a. As required by the Texas Coordinating Board for Higher Education, Lamar University students who enroll in study abroad university-level credit earning courses must know that more than 50% of the actual course contact hours will be met outside of the United States.
b. Also, Lamar University students who enroll in study abroad courses or programs organized by other institutions must provide evidence that the credit hours earned at foreign institutions of higher learning are fully transferable to Lamar for academic credit.
8. Right to Change Policies and Guidelines
Lamar University reserves the right to change the policies and IEFG guidelines (items 1-7) as circumstances require. Modifications may range from altering the selection criteria to revising all other conditions and terms. Updates will be made public through the Global Studies and Study Abroad website, but only after they have been approved through the appropriate administrative channels. The Director and the Advisory Committee seek to institute efficient and fair guidelines for IEFG awards, and to that end, both are quite willing to propose changes to avoid unintended results that conflict with the program goals of promoting international educational experiences for Lamar University students.
|
