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Show i 4 12 CAMPUS May term: Not a vacation, an academic experience RODNEY GLORE STAFF REPORTER r MAY TERM STUDY EXPERIENCES Residency in Paris: a moveable feast - Travel to: Paris, France and London, England The Constrod'on of Capitalism Travel to: Rome, Florence, Paris -- 4 A Concepts in Global Citizenship: Service Learning in Thailand J international and two domestic trips. Emilio Casillas, an alumnus who traveled to Spain in 2012, said, It was less about learning than it was about being exposed to the things you had already learned about. When asked about tomfoolery during May term, he said What happens on a May term trip, stays with the May term trip. Students will have to complete a new required course in Canvas and are required to attend all meetings prior to leaving on their international excursions. The information is distributed to students through the course by video and powerpoint that covers such topics as logistics, health, safety and assumption of risk. Whats more focused on now is that dissemination of information, said Melissa Flores, general counsel for Westminster College. Its now more concrete. Its more pronounced. Although there is no specific reference to alcohol consumption within the course, the question on students minds is can they drink in foreign countries when the legal drinking age is 18? Students should always drink responsibly, said Sarah Demko, assistant provost for international services. But if its legal for individuals under 21 in the country students are visiting, then yes, they can. Students are encouraged to remember what they agree to before going on May term study experiences. According to the May Term and Summer Study Experience 2015 registration form, faculty or staff leaders can dismiss the student immediately at any point for the following behavior: Disruptivedestructive Misuse andor abuse alcohol or drugs Engage in disruptive behavior or conduct Bring the Study Experience or college into disrepute Faculty, staff and students participate in May term trips around the world. Participants visited countries such as England, Spain, France, Cuba, Hawaii and Thailand in 2013 and 2014 to complete service learning activities and extend their academics internationally. Issues surrounding past I "S. May term trips have brought to light the need for concrete expectations and accountability for the newly named May term study experience. Shortly after May term 2014, some students returned unhappy with their international trip experience. Back in September 2014, President Brian addressed these concerns during a brown bag luncheon where he invited students to participate in an open discussion about the future of these May term trips. Levin-Stankevi- ch What was found was a lot of rumor, speculation and built up rhetoric that was whipped into a foam of confusion. When simply put, these meetings were set in motion to create accountability for these Westminster College lead experiences. After these open forums, there was a clearer understanding of what expectations are for both faculty and students going forward with May term study experiences. In prior years, Westminster could have up to 10 international trips offered. This year, it has been reduced to three Students should also understand that a dismissal decision is final, no refund is made and all costs associated with their departure will be the students responsibility. More information about 2015 May term study experiences and future trips can be found at www.westminstercollege.edu global |