Study Away SAIL Program Student Agreements and Waivers

SNHU OFFICE OF STUDY AWAY

SAIL PROGRAM STUDENT AGREEMENTS AND WAIVERS

1. Application Submission Agreement

  By submitting my application for a Southern New Hampshire University Study Away Immersive Learning (SAIL) Program, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

•  I certify that the information provided in my application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
•  I understand that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into a SAIL Program.
•  I understand that acceptance and continued participation may be contingent upon meeting all academic, conduct, financial, health, safety, and program-specific requirements.
•  I authorize the University to verify my eligibility for participation, including my academic and conduct standing.
•  I understand that the University may require my withdrawal from the SAIL Program if I no longer meet applicable eligibility or participation requirements.
•  I understand that, if accepted, I may be required to complete additional registration and payment requirements with the University’s program provider.
•  I agree to notify the Office of Study Away if any information submitted in my application changes before the SAIL Program begins.

2. Recording and Publicity Release 

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency whereof I hereby acknowledge, I irrevocably grant to Southern New Hampshire University, its affiliates, successors and assigns (“University”) the right to record, photograph, publish, stream live, broadcast, distribute, exhibit, digitize, copyright, license, transfer, reproduce, edit, or otherwise use my name, biographical information, recorded voice, or video, photograph, likeness and/or performance (collectively the “Materials”) in print, television, radio, electronic media and all other forms and media now known or hereafter invented. I agree that such use can be for any purpose at University’s discretion, including without limitation, education, trade or any commercial purpose throughout the world and in perpetuity. I understand that University may edit, modify, alter, or make derivative works of any such Materials. University is permitted, although not obligated, to include my name as a credit in connection with such use. 

To the extent any of the Materials constitute an education record for the purposes of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, (20 U.S.C. § 1232g), I hereby consent to the release of this information to the general public for the purposes set forth above. I also (1) acknowledge that this consent shall remain in effect until I revoke it in writing and deliver such writing to SNHU, and (2) understand that any revocation shall not affect SNHU’s use(s) or distribution of the Materials prior to SNHU’s receipt of the revocation. 

I further release University from any and all claims that may arise regarding the use of the Materials including, but not limited to, any claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, or infringement of moral rights, rights of publicity or copyright. I acknowledge I have no right of approval or inspection, no claim for any compensation arising out use of the Materials and University is under no obligation to use the Materials. 

I hereby covenant, agree, and acknowledge that University is the owner of any such Materials created by University, including the copyrights pertaining thereto and any and all other rights, benefits or privileges arising therefrom, now and hereafter without limitation. 

I warrant that I am age 18 or older and agree to the terms of this release.  

Student Acknowledgment 

 I have read and agree to the Recording and Publicity Release. 

3. Statement of Responsibility and Release from Liability 

I am voluntarily participating in Southern New Hampshire University’s Study Away Immersive Learning Program, referred to below as the “SAIL Program” or “Program.” In consideration of being permitted to participate, I acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions. 

A. Standards of Conduct 

I agree to:

•   Follow the SNHU Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, and other applicable University policies throughout the SAIL Program.
• Follow all instructions provided by the Office of Study Away, Faculty Lead, Site Lead, program provider, and their authorized designees.
•  Follow the applicable rules of host institutions, housing facilities, transportation providers, activity providers, and other organizations involved in the Program.
• Comply with the laws, customs, and standards of conduct of every host location.
•  Familiarize myself with relevant local requirements and recognize that conduct permitted in the United States may be restricted or unlawful in another location.
•  Conduct myself responsibly and in a manner consistent with the educational purpose of the SAIL Program.
•  Attend all required pre-departure meetings, on-site meetings, academic activities, excursions, and other scheduled itinerary activities.
•  Complete all required post-program surveys and documentation.
  

I understand that University policies and conduct expectations remain in effect throughout the SAIL Program. Conduct occurring during the Program may be addressed through applicable University disciplinary procedures.

B. Continued Eligibility 

I understand that a serious University policy violation before departure, failure to complete a required sanction or educational requirement, or a change in my academic or conduct standing may affect my eligibility to participate. 

I understand that:

•  The University may remove me from the Program if I no longer meet participation requirements.
•  Removal may occur before departure or while the Program is underway.
•  I may be responsible for nonrecoverable expenses incurred on my behalf.
•  I may be required to reimburse Program expenses paid on my behalf by the University or another organization.

C. Program Participation Expectations

I agree to:

•  Remain with the Program group at the designated and approved accommodations during the Program.
•  Use transportation arranged or approved by the University or program provider when required.
• Leave the Program group only during designated free time, with any required approval, or in an emergency.
•  Obtain, maintain, and carry all passports, visas, permits, authorizations, vaccination documentation, and other travel or immigration documents required for participation in the Program and for entry into, transit through, and departure from any destination associated with the Program
•  Obtain advance approval from the Site Lead and Faculty Lead before traveling outside an approved destination during the official Program period.
•  Notify the Faculty Lead, Site Lead, or another designated representative promptly if I am separated from the group, delayed, sick, injured, or otherwise unable to participate as scheduled.

 If I become separated from the Program group or miss scheduled transportation, I agree to make all reasonable efforts to contact and rejoin the group at the next available destination. I understand that I may be responsible for resulting expenses.

I understand that SNHU may not be responsible for injury, loss, expense, or damage occurring while I am participating in unauthorized travel, violating Program requirements, or acting independently outside approved Program activities.

D. Removal from the Program 

I understand that the University reserves the right to remove me from the Program if my actions or behavior are determined to:

•  Endanger or adversely affects my welfare or the welfare of another person.
•  Obstruct the progress or educational purpose of the Program.
•  Interfere with the ability of Program leaders to administer the Program. Violate University policy, local law, or provider requirements.
•  Disrupt the Program or the experience of other participants.

Conduct that may result in removal includes, but is not limited to:

•  Intoxication or prohibited substance use.
•  Abusive, threatening, harassing, or inappropriate behavior.
•  Failure to follow safety or travel instructions.
•  Repeated absence from required activities.
•  Conduct that disrupts the Program’s academic or educational purpose.

 If I am removed from the Program, I understand that:

•  I may be sent home before the Program concludes.
•  I may not receive a refund.
•  I may be responsible for transportation and other costs associated with my return.
•  I may be responsible for reimbursing expenses paid on my behalf by the University or another organization.
•  I may be subject to applicable University disciplinary procedures after returning home.
•  If I am a graduating student, a policy violation and any resulting disciplinary process may affect my participation in commencement or related University events.

 E. Withdrawal and Financial Responsibility 

If I cannot participate in or complete the Program, I understand that I may be responsible for nonrecoverable or cancellation costs incurred on my behalf, including expenses associated with:

•  Transportation.
•  Housing.
•  Program activities.
•  Host institutions.
•  Contracted service providers.
•  Other Program vendors.

 I understand that cancellation and refund eligibility may be governed by the policies and contractual terms of the program provider.

F. Academic Responsibilities 

If the Program includes academic credit, I understand that:

•  My coursework and course registration must be approved through applicable University processes.
•  I am responsible for completing all academic requirements.
•  Grades earned through the Program will be recorded according to University policy.
•  Grades earned may affect my grade point average.
•  I remain responsible for satisfying all requirements of my degree program.

 G. Program Changes 

I understand that the University and program provider may need to change the Program, including its itinerary, activities, travel arrangements, transportation, or accommodations, for operational, academic, health, safety, emergency, or other reasons. 

I understand that changes may occur before or during the Program and may be made with limited notice when circumstances require prompt action. 

To the maximum extent permitted by law, I understand that the University, its employees, agents, and program partners shall not be responsible for expenses or losses resulting from circumstances outside their reasonable control including travel restrictions, natural disasters, public health emergencies, or any other emergency conditions affecting the Program. 

H. Third-Party and Institutional Arrangements 

I understand that the University may coordinate with host institutions, transportation carriers, hotels, tour operators, activity providers, and other organizations that provide goods or services in connection with the Program. 

I understand that the University may not control every act or omission of an independent provider or other third party. 

To the maximum extent permitted by law, I release the University from liability for injury, loss, damage, delay, accident, or expense arising from matters outside the University’s reasonable control including the acts or omissions of any independent third-party. 

4. Health, Safety, and Accommodations 

A. Insurance and Medical Expenses 

I understand that Program participants may be enrolled in the University’s international travel medical coverage or an approved provider policy, as applicable. 

I agree to:

•  Confirm which coverage applies to my Program.
•  Review applicable insurance terms, limitations, and exclusions.
•  Maintain personal health insurance as required by the University.
•  Be responsible for expenses not covered by applicable insurance.

 To the maximum extent permitted by law, I acknowledge my responsibility for medical expenses not covered by applicable insurance and understand the limits of the University’s responsibility for such expenses. 

B. Emergency Medical Assistance 

If I become sick or injured or experience another health or safety emergency, I authorize the University, program provider, and their authorized representatives to take reasonable action considered necessary to protect my health and safety. 

Such action may include:

•  Contacting emergency services.
•  Arranging an evaluation by an appropriate healthcare professional.
•  Arranging hospitalization when reasonably necessary.
•  Contacting individuals identified in my SAIL application.
•  Arranging transportation for medical treatment.
•  Arranging transportation to the United States when reasonably necessary and practicable.

 I understand that I may be financially responsible for medical care, transportation, evacuation, and related services not covered by applicable insurance.

C. Student Health Responsibilities 

I agree to notify the Faculty Lead, Site Lead, or another designated Program representative promptly if I experience a health or safety concern that may affect my continued participation. 

I understand that I am responsible for:

•  Bringing any medications, medical supplies, or assistive items I may need.
•  Following applicable laws and transportation requirements governing medications.
•  Reviewing insurance coverage before departure.
•  Communicating urgent health and safety needs during the Program.
•  Promptly reporting a material change in my health that may require planning or support. 

D. Accommodations 

I understand that requests for reasonable accommodations should be initiated through the appropriate University process as early as possible to allow adequate time for review and planning. 

I understand that:

•  Accommodation requests will be considered under applicable University policies and procedures.
•  Accommodations available at an SNHU location may not be available in every SAIL destination.
•  The University and program provider will make reasonable efforts to implement approved accommodations consistent with Program requirements and local conditions.
•  An accommodation may not be available if it would fundamentally alter the Program or create an undue hardship.
•  Advance notice may be necessary to arrange certain accommodations.

 I am encouraged to contact the appropriate SNHU Accessibility Center early in the application process. If an additional accommodation need arises during the Program, I will notify the Faculty Lead, Site Lead, and appropriate Accessibility Center. 

5. Assumption of Risk and Release of Claims 

I acknowledge that participation in the SAIL Program may expose me to risks of property damage, illness, bodily injury, personal injury, crime, political instability, terrorism, or death. 

Risks will vary depending on the Program location, itinerary, activities, accommodations, and forms of transportation. I agree to review the Program itinerary and available safety information so that I can understand the planned activities and associated risks before participating. 

I voluntarily accept the risks associated with Program participation and acknowledge my responsibility to act reasonably and prudently regarding my health and safety. 

Knowing these risks, and in consideration of the University arranging for my participation, I, individually and on behalf of my family, heirs, assigns, and personal representatives, to the maximum extent permitted by law, assume those risks and release, waive, and discharge Southern New Hampshire University, its Board of Trustees, officers, trustees, agents, and employees from liability for claims, demands, causes of action, costs, and expenses arising from loss, damage, or injury to me or my property that results from or is connected with my participation in the Program. 

This Agreement will be construed under the laws of the State of New Hampshire. Any action arising from this Agreement must be filed in the courts of the State of New Hampshire, and the parties personally consent to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of the state of New Hampshire. If a provision is determined to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect. 

6. Eligibility Verification and FERPA Authorization 

A. Eligibility Verification 

I certify that I meet, or expect to meet, the eligibility requirements for participation in the SAIL Program. 

I authorize the Office of Study Away and its designated University partners to verify my eligibility, including:

•  My cumulative grade point average.
•  My academic standing.
•  My conduct or social standing.
•  My completion of required sanctions or educational requirements.
•  Other established SAIL eligibility requirements. 

I understand that the Office of Study Away will make the final Program eligibility determination in consultation with appropriate University offices. 

B. FERPA Authorization 

I understand that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, protects the privacy of my educational records. 

For purposes connected with my participation in the SAIL Program, I authorize the Office of Study Away, Faculty Lead, Site Lead, and their authorized designees to communicate with the emergency contacts and other individuals identified in my SAIL application regarding matters affecting my health, safety, welfare, or Program participation. 

This authorization applies only to information that the University determines is appropriate and necessary to support my participation in the SAIL Program, subject to applicable law and University policy.