Faculty Handbook

Major behavior problems

Michigan State University expects study abroad participants to abide by the laws, regulations, and customs of the host country, community, institution and program.  There are certain areas under which the program leader, local resident director or designated MSU staff has the authority to immediately dismiss a student from a study abroad program. 

The following behaviors are among those that should result in immediate dismissal from the program (see Procedures for Immediate Dismissal):

1. conduct that violates Michigan State University’s General Student Regulations
2. violation of the laws, rules and regulations, or customs of the host country, community, institution and program
3. behavior that is disruptive and detrimental to the group learning process and academic success of the program
4. conduct that damages or destroys property of another person, institution or organization
5. behavior that gives the program director and the MSU Office of Study Abroad reasonable cause to believe that the continued presence of the student in the program constitutes a danger to the health or safety of themselves, persons or property or threatens the future viability of the program
6. repeated offenses or severe infractions of the housing rules and regulations as established by the local facilities
7. alcohol misuse (as defined previously under “Alcohol use and misuse”)
8. physical or sexual assault
9. harassment
10. possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs
11. setting a fire or possession of explosives
12. possession of a weapon, including BB guns and knives
13. theft
14. repeated bad behavior for which the student has been warned in writing

Drug use and alcohol abuse and misuse

MSU has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the possession, use, manufacture, production, sale, exchange or distribution of illegal drugs by students participating in MSU study abroad programs.  It is illegal for a student to possess, consume, furnish, manufacture, sell, exchange or otherwise distribute any alcoholic beverages except as permitted by host country laws and local institutional regulations.  Alcohol misuse and abuse are not tolerated anywhere in the world and will not be tolerated on MSU study abroad programs.  Violation of local laws and/or MSU regulations or policies may result in (i) immediate dismissal from the program; (ii) academic withdrawal from the University for the semester in progress; and (iii) disciplinary action upon return to campus.  (This section is taken from item #1 text of the Statement of Responsibility that all students sign.)

The following provides guidelines for responsible alcohol use.  This message is reinforced at the OSA general pre-departure orientations and should be emphasized during your program-specific orientation.  In addition, responsible use of alcohol should also be discussed at the on-site orientation. 

Alcohol misuse is defined as any use that is harmful or potentially harmful to self or others. 
Alcohol abuse is planned, systematic misuse of alcohol.

What is “alcohol misuse?”  Alcohol misuse is present when:

1. A student misses any scheduled event because of the effects of alcohol consumption;
2. A student becomes ill due to the effects of alcohol consumption;
3. A student is disrespectful of others sharing the same housing, and congregates with loud groups for social purposes;
4. A student engages in inappropriate behavior toward other individuals that is the result of alcohol consumption;
5. A student engages in destructive behavior toward property that is the result of alcohol consumption;
6. A student does not abide by the laws of the country in which he or she is staying;
7. A student engages in behavior that causes embarrassment to the other members of the group, the faculty member(s) or the in-country host(s) as a result of alcohol consumption;
8. Students in a group facilitate/encourage or ignore a fellow student who is misusing or abusing alcohol; or
9. Students transport quantities of alcohol to program sites with the intent of sharing the alcohol with members of the group.

Program leaders may chose to report the above behaviors for judicial actionthrough MSU’s Department of Student Life through the online reporting form. If a formal complaint is filed by the program leader, the student will be contacted by a Student Life staff member once he/she returns to campus and the judicial process will begin. If found responsible for violating University policy, the complaint and its resolution will become a formal part of the student's MSU record and could be available to both internal and external offices on a need-to-know basis.

Alcohol misuse and abuse will not be tolerated on MSU study abroad programs. 

Students are encouraged to use good judgment if consuming alcohol at private homes or other accommodations during non-program hours. If members of the group are abusing alcohol, students are encouraged to discuss these issues with the program leader or resident director.  Peers should look out for each other and keep each other safe.

If a student becomes incapacitated due to alcohol overuse, or if he/she is in need of medical attention, others are strongly encouraged to contact a local emergency medical service, program leader or resident director immediately, in order to protect the health and well-being of the affected student.  The individual needing medical attention will be referred for assistance to address issues of chemical use/abuse. Peers are encouraged to make the responsible choice to notify program or emergency personnel quickly.  The person (or persons) making the call will not be subject to disciplinary action.

This policy also includes program leaders. No OSA funds may be used to purchase alcohol.  If students are individually purchasing alcohol at a group function, it is your responsibility to monitor responsible alcohol use by both you and the students.  While you are not ultimately responsible for an individual student’s drunkenness, you can be liable if shown to encourage consumption.  As a program leader you are in a position of authority and responsibility and you must be capable of addressing an emergency should it arise.  As a result, it is strongly advised that you do not consume alcohol at such functions. 

Participation in and/or accompanying students to social events that involve excessive consumption of alcohol implies that drunkenness is acceptable and sends a contradictory message regarding responsible drinking.