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JCMU Community Health Commitment

International travel entails some level of risk regarding the spread of illness and disease. The Japan Center for Michigan Universities, the Office for Global Health, Safety and Security (Global Safety), and the Risk and Security Assessment Committee (RSAC) closely monitor health advisories, travel restrictions, and government regulations that might affect JCMU programs.

Health risk mitigation is a shared responsibility. You must follow the requirements and recommendations outlined in this agreement as well as those issued by your home institution, JCMU on-site staff, and/or Japanese authorities. This is crucial to maintaining not only your health abroad but also the health of your peers, on-site staff/faculty, and members of local communities.

Only you can decide if studying abroad is the right choice for you and your health. We hope this agreement and information provided prior to departure will help you make an informed decision. You are strongly encouraged to discuss your decision with your family, health care professionals, your academic advisor, JCMU, and Global Safety.

Commitment

This JCMU Community Health Commitment is in addition to the JCMU Statement of Responsibility. In the event of any conflict between the two documents regarding health protocols, this JCMU Community Health Commitment will supersede.

  1. I understand that common infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19 and its variants, influenza, etc.) are contagious, and there is no guarantee that I or others on my program will not become infected.
  2. I am responsible for abiding by the following principles and public health precautions:
    1. I will maintain proper hygiene and health practices including washing my hands frequently or using hand sanitizer, routinely cleaning and sanitizing my living space, using the bend of my elbow or shoulder to shield a cough or sneeze, and refraining from shaking hands.
    2. I will follow the advice and directions of all on-site staff, JCMU partner institutions, and local public health authorities. Such advice might include:
      • Wearing an appropriate face covering over my nose and mouth indoors except when alone in my place of residence or while eating or drinking.
      • Maintaining six feet of distance between myself and others to the maximum extent possible.
    3. I will monitor myself for flu-like symptoms (for example, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, sore throat or loss of taste or smell). If I experience any flu-like symptoms, I will stay at my place of residence and take proper steps to limit exposure for others. I will inform JCMU on-site staff and consult with International SOS or other health services, as needed.
    4. I will follow all applicable state and public health guidance, and I will cooperate with public health authorities. I understand that JCMU, Shiga Prefecture, and/or local public health authorities in Japan may require that I participate in contact tracing, surveillance, and/or screening/testing for certain diseases in the case of an outbreak.
    5. I will adhere to all posted signage regarding health protocols.
  3. I understand that I am responsible for researching, understanding and abiding by all restrictions and regulations for crossing international borders (including returning to the U.S.). I am responsible for all consequences and financial costs associated with not being able to fulfill entry/re-entry requirements. Consequences for improper or insufficient documentation could include denial of entry, return to the U.S., quarantine, or additional disease testing. Any costs associated with such will be my personal responsibility. I understand that I must follow all local restrictions and the public health precautions described above while traveling independently.
  4. Should I need to be placed in quarantine during the program JCMU on-site staff will strive to provide appropriate housing for the duration of the quarantine at no additional cost. However, it is my financial responsibility to pay for any additional costs due to local health regulations or restrictions, including any costs incurred due to quarantine and associated testing.
  5. I understand that it is my responsibility to talk to my primary care physician about whether traveling abroad is advisable given my personal health circumstances and personal risk tolerance.
  6. I understand that the program may be suspended at any time (including during the program) should it be warranted by public health conditions. I am responsible for understanding all cancellation policies associated with my participation, including those for flights, housing, program fee, or travel arrangements. It is my decision whether to purchase supplemental trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
  7. I understand that if I do not follow the requirements outlined in the JCMU Statement of Responsibility, including this JCMU Community Health Commitment, a report may be sent to my home institution and I may be subject to disciplinary action on-site and/or upon return to campus, academic consequences, removal from the program, and/or suspension or expulsion. A description of disciplinary procedures is available on the Consequences for Student Conduct Issues section of the Know Your Responsibility page. I understand that I am also subject to the institutional practices of my host institution, if applicable.

I acknowledge that I have had an opportunity to ask any questions I have about this Community Commitment, that I have read and understand it, and that I accept its terms.

(Last updated: March 6, 2024)