By committing to participate in a Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) study abroad program, I agree to the following.
A. JCMU Policies, JCMU Website, and Program-Specific Expectations. I understand that as a participant in a JCMU program, I am considered a student and that I am responsible for knowing and abiding by the rules, policies, regulations, and expectations outlined in this agreement and outlined below.
Any program-specific conduct and academic expectations outlined by my home institution, JCMU (or its affiliates), program leader, and/or other on-site provider or program staff.
I am subject to JCMU disciplinary codes and processes. In the absence of JCMU-specific policies, I must abide by any Michigan State University (MSU) policies while enrolled in the program and I may be subject to disciplinary action for violations of those policies upon my return to my home institution.
B. Host Country Customs. I will abide by the laws of my host country, community, institution, and program. I will be sensitive to the local social norms and customs. I will treat my hosts and local communities with respect and dignity.
C. Alcohol and Drugs. I must abide by host country laws and local institutional regulations with respect to alcohol and other drugs. Unless permitted by host country law and local institutional regulations, I will not possess, consume, furnish, or distribute any alcoholic beverages. Further, I understand that the Japan Center for Michigan Universities has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to the possession, use, manufacture, production, sale, exchange, or distribution of illegal drugs. Whether a drug is illegal is governed by U.S. federal drug laws, the laws of the State of Michigan, and host country laws. I am responsible for knowing and obeying the laws of the host country, as well as all local institutional regulations, regarding alcohol and other drugs. I will adhere at all times to the JCMU Alcohol Misuse and Drug Policy. I understand that violations of law or policy may result in disciplinary action upon my return to campus and may result in (i) probationary requirements for the remainder of the program abroad; (ii) removal from the program (grade determination will be made by the Sponsoring College's Associate/Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education at MSU in consultation with the JCMU Resident Director, JCMU instructor(s), and other appropriate staff/faculty members at the student's home institution); and/or (iii) academic withdrawal from JCMU for the semester or program in progress.
D. Disciplinary Action. I understand that violations of this Statement of Responsibility, JCMU policies, MSU policies, or policies, regulations, and expectations outlined by my program director(s), host institution, and/or on-site provider(s) may result in disciplinary action on-site and/or upon return to campus, academic consequences, removal from the program, and/or suspension or expulsion from JCMU and/or my home institution. A description of disciplinary procedures is available online on the JCMU Student Handbook - Know Your Responsibility webpage.
E. Program Removal. If it is determined that my continued presence is likely to impede the achievement of program objectives or to disrupt program activity, or that I pose a danger to the health or safety of myself or others, I may face summary removal from the program. Any decision to remove me from a program would be final with no refund and take effect immediately. Housing and transportation back to my home country would be my responsibility and at my own expense.
A. Payments. Upon completion of my application, I will be responsible for the non-refundable application deposit. I understand that my withdrawal after indicating my acceptance of admission may be very costly, and that my failing to turn in all completed acceptance materials and payments in a timely manner may result in my removal from the program.
B. Withdrawal. If I wish to withdraw from the program after receiving admission and indicating my commitment to participate, I understand that I must contact the JCMU Office and complete any required steps necessary to change my status, including a written form indicating my withdrawal. If I withdraw from the program after accepting admission, I will be financially responsible for any non-recoverable costs incurred and/or committed by JCMU and its affiliates on my behalf at the time of my withdrawal. After the program's first day, I will be financially responsible for the entire program fee.
If I withdraw, I will notify the JCMU Office in writing using whatever form is required. The date the form is received by the JCMU Office is the date by which the financial calculation will be determined. If a balance is due at the time of withdrawal, I will pay to cover expenses incurred to that point. If I should decide to withdraw and fail to submit any written notification of my withdrawal and/or fail to show up at the program site, I understand I will be financially responsible for the entire program fee. If I withdraw from the program prior to the program's first day, I will be required to withdraw from my course(s) and will receive a full refund of program and housing fees, less any non-recoverable costs incurred and/or committed by JCMU and its affiliates on my behalf at the time of my withdrawal.
If I withdraw after the program's first day, I will not receive any refunds. If I am put on probation or recessed from my home institution after acceptance, it is my responsibility to withdraw from my program.
C. Credit. It is my responsibility to understand the policies and procedures of my home institution and how they relate to my eligibility, billing, and ability to earn credit for participation in my chosen JCMU program(s)/term(s).
If I am a student of a JCMU consortium, affiliate, or cooperative institution (with an active partnership agreement), I understand that I will remain enrolled in and issued credit through my home institution and MSU will not issue a transcript [i]. If I am a non-JCMU consortium/affiliate/cooperative student, I understand that I will be enrolled at and issued credit through Michigan State University (MSU) as a Lifelong Education student (pending admission granted by MSU) and I am responsible for ascertaining whether and how my home institution will accept such credit.
I will comply with the JCMU course credit requirements and with JCMU's academic policies and procedures. I will maintain enrollment for the duration of the program in the specified courses for at least 12 credits (MSU credits or equivalent MSU credits) for a semester program or the minimum number of credits specified for my short- term program. If I enroll in more than the number of credits included in my JCMU program, I will be financially responsible for any additional tuition charges. If I fail to enroll (or fail to remain enrolled) in the minimum number of credits, I may be removed from the program and/or I will be billed and responsible for paying an additional program fee. Even if I pay this additional fee after completion of the program, I cannot be retroactively (re-)enrolled in my desired courses.
If I miss a substantial portion of the program, for whatever reason, the number of credits awarded and any point or grade deductions will be determined at the program leader's discretion. If I withdraw, depart or am removed from a program before its formal completion, I may be ineligible for academic credit. Should I receive permission to return home early, I may be eligible to receive a grade of "W" on my academic transcript.
[i] Students attending a JCMU consortium, affiliate, or cooperative institution who apply for specific JCMU programs and/or terms may be required to register at Michigan State University for billing and/or credit purposes. If this applies to my JCMU program/term, I understand that I may be required to be enrolled at and/or billed through Michigan State University (MSU) as a Lifelong Education student (pending admission granted by MSU) and I am responsible for ascertaining whether and how my home institution will accept such credit.
A. Travel Arrangements. JCMU may make changes to the program itinerary, including cancellation, at any time and for any reason. I will be responsible for any costs paid to outside agencies (such as airlines or travel agencies) due to such cancellation or change. JCMU is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers or any other associated costs based on operational and/or itinerary changes.
I must confirm departure and arrival times and locations with the JCMU Office. If I travel independently and arrive after the start of the program, I will notify JCMU personnel and am responsible for all academic consequences such as lost class time and assignments. My property is transported at my risk. JCMU is not responsible for travel delays and hassles.
I will notify the appropriate JCMU on-site staff (typically the Student Services Coordinator or Resident Director) of my itinerary whenever I leave the site for longer than one day. JCMU is not responsible for any injury or loss I may suffer when I am traveling independently or am otherwise separated from any JCMU-sponsored activities. If I become separated from the program group, for any reason, I will rejoin, at my own expense, the group at the first opportunity.
JCMU may substitute hotel accommodations or housing at any time. Specific room and housing assignments are within JCMU's sole discretion.
B. Countries with High-Risk Designation. I understand that JCMU, MSU, and/or my home institution may have specific waiver requirements and policies associated with student travel to countries or other geographic areas that have been designated high-risk. It is my responsibility to confirm any such policies and requirements before making plans to travel and to complete any processes necessary to apply for a waiver (if available). Furthermore, I understand I am not permitted to travel independently to a country or geographic area that is designated high-risk unless I have been granted a waiver by all appropriate institutions.
C. Accompanying Family Members. JCMU is not responsible for providing support for accompanying non- participants, e.g. spouses/partners, parents, and children. I am advised to obtain international health insurance for any accompanying non-participants. Such persons cannot attend classes or other activities formally associated with the program. If such a person disrupts the program, it may be grounds for my removal from the program.
D. Health. I will be responsible for my own health maintenance. In the event of illness, accident, or emergency, I will inform an appropriate program official so that assistance may be secured and so that my designated emergency contact may be notified. If changes to my health occur prior to program participation but after submission of the JCMU Participant Health / Emergency Treatment Authorization Form, I agree to submit an updated form to the JCMU East Lansing Office as soon as possible.
E. Housing Infractions. In the event of infractions of housing regulations and/or behavior that negatively impacts the housing situation, the Consequences For Student Conduct Issues procedures will apply. If I am removed from housing, I may be removed from the JCMU program. If I am removed from housing but remain in the program, I will be responsible for locating and paying for alternative housing. No refund of the program housing will be granted. If alternative housing cannot be found, I will be removed from the program and forfeit academic credit and any financial refund. If JCMU becomes aware of or is invoiced for damage to on-site housing (including host family property, hotels, etc.), the responsible student(s) will be held financially accountable, the costs will be invoiced to the student(s) or their home institutions, and credits and grades will be withheld.
F. Unauthorized Absences. Attendance and engagement are indispensable parts of the education abroad experience and academic consequences as outlined in the course syllabus and JCMU Student Handbook will apply. Unauthorized absences may be considered an emergency situation and the emergency contacts listed on my application may be contacted. Failure to attend any required program activities (including field trips, classes, guest lectures, etc.), will not be considered an official withdrawal from the program and I will be held to the refund policies outlined in section 2. B. Withdrawal.
G. Demonstrations and Protests. As a condition of participation in my JCMU program(s), I agree to not participate in and to avoid any demonstrations and protests. Even those with peaceful intentions may become unsafe and/or involve negative confrontations with local law enforcement. If I am accidentally caught up in a demonstration, I agree to leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so. If I have any questions or concerns about civil unrest before my program or while abroad, I know that I should contact the Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security at Michigan State University. If I participate in a local demonstration or protest, I understand that I am subject to local laws and may be subject to disciplinary action by JCMU, MSU, and/or my home institution.
A. Acknowledgement of Risk. I understand that international travel has varying degrees of risk that are dependent on location and unpredictable events such as natural disasters as well as my own conduct. I am aware that I may contact the JCMU Office and/or the MSU Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security for assistance with travel planning and emergency preparedness. Recognizing the risk of loss and serious injury that could occur, I affirm that the decision to travel internationally is my own choice.
B. Release of Claims and Indemnity. For myself and all those who may claim through me, I release JCMU and its member institutions (and their agents, employees and representatives) from liability for all injuries, illnesses, and losses, including death, I may sustain to my person and/or property, which are in any way connected to my program participation, except as regards any claim of "gross negligence" that is actionable under Michigan's Governmental Tort Liability Act. I further agree to defend and hold JCMU and its member institutions harmless with respect to any loss, claim or expense it may sustain by reason of my behavior.
C. Governing Law. Any dispute arising from this Statement will be determined according to Michigan law.
D. Waiver - Release of Information. In the event of an emergency or urgent circumstance, if I cannot be reached, I authorize United States governmental personnel to release information concerning my welfare and whereabouts to JCMU. By this authorization, I waive all rights otherwise provided by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, including 5 USC section 522(b)(8).
I acknowledge that I have had an opportunity to ask any questions I have about this Statement of Responsibility (and all related policies and procedures referenced therein), that I have read and understand it, that I accept its terms, and that I have signed it knowingly and voluntarily.
(Last updated: March 6, 2024)
JCMU Application
Portal
Advising
Appointments
Stories &
Testimonials
Program Alerts &
Announcements
