The following is a sample student agreement form. To learn more about the expectations we have for our student's conduct, fill out the sample form as though you were fully completing it (you will not be able to submit this sample form), and call us if you have any questions.
This document outlines our expectations for successful participation in the program. While we specifically mention certain infractions, the broader goal of the agreement is to describe what we believe are the guiding principles of acceptable behavior in our environment.
We encourage you to take the time to read through each section, reflect on your personality, beliefs, perspectives, and attitudes and consider how you will work within these guidelines to enhance your experience as well as the experience of those on your team. We also urge you to think about the natural consequences of breaking the agreements by making poor decisions. These can include declining relationships, missed opportunities and in extreme cases financial loss if we had to ask a student to leave.
We only require the document to be signed by you (the enrolled student), yet strongly recommend that you discuss our expectations with your parents or others that are supporting you in joining our team. To aid this conversation, upon submission we will email a copy of your signed Code of Conduct Agreement Form to those stakeholders you included on your original application.
I understand that the group’s health and well-being in large part rely on my arriving in good health and remaining in good health throughout the program. For this reason, I agree to follow the requirement of the program to limit interactions with others for the period of time specified in the Pre-Trip Protocols prior to the program start date, perform daily temperature and health checks, and submit the Pre Trip Self Certification form prior to travel. Throughout the trip, I also agree to follow the requests of my staff as it relates to infectious disease prevention, including but not limited to social distancing, daily health checks, undertaking a COVID-19 test, personal hygiene, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
It is our policy to create and maintain an environment in which our staff and students can pursue personal, social, academic, cultural, and interpersonal growth without fear of sexual, physical, mental, and/or emotional exploitation, assault, harassment, or discrimination.
Sexual harassment is prohibited conduct and is unlawful. Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. The following list contains examples of prohibited conduct. They include, but are not limited to:
Racial/ethnic/religious/age/sexual orientation/gender harassment or discrimination is prohibited. This includes threats, insinuations, innuendo, demeaning jokes, slurs, or other offensive statements or conducts based on race/ethnicity/religious or spiritual affiliation/age/sexual orientation/gender directed at other staff, students, locals, and/or classes or groups.
Anyone who believes s/he has been the subject of any of the above policy violations, or who has observed, or suspects prohibited activity, must immediately report the incident(s) to a Program Manager, Director, or Executive Director. Allegations will be promptly investigated, to the extent possible, in a confidential manner. Violations of the above policies may result in severe disciplinary penalties and/or immediate dismissal. Reporting will be in accordance with the law.
I recognize that it is Sea|mester’s policy to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace for students and staff. I understand that illegitimate use, abuse of, storage or transportation of any physically or cognitively altering substance is strictly prohibited. This includes alcohol, marijuana, marijuana derivatives (irrespective of local laws), and the sharing or abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, or other substances. I accept that violations of this policy may lead to expulsion from Sea|mester and the University of South Florida without refund and, depending upon severity, may result in the violator being referred to public authorities for prosecution.
To ensure the security of the vessel and safety of all aboard, I support the fact that the Program Director, Program Manager or captain of the vessel reserves the right to conduct random or all-inclusive drug testing. I understand that I must be capable of passing a drug screening test from the day that I join the vessel through the date that I depart.
I understand that the ONLY exception to the alcohol policy outlined above is made at times and in places ashore explicitly deemed appropriate by the Program Manager for students who are both:
1. A minimum of eighteen years of age
2. Have attained the minimum legal drinking age of the country we are visiting
I understand that students of age (as defined above) will be allowed to consume limited amounts of alcohol while ashore during designated times and accept that spirits (mixed cocktails or shots) are not included in this provision. For health and safety reasons, I understand that consumption is expected to be limited and agree to be responsible for keeping myself within safe limits.
I recognize that consumption deemed to be excessive, unsafe or falling outside of this policy as it pertains to the type of alcohol or time of consumption may result in expulsion from the program.
To help promote a healthy environment, I understand that the use of any tobacco product (including but not limited to vaporizers, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco, and gum) are prohibited aboard any vessel, including yachts, dinghies, kayaks, and windsurfers. I know that tobacco products are also prohibited in any vehicle that is owned or leased by Sea|mester. I understand that for those students eighteen years and older, tobacco product usage is allowed on regular shore leave, although no shore leave for that specific reason will be granted by the staff if it should conflict with other program activities such as meal times, classes, group activities or designated study times.
For reasons of personal and group safety/security as well as the promotion of a happy and healthy living environment - I affirm that I will conduct myself within the boundaries of these agreements and policies, as well as those on the website, and in the Participant Terms and Participant Participation Agreement, and will bring any infractions that I am aware of to the attention of my staff.
I understand the importance of personal integrity and agree to be honest and truthful at all times. I understand that deviating from any of these behavioral expectations, guiding principles, and policies will result in disciplinary action. This can range from a verbal warning up to and including violators being referred to law enforcement authorities and/or dismissal from the program without refund. These decisions will be made at the discretion of the Program Manager and/or the Program Director.
For reasons of personal and group safety/security as well as the promotion of a happy and healthy living environment - I affirm that I will conduct myself within the boundaries of these agreements and policies, as well as those in the student handbook, website, and Participant Terms and Participant Participation Agreement, and will bring any infractions that I am aware of to the attention of my staff.
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