1 Introduction
2 Guiding Principles
3 Health & Safety
4 Other Specific Policy
5 Affirm & Submit

  • Student Code of Conduct Agreement

  • 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.

  • Behavioral Expectations & Guiding Principles

    Please read then initial each paragraph.

  • I agree to put safety first, taking care of myself and others. I will ask questions and/or speak up when I feel unsafe or uncomfortable with a situation or activity. Through independent assessment, I will be mindful of the inherent risks and hazards associated with this program. I will preempt health risks by taking responsibility for my own personal hygiene, belongings, and medications.
  • I agree to engage in all aspects of the program fully. I recognize that the quality of my experience is determined by the collective attitudes and commitment of the group. I will continue to actively participate with a positive attitude even when fatigued, emotional, or overwhelmed.
  • I agree to willingly and equally share group responsibilities with teammates. I recognize that no one should assume my share of the workload and that staff members cannot focus a higher percentage of their time and energy exclusively on me.
  • I agree to treat others with respect and recognize that this program will expose me to people with interests, beliefs, backgrounds, and identities that are different than my own. I will not engage in any form of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse; bullying, or discrimination of any kind. I will avoid offensive language and make a conscious effort to be considerate of the perceptions and feelings of those with whom I interact. I will strive to be socially aware and, if necessary, modify my interactions with others to achieve more positive outcomes.
  • I agree to respect the local people and customs of the country in which I am traveling and behave appropriately. I agree to wear clothing that is in line with local etiquette and program expectations. I also agree not to steal, damage, or alter any property that is not my own and help protect the property of others. I will endeavor to protect the natural environment by making choices that reduce my impact.
  • I agree to stand up to and embrace challenging situations and recognize that this will expose me to changes in diet, living conditions and levels of physical activity. I understand that living in the moment is a fundamental expectation of this program and that my attitude will shape everyone's experience.

  • Health & Safety Policies

    Please read then initial each paragraph.

  • 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 Sea|mester has strict policies on the use/storage/transportation of alcohol while aboard the vessel and that the ONLY exception to this alcohol policy 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 shots of spirits 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 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.

  • Other Program Policies

    Please read the following, then add your initials at the bottom to indicate undertanding and agreement.

    1. I agree not to consume, possess, purchase, conspire to purchase, share, or even associate with those using alcohol, tobacco products, vaporizers, illicit substances, and/or prescription or over the counter medications not used as directed. I understand that infractions of this policy will likely result in immediate dismissal from the program without refund.
    2. I agree not to openly discuss topics that others may consider inappropriate. This includes but Is not limited to sexual activity, substance abuse, illegal activity, etc.
    3. I agree not to engage in any form of exclusionary affection or sexual relations during the trip as it often negatively impacts the experience of others. I will respect the rules of my mixed-gender housing, including the policy of maintaining appropriate physical separation.
    4. I agree to stay in my designated sleeping area after lights-out and not disturb those around me.
    5. I understand and support the program’s electronics policy and agree to only use cell phones and other electronics during designated times. The environment we strive to create relies heavily on each individual remaining focused on the group and the experience. Being tied to our modern world of technology and instant communications can, in certain circumstances, be a hindrance to personal and group processes. We seek to “live in the moment” and take full advantage of the extraordinary opportunities. With this mind, we restrict the use of electronic devices during the program. Laptop and/or tablet computers are not allowed, and while we strongly suggest students carry cell phones during travel days, once students arrive on the program all cell phones are collected, even if the phone doubles as a camera, music player and alarm clock. That said, there are times designated for phone calls home throughout the trip (typically every 4 or 5 days), when students can either use their cell or a local landline. iPods or other music playing devices are allowed but may be restricted should staff feel it is in the best interest of the program.
    6. I agree to listen and obey the instructions given by my staff.
    7. I agree to avoid involvement in “cliques” or other exclusive groups.
    8. I agree not to alter my physical appearance or obtain tattoos/piercings.
    9. I agree to stay with my group at all times, except when my staff has expressly allowed solo or small group exploration.
    1. I agree not to openly discuss topics that others may consider inappropriate. This includes but Is not limited to sexual activity, substance abuse, illegal activity, etc.
    2. I agree not to engage in any form of sexual relations during the trip. I also recognize that exclusionary affection often negatively impacts the experience of others. I will respect the rules of my mixed-gender housing, including the policy of maintaining appropriate physical separation.
    3. I understand and support the program’s electronics policy and agree to only use cell phones and other electronics during designated times.
    4. I agree to listen and obey the instructions given by my staff.
    5. I agree to avoid involvement in “cliques” or other exclusive groups.

  • Affirmation

    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 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.

  • Affirmation

    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 brochure, 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.

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