Review the process and resources below to plan and lead a successful program.

Process Overview

The Office of Global Citizenship is committed to making international learning experiences, which are known for having a high impact on education, accessible to every Sewanee student. Leading Sewanee-affiliated international or domestic experiences will deepen and broaden faculty members' intellectual engagement with students. Faculty directors are responsible for providing a rewarding academic experience for students as well as securing students’ safety. The role of faculty director is taxing and requires a great deal of planning. 

The information on this portion of the website and in the pdf version of the handbook is designed to prepare faculty and staff (both first-time and more experienced faculty directors) to lead study abroad programs, from preparing the proposal to returning home after the program. The Office of Global Citizenship is here to assist faculty and staff as they propose, manage, and evaluate their study abroad and study away programs.

1. Notify the office of global citizenship

Faculty interested in leading a study abroad program are encouraged as early as possible to consult the Director of the Office of Global Citizenship, their department or program chair, and the Forum Standards of Good Practice.

2. summer, fall and Winter break Guidelines
  • One year in advance - Complete the 
  • Oct. 15 - Proposal for Faculty-Led Experiences due [Includes Risk Assessment (Information & Guidance | Sample Risk Analysis Report)]
  • Oct. 30 - Budget due (Guidelines & Advice)
  • Oct. 30 - Course Proposal Form
    Any new or modified program proposed for credit must be approved by the department chair then submitted to the Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee (CAPC) for review no later than October 30 for fall and summer programs and no later than Feb 15 for Spring and Spring break programs. Programs approved by the CAPC are then presented to the College faculty for approval. Credit for any program abroad, including any independent study credit associated with a program abroad, should not exceed 1.33 semester hours per week of student involvement in a program. Given this standard, a three-week program would yield no more than one course credit (4 semester hours); a six-week program would yield no more than two course credits (8 semester hours).
  • Nov. 30 - Office of Global Citizenship will notify those wishing to lead Summer or Fall study abroad programs whether or not the proposal is approved. Risk assessments will be conducted again closer to the time of the departure for final approval. Leaders of approved programs should supply Supporting Documents for Faculty-Led Experiences.
  • By March 1 - Proposed participant list due to Shawnee Scissom for screening and completion of form for liability waiver (Note: Only waivers issued by the OGC should be distributed to participants for completion.)
  • By March 30 - Leaders of approved programs shall conduct predeparture orientation sessions or work with the Office of Global Citizenship to collaborate on such sessions.
  • Three weeks prior to departure - leaders of approved programs shall submit to the Office of Global Citizenship all necessary student documents, including signed study abroad agreements, liability waivers, and other documents as requested.
3. Spring and Spring Break Program Guidelines
  • As Soon as Possible - Notify Scott Wilson and Shawnee Scissom of your intent to lead a program
  • Feb. 5 - Proposal for Faculty-Led Experiences due [Includes Risk Assessment (Information & Guidance | Sample Risk Analysis Report)]
  • Feb. 15 - Budget due (Guidelines & Advice)
  • Feb. 15 - Course Proposal Form
    Any new or modified program proposed for credit must be approved by the department chair then submitted to the Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee (CAPC) for review no later than October 30 for fall and summer programs and no later than Feb 15 for Spring and Spring break programs. Programs approved by the CAPC are then presented to the College faculty for approval. Credit for any program abroad, including any independent study credit associated with a program abroad, should not exceed 1.33 semester hours per week of student involvement in a program. Given this standard, a three-week program would yield no more than one course credit (4 semester hours); a six-week program would yield no more than two course credits (8 semester hours).
  • Office of Global Citizenship will notify those wishing to lead Summer or Fall study abroad programs whether or not the proposal is approved. Risk assessments will be conducted again closer to the time of the departure for final approval. Leaders of approved programs should supply Supporting Documents for Faculty-Led Experiences.
  • By Oct. 1 - Proposed participant list due to Shawnee Scissom for screening and completion of form for liability waiver (Note: Only waivers issued by the OGC should be distributed to participants for completion.)
  • By Oct. 30 - Leaders of approved programs shall conduct predeparture orientation sessions or work with the Office of Global Citizenship to collaborate on such sessions.
  • Three weeks prior to departure - leaders of approved programs shall submit to the Office of Global Citizenship all necessary student documents, including signed study abroad agreements, liability waivers, and other documents as requested.
4. During the Program 

The OGC provides support for planning for and dealing with a variety of contingencies that might arise over the course of an international experience. Directors must follow university protocols for reporting incidents abroad, which are detailed, along with general guidelines for Working with Students Abroad.

5. After the Program

Within two months of the program completion, faculty leaders should write and submit a post program report. More information can be found in the Faculty Handbook for Developing and Directing University-Affiliated International Experiences with Students‌ (the handbook is currently under review).