Student Travel Agreement

Stonehill students and alumni who have been accepted into a Stonehill College recognized program which includes domestic travel, international travel or both must read, understand, and sign the following in order to participate. Please note, this form does not apply to NCAA team travel.  

"Stonehill" is understood to refer to the President and Trustees of Stonehill College and its officers, employees, agents, and instructors. This is a release of legal rights. Read and understand before signing.  

[A] Statement of Personal and Financial Responsibility  

I have been accepted to participate in a Stonehill College recognized program which includes domestic travel, international travel, or both. I accept my admission to the program and agree to abide by the following statement of responsibilities:  

1. Alcohol and Drugs. As a participant in a Stonehill College program, I must abide by all host country laws and local institutional regulations with respect to alcohol and other drugs. Unless permitted by host country law, local law, and local institutional regulations, I will not possess, consume, furnish, or distribute any alcoholic beverages. I am responsible for knowing and obeying the laws of the host country, local law, as well as all local institutional regulations, regarding alcohol and other drugs. I understand that violations of law or policy may result in sanctions up to and including immediate dismissal from the program or immediate dismissal from Stonehill College without academic credit. I am also subject to additional guidelines set forth by the program Director and staff leaders.  
2. Community Standards. I must abide by the Stonehill College Community Standards as well as all applicable Stonehill College policies, rules, and regulations while participating in the program and I may be subject to disciplinary action for violations of those policies upon my return to campus.  
3. Host Country Customs and Laws. I will abide by the laws and customs of my host country, community, institution, and program. I know that I need to be sensitive to the social mores of the host culture. I am also, if applicable, subject to the disciplinary codes and processes of the host institution. I also recognize that I am subject to any and all rules of the program in which I am participating and am subject to the terms of any agreement I executed directly with the host program or institution.  
4. Dismissal. If I seriously disrupt the group learning process, or if my behavior gives the program director or sponsoring faculty member reasonable cause to believe that my continued presence in the program poses a danger to the health or safety of persons or property, or impedes, disrupts, or obstructs the program in any way, I will face immediate dismissal without academic credit. Unless otherwise provided in the agreement with the host institution or sponsoring organization (other than Stonehill College), return transportation would be at my own expense. The host institution or sponsoring organization (other than Stonehill College) will determine whether and in what amount I will receive a refund.  
5. Travel Arrangements. The College may make changes to the program itinerary, including cancellation, at any time and for any reason. The College is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers or any other associated costs based on operational and/or itinerary changes. If I travel independently and arrive after the start of the program, I will notify my program leader and am responsible for all academic consequences such as lost class time and assignments. I must confirm departure and arrival times and locations with my program leader. My property is transported at my risk. The College is not responsible for travel delays and inconveniences. If applicable, the College is not responsible for providing support for accompanying non-participants, i.e., spouses, parents, children.  If I become separated from the program group, for any reason, I will rejoin, at my own expense, the group at the first opportunity. With respect to a Stonehill College controlled program, the College may substitute hotel accommodations or housing at any time. Specific room and housing assignments are within the College’s sole discretion. I further acknowledge that Stonehill assumes no responsibility or liability for my conduct, activities, or travel plans prior to the commencement of the program or after the conclusion of the program or the costs associated therewith. The College is not responsible for program changes made by third-party host institutions or sponsoring organizations. In the event of any such program changes, the third-party host institution or sponsoring organization will determine whether to issue a refund and in what amount. Any dispute related to such program changes and/or refund is between me and the third-party host institution or sponsoring organization.  
6. Fees. If a registration fee, other administrative fee, advanced partial or full program payment, or any program related fees or deposits have been required for my program, I will be responsible for all such fees. I understand that my withdrawal after submitting this Agreement Form 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 and the forfeiture of any fees or deposits paid.   
7. Withdrawal. If I withdraw from the program after accepting admission, I understand that I must submit written notice to the program leader at Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street, Easton, MA 02357. I understand that in the event of my withdrawal, for any reason, I shall be responsible for any nonrecoverable costs incurred and/or committed by the College. I understand and accept that the College, in its sole discretion, will determine the nature and extent of any non-recoverable costs, and such nonrecoverable costs may include the entire program costs. If a balance is due to the College at the time of my withdrawal, I agree to pay the College all money due. I understand that failure to pay the College money due may impact my standing at the College, including, but not limited to, my ability to continue to attend the College or receive my degree.  
8. My Health. I am responsible for understanding and maintaining my own physical, mental, and emotional health. I am responsible for completing the required Travel Health and Safety forms with Health Services prior to my departure. Additionally, I will adhere to all recommendations designed to protect my health and the health of those around me. In the event of serious 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. I am responsible for all costs arising from or related to any illness, accident, or emergency that arises.  
9. Waiver. If, while traveling internationally, an emergency situation arises and I cannot be reached, I authorize U.S. Embassies and Consulates to release information concerning my welfare and whereabouts to Stonehill College. In authorizing this release of information, I hereby waive any requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, specifically including 5 USC 522(b)(8).  
10. Release of Claims and Indemnity. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Stonehill College Acknowledgment of Risk and General Release Form and said form is incorporated herein by reference.  
11. Governing Law. Any dispute arising from this Agreement will be determined according to Massachusetts law.  

[B] Acknowledgement of Risk and General Release  

I have chosen to undertake the Program voluntarily. While I may have independently chosen to enroll in a program with a travel requirement, I was not required to elect a program with a travel requirement as a condition of receiving a degree from Stonehill College. This form confirms my understanding of, and agreement with, the following:  

I understand that participation in the Program and travel involves risks not found in study at Stonehill. These include, without limitation, risks involved in traveling to and within, and returning from, domestic and international locations; foreign political, legal, medical, social, and economic conditions; different standards of design, safety, and maintenance of buildings, public places, and conveyances; and local weather conditions. The location(s) to which I will travel may have health and safety standards that differ from those found at Stonehill College, and I recognize that I may be subjected to potential risks, illnesses, injuries, and even death. I have made my own investigation of these risks, understand these risks, and assume them knowingly and willingly.  

I also acknowledge that in working, living, and traveling in cities domestic and abroad, I may experience problems associated with urban living, including increased crime, pollution, high population density, or standards of living and health standards that are different from those to which I am accustomed. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to take every precaution to safeguard my health and to protect my personal belongings from damage or theft. I acknowledge that Stonehill recommends that I never travel alone, particularly at night. Being alone, especially at night, may present additional danger to my safety and well- being. Although Stonehill is providing funding and administrative assistance for the Program, Stonehill’s evaluation of the placement has been solely on its mission-related merits. And while Stonehill has conducted a review of the Program and has made a decision to engage in the Program, I understand that I must independently evaluate whether the Program will take place in a safe and secure environment by my own personal standards.  

I acknowledge the risks associated with disease, epidemics, and pandemics. I further acknowledge and agree that there is no way to fully prevent my exposure or potential infection from various viruses that may be present in the area(s) to which I am traveling. I am aware of my personal medical needs and will follow CDC guidelines and mandates from my host country’s public health officials to protect myself. Further, I understand that my host country may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test and/or COVID-19 vaccination prior to issuing a student visa; boarding an aircraft; or arriving to my destination country, and that it is my sole responsibility to obtain sufficient documentation of such. I understand that I may incur cancellation or withdrawal costs if I am unable to do so. I am prepared, either personally or through my insurance carrier, for unexpected costs associated with any such related delays, interruptions, cancellations, or government-mandated COVID-19 testing and quarantining requirements. Last, I understand that I must abide by all health and safety rules and policies, whether related to COVID-19 or not, as dictated by my program, host institution, or host country’s public health officials, and further understand that they may alter or impact the original delivery mode of the program and/or any personal travel plans I may make. I will take steps to mitigate any financial impact.  

I understand that the above-mentioned items are not inclusive of all possible risks associated with my participation in the program and that the above in no way limits the extent or reach of this release and covenant not to sue.  

If applicable, I have read and understood the information on the State Department website at: Countries and Areas List - United States Department of State about the country or countries to which I am traveling, including the U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet and the State Department Travel Warnings (if applicable). I have also reviewed the CDC health advisory information relating to travel abroad found at Travelers' Health | CDC.  

I recognize that I assume an important personal obligation to conduct myself in a manner compatible with Stonehill’s Community Standards and local laws and regulations. I promise to act responsibly. I will become informed of, and will abide by, all such laws, regulations, and standards. I understand that the College is not responsible for providing assistance in the event of my detainment, arrest, or placement in deportation proceedings. The College is not responsible for fines, fees, expenses, or monetary penalties that I may incur as the result of my personal misconduct. If I am detained, arrested, placed in deportation proceedings, or face any fines, fees, expenses, or any monetary penalty related to my personal misconduct, I understand and agree that the payment of those fines, fees, expenses, or monetary penalty is my personal responsibility.    

I understand that Stonehill does not represent or act as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of, any host family, host employer, transportation carrier, hotel, tour organizer, or other provider of food, goods, or services involved in the Program. I understand that Stonehill is not responsible for matters that are beyond its control, and that it cannot warrant the safety or convenience of the circumstances under which I will be living, working, or traveling.  

Knowing the risks described above, I agree, on behalf of myself, my family, heirs, and personal representative(s), to assume all the risks and responsibilities surrounding my participation in the Program. To the maximum extent permitted by law, I release, hold harmless and agree to indemnify Stonehill and its trustees, officers, directors, faculty, staff, representatives, employees, and agents, from and against any present or future claim, loss, or liability for injury to person or property which I may suffer, or for which I may be liable to any other person, related to my participation in the Program (including periods in transit to or from my destination), resulting from any cause, including but not limited to negligence or the negligence of third parties.  

[C] Domestic/International Travel Medical Statement  

Stonehill College uses this information to provide appropriate assistance to you should the need arise during your travel experience. It is important that we be aware of any medical problems (past or current), including mental health conditions, which might affect your ability to participate in the program. This information will be kept confidential in accordance with the law. Any disclosure of such information will be made only to appropriate individuals and handled with the highest level of discretion in order to protect your privacy. Relevant information will be shared with program staff, leaders, or appropriate professionals as it relates to your health and safety.  

Please be on notice that certain health tests, screenings, and vaccinations may be recommended, and in some cases required, prior to participation in certain programs.  

1. Disabilities. I understand that if I have a disability, I may be eligible for accommodations to facilitate my participation in my program. If I wish to request an accommodation, I understand that I must contact the Stonehill College Office of Accessibility Resources at least eight (8) weeks prior to my scheduled departure date in order to discuss any requested accommodations. I understand that failure to provide Stonehill College the necessary time to evaluate, research, and implement accommodations may affect my ability to participate fully in my desired program.  
2. Health and Emergency Authorization. I authorize Stonehill College, through its agents and representatives, to release any and all information contained in the online Stonehill Travel Agreement Form to any and all appropriate health care professionals or other appropriate individuals in connection with health, welfare, and medical treatment. In the event that I need emergency medical care, hospitalization, or surgery while participating in the program, I authorize Stonehill College to secure any necessary treatment. In some cases, access to medical care may be more than 24 hours away and services may be limited.  

I certify that all responses made on this form are complete, true, and accurate, and I understand that if there are any changes in my health status, I will complete and submit an updated form.  

I am in good health and I have no physical or psychological limitations that would preclude my safe participation in the program. I understand that I am required to maintain adequate health, accident, disability, hospitalization, and travel insurance during my participation in this program and that I must provide Stonehill College documentation and proof of insurance prior to my departure, such proof may include a photocopy of the back and front of my health insurance card.