Faculty
We have the great fortune to be at an institution that deeply values international education. Preparing students to be global citizens requires a diverse faculty with strong intercultural skills and an eagerness to engage globally in research, teaching and collaborations. It also requires skilled and knowledgeable advisers who are passionate about international education.
All faculty and our academic advisors can encourage students to gain international experience by participating in one of our reciprocal exchange programs, intensive language programs, faculty-led programs, internships or international service learning opportunities
Faculty interested in getting involved globally may want to explore teaching, conducting research or participating in a professional development seminar overseas. The U of A offers over 40 short term faculty-led programs every year in more than 25 countries. In addition, faculty may apply for grants to serve as visiting professors with our partner institutions.
International Independent Travel Registration
Role of the Academic Advisor
One of the greatest barriers to study abroad is the perception that the credit earned abroad will not apply towards degree requirements and will extend the time needed to graduate. Academic advisors play a critical role in helping students assess how credits completed during a study abroad program may apply towards the student’s major, minor, or general electives. Planning is key.
The Initial Advising Process
As incoming freshmen, students should be encouraged to consider study abroad as part of their undergraduate experience. Advisors from every discipline should point out the value of making this type of investment. Study Abroad takes considerable planning and advisors can look at their overall degree plan and help students see when it would make the most sense to study abroad and what degree requirements might be best met while abroad. Strategically planning course selections as a freshman and sophomore can allow for a semester or year long study abroad program.
Advisors can also encourage students to learn as much as they can about study abroad opportunities and to review the process of researching, applying, and preparing to study abroad. Students just getting started can meet with peer mentors who will help them review options and understand the process so that they can become better equipped to meet one-on-one with a study abroad advisor.
Credit Pre-Approval Process
Academic advisors are asked to review course descriptions and determine how courses taken abroad might be applied towards a student’s degree plan. The pre-approval of credit to be transferred in from a study abroad program is essential to a student’s ability to secure financial aid and scholarships.
Prior to meeting with an academic advisor, students may use the Registrar's page to look up the appropriate U of A equivalent courses (look for the name of the institution providing the transcript in both English and the institution’s foreign language title if you unable to find it in English). If courses are not listed on the Registrar's database, students should work with the appropriate department by sharing course information (course number, description, and/or syllabus) to determine the appropriate equivalent.
Advising a Returning Study Abroad Student
The study abroad process doesn't end when a student gets home! Students who complete coursework at a foreign institution often need advising help upon returning from study abroad. The student's complete academic record with transfer credit from a host institution may not be updated until three to four months after the program ends. Students may need help processing overrides for courses with prerequisites they completed abroad. Transfer credits may also need to be manually entered in to the students degree audit.
Useful Resources
- Transfer Credit Equivalency Guide, hosted by the Registrars Office.
- Scholarship information for students
In addition to leading a U of A study abroad program, faculty and staff interested in teaching, conducting research, or gaining professional experience abroad should carefully consider the opportunities below.
Fulbright Scholar Programs
The U.S. Fulbright Scholars program offers nearly 470 teaching, research or combination teaching/research awards in over 125 countries, varying in duration from 2 to 12 months.
Fulbright International Education Administrators Seminars
The International Education Administrators (IEA) seminars help U.S. international education professionals and senior higher education officials create empowring connections with the societal, cultural and higher education systems of other countries. These seminars are typically 2 weeks long and deadlines vary by country.
Visiting Professor Programs
- University Studies Abroad Consortium visiting instructors: USAC encourages applications from faculty at member institutions (U of A is a member) to teach 1-2 classes at study abroad program sites. Applications are considered annually for summer and semester terms. The deadline is December 1. Contact Director of Study Abroad for details.
- Kansai Gaidai University Visiting Professor Program: our exchange partner in Osaka, Japan, offers teaching positions for one semester in a variety of disciplines.
- Aarhus University guest lecturer program: our exchange partner in Denmark offers teaching positions for their summer programs in Business Administration and Business and Economics.
- Essex International Visiting Fellowship Program: our exchange partner in England offers short-term and long-term fellowships for research fellowships at their Colchester campus.
Faculty Development Seminars
- Council for International Education Exchange (CIEE) offers 1-2 week long seminars in 20+ countries during the summer and in early January to assist faculty in enhancing their syllabi, internationalizing the curricula, and increasing global understanding.
- USAC Faculty International Development Awards are available to faculty to enroll as a full participant in a summer study program; grant covers most expenses. Contact Director of Study Abroad for details.
Study Abroad Staff Grants
USAC offers Study Abroad Staff Grants (SAS) for university staff to spend 2-4 weeks at a study abroad program site. Application deadline is mid-February. Contact Director of Study Abroad for details.
Developing a Short-Term Faculty Led Study Abroad Program
Proposing a Program
All University of Arkansas faculty who intend to lead, co-lead and/or teach a University of Arkansas study abroad program must complete the appropriate Study Abroad Program Proposal through the HogsAbroad online portal. All programs and participating faculty must get the approval of their college, department chair(s) and dean(s), and are subject to review by either the International Education Advisory Council (IEAC) or the Rome Center Academic Advisory Committee.
Effective fall 2020, the University of Arkansas will launch a new General Education Core Curriculum which includes a global learning standard (Goal 4: Expand diversity awareness, intercultural competency, and global learning; Learning Outcome 4.1). New programs and repeat programs are strongly encouraged to clearly link their course offering(s) to Learning Outcome 4.1 so that students may receive core credit for participating in your program.
Special Note for Repeat Programs
Effective fall 2019, the IEAC approved a three-year renewal process for repeat faculty-led programs as long as their are no significant program changes, which are defined as:
- A significant Change in location (e.g. different country)
- A significant itinerary change
- A change in academic content
- A change in on-site support
- New faculty leadership
In other words, a faculty-led program may be renewed on a three-year basis without the high level of scrutiny at the college/university levels.
General Process Timeline
18-24+ Months Prior to Proposed Start Date
- Review guidelines and attend a seminar on developing a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program (offered each semester by Office of Study Abroad, contact slmalloy@uark.edu for details).
- Discuss your interest in offering a study abroad program with your Department Head and the dean or office responsible for approving study abroad programs.
- Make yourself aware of all college procedures, funding opportunities and related college deadlines for faculty who want to develop a short-term study abroad program.
- Develop a program concept (what, why, where, when).
12-18 Months Prior to Proposed Start Date
- Meet with the Office of Study Abroad (STAB) to identify potential program providers
- Draft tentative program itinerary to send to prospective program providers
- Secure a co-leader for your program
Proposal Deadlines
February: College-level review of proposed study abroad program & course offerings for the following calendar year. Connect with your college's international programs office or liaison.
March:University-level review by International Education Advisory Council (IEAC, a campus-wide Provost Committee) of proposed study abroad program & course offerings for the following calendar year.
Important: All program fees associated with faculty–led study abroad programs must be approved several months ahead of intended program start date in order to be posted on UAConnect. Advanced planning is essential.
Approval Procedure
- Begin a Study Abroad Program Proposal in the HogsAbroad Portal. Each faculty leader will select only one of the Program Proposals by clicking the "Apply Now" button on that page.
- Faculty leaders will complete all items within the application, including questionnaires, material submissions and signature documents.
- Soon after the proposal deadline, the completed submission will be sent to your College, followed by the International Education Advisory Council (IEAC).
- Shortly after the proposal deadline, you will have a budget meeting with the Director of Study Abroad to set a program fee. Be prepared to bring quotes from your program provider or host institution based on the most up-to-date itinerary.
- Once reviewed by your college and IEAC, your proposal's status will change again to reflect the committee's decision.
Learning Objectives
While each faculty-led study abroad program at the University of Arkansas is unique, all share at least three key objectives:
- to enhance traditional learning through international travel experiences;
- to develop students’ knowledge and abilities aimed at interacting appropriately within intercultural contexts and engaging with complex global systems and issues;
- to create meaningful experiences that advance students’ academic, professional, and personal goals.
In this way, faculty-led study abroad programs meet the specific learning goals of academic departments and programs, promote the University’s general education mission, and serve the individual needs of students.
Faculty-led study abroad programs meet these objectives by incorporating the learning indicators listed below into their syllabi. Faculty preparing study abroad courses and programs are asked to indicate how their course content addresses these indicators and how they assess student learning for each indicator.
Upon the completion of the study abroad program students will meet all of indicators 1-4:
- Describe the relevance of the program destination to the course content.
- Describe cultural differences and similarities between the program destination and the United States. This understanding should embody perceptions from both local and U.S perspectives. (Aligns with general education outcome 4.1a)
- Describe key factors that have shaped the program destination’s culture, society, and values, including but not limited to its history, politics, economy, beliefs, and practices. (Aligns with general education outcome 4.1b)
- Reflect and articulate on the ways in which the study abroad experience has shaped
and/or supported the student’s academic, professional, and personal goals.
Upon the completion of the study abroad program students will meet at least one of indicators 5,6, or 7: - Engage in the cultural environment of the program destination by having a meaningful interaction using the country or region’s native or principal languages, or by experiencing and reflecting on a cultural event, institution, or practice. (Aligns with general education outcome 4.1c)
- Describe key ways in which global trends and challenges have impacted the program destination’s culture, economy, politics, or society. (Aligns with general education outcome 4.1d)
- Describe key ways in which the program destination’s culture and society have been shaped by interactions with outside nations or other external cultural groups. (Aligns with general education outcome 4.1e)
Guidelines for Developing Programs
Approved by IEAC on 3/15/2018
The following guidelines apply to all University of Arkansas (UA) faculty proposing to lead a credit bearing program outside of the United States. The policies and procedures below have been approved by the International Education Advisory Council (IEAC) and endorsed by the individual colleges/schools.
Initial Considerations
Faculty should first
- Consider your area(s) of academic expertise and knowledge of intended country destination to be able to create and justify an engaging study abroad offering;
- Consider potential program locations carefully, being sure to review all country information and travel advisories provide by the U.S. State Department.
- Consult with the appropriate college dean or office responsible for approving study abroad programs. Be aware of your college’s strategic priorities for study abroad to determine if your background and experience qualifies you to be considered for a program.
- Discuss plans to propose a study abroad program with your department curriculum committee to determine if the program fits the curriculum and needs of the department and its students.
- Discuss plans to propose a study abroad program with your department head to determine if the investment of time and resources will be acknowledged and supported by the dept.;
- Consider the personal commitment of time to be away from family for the duration of the study abroad program. (Refer to "Companion Policy.")
- Consider what program model would be most appropriate for delivering the desirable academic and experiential content you envision;
- Consider what year and term you would want to lead the program for the first time (need 18-24 months lead time); and which fits the curriculum and the audience of students you intend to serve
- Review all guidelines for proposing a short-term faculty led program and follow up with your college IEAC representative and the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange to address any preliminary questions or concerns.
Program Models
The selected term, intended program itinerary, and total contact hours awarded will determine the number of course credit hours that may be awarded for a study abroad program.
While the colleges have ultimate authority over approving the content and rigor of the proposed course(s), the IEAC has set standards for the overall study abroad program itinerary.
Study Abroad programs are expected to adhere to the same standards as any class taught on campus: (refer to ADHE guidelines in Academic Policy Series……):
- 1 semester credit for each 12.5 class hours of lecture
- 1 semester credit for 37.5 hours for experiential learning, internships or international service learning*
*Colleges may establish higher standards for the courses they approve to be offered in a study abroad program.
A study abroad program that intends to offer 3 credits must include a minimum of 10 days in country, excluding travel, and a minimum of 4 hrs. of on-campus pre-departure orientation.
An international travel program organized for less than 10 days in country should be developed either as a non-credit experience or as an embedded component of an on-campus semester course.
The program itinerary must include excursions, lectures and cultural activities that take full advantage of the host culture. Free time should be notated as such and does not count as part of the course contact hours.
Examples
- A full 3 credit hr. intersession class may be taught on-campus in preparation for another 3 credit-hour class that would be delivered in-country in the adjacent term. The program could still be marketed as a 6 credit-hour study abroad program.
- A 6 credit-hour summer session study abroad program could include a combination of on-campus and in-country delivery, provided that the time in country is more than 50% of the 75 classroom contact hours expected (see credit standards above).
- A spring break trip will not qualify for academic credit on its own, but it can be included as an embedded part of the on-campus course. Proposals for embedded international travel programs are subject to the same guidelines as a credit bearing study abroad program and must be administered through the Office of Study Abroad.
Faculty Compensation
Salary compensation is based on the courses taught and normally does not take into account the planning and preparation, student recruitment, nor the expectation that the faculty must be available 24 hours per day, every day for the duration of program travel.
Short Term Programs
For courses taught during intersessions or summer sessions, compensation will be provided by the college’s summer school salary and requires approval with the understanding that the minimum enrollment and projected tuition is intended to cover the anticipated salary, unless otherwise pre-negotiated with the college dean’s office.
- For every 3 credit-hour course taught during the intersession or summer sessions, the named instructor of record, assuming a 9-month appointment, is provided 7.5% of his/her annual salary + benefits during the term when the study abroad program is offered, and assuming the course meets the pre-determined minimum enrollment.
- A secondary instructor of record either will not be compensated or the two instructors will each receive 3.75% during the term when the student abroad program is offered, unless otherwise negotiated with the faculty’s department chair and dean’s office.
- A maximum of 15% of the annual salary will be paid if the instructor of record teaches 6 credit hours and each course meets minimum enrollment.
- Faculty or staff on 12-month appointments do not receive additional compensation for teaching on a study abroad program.
Faculty teaching abroad for a program longer than 5 weeks and teaching more than 6 hrs. must negotiate appropriate compensation with their dept. chair and college dean well in advance of program confirmation. If the pre-determined minimum enrollment is not met by an established deadline, the program either will be cancelled, or the faculty may be offered the option to take a reduced salary as negotiated with the department chair and the dean’s office.
For risk management purposes, it is generally expected that the study abroad program will budget for one primary faculty leader and a second faculty or staff member who may or may not have teaching responsibilities.
Faculty who offer programs and travel with students but will not actually serve as instructor of record for any courses typically do not receive salary compensation. However, in the absence of any projected tuition (i.e. when credit is awarded by a partner institution,) faculty who stay in country with students as full-time support for 4 weeks or more are eligible to request compensation up to 7.5% to be paid directly out of program fees, but only with the approval of the departmental chair and dean’s office.
Direct travel costs and living expenses for approved faculty (and staff) co-leaders will be prorated into student program fees for the program.
- Costs to be covered include round trip airfare; visa; lodging (single accommodation); meals (standardized meal allowance provided); study abroad insurance; in-country transportation and excursions included in the program itinerary; and a pre-approved international cell phone/data plan to be added to faculty’s current cell phone. Hotel internet fees may be included in the cost of faculty lodging, provided these fees are included in the confirmed program fee.
- Faculty leaders are responsible for passport; vaccinations/medications required or recommended; any additional transportation and parking; and any personal expenses not required to meet expectations of the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
A course/program proposal must be approved through regular departmental and college procedures, and the course proposal should be reviewed by departmental/program curriculum committee and must be approved by the department/unit chair and dean’s office prior to submission.
The Proposal to Offer a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program to be submitted into the Hogs Abroad portal and reviewed by the International Education Advisory Council (IEAC) will require the faculty leaders to submit course syllabi and program outline, and to articulate overall program learning objectives and outcomes that relate both to the content of the course and to the location where the course(s) will be taught.
For guidelines on developing a course syllabus, please refer to the Teaching and Faculty Support Center Syllabus Workshops. Course syllabi should follow any additional departmental or college guidelines.
The learning outcomes must incorporate the full program itinerary, specifically connecting the lectures, excursions, cultural activities, and involvement with locals to those outcomes.
The faculty leader’s sponsoring college may have additional criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of the courses and overall program proposal in meeting the college’s priorities.
Faculty must justify any intentions to offer Honors credit as part of the college course approval and program Proposal that is reviewed by the IEAC. Honors courses or Honors sections should go through standard departmental and college honors course evaluation and approvals.
Interdisciplinary Study Abroad Programs
Interdisciplinary programs are encouraged but they ideally would be sponsored by a "lead" college. Courses with cross-college credit, and/or with faculty/instructors from one or more colleges must be approved by the faculty co-leader’s departments and dean’s offices. The program’s lead college must be willing to assume responsibility for any unintended/unplanned surpluses or deficits at the end of a program, even though the cost centers will reside in the Graduate School and International Education (GSIE)., faculty are encouraged to invite co-leaders from other departments or colleges who could contribute to a successful academic experience and attract students from other majors.
Proposals for jointly sponsored colleges should include a supporting letter of cooperation articulating the roles, responsibilities and fiscal commitments of each college.
In the case that faculty co-leaders are from different colleges, each must secure the support of their dean and meet all deadlines and requirements developed by their college for study abroad program approval; approval letters from both units are required.
Programs that are developed in order to rotate faculty among a variety of disciplines across colleges (i.e. international service learning programs) may be sponsored under the Graduate School and International Education. In these cases, GSIE will assume responsibility for any unintended/unplanned surpluses or deficits at the end of the program.
University of Arkansas Rome Center
The University of Arkansas Rome Center provides opportunities for faculty to teach and/or conduct research throughout the year. UARC courses catalogs are decided up to 2 years in advance in order to attract students who need to know how credit will apply to their degree. Refer to "Guidelines for Teaching Opportunities at the University of Arkansas Rome Center."
Partnering with a Program Provider
Any new faculty led study abroad programs must be run in cooperation with a partner institution or program provider that meets the expectations for good fiscal and risk management as recognized by the IEAC. 24 hour emergency response must be available in-country for the duration of the program.
Faculty interested in developing a study abroad program should consult with the Office of Study Abroad early on to identify potential program providers who may already have an established relationship with the UA and would therefore require less review.
All contracts for travel arrangements and services must be negotiated through the Office of Study Abroad and approved by the UA Business Affairs Office. This process can take several months.
Program Fees
All program fees charged to UA students must be approved by the Board of Trustees are expected to be cost neutral. In the case of study abroad programs, the Board has designated the UA System Office to review and approve all related proposed fees.
Program fees must be submitted to central administration 6 months prior to intended program start date. Therefore, program budgets must be developed far in advance.
Some colleges may allow faculty to conduct a planning trip ahead of the program. With the approval of the dean, the program budget may include a line item for "planning trip" or the college may provide another source of funding in order to keep the proposed student program fee as low as possible.
Program Development
- Review all college guidelines for proposing a short-term faculty-led program.
- Attend faculty seminar on “Developing a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program” (offered once a semester; see Calendar for Study Abroad Faculty Leader Seminars)
- Meet with Department Head to discuss time commitment and inclusion in work load assignment.
- Develop program concept (what, why, where, when) and draft syllabi and course outline.
- Work with Office of Study Abroad (STAB) to identify a potential program provider or host partner institution to oversee program in-country. Final selection of the program provider (vendor who will invoice us for arrangements and support in country) is subject to the review of the Office of Business Affairs.
- Draft program itinerary to share with potential program providers and initiate contractual arrangement if appropriate once provider is selected.
- Secure a faculty or staff co-leader for the program.
- Submit all documentation required by college to be approved to move forward with a study abroad program proposal (this may include a request for funding).
- Prepare and submit the Request to Offer a Short-term Study Abroad Program with co-leader for review by IEAC.
- Confirm the course titles/numbers and instructors of record to be offered as part of the program and approved by department head.
- Work with STAB on budget for program fee, establishing the minimum and maximum number of participants.
Student Recruitment
- Prepare short program description(s) and identify photos that can be used for marketing purposes and the program webpage on the STAB website.
- Attend faculty seminar on “Student Recruitment and Selection for a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program.”
- Confirm eligibility criteria for students and determine rolling admission vs. a competitive selection with a priority deadline.
- Familiarize yourself with the scholarships (and deadlines) that might be available to your prospective student participants so that you are able to respond to questions.
- Participate in the annual Study Abroad Fair.
- Arrange for class visits.
- Hold student information sessions.
- Link departmental website to program’s page on the Study Abroad/Hogs Abroad website.
- Meet with prospective students to answer questions or concerns.
- Review completed applications in HogsAbroad portal to recommend, deny or waitlist.
Pre-Departure
- Confirm enrollment (signed payment agreements) with Office of Study Abroad (STAB).
- Secure salary compensation agreement with dept. head and college dean’s office.
- Work with Office of Study Abroad to secure travel arrangements with designated travel agent
- Review country information, visa requirements, and all recommendations from the Center for Disease Control
- Meet with confirmed participants to provide program overview, discuss course expectations, review itinerary, and answer questions.
- Remind departmental admin to include you in the Summer Workload (or Intersession)
- Complete the in-country contact information required for the customized PSEC which is incorporated into the STAB Emergency Response Plan for faculty-led programs; confirm back up instructions for late arrivals.
- Agree on cash advance needed for group funds and personal meals with STAB.
- Review procedures for filing a Travel Expenditure Report upon return.
- Hold mandatory pre-departure orientation for participants with STAB.
- Review class rosters to ensure that students are properly registered.
- Create a Facebook Page and/or an email list to include names provided by confirmed participants to provide occasional updates and photos while to group is in-country.
Guidelines for Faculty Teaching in Rome
Approved by the Rome Center Advisory Committee and International Education Advisory Council January 2019
The University of Arkansas Rome Center (UARC) is administered by the Graduate School and International Education (GSIE). The Rome Campus has NO central administrative funding and functionally operates as an auxiliary unit with all financial resources derived from participating student fees. Program offerings consist of an expanding standing catalog of courses and focused ‘programs of study’ developed and offered periodically by U of A campus faculty to supplement the standing curriculum in Rome.
The following guidelines have been established for University of Arkansas faculty proposing to teach courses at the UA Rome Center. This document has been approved by the International Education Advisory Council (IEAC), Rome Center Academic Advisory Committee and endorsed by the individual colleges/schools.
U of A Faculty Proposal Deadline
Proposals to teach in Rome are due APRIL 1 (for the next calendar year and beyond)
Proposals submitted by April 1, 2019 will be considered for teaching during May/Summer 2020, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. This cycle will repeat annually.
Initial Considerations
Faculty should first
- Consider their area(s) of academic expertise and knowledge of Rome, Italy, and the region to be able to create and justify an attractive study abroad offering;
- Consider what year and term (spring or fall semester, May intersession, summer sessions) they would want to teach (need 18-36 months lead-time);
- Consider the time needed to recruit, mentor and prepare students prior to departure. Much responsibility falls to faculty to engage and recruit a minimum number of students for their course offering.
- Discuss plans to propose the courses with their department chair/head to determine if it is supported and would be approved by the department.
- Determine if their college has its own internal guidelines for proposing faculty taught courses in Rome and understand that process and timeline;
- Meet with the Rome coordinator in the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange (STAB) to address any additional questions.
Course Program Models
UARC will maintain a set of courses for general studies to be taught by Rome Center Faculty (mostly core and electives) during the fall, spring and summer terms. U of A Campus faculty are invited to propose two to three upper-level courses for the semester or one to two courses for the summer that will attract a minimum cohort (12 to 15) of students to support the course offering. Students typically enroll in a combination of courses taught by U of A campus faculty and UARC faculty to attain full-time enrollment.
Teaching may occur in one of three session formats
May Intersession teaching assignment
The typical teaching assignment for the May intersession is one, 3-credit course. The summer session teaching assignment at the Rome Center closely resembles a faculty-led study abroad experience and includes increased student-faculty interaction.
Summer 5-week session teaching assignment
The typical teaching assignment for a summer session is two, 3-credit courses. The summer session teaching assignment at the Rome Center closely resembles a faculty-led study abroad experience and includes increased student-faculty interaction. Historically, the first summer session constitutes an 'open campus' program where students enroll in 6 credit hours taught by a variety of visiting faculty & Rome Center resident faculty. Proposals in this term may include one or two classes to be taught together (in a 'block') or separately (meaning, students would take one of your classes and one class taught by another faculty member). Each course will have to meet the minimum enrollment set forth by the college.
Semester teaching assignment
The typical teaching assignment expectation is two, 3-credit courses. Faculty teaching in Rome would also be expected to fulfill other work expectations of their normal assignment including their normal expected scholarship (research or creative activity), maintaining regular office hours, supporting the activities of the department, and participating as an active faculty member with the Rome Center faculty.
Academic Expectations
Teaching at the UA Rome Campus is fundamentally different than teaching at the UA campus and requires more faculty preparation and involvement. It requires the faculty to be more self-sustaining, flexible, available and resilient.
The “Rome Center Program Proposal,” is located in the Office of Study Abroad’s “Hogs Abroad” portal and will require the faculty leaders to submit course syllabi and to articulate overall learning objectives and outcomes of the proposed courses.
Faculty Led Program Development Information and Application
The learning outcomes must incorporate proposed additional class travel or excursions with a suggested itinerary, to be confirmed with the Rome Center Director, specifically connecting the lectures, excursions, and cultural activities to those outcomes. The faculty’s sponsoring department or college may have additional criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of the courses and overall program proposal in meeting the department, program, or college’s priorities. Faculty are expected to participate in field excursions that are scheduled for students.
Faculty Assignment at the U of A Rome Center
A UA campus faculty teaching at the Rome Campus is approved by way of a joint agreement between the campus department/college and the Rome Campus.
- Student credit hours for all instruction in Rome are assigned to academic units on campus even when they are taught by Rome faculty. The assigned location is the U of A Rome Campus, not the UA FAY campus.
- The primary beneficiaries are the students and the program reputation of the Department/College.
- A secondary benefit to the U of A campus faculty being in Rome is for their scholarship and/or other relief of normal campus duties (committee assignments, etc.). This is a joint activity – the primary benefit is to the Department.
- Salary for U of A faculty teaching for the semester is paid for by the home department/college. It is not the responsibility of the U of A Rome Campus.
- This is the assigned teaching responsibility for that faculty member.
- The Rome Campus, GSIE or Study Abroad are not responsible for replacement teaching faculty to cover any U of A on-campus responsibilities of the faculty while they are assigned to teach at the Rome campus.
- Any “fill” faculty/instructors are the responsibility of the Department/College of that faculty member.
- For semester classes, no additional compensation is provided as teaching is considered assigned teaching workload.
For intersession and summer sessions, compensation is provided by the college’s summer school salary and is approved with the understanding that the minimum enrollment and projected tuition will cover the anticipated salary.
- For every 3-credit hour intersession or summer session course, the named instructor of record, assuming a 9-month appointment, is provided 7.5% of his/her annual salary + benefits.
- Faculty or staff on 12-month appointments do not receive extra compensation for teaching at the Rome Center during an intersession or summer session and this should be considered part of the assigned work load responsibility.
- Direct travel costs and living expenses approved expenses for U of A faculty are prorated into student program fees.
- For Intersession/summer teaching - Costs to be covered include round-trip airfare; mileage to/from and parking at XNA, lodging (single accommodation); meals (up to $60 per day), in-country transportation and additional expenses for planned class excursions.
Housing is provided in reasonable proximity to the Rome Campus for that faculty member for the duration of the teaching assignment. Housing is paid for by the student fees.
This does not include any family, partners, or friends.
Housing is provided only for the duration of the courses/program being taught.
There may be income tax implications for the U of A campus faculty depending upon domestic housing situation.
The Rome Campus provides an Italian cellphone for local use only – not international use.
The Rome Center sponsors several events with food including welcome reception, a picnic and faculty dinners.
Faculty costs NOT covered include passport; vaccinations and medications required or recommended; daily meal expenses during the semester, local transportation in Rome, any personal or nonteaching related travel, and any personal expenses not required to meet expectations of the courses.
Enrollment and Recruiting
Faculty play a large role in recruiting students. Typically, enrollment below 12 students per class is subject to cancellation, unless otherwise negotiated with the department/unit chair and appropriate Dean’s office.
It is expected that a proposed faculty program will recruit a minimum of 12 students to justify a course offering and cover the faculty’s travel/living expenses.
If fewer than the minimum of 12 are enrolled, then an additional agreement with department/unit leader and dean must be made.
For a program to operate while under-enrolled, the department/unit/college must agree to subsidize any expenses incurred on behalf of the faculty which are not covered by student fees. This includes the transportation and housing that is provided to the faculty (see below).
These agreements should be made in-advance of a decision for the course to proceed and be made with a written agreement. Otherwise, the courses/program cannot be offered without the Rome Center incurring significant debts.
Program Fees
The program fees for the Rome Center are U of A System Board approved fees and are determined in order to cover the costs of instruction, travel and accommodations for the teaching faculty, planned excursions, and other courses and programs for students.
Additional Considerations
- UA campus faculty teaching at the Rome Campus are expected to follow all policies and procedures of the U of A campus and those expressed in the U of A Faculty Handbook.
- Instructors should meet with the assigned classes at the assigned times and locations.
- Instructors should post and keep regular weekly office hours at the Rome Campus to meet with students.
- Faculty are expected to participate with the Rome Campus faculty in academic meetings and committees.
- The Rome Campus has a very small administrative staff and their ability to assist with instruction (such as photocopying) or other personal requests for assistance may be limited.
Faculty Timeline for Proposing Courses in Rome
Semester Programs
24-36 months out from the term you would lead a program:
- Review all guidelines provided by GSIE and college for teaching at the UA Rome Center.
- Attend seminar on “Developing a Faculty led Study Abroad Program” (offered once each semester by Office of Study Abroad.)
- Discuss your interest in offering a study abroad program with your Department Head.
- Meet with Office of Study Abroad (STAB).
- Draft tentative program concept to share with the Rome Center Academic Coordinator and Director
April 1
Deadline for Rome Center Proposal to teach in the academic year starting a year from the next fall. (Example: proposals received by April 1, 2019 would be for courses to be offered Fall 2020, or Spring 2021)
May/June
Work with STAB on promotional materials to be distributed at Freshman Summer Orientation sessions; communicate with college advisors about courses that will be available in Rome.
July
Provide text and photos to Office of Study Abroad for program webpage to begin student recruitment in the early Fall.
September
- Participate in the annual Study Abroad Fair to promote the class(es).
- Attend faculty seminar on “Student Recruitment and Selection for a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program”.
September –
up until student application deadline:
For Fall program
February 1 -
Student application deadline for the following Fall semester
March -
- Enrollment for the following Fall confirmed
- Fall faculty travel arrangements are made and visa application is started
- Pre-Departure orientation meetings with students
For Spring program
September -
Student application deadline for the following Fall semester
October -
- Enrollment for the spring is confirmed
- Fall faculty travel arrangements are made and visa application is started
- Pre-Departure orientation meetings with students
May Intersession/Summer Programs
18-24 months out from the term you would lead a program
- Review all Guidelines.
- Attend seminar on “Developing a Faculty led Study Abroad Program” (offered once each semester by Office of Study Abroad.
- Discuss your interest in offering a study abroad program with your Department Head.
- Make yourself aware of all college procedures, funding opportunities and related college deadlines for faculty who want to develop a short-term study abroad program.
- Develop a program concept (what, why, where, when).
- Meet with Office of Study Abroad (STAB).
- Draft tentative program itinerary to share with the Rome Center Academic Coordinator.
April 1
Deadline for Rome Center Proposal to teach in the following calendar year
May/June
Work with STAB on promotional materials to be distributed at Freshman Summer Orientation sessions. Communicate with college advisors about Rome course offerings.
July
Provide text and photos to Office of Study Abroad for program webpage to begin student recruitment in the early Fall.
September
- Participate in the annual Study Abroad Fair.
- Attend faculty seminar on “Student Recruitment and Selection for a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program.”
September – January
Recruit students through info. meetings, class visitations, and individual meetings with prospective students.
February 1
- Confirm Enrollment and review salary compensation with college dean.
- Work with STAB to secure travel arrangements (i.e. airlines, visas, payments for vendors)
March- April
Pre-Departure meetings and class registration
May/June
Program Departures
Checklist for Faculty Teaching in Rome
Student Recruitment
- Attend faculty seminar on “Student Recruitment and Selection for a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program.”
- Prepare short program description(s) and identify photos that can be used for marketing purposes and the program webpage on the STAB website.
- Confirm eligibility criteria for students
- Participate in the annual Study Abroad Fair.
- Hold student promotional information sessions about your courses.
- Arrange for class visits to promote your course(s).
- Link departmental website to program’s webpage and Rome Center website.
- Work with department to promote and share program information and application information through social media, student listservs and other channels.
- Meet with prospective students to answer questions or concerns.
- Review completed student applications in HogsAbroad web-portal to accept, deny or waitlist.
Pre-Departure
- Confirm enrollment (signed payment agreements) with Office of Study Abroad (STAB).
- Secure salary compensation with dept. head and college dean’s office.
- Work with Office of Study Abroad to secure travel arrangements with designated travel agent and visa process (if applicable)
- Review country information (travel.state.gov), visa requirements, and all recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov)
- Meet with confirmed participants to provide program overview, discuss course expectations, review itinerary, and answer questions.
- Remind departmental administrator to include you in the Summer Workload (or Intersession)
- Review STAB Emergency Response Plan for faculty-led programs;
- For summer teaching: Finalize agreement with STAB office on cash advance needed for group funds and personal meals.
- Review procedures for filing a Travel Expenditure Report upon return.
- Hold mandatory pre-departure orientation for participants with STAB.
- Review class rosters to ensure that students are properly registered.
- Engage students through email or messaging to provide periodic updates. Faculty should facilitate direct communication with student participants to share information, answer questions, and maintain open communication channels.