Non-Instructional PBSC Staff Member Participation

Purpose

The primary objective of Palm Beach State College Study Abroad Programs is to provide students with a robust academic experience led by instructional faculty. This section outlines the procedures and options available for non-instructional PBSC staff members who wish to participate in study abroad programs.

Procedure Statement

Participation in study abroad programs is primarily designed for academic engagement and is led by instructional faculty to maintain a strong academic component. However, non-instructional PBSC staff members who are interested in study abroad experiences may attend under the conditions outlined below:

Participation Options for Non-instructional Staff

Official PBSC Chaperone (No Program Fee)

Eligibility: Non-instructional staff members may be considered to serve as official PBSC chaperones if there is an available third free spot in the enrollment ratio for the program.
Approval Process:

The decision to grant chaperone status is at the sole discretion of the Office of International Education.
The Office of International Education will evaluate enrollment capacity and program needs before approving a non-instructional staff member as a chaperone.

Role and Responsibilities:

As a chaperone, the staff member is responsible for assisting in ensuring the overall safety and well-being of program participants. This includes providing immediate support in various situations.
The chaperone must follow all established program guidelines and support the overall objectives of the study abroad experience, without taking on additional academic responsibilities, which remain under the purview of the instructional faculty.
In the event of an emergency—such as a medical incident where a student requires hospitalization—the chaperone is expected to accompany the student to the hospital, remain with them until appropriate care is provided, and ensure the student’s well-being throughout the process. After the emergency has been managed, the chaperone will facilitate the student's safe return to the group.
The chaperone will assist with overall group coordination during the program, ensuring that all participants remain accounted for and that any disruptions to the program schedule are minimized.

Cultural Participant (Out-of-Pocket Payment)

Eligibility: Non-instructional staff members who wish to attend the program solely for the cultural experience, without serving as an official chaperone, may do so.
Financial Responsibility:

Participants in this category are required to pay the full program cost out of pocket.
Enrollment as a cultural participant is subject to available space and is not guaranteed if the program is at capacity.

Role and Participation:

Cultural participants will attend the program as observers and learners, engaging with the cultural aspects of the destination.
They will not have chaperone responsibilities and will not be considered part of the official program staff.
Their participation is intended to enrich their personal cultural understanding and provide insight into international educational practices.

General Guidelines

Enrollment Priority:
Enrollment in study abroad programs will prioritize instructional faculty and students. Non-instructional staff participation is secondary and must not interfere with the primary academic mission of the programs.
Approval and Enrollment Process:

All requests from non-instructional PBSC staff for participation in study abroad programs must be submitted to the Office of International Education.
The Office of International Education will review each request in the context of available enrollment capacity and program requirements.
Final approval for chaperone status or cultural participant status will be communicated to the applicant in writing.

Compliance with Program Procedures:
All non-instructional staff participants, regardless of their mode of participation, must adhere to the same conduct, safety, and program policies as all other program participants.