CIE Oversight and Decision-Making Authority for Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

The Center for International Education (CIE) is an administrative unit within Academic Affairs charged with the recruitment, admission and immigration processing for international students and scholars coming to UWM, and with the administration of Study Abroad, Exchange and other academic programs and agreements that involve UWM students, faculty and employees going abroad.  The International Committee (IC) is the UWM standing committee whose charter calls for it to establish “policy to guide the development and implementation of central international education functions, such as international institutional academic and research partnerships and education abroad programs.” 

This policy establishes the authority CIE in overseeing all Faculty-Led Study Abroad programs and outlines the procedures by which CIE submits its program ranking criteria and maximum program limit for annual review by IC.  Please note that this policy governs only Faculty-led programs and does not affect other forms of study abroad available to UWM students.

I. CIE Authority and Responsibilities 

1. Oversight and Decision-Making Authority: 
   • CIE, the UWM entity responsible for ensuring compliance with Universities of Wisconsin statewide policies on Study Abroad and Study Away, shall oversee all aspects of Faculty-Led Study Abroad programs, including program approval, planning, recruitment, logistics, budgeting, and risk management. 
   • CIE will have final decision-making authority regarding which programs are approved for implementation each academic year, based on criteria outlined below. 
2. Program Approval Process: 
   • All proposed and repeat Faculty-led programs must submit a proposal to CIE 15 months in advance of the program’s intended term’s start date, including required documents such as a syllabus, itinerary, vendor proposal, and departmental endorsements. 
   • CIE will review the program proposals in collaboration with relevant academic departments, considering factors such as academic merit, program feasibility, student demand, and budgetary constraints. 
   • Approved programs will adhere to CIE guidelines and UWM policies to ensure academic quality, financial viability, and student safety. 

II. Criteria for Program Ranking and Selection 

1. Annual Submission of Criteria: 
   • The Study Abroad office is required to submit its program ranking criteria to the IC for review and approval annually. This submission must occur at the beginning of each academic year, prior to the last day of classes in the Fall term. 
   • CIE can present changes in criteria throughout the year, based on changes in resource allocation. 
   • The criteria must include the following: 
     • Alignment with UWM’s vision and guiding values. 
     • Financial accessibility and feasibility of the program. 
     • Intercultural engagement and student learning outcomes. 
     • Health and safety considerations in the host location. 
     • Program diversity, ensuring a range of disciplines and geographic locations. 
   • Once the IC has reviewed and approved the criteria for program ranking and selection, they will publish those criteria and make them accessible to faculty and staff. 
2. Justification for Ranking: 
   • The Study Abroad office will include an explanation of how each criterion is weighted and how it impacts the ranking of proposed programs. 
   • The criteria and rankings must ensure transparency, fairness, and alignment with the university’s internationalization goals. 

III. Determination of Maximum Number of Programs 

1. Annual Explanation for Program Limit: 
   • Each year, the Study Abroad office will submit a report to the IC explaining how the maximum number of Faculty-led programs for the academic year was determined. 
   • The rationale must consider: 
     • CIE staffing levels and the capacity to manage programs effectively. 
     • Budgetary resources and funding allocations for supporting faculty and students. 
     • Student interest and demand for specific destinations or academic fields. 
     • Risk management considerations, including safety and political stability in proposed locations. 
   • Though not required, the Study Abroad office should include a brief statement about the amount and kind of resource allocations that would allow an increased (specified) number of Faculty-led programs. 
2. Committee Review: 
   • The IC will review the Study Abroad office’s explanation and approve the maximum number of programs for the academic year. 
   • The committee may request adjustments to the number of programs based on university priorities or changes in resource availability. 

IV. Reporting and Accountability 

1. Program Performance Review: 
   • After each Faculty-led program is finished, CIE will conduct a performance review, including financial reconciliation, academic outcomes provided by the faculty member in post-program debriefs, and student evaluations. 
   • CIE will present an annual report to the IC summarizing the results of each program, areas of improvement, and recommendations for future programs. 
2. Ongoing Communication: 
   • To ensure successful program planning and implementation CIE will maintain open lines of communication with academic programs and the IC, providing application information with ample time for faculty to meet deadlines. 
3. Reporting on non-Faculty-Led Study Abroad Opportunities 
   • CIE will report to the IC annually on the current array of Study Abroad opportunities that do not follow the Facutly-Led model, and on the process for creating other such opportunities. 

V. Exceptions and Amendments 

1. Programmatic Exceptions: 
   • Requests for exceptions to this policy must be submitted in writing to the IC, which will consult with CIE to determine feasibility and appropriateness. 
   • The IC may decide in favor of an exception, if the request for exception makes clear how the appealing program can be supported to ensure the safety and well-being of students, using available resources. 
   • If the IC decides against an appeal, that decision is final, and cannot be appealed further.