Health & Safety

Information for Students and Parents

Orientation information, both printed and electronic, contains information for students about health and safety issues related to international & off-campus travel. Adherence to this information, along with appropriate behavior, caution, and common sense, can prevent many crisis situations. Decisions regarding program itineraries are made based on information from the U.S. State Department, and on-site coordinators. The IPC is prepared to make changes on short notice should a situation arise in-country that causes serious concern. The IPC will not allow students to begin a program at a site that is designated by the U.S. State Department as existing under a travel advisory level 3 or 4.

1. CONDITIONS REQUIRING CRISIS MANAGEMENT

     A. Serious illness, injury, or death.
  • The Director of Global Engagement will contact the Chair of the Crisis Management Team, the Vice-President and Dean of the College, parents, and the Vice-President and Dean of Students.
  • Appropriate action will be taken.
  • Maryville College will, if necessary, advance funds to cover emergency costs. Such expenses are ultimately the responsibility of the student/parent.
     B. Emotional or psychological stress that appears to require removal from the situation or professional attention.
  • The Director of  Global Engagement will contact the Vice-President and Dean of the College, the Director of College Counseling, parents, and the Vice-President and Dean of Students.
  • Counselors will contact student and/or on-site coordinator to evaluate the situation.
     C. Being the victim of a crime (theft, assault, rape, harassment, etc.), or being accused of committing a crime.
  • The Director of Global Engagement will contact the Vice-President and Dean of the College, the Vice-President and Dean of Students, parents, local, and on-site authorities.
     D. A situation in-country arises that causes serious concern, e.g., a political uprising or a natural disaster.
  • The Director of Global Engagement will contact on-site coordinators
  • When the status is accurately determined, the Director of Global Engagement will contact the Vice-President and Dean of the College, the Vice-President and Dean of Students, and parents.
  • Appropriate action will be taken.

2. FAMILY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

     Death or illness of a family member
  • Before departure, students/parents should discuss action that would be taken should an immediate family member become ill or die during the student’s absence.
  • The Director of Global Engagement will provide assistance in contacting the student (often this is accomplished by contacting on-site coordinator or accompanying faculty member and asking them to give the news.)
  • The Director of Global Engagement, along with assistance from the site liaison, will provide assistance in making arrangements for students to come home, should that be the plan. Such expenses are, ultimately, the responsibility of the student/parent.

3. INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

If an emergency has occurred, FIRST call Security at 865-981-8112. There is always a Security Officer on duty and he will be able to get in touch with our crisis management team. If there is not an emergency, but you have concerns and would like to talk to someone, please contact Kirsten Sheppard, Director of Global Engagement at 865-981-8055.

To Reach Maryville College:

NamePhone Numbers
Director of Global Engagement
Mrs. Kirsten Sheppard
Office 865-981-8055
Cell/WhatsApp +1- 865-591-8646
Kirsten.Sheppard@maryvillecollege.edu
Chair, International Programming Committee
Dr. Lori Schmied
Office 865-981-8162
lori.schmied@maryvillecollege.edu
VP and Dean of College
Dr. Dan Klingensmith
Office 865-981-8278
Assistant Dean of Students
TBD
Office 865-981-8215
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