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Study Abroad Committee           

Passed the GA on :  April 26th, 2006
Passed the Senate on: May 1st, 2006

Introduction:

Study abroad is a campus-wide concern.  Current study abroad opportunities, policies, and practices are not only issues that affect the current Sophomore class but have impacted the experiences of Juniors and Seniors and will impact the experiences of First-Years and all future Occidental Students. Because of large student concern about study abroad at Occidental, I am representing a group of students who would like to see change.  We are proposing a resolution to form a committee that will discuss and develop changes and improvements to the study abroad process, policies, and funding.  This committee will present their findings and proposals to the Administration and the Board of Trustees.  The committee, operating as a representative of Oxy students’ concerns and needs, will work with the Administration and Board of Trustees to ensure that much needed development and expansion is made to study abroad at Occidental.

 

            The following are goals developed by concerned students that could be initial goals of the committee.

 

Goals:

1.      SECURE permanent funding for all eligible students.  This will require allocating funding to accommodate increasing class sizes as well as overall interest in studying abroad.  The Board of Trustees will either find funds within our budget and/or secure outside funding sources to accommodate the students’ needs.

2.      Make the Board of Trustees and the Administration realize the high importance students place on study abroad experiences.  Studying abroad enables extensive academic, linguistic, and personal growth as well as cross cultural awareness and understanding. 

3.      Reform the study abroad process.  Specifically we feel it is necessary to create an atmosphere of encouragement.  The values of multiculturalism and independent academic pursuits in the Occidental Mission Statement should be reflected throughout the pre-application, application, and post-acceptance processes.

 

 Methodology:

            The committee will consist of no less than 3-5 dedicated core members who will meet and continue communication on consistent basis for the remaining weeks of the semester, throughout the summer, and into the following semester.  Other interested students are welcome to participate and express their opinions and concerns to this committee.

            The committee will compile information from students.  This could be in the form of surveys, meetings, and a blog.  Hopefully this wide variety of approaches will reach as many interested students as possible and will develop student interest and encourage and provide an outlet for student voices.

            The committee will present the findings to the Administration, Board of Trustees and keep the student body updated on any progress that is made.

 

Conclusion:

            We hope this proposal will be favorably considered.  If passed we hope the committee will serve the student body and ensure that Occidental lives up to its Mission Statement.