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Consent - Release Agreement

The following agreement is designed to protect American University ("University"), as well as all participants, members, agencies, and individuals cooperating with American University's AU Abroad program ("Program"). You, the student (referred to as "I" in this agreement), must sign and return this form indicating agreement to the conditions herein set forth. Confirmation of your participation will not be made without your signature.

As a participant in the Program, I am subject to the Code of Conduct as provided in American University's current Student Handbook. The information is available on the Internet at http://www.american.edu/handbook/. To receive a printed copy of the Student Handbook, I may request one from American University's Office of the Dean of Students.

As stated in the University's Code of Conduct, if a student violates the Code or if it is determined by the Program Representative or agent or the AU Abroad Director that a student has violated this code, disciplinary action will result.

Therefore, I understand that appropriate behavior, as outlined by the Student Handbook, is expected at all times. I further understand that my participation in the Program may be revoked immediately, should I violate any of the codes established by the Student Handbook.

1. General Release
   I understand that participation in the Program is entirely voluntary and that any program of travel involves some element of risk. I agree that in partial consideration of American University's sponsoring this activity and permitting me to participate, I, my parents, guardians, or legal representatives will not hold American University, its trustees, officers, employees, or agents liable for any injury, death, or loss to person or property sustained by me while participating in or arising out of any travel or activity conducted by or under the auspices of American University's Program.
2. Program Changes or Termination
   I understand that the University reserves the right to make cancellations, changes, or substitutions in cases of emergencies or changed conditions or in the interest of the group. Should the University cancel the Program, refunds of program fees will be made unless the cancellation is due to political, natural, technological, or other catastrophic conditions beyond its control in which case the University will be able to refund only uncommitted and/or recoverable funds. I understand that any refunds made for programs where payment is made to the University will be in accordance with published University policies for the academic year in which the Program occurs, unless otherwise stated.
3. Loss of Program Fees
   I agree to pay for all costs, including scholarship repayment, arising out of my early withdrawal, for whatever reason, from the Program. If I withdraw early, I will inform the Program immediately and in writing. There will be no refund of fees already paid due to early withdrawal from the Program for whatever reason. Further, I will assume responsibility for all costs incurred on my behalf prior to the Program's receipt of notification of withdrawal. Also, I accept all responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to delays or other changes in the means of transportation, other services, or sickness, weather, strikes or other unforeseen causes. If I become detached from the Program group, fail to meet a departure bus, airplane, or train, or become sick or injured, I will at my own expense seek out, contact, and reach the Program group at its next available destination.
4. Accident and Insurance Coverage
   I understand that the University requires that all students be covered by appropriate accident and medical insurance and that all students be financially responsible for such expenses. Further, I agree to provide the Program proof of medical insurance coverage. I also assure the University that there are no health-related reasons or problems of which I am aware that preclude or restrict me from participating in the Program.
5. Motor Vehicle and Personal Property Insurance Coverage
   I understand that the University requires students who plan to operate a motor vehicle to obtain liability and collision insurance that will cover them in the applicable locale and that the University is not responsible for accidents or injuries which occur as a result of a student's operation of a motor vehicle while attending a Program. I also understand that the University recommends that students insure their personal property from loss or theft and that the University is not responsible for loss or theft of personal property.
6. Medical Treatment
   I understand that while I am overseas, an emergency may develop which necessitates medical care, hospitalization, or surgery. Wherever possible, a Program Representative or agent will contact my parents or guardians prior to such treatment. However, this may not be practical depending upon the nature of the emergency. Therefore, I authorize the University through its authorized Program Representative or agent to secure any necessary emergency medical treatment including the administration of anesthesia and surgery. I understand that such treatment will be solely at my expense and I agree to reimburse the University for any expense that it might incur on account of my injury or treatment.
7. Housing Arrangements
   I understand that Program provides housing arrangements at the sites abroad. I understand that I need to complete a housing profile form by the stated deadline and before any housing assignment is processed. I understand that should I not return a completed form, my status in the Program is jeopardized, and I risk being dropped from the Program completely. I understand that should I be a "no-show" or late withdrawal, I will be responsible for any cancellation charges or penalties that may result. This charge can range from no penalty to the entire housing cost depending on the charge levied on the Program from the on-site housing coordinator. I understand that in programs where dormitories are the housing arrangement, that the dormitory will have its own set of rules and regulations by which I must abide as a participant in the Program. If I am assigned to a homestay and should the homestay arrangement not prove beneficial, I may contact the Program housing coordinator and/or the Program representative to inform them of the dilemma so that they may arrange a transfer to a different family if possible. I understand that I need to explain the situation to the housing coordinator and to give him/her a reasonable amount of time to make the transfer. I understand that this change will occur with goodwill and as quickly as possible by all parties involved. I equally understand that my concern must be a legitimate one and that I must make an effort to make the homestay satisfactory. I understand that should I change housing arrangements, I may be responsible for the full semester cost of the accommodations due to my original commitment. Participants at some sites will have rules above and beyond those mentioned herein and will need to abide by those as stipulated by the specific program.
8. Voluntary or Involuntary Withdrawal or Dismissal
   I understand that all students are subject to University regulations, Program guidelines, and laws of the host country. In the event of violation of any of the above, academic failure, or behavior which is detrimental to me, to other students or to the Program, the Dean or accompanying Faculty will have the right to dismiss me from the Program. The decision is final and may result in the loss of academic credit and paid fees for the Program. I recognize that due to the circumstances of foreign study programs, procedures for notice, hearing and appeal applicable to student disciplinary proceedings at the University do not apply. If I am dismissed, I consent to being sent home at my own expense with no refund of fees. I further understand that I may also be subject to Conduct Council charges for violations of University policies or code of conduct.
9. Legal Conflicts
   I acknowledge and understand that should I be arrested or come into legal conflicts with people not associated with the Program in the host country, I must attend to this matter personally and use my own funds to cover any costs of such problems. I understand that the University is not responsible for providing legal assistance in these circumstances. I understand and agree that I am liable for damages to my own person and property, as well as damages to other persons and their property, including any damage due to my abuse of alcoholic beverages, medicines, and/or illegal drugs. I recognize that I am personally liable for the legal and economic consequences of my actions and I have been so notified.
10. Governing Forum
    I further understand that this Agreement will be construed in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia, which will be the forum of any lawsuits filed under or related to this Agreement or Program. The term and provisions of this Agreement will be severable, such that if a court of competent jurisdiction holds any term to be illegal, unenforceable, or in conflict with any law governing this Agreement the validity of the remaining portions will not be affected thereby.
11. Pledge
    I agree to comply fully with the rules of the University and its agents, its host institutions and/or any cooperating entity. I agree that the University has the right to enforce its standards of conduct and that should I fail to comply with them, the University has the right to terminate my participation in the Program with no refund of monies paid.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE PROVISIONS AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM.