Virginia Union University

Office of Study Away

Comprehensive Global Engagement Guidelines and Procedures

Mission

Study Abroad 4711, in partnership with the Office of Study Away (OSA) at Virginia Union University, enriches student education through transformative global experiences. Rooted in the pursuit of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.), our mission is to dismantle barriers to international education and empower historically underrepresented students. We aim to produce globally competitive, bilingual BIPOC graduates ready to lead with vision, integrity, and intercultural fluency in an interconnected world.

Vision

1. To enrich students' education through study abroad.

2. To remove stereotypes and inequities in global education via J.E.D.I.

3. To produce global workforce career-ready bilingual BIPOC graduates.

I. Why Study Abroad?

Global engagement is no longer optional—it is imperative. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, students must be prepared not only to compete but also to collaborate across borders and cultures. Study abroad is a high-impact educational practice that cultivates intellectual agility, cross-cultural competence, and global citizenship.

International study fosters deep engagement with diverse cultures and communities, enabling students to apply their academic knowledge in complex, real-world contexts. Whether through language acquisition, field research, internships, or community-based learning, students gain invaluable perspective, broaden their professional networks, and enhance their post-graduate trajectories.

At Virginia Union University, our commitment to global education reflects our historical mission of social advocacy, empowerment, and academic excellence. We are uniquely poised to prepare the next generation of BIPOC leaders for purposeful global impact.

II. Principles and Purpose

The Office of Study Away (OSA) serves as the institutional engine driving global engagement at Virginia Union University. OSA administers all study away programming, including international and domestic off-campus experiences, and ensures that such experiences align with institutional goals for academic excellence and student success.

OSA's foundational goals are:

1. To build academic partnerships and affiliations that advance inclusive global learning.

2. To harness and expand VUU’s existing international resources and relationships.

Through comprehensive advising, risk management oversight, and faculty collaboration, OSA ensures that all study away programs are accessible, academically rigorous, and aligned with best practices in international education. The office also supports curricular integration, faculty-led program development, and initiatives that promote global learning across disciplines.

III. Program Selection and Eligibility

Choosing the right study away program is a critical step in a student’s academic journey. OSA supports students in identifying programs that align with their academic goals, career aspirations, and cultural interests.

Eligibility Requirements:

* Students must be in good academic standing.

* A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is typically required, though GPA thresholds may vary by program.

* Students with GPAs below 2.5 may submit a petition, including an academic plan and faculty endorsement, for conditional approval.

* Disciplinary clearance is required.

Types of Programs:

* VUU-Sponsored Faculty-Led Programs

* Partner Institution Exchanges

* Third-Party Provider Programs (affiliates approved by OSA)

Academic Requirements:

* Students must enroll in a full-time course load during the term abroad (12 credit hours for fall/spring, 6 for summer).

* All coursework must be pre-approved by the student’s academic advisor and OSA.

* Students are required to submit a course equivalency form prior to departure.

* Official transcripts must be submitted post-program for credit transfer.

Language and Cultural Immersion:

* Language study is strongly encouraged for programs in non-English-speaking countries.

* Students are expected to engage respectfully with host communities and cultural norms.

* Many programs require a minimum of one year of college-level language study.

IV. Application Process and Deadlines

To participate in a study away program, students must complete the following steps:

1. Submit the Preliminary Application via the Study Abroad 4711 Portal: [https://vuu.abroadoffice.net](https://vuu.abroadoffice.net)

2. Complete the VUU Study Away Application, including:

   * Statement of purpose

   * Academic references

   * Official transcript

   * Course selection and equivalency form

3. Complete the secondary application (if applicable) for the host institution or program provider.

4. Attend a mandatory interview with the OSA Academic Coordinator.

5. Submit the Conditions of Participation form.

Deadlines:

* Fall Programs: April 15

* Spring Programs: October 15

* Summer: March 15

* Winter Intersession: September 15

Late applications will be considered only on a space-available basis.

V. Financial Information

Study away costs vary based on location, program model, and term. Students are responsible for the following categories:

Tuition & Program Fees:

* Students enrolled in VUU-sponsored programs will pay tuition through the university.

* Students enrolled in third-party or exchange programs may pay tuition directly to the host institution or provider.

Personal Expenses:

* Flights, passports, visas, travel insurance, textbooks, meals (if not included), and personal spending are typically out-of-pocket expenses.

Financial Aid & Scholarships:

* Federal and state financial aid may be applied to approved study away programs.

* VUU Study Away Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.

* OSA maintains a curated list of external scholarships for which students may apply.

* FAFSA completion is required for all financial aid consideration.

Withdrawal & Refund Policy:

* Students who withdraw 120 days prior to program start will incur a \$250 administrative fee.

* Withdrawals after the program begins are non-refundable and may result in academic and financial penalties.

VI. Student Conduct & Academic Integrity

While abroad, students are ambassadors of VUU. They are expected to:

* Abide by the Student Code of Conduct and the host institution’s policies.

* Demonstrate respect for host cultures, communities, and peers.

* Attend all mandatory orientations and program activities.

* Communicate promptly with program leaders and OSA in the event of an emergency.

Violation of policies may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program, loss of academic credit, and financial liability.

VII. Academic Credit & Evaluation

OSA ensures that all courses taken abroad meet the standards of Virginia Union University. Final approval for course credit rests with the Office of the Provost.

* Course equivalency forms must be submitted and approved before departure.

* Students must complete all coursework and submit final grades to OSA.

* Incomplete or unapproved courses may result in loss of academic credit.

VIII. Faculty Involvement

Faculty play a vital role in the development and execution of study away programs. OSA encourages faculty to:

* Propose faculty-led programs aligned with their academic expertise.

* Integrate global perspectives into the curriculum.

* Serve as mentors for students engaging in global education.

IX. Health, Safety, and Risk Management

Student safety is paramount. OSA works closely with Risk Management, the Health Center, and program partners to:

* Monitor global travel advisories and health conditions.

* Provide comprehensive pre-departure orientations.

* Ensure all students have valid international health insurance.

* Maintain a 24/7 emergency response protocol.

Students are required to:

* Submit emergency contact forms.

* Register their travel with the U.S. Department of State via STEP

* Attend all safety briefings.

X. Contact

Virginia Union University

Office of Study Away (OSA)

Director: Lakendra Brunston-Parker

Email: lbrunston-parker@vuu.edu

Website: [https://vuu.abroadoffice.net](https://vuu.abroadoffice.net)