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Program Proposal Template

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! FACULTY-LED STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM PROPOSAL FORM Dear ACC Faculty Member, Thank you for your interest in providing ACC students with the opportunity to gain international experience during their studies and for serving as a study abroad faculty leader. International Programs will work closely with you to develop an affordable program that delivers a safe and meaningful global learning experience. We are committed to supporting academically rigorous, accessible, and secure study abroad programs that promote global awareness, cross-cultural understanding, character development, transferability of academic credit, and employability. All ACC-sponsored study abroad programs adhere to Administrative Rule 5.0202.01 and Guideline/Procedure 5.0202.01.1, including compliance with THECB, SACSCOC, and other accrediting agencies, ACC policies, and risk management protocols. Before developing your proposal, you must meet with the Director of International Programs to discuss: • Feasibility, design, and academic content • ACC rules and policies regarding study abroad • Program development timelines • Risk management and emergency preparedness During the program proposal phase, International Programs will provide guidance on logistics, health and safety, compliance, and marketing, while faculty leaders ensure academic integrity and instructional quality. The Faculty Guide for the Design and Development of a Study Abroad Program will provide you with essential information for completing your study abroad program proposal. All study abroad programs must be taught, evaluated, and directly supervised by faculty (full-time or adjunct) who meet ACC’s hiring criteria and instructional standards and must be based on courses listed in the ACC course catalog. Although it is recommended that a study abroad program be based on two ACC courses for a minimum of six academic credits, which will enable ACC students to access a wider array of financial aid resources, proposals based on a single ACC course will also be considered. Study abroad is a high impact educational practice, and all proposals should incorporate meaningful opportunities for cross-cultural engagement with the local community. Before beginning the program proposal process, faculty are encouraged to meet with their department chair and dean to confirm support for the proposed program. Please note that each department must commit to supporting the proposed program for the dates indicated, although it is preferred that faculty and departments commit to offering the program for the full three-year cycle, assuming the program is successful. This reflects an expectation that associated courses will be offered and that the department will make appropriate scheduling and coverage arrangements for all non-study abroad courses to maintain compliance with the faculty leader’s limitations on instructional responsibilities while overseas. Final proposals are reviewed by International Programs, which assesses program design, logistics, and risk issues. International Programs forwards proposal recommendations following chair and dean endorsement to the appropriate Associate Vice Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor of Instruction for final approval. Once your program is approved, International Programs will assign a Coordinator who, in collaboration with the Faculty Leader, will be responsible for all logistical arrangements , including but not limited to securing accommodations, ground transportation, entrance tickets, expert lecturers, etc. All approved programs will undergo review on a three-year cycle to ensure alignment with ACC’s educational objectives, financial accountability, and risk mitigation standards, including itemized program costs and financial disclosures.

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! INSTRUCTIONS 1. Complete this form, answering all questions under Program Details. 2. Send draft of form to the Director of International Programs Sharon Miller at sharon.miller@austincc.edu for edits and feedback. 3. Once finalized, obtain the Department Chair and Dean endorsements. 4. Submit the electronic copy of the complete proposal packet, including endorsements, to the Director of International Programs, Sharon Miller at sharon.miller@austincc.edu. Proposal Submission Timeline: 10 – 12 months before the program start date. FACULTY LEADER INFORMATION Faculty Leader: Dept: Email: Campus: Has the listed faculty member led a study abroad program or group of students on international travel before? Yes No If yes, please describe experience: Do you feel your program needs additional staff for support while abroad? If so, is your department willing to fund the travel expenses of that person? Yes No PROGRAM INFORMATION Program Country: Program Locations: Program Name: Proposed Semester Session: Spring Summer I Summer II Other Tentative Dates: If successful, do you want to offer this program in future years? Yes No COURSE INFORMATION Title and number of course(s): Will the course(s) fulfill certificate or degree requirements? Yes No If yes, please specify: Will the course(s) have prerequisites? Yes No If yes, please specify: Will the course(s) be taught in Austin prior to departure? Yes No If yes, how many weeks and/or classes meetings do you anticipate? What will be the modality (in-person, DIL, hybrid) and location of the course(s)? Will the course(s) be taught in Austin after return? Yes No If yes, how many weeks and/or classes meetings do you anticipate? Will the course(s) require any special equipment or technology? Yes No If yes, please explain: Academic Standards: courses must meet college-level rigor, align with ACC course inventory, include learning outcomes and assessments, and adhere to THECB and SACSCOC standards.

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! PROGRAM PROPOSAL DETAILS Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible. RATIONALE FOR CONDUCTING COURSE ABROAD 1. Why were the course(s) and locations chosen? How will they enhance teaching and student learning? 2. Please describe how proposed activities and excursions contribute to achieving program academic and learning objectives. 3. How does the proposed program fit departmental and college goals? PROGRAM DESIGN 1. Will the program take place in the designated country during the whole session or will the program split time between Austin and designated country? 2. Will the program be located in one city or will it move to other locations? Please describe. 3. Outline and describe the ideal program format, including suggested itinerary, class time, activities, events, and excursions. 4. What activities listed above will provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage with the local community? Describe how these activities will promote global awareness, cross-cultural understanding, and program learning objectives. 5. Describe the anticipated positive and negative impacts your program may have on the local community, considering cultural, economic, environmental, and social aspects. What specific steps will you take to ensure that any negative impacts are minimized and that community engagement is respectful, ethical, and mutually beneficial? 6. Will the program to be situated at a local university or other host institution? If so, please describe. 7. What kind of accommodation would you like the participants to have: residence dorm, hostel, host family, hotel, bed & breakfast, apartment? 8. Faculty leader(s) must stay at the same accommodations or within close proximity (10-minute walk) to participants. Indicate preferred accommodation. 9. Identify proposed in-country transportation for activities, events, and excursions. 10. Please indicate what kind of logistic support is required for the program to maximize academic delivery. Depending on program design and country, logistics can be organized and coordinated in-house, with a partner organization, or with a study abroad logistics provider. 11. Flight options may include mandatory group flights and participant scheduled individual flights. Program itinerary, country, faculty experience can factor in selecting a flight option. Cost, flexibility, and institutional liability will also differ with each option. What is your flight option preference?

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! HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY 1. Please describe any health, safety, or security considerations related to the location you are proposing and how they may impact the program. You may wish to review the following resources: U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2. Does your proposed itinerary include any activities, environments, or locations that may present heightened health, safety, or security risks for participants? If so, please identify each activity or location, describe the specific risks (including both likelihood and potential impact), and outline the concrete steps you will take to mitigate these risks, including any guidance received from local partners or program providers? 3. Please describe your experience with emergency response or crisis management. 4. Faculty leaders must complete mandatory training, including but not limited to First Aid/CPR and Mental Health First Aid. Do you agree to complete all required trainings if your proposal is approved? Yes No RECRUITMENT AND PRE-PROGRAM PREPARATION 1. Which student population(s) do you think will be interested in the program and why will this program appeal to them? 2. Minimum program enrollment is 10 students. What is your proposed maximum enrollment? International Programs follows a maximum of 15 students to 1 faculty leader ratio. 3. Does your program require students to have foreign language skills? If so, please explain what level of knowledge is necessary. If not, please explain how students will be able to navigate in an environment where they do not speak the language. RELATED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 1. What is your experience in the proposed location(s)? When was the last time you visited this location, and for how long? Do you speak the local language? 2. Please outline your experience teaching the proposed course(s) or similar courses at ACC or abroad. 3. Do you have teaching experience in an international setting? If yes, please describe. 4. Please describe any training you feel you need prior to leading a study abroad program. 5. Do you have any contacts, organizations, or universities you would like to work with if your program is approved? If so, please list contact information.

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! FACULTY LEADER AGREEMENT If selected to lead this program, I agree to review and fulfill all responsibilities outlined in the Faculty Leader Handbook for Study Abroad Programs. I further agree and commit to the following: A. Actively participate in the recruitment of students during the fall and spring semesters preceding the program. B. Conduct faculty interviews in an equitable and expeditious manner, using the provided scoring rubric and submit Study Abroad Applicant Interview Worksheet to International Programs. C. Attend all mandatory workshops and trainings for faculty leaders during the year prior to program departure. D. Maintain current certifications for all required trainings, whether serving as the primary faculty leader or as the designated backup. E. Collaborate with the Office of International Programs on program development, itinerary refinement, academic design, and logistical planning in advance of program implementation. F. Oversee academic instruction, evaluate and assess student learning, and enforce the ACC Student Code of Conduct throughout the program. G. Attend all required pre-departure information sessions for faculty leaders and participating students. H. Maintain consistent contact with IP while abroad and leading the program. I. Submit final grades for each student in accordance with ACC timelines at the conclusion of the program. J. Comply with all ACC policies applicable to faculty members while engaged in any work-related activity during the study abroad program. K. Fully adhere to all responsibilities, expectations, and protocols outlined in the Faculty Handbook for Leading Study Abroad Programs. L. Strictly comply with all ACC financial policies and procedures governing study abroad program expenditures, procurement, and reimbursement. M. Submit all receipts and reimbursement requests to the Office of International Programs within 45 days of program completion. Faculty Leader (please print): Date: Signature:

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! ENDORSEMENT BY DEPARTMENT CHAIR Program Proposal Faculty Leader: Department: Program Name: Program Location: Proposed Semester Session: Spring Summer I Summer II Other Tentative Dates: Your signature below indicates endorsement of this study abroad program proposal and confirms that, as Department Chair, you agree to the following: A. Support the proposed program for the designated year(s) through appropriate course scheduling and allocation of relevant departmental resources. B. Endorse the selected primary faculty leader(s) for the program. C. Ensure that all faculty leaders participate in required workshops and trainings and comply with all ACC employment policies. D. Verify that the study abroad syllabus and course descriptions meet college-level rigor, align with ACC course inventory, include learning outcomes and assessments, and adhere to THECB and SACSCOC standards. E. Collaborate with the Director of International Programs to address any student or faculty concerns or complaints related to the program in accordance with ACC policies. Please be aware that student participants will be assessed a program fee that includes the following costs for the faculty program leader(s): travel (both international and program-related local travel), accommodations, per diem, use of a mobile communications device, entrance fees, and other program activities as appropriate. Endorsement of Department Chair Department Chair (please print): Signature of Department Chair: Date: Email: Phone:

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! ENDORSEMENT BY DEAN Program Proposal Faculty Leaders: Department: Program Name: Program Location: Proposed Semester Session: Spring Summer I Summer II Other Tentative Dates: Your signature below indicates endorsement of this study abroad program proposal and confirms that, as Dean, you agree to the following: A. Support the proposed program for the designated year(s) through appropriate course scheduling and allocation of relevant departmental resources. B. Endorse the selected primary faculty leader(s) for the program. C. Ensure that all faculty leaders participate in required workshops and trainings and comply with all ACC employment policies. D. Verify that the study abroad syllabus and course descriptions meet college-level rigor, align with ACC course inventory, include learning outcomes and assessments, and adhere to THECB and SACSCOC standards. E. Collaborate with the Director of International Programs to address any student or faculty concerns or complaints related to the program in accordance with ACC policies. Please be aware that student participants will be assessed a program fee that includes the following costs for the faculty program leader(s): travel (both international and program-related local travel), accommodations, per diem, use of a mobile communications device, entrance fees, and other program activities as appropriate. Endorsement of Dean Department Dean (please print): Signature of Dean: Date: Email: Phone: