Academic Policies

Grounds for Dismissal 

Students are expected to act in a responsible and mature manner. L&LI and its employees assume zero responsibility in connection with losses, expenses or other damages resulting from dismissal. L&LI reserves the right to dismiss any student for the following reasons: failure to honor L&LI policies and procedures, failure to participate in all program components, failure to satisfy academic requirements, ill health that interferes with program participation, failure to comply with the provisions of local laws, regulations, customs, conduct, disruptive or offensive behavior to the host community, potentially detrimental to the health and safety of fellow students and L&LI staff. The following is a non-exhaustive list of prohibited actions: 

1. Violation of safety practices or negligence that may cause injury or death to oneself or another person. 

2. Sexual harassment of any kind. 

3. Creating excessive noise, disturbing the peace, or violation of rights of privacy. 

4. Deliberately or carelessly damaging or stealing L&LI property, or the property of those associated with the program, including but not limited to homestay families, ministry sites, internship sites, etc. 

5. Theft of property from any person or entity. 

6. Unauthorized entry or use of program facilities without L&LI permission.

7. Possession or use, including the threat of use, of a weapon or other hazardous materials, as defined by L&LI. 

8. Violation of local or international laws, including but not limited to those related to the use of alcohol and controlled substances. Violation of local laws may result in fines, punishment, imprisonment, deportation, or punitive action by L&LI. 

9. Failure to comply with the reasonable directions of L&LI staff.

10. Violations of all approved L&LI policies and regulations, as published in this handbook. 

11. Any conduct that jeopardizes L&LI’s ability to maintain positive relations within the local community, or to continue to carry out its programs, including but not limited to culturally appropriate behaviors. 

In the event of dismissal, no refunds will be issued and all costs associated with it would be the responsibility of the student. Failure to comply with program restrictions and other L&LI policies and procedures, whether or not resulting in dismissal, may preclude a student from participation in future L&LI programs. 

Voluntary Withdrawal 

Voluntary withdrawal occurs when a student withdraws from the program for any reason other than disciplinary action. If a student withdraws voluntarily while the program is in progress, the grade of W is assigned. At the discretion of the Director of Education and the professor, a failing grade may be assigned for any student withdrawing without the proper notification and completion of forms.

Student Withdrawal Procedures 

If a student is considering withdrawing from the program, the student must contact their home institution prior to withdrawing to discuss the possible implications for credit transfer or the student’s academic standing at the institution. If a student wishes to withdraw from the program, the student must notify the Program Director and Director of Education to complete necessary steps and forms. Upon notification, or last day of association with the program, whichever is later, the student will be considered withdrawn from the program. Once withdrawn, the student will not be permitted any further association with the program and will forgo any and all benefits the program provides, including insurance coverage and program activities. Students agree when they withdraw voluntarily or are dismissed from the program, that they will leave the site within 48 hours. Students will be responsible for making and paying for their own travel arrangements from the program site. 

Administrative Withdrawal 

The administrative withdrawal (AW) grade is initiated by the Program Director, and includes dismissal from the program. If coursework has not been submitted, and a student leaves the program, a grade of AW is assigned. In accordance with L&LI program design and philosophy, credits are given after the completion of the program and are not compartmentalized according to the components of the program. In the presence of extenuating circumstances that warrant partial credits, a grade of AW will be assigned for work not completed or handed in according to an agreement between the student, the professor and the Director of Education, outlining an agreed upon time frame. 

Academic Appeal Process 

Students may appeal a decision of dismissal, withdrawal or of academic nature, consistent with L&LI policies and procedures. Appeals of any decision must be made in writing to the Director of Education within 24 hours of the initial decision. Students remain dismissed or withdrawn until the appeal has been decided. 

Appeal Process 

A student seeking a grade change or to appeal the applications of an academic policy, other than academic integrity, within 30 days of the posted grade, must file a written request with the Director of Education via email. Any and all relevant materials and information the student has to support their appeal must accompany this written request. Students should follow up with the Director of Education to confirm receipt. In considering the appeal, L&LI relies on the materials and information submitted, consultation with the appropriate faculty, evaluated work that may have remained in-country, and any other documentation relevant to the specific courses/grades being appealed. Within 30 days of receipt of the appeal, the Director of Education must submit an evaluation of the appeal and recommendations to the Program Director. The Director of Education forwards the letter of decision to the student as well as to the registrar at the student’s home institution and, as applicable, to the registrar at the College of the Ozarks, in the case that the student’s appeal results in a change to the academic record.