NSE Handbook

20.1. Medical Emergencies

20.2. Disruptions, Natural Disasters, or Other Circumstances

20.2.1. Preparation for Disruptions, Natural Disasters, and Other Circumstances

NSE coordinators should be prepared and know what to do in case of an emergency before such events occur.

1. Become familiar with institution emergency notification and response plan and determine where NSE fits into that plan.
2. Inform incoming students on emergency response plans.
3. Identify incoming NSE students to residence life and student services staff.
4. Obtain student contact and emergency contact information for each incoming g and outgoing student.

5. •    Provide your personal contact information to incoming and outgoing students.

20.2.2. During Disruptions, Natural Disasters, and Other Circumstances

During any period of disruption associated with natural disasters, (e.g., tornado, hurricane, typhoon, flood, etc.) or other circumstances (e.g., civil strife, strike, fire, etc.) that affect normal academic and/or residence life programs at the host institution, the NSE coordinator or campus designee should immediately follow the steps listed below:

1. Advise NSE HQ of preparations being made to ensure the safety of the students.
2. Inform exchange students of campus and community preparedness measures and emergency procedures.
3. Provide personal contact information to exchange students and NSE HQ.
4. Notify NSE HQ of circumstances and current status of affected exchange students following the disaster.
5. Notify coordinators at home campuses of exchange students regarding the circumstances and current status of their affected exchange student.
6. If circumstances prevent notification of home campuses, NSE HQ will advise the home institutions.
7. Instruct exchange students to notify parents/guardians, home coordinator, and host coordinator as soon as possible when emergency has passed.
8. Provide NSE HQ with update regarding safety of coordinators and students and status of campus.
   As a follow up to immediate notification, the host campus coordinator should provide NSE HQ with the following information a list of hosted NSE students and their current status, a timetable for resumption of normal academic and/or residential life programs, impact of this disaster or circumstances on the status of exchange for subsequent terms, a summary of any alternate arrangements that have been made, and regular monitoring and reporting until the situation is resolved. NSE HQ will, in turn, advise all NSE coordinators.

20.3. Dispute of Services Provided

20.3.1. Disclaimers

20.3.1.1. National Student Exchange

The National Student Exchange links member colleges and universities to provide students with opportunities for educational exchange to institutions of higher learning in other states. NSE is not liable to home institutions, host institutions, or exchange participants for benefits not provided by any of the parties involved. The National Student Exchange assumes no responsibility and disclaims any liability for any damages or injuries (personal, academic, or other) suffered by students by reason of their participation in this exchange program.

20.3.1.2. Campus

20.3.2. Release, Waiver, or Hold Harmless Forms

NSE member institutions are strongly encouraged to use release, waiver, or hold harmless forms as a means of managing potential areas of dispute or risk as well as limiting exposure to liability. For additional information, refer to Chapter 21 Risk Management.

20.3.3. Disputes, Claims, or Pending Legal Action

Coordinators must advise NSE HQ of any potential disputes, legal inquiries, or claims made by students who believe that the services provided by the home and/or host institutions have not been properly executed. Coordinators should document conversations, maintain copies of all related correspondence, and submit copies to NSE HQ.

20.4. Debts Incurred by Students While on Exchange

Home and host campuses are expected to work together to resolve debts incurred by students during their participation in the National Student Exchange. Failure to make full payment of all required fees or to resolve other debts to the home or host institutions (e.g., tuition/fees, room, meals, unreturned equipment, overdue loans, lost library books, or other obligations required by the home and host institutions) may result in the cancellation of registration or disenrollment at the host campus in the subsequent term or by the home institution following the period of exchange at the host campus. All financial obligations should be fulfilled to both home and host institutions prior to further enrollment, releasing transcripts, and/or awarding diplomas.