• I, the undersigned, agree that, in keeping with the objectives of the program, I am expected to carry a full course load and abide by the academic standards as defined by the Institute and my home school or provider.
• I understand that my conduct during the program inside and outside the classroom reflects upon my sending institution and the Institute. I acknowledge that I have received, understood and shall abide by the Student Conduct Code of the Institute. I will also abide by the laws and respect the customs of the host country.
• I have also read, understood and shall abide by all terms and conditions of the housing agreement associated with the program, including payment of damages, check-in and check-out dates, and any other behavior expectations as outlined by the proprietor or the Institute.
• I agree that, if those authorized at the Institute and/or my home institution determine, on the basis of due process as outlined in the student conduct code, that if my conduct is in violation of the student code or the Institute’s housing agreement, my participation in the program may be terminated without compensation.
• As a result of this agreement, I authorize the Institute, and its authorized agents, to contact the emergency numbers that I have listed, and provide information about any health or safety emergency, or any allegation of misconduct. I further expressly authorize the law enforcement officers of the city of Florence to contact the Institute in the event that I am stopped by them for a misdemeanor or any other transgression.
• I understand that the Institute may share information regarding academic, emergency, medical, disciplinary, legal and health related issues with those that have a need to know including but not limited to my home campus, health care providers, and emergency contacts. If at any time any of the Institute’s programs activities are cancelled or curtailed by circumstances beyond the Institute’s control (government intervention, health emergencies, force majeure, etc.), there will be no refunds.
• I hereby agree to comply with the above-mentioned conditions of participation as well as all other policies, guidelines and regulations of the Institute which have all been made available to me (behavior policies, housing policies, academic policies, refund/cancellation policies, etc.). I understand that if I am asked to leave the program for any reason deemed appropriate, and at the sole discretion of the Institute and/or my home university, I risk forfeiture of all course credit, as well as the program fees, and all other associated fees.

• I hereby affirm that I have voluntarily enrolled in the study abroad program at the International Studies Institute in Florence, Italy (hereinafter "Institute").
• In consideration for receiving permission to participate in this program, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant to not sue the Institute, its officers, agents, servants, or employees (hereinafter referred to as releasees) from any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me, or any property belonging to me, whether caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise, while participating in any activity, or while in or on the premises where the activity is being conducted.
• I am fully aware of the risks involved in, and the hazards connected with, study abroad activities, including airplane crashes, motor vehicle accidents, political unrest, terrorist incidents, sickness, criminal acts, and other risks that may not be foreseeable. I hereby elect to voluntarily participate in the program, including but not limited to all activities, travel and excursions organized by the program, with full knowledge that said participation may be hazardous to my property and to me. I hereby assume any and all such risks. I voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of loss, property damage or personal injury, including death, that may be sustained by me, or any loss or damage to property owned by me, as a result of being engaged in any activity, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
• I further hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the releasees from any loss, liability, damage, or costs, including court costs and attorney fees, that may be incurred due to my participation in any activities, whether caused by negligence of releasees or otherwise.
• I understand that the Institute does not maintain an insurance policy covering circumstances arising from my participation in any travel or any activity associated with or facilitating that participation. As such, I am aware that I should review my personal insurance portfolio.
• It is my express intent that this Waiver of Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement shall bind the members of my family and spouse if I am alive, and my heirs, assigns, and personal representative if I am deceased, and shall be deemed as a release, waiver, discharge and covenant not to sue the above-named releasees. I hereby further agree that this Waiver of Liability and Hold Harmless agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Italy.
• I understand that neither the Institute nor my home campus will be held accountable for any breach of private data.

• • ISI Florence is not responsible for accidents, delays, incidents, injury, or additional expenses that arise due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.
  • Additional expenses ISI Florence is not responsible for can include, but may not be limited to, visa application costs, return airfare due to program suspensions or interruptions, and meal expenses, and costs due to quarantines that may be a requirement of the host country.
  • You are making the decision to participate in an ISI Florence study abroad program following a review of current travel guidance and your own independent investigation and assessment of the potential risks of studying abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • You expressly agree to review and follow any health and safety recommendations and/or guidance provided by ISI Florence and/or your home school or provider during your study abroad program.
  • ISI Florence is not financially responsible for any disruption of travel and/or extra- and co-curricular activities caused by COVID-19 novel coronavirus or other unforeseen events beyond ISI Florence’s control.
  • You understand that your course modality may change depending on the health and safety determination of your host institution.
  • Any travel within or out of your host country during your program dates that is not sponsored by ISI Florence is by nature independent and at your own risk and discretion. You agree to follow all guidance and policies provided by ISI Florence and/or the local health and safety authorities, as well as any applicable laws, rules and/or regulations, on regional and local travel.
  • If you are not able to access your belongings due to travel restrictions, ISI Florence is not responsible for the coordination or cost of returning these items.
  • While abroad, public health and safety measures may be implemented by the country you are residing in, of which ISI Florence has no control.
  • You are responsible for maintaining open communication with your home institution or provider, and ISI Florence for the entirety of your pre-departure and program dates. Important information will be shared throughout, related to health and safety, particularly related to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. If a response is requested, it is important for you to respond in a timely manner.
  • While abroad, the government of your country of citizenship may not be able to assist you in an emergency.
  • You have thoroughly read and understand exactly what your international health and emergency insurance does and does not cover.
  • ISI Florence assumes no responsibility for providing medical care during your study abroad program.
  • You have read and fully understand ISI Florence’s withdrawal policy.
  • You understand and agree that participation in any ISI Florence program is completely voluntary and involves risks inherent to traveling to another country.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS: I am voluntarily participating in the ISI Florence study abroad program. I understand that while ISI Florence and the home institutions have undertaken reasonable steps to lessen the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in connection with the study abroad program, ISI Florence and the home institutions are not responsible in any manner for any risks related to COVID-19 in connection with the study abroad program. I understand that the World Health Organization has classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. I further understand that COVID-19 is a highly contagious and dangerous disease, and that contact with the virus that causes COVID-19 may result in significant personal injury or death. I am fully aware that participation in the ISI Florence study abroad program (including any related travel) carries with it certain inherent risks related to COVID-19 transmission (“Inherent Risks”) that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid such risks. Inherent Risks may include, but are not limited to, (1) the risk of coming into close contact with individuals or objects that may be carrying COVID-19; (2) the risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19, directly or indirectly, to or from other individuals; and (3) injuries and complications ranging in severity from minor to catastrophic, including death, resulting directly or indirectly from COVID-19 or the treatment thereof. Further, I understand that the risks of COVID-19 are not fully understood, and that contact with, or transmission of, COVID-19 may result in risks including but not limited to loss, personal injury, sickness, death, damage, and expense, the exact nature of which are not currently ascertainable, and all of which are to be considered Inherent Risks. I hereby voluntarily accept and assume all risk of loss, personal injury, sickness, death, damage, and expense arising from such Inherent Risks.

WAIVER AND RELEASE: In consideration of my participation in the ISI Florence study abroad program, I (being 18 years of age or older) do hereby forever release, waive, discharge, covenant not to sue, and hold harmless ISI Florence, and each and every one of their past, current and future officers, directors, employees, members, volunteers, contractors, representatives, parents, owners, affiliates, agents, successors and assigns (the “ISI Florence Releasees”), from any and all damages, injuries, losses, liability, claims, causes of action, litigation or demands, including, but not limited to, those for personal injury, illness, death, property damages, expenses or other consequences resulting directly or indirectly from or in any manner arising out of, related to, or in connection with COVID-19 and in connection with my participation in an ISI Florence program or any travel related thereto.  I further covenant not to sue ISI Florence in connection with any of the claims released herein.

This Agreement (and the waiver and release set forth herein) shall also be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, successors, and all other persons who may claim through me.  I expressly agree that this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by applicable laws, and that if any portion of this Agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter, and shall not be altered, modified, amended, waived or supplemented in any manner whatsoever except by a written agreement signed by both parties hereto or their duly authorized representatives. This Agreement may be executed, made and delivered electronically. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, I (a) covenant and agree not to elect a trial by jury with respect to any issue arising out of or relating to this Agreement that is triable of right by a jury, and (b) waive any right to trial by jury with respect to such issue to the extent that any such right exists now or in the future. This waiver of right to trial by jury is given knowingly and voluntarily.

I have carefully read this Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release before agreeing to it and enter into it voluntarily in consideration of the opportunity to participate in the ISI Florence study abroad activity. I acknowledge that I am giving up legal rights and/or remedies which may be available to me.

I understand the Institute reserves the right to change housing arrangements as needed. This includes but is not limited to adding or removing students from apartments or changing my apartment on short notice.

I understand that I will not hold the Institute liable for personal injury of any kind associated with the apartment, residence, home-stay or other housing I have been assigned.

I understand that I must vacate the premises on or before the date communicated to me by the Institute and that I will leave the premises in the manner in which it was given to me or I may be responsible for cleaning, repairs, replacement of items and/or other expenses.

I understand that in leaving the apartment for any reason before the end of the semester that I forfeit all housing monies paid.

I understand that I must permit the housing agency, its servants, maintenance and cleaning crews to enter the apartment at any reasonable time to inspect and/or carry out cleaning or work for any purpose in the furtherance of their responsibilities or duties. Prior notification may not always be possible.

I understand that I am expected to take adequate care of equipment and furnishings and I am responsible for any loss or repairs to floors, walls, doors, appliances, furnishings etc.

I understand that I must report any maintenance issue to the Housing Coordinator as soon as it occurs.

I understand that charges incurred while living in any of the assigned housing will be distributed equally among all the occupants unless the individual(s) that incurred such charges take responsibility.

I understand that I must respect the privacy of the other occupants of my apartment and the other condominium residents, and that excessive noise (after 10pm) may lead to disciplinary action and/or fines from the local authorities.

I understand the program does not permit the presence of any liquor in the apartments. This means that no bottles of hard liquor may be kept in the apartments; neither may empty bottles of wine or beer.

I understand there is no smoking permitted in the apartment.

I understand the possession or use of illegal substances is strictly forbidden and is cause for immediate expulsion.

I understand that the landlord and the Institute reserve full license to evict any student for inappropriate behavior, as deemed by the Institute (see student conduct code), including repeat offenses after behavioral warnings, and that if I am evicted I will be immediately responsible for finding my own accommodations at my own expense, and there shall be no refund.

I understand that for security reasons, and in consideration of others, overnight guests are strictly forbidden, and unauthorized or unregistered guests must never be present in the apartments at any time.

I understand that I will put in my best effort to live well together with the other students involved and cooperate when any problems/issues amongst us that need to be resolved, with or without the Institute’s intervention in the matter.

I understand that I must respect my roommates and will participate in the division and tasks including cleaning, tidying up and other necessary tasks to keep the apartment livable for everybody involved. I understand that this may involve adapting my personal habits.

I understand the Institute has allocated a significantly higher amount for utilities coverage – more than 20% above standard. Excessive use of utilities (electric, gas, heat, water) resulting in bills in excess of the allotted amount will result in additional charges which will be distributed equally among the occupants and that I will be responsible for my portion of the excessive utility expenses including but not limited to electricity, heating, and gas expenses.

I understand that utility expenses, excluding phone charges, are included in the program fee and I am expected to respect the privilege of this by carefully monitoring the usage of the utilities.

I understand that I must not use the telephone, even if there is one available, in the apartment except for emergency use. However, if for any reason I do use the telephone, I will be responsible for my portion of the telephone charges during my stay.

I understand that I will not personalize the appearance of the apartments including hanging or tacking any poster, pictures or other items or forms of personalization that may damage the walls or any other surfaces in the apartment.

I understand that I am responsible for purchasing all consumable household items, such as toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc.

I understand that I am responsible for the keys to my apartment and that I must immediately report any lost or stolen keys to the Housing Coordinator and that I will be responsible for paying for replacement keys, and if the Institute determines that the apartment and building locks must be changed, I will also be responsible for that expense.

The Student Code of Conduct of both Verto Education and ISI Florence (Verto-ISI Florence) exists to support an environment conducive to the mission, vision, and values of Verto Education and ISI Florence. Through this Code, Verto-ISI Florence seeks to guide the intentional development of personal responsibility, accountability, and respect for others as students discover themselves and the world around them.

General Expectations Students will be experiencing a new culture and environment where they are guests who are subject to laws that may be different than in their home. As such, students and families should have awareness of the political and societal dynamics of their host location, including the responsibilities of the student to respect the environment, people and socio-cultural practices of the place. Students are required to comply with the requests of all authorities. Verto-ISI Florence will not intervene should a student face arrest or legal consequences as a result of their actions, behaviors, or ignorance of the law.

General Responsibility The most important element of a safe and successful program experience is the mindful decision making, situational awareness, and management of personal risk by the student. At all times students are responsible for their actions and behaviors, the impacts they have on others, and the consequences of their decisions. Persistent misconduct or disregard for personal safety, where other interventions and disciplinary actions have failed to bring about cooperation and behavior aligned with the Verto-ISI Florence Student Code of Conduct, will result in immediate dismissal.

Communication Students will conduct respectful and timely communications in person, by phone, and/or electronic means. Students are required to respond to communications upon request by Verto-ISI Florence staff and authorized family members. Failure to respond to communication as required will result in immediate intervention and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Communication includes, but is not limited to:

• • Notifying authorized family members of safe arrival to the program location and being in regular contact to confirm health and wellness,
  • Maintaining a charged and working cellular phone to facilitate communication,
  • Sharing their phone number with Verto-ISI Florence staff and authorized family members, and
  • Completion of the Independent Travel and Activity Survey (ITAS), or otherwise informing Verto-ISI Florence staff of their safety and location.

Freedom of Expression Verto-ISI Florence supports every individual’s right to freedom of expression consistent with the forum in which the expression is made. Verto-ISI Florence also recognizes the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance and civility that is a cornerstone for the accomplishment of its educational goals.

Within the classroom, visual and/or aural demonstrations, depictions, or conduct that may be offensive to an individual will not be restricted when there is a legitimate pedagogical context, such as material having an appropriate connection to course subject matter. Similarly, discourse on topics of political, artistic, or social issues that are conducted consistent with the nature of the forum and reasonable institutional limitations (available space, time, and cultural place) that are clear and unambiguous will be supported.

Engaging in expression which is obscene, libelous or slanderous, persistent, and objectively offensive, that is directed toward an individual based upon that individual’s protected status (e.g., sex/gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age) is not a protected form of speech or expression, and can form the basis of a violation of Verto-ISI Florence harassment, bullying or discrimination policies. Other limitations on free speech include: endangering someone or threatening them, inciting violence, using “fighting words” directed at an individual or group that directly provoke violence, defamation, obscenity, and expression that has a discriminatory effect such that it limits or denies someone’s educational or employment access, benefits and/or opportunities. Disruptive behavior, willful disobedience, habitual profanity or vulgarity, or the open and persistent defiance of the authority of, or persistent abuse of, Verto-ISI Florence personnel or Verto-ISI Florence partners will result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Religious Expression Students have the right to exercise their religious convictions and associate with religious, political, and/or other organizations of their choice provided they do so in a manner that respects the rights of other members of the community and complies with the Verto-ISI Florence Student Code of Conduct. (See also General Expectations, General Responsibility).

Health & Wellbeing Verto-ISI Florence students are responsible for their personal health and wellbeing to include, but not limited to, eating regular, balanced meals, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and taking any prescribed medications accordingly. Neglect of personal wellness, not taking or altering doses of required medication as prescribed, and/or failure to seek help when the student’s mental or physical health is perceived as declining by Verto-ISI Florence staff, will result in immediate intervention and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Alcohol and other substances Alcohol may be used by students who are of legal age in the country where the program is located, AFTER successfully completing the required alcohol education module. Alcohol misuse (e.g. combining alcohol with other substances), alcohol abuse (binge drinking, shotgunning, drinking games where intoxication is encouraged), or alcohol intoxication resulting in hospitalization will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

When alcohol is included as part of a Verto-ISI Florence experiential or academic component, e.g. excursions to traditional distilleries, Verto-ISI Florence staff have exclusive authority to monitor and restrict alcohol use during Verto-ISI Florence experiential and academic components.

Use or abuse of physically or cognitively altering substances is not allowed on Verto-ISI Florence programs, including negotiating the sale of or possession of any paraphernalia associated with substance use. This includes marijuana, marijuana derivatives including CBD or THC products (regardless of local laws), and the sharing or abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, or other substances. Products that contain hemp-derived CBD oil or are FDA approved and used in the treatment of conditions that have been medically diagnosed by a licensed practitioner are allowed EXCEPT where prohibited under state or international laws. Violations will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Assault Assault, battery, or attempted assault or battery, or any threat of force or violence upon another Verto-ISI Florence student, staff or faculty, or outside community member, including causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Bullying/Harassment/Discrimination Verto-ISI Florence is committed to complying with all requirements as set forth by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). As such, discrimination on the basis of sex or gender will not be tolerated in any education programs or activities. Such discrimination includes, but is not limited to: sexual harassment, sexual violence, sex or gender-based bullying, hazing, stalking, relationship violence (including domestic violence and dating violence), and failure to provide equal opportunity in admissions, activities, employment, or athletics.

Engaging in intimidating conduct or bullying against another student through words or actions, including direct physical contact, verbal assaults such as teasing or name-calling, social isolation or manipulation in writing, or by leaving associated discriminatory objects where they will be observed by the intended individual, through social media (cyberbullying), electronic communication, and/or recording another without permission/knowledge will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Engaging in harassing (repeated, unwanted) or discriminatory behavior based on disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law, in any form will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Respect and Inclusion Verto-ISI Florence students will respect the diversity of identities, beliefs, cultures, and thoughts of others, and strive to be inclusive in all interactions. Community responsibility and respect are of paramount importance in facilitating a learning environment. Intentional or repeated disparaging remarks, exclusive behaviors, or disrespectful actions will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal. (See Freedom of Expression, Religious Expression, and Bullying/Harassment/Discrimination).

Sexual Misconduct/Assault/Exploitation Sexual misconduct, assault, or sexual exploitation, regardless of conditions of influence, intoxication, or mental duress, will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Smoking/Vaping Tobacco and Nicotine use (e.g vaping) are not allowed in Verto-ISI Florence contracted facilities (e.g. housing accommodations), on Verto-ISI Florence activities, or by anyone/anywhere not permitted by local law. The burning of any substances (e.g. incense, sage) is further not allowed unless part of a recognized Verto-ISI Florence experiential, academic, or cultural activity. Violations will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal. In addition, the use of nicotine replacements (i.e., nicotine patches) is not allowed except by prescription.

Surreptitious Recording Verto-ISI Florence forbids any conduct that constitutes a computer-related crime under local laws, including the use by a student of any camera, electronic listening, or recording device without the prior consent of the individual being recorded, downloading, retaining, and/or transmission of said recording or images by computer or other electronic means. Such behaviors will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Theft Removing the possessions, consuming food or supplies intended for the personal use of others, or by Verto-ISI Florence Education, or otherwise committing an act of theft or attempting to commit theft, or knowingly receiving property of another individual without their permission, including extortion, is not permitted and will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Trespassing/Vandalism Unauthorized entry to any Verto-ISI Florence property, contracted space, or local facility without permission is considered trespassing, and subject to local laws as well as disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal. Intentional or accidental damage, including the burning, cutting, defacing, or other injuries to any real or personal property owned by the student, other students, Verto-ISI Florence Education, Verto-ISI Florence partners, or the outside community will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Weapons Possession, sale or otherwise furnishing any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous objects, including, but not limited to any facsimile firearm, knife or explosive, or any object of this type, that is used to threaten harm, harm, or otherwise offensively or defensively engage another person, is not permitted and will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Willful Misconduct/Negligence Verto-ISI Florence Education reserves the right to immediately dismiss any student who places the safety of any participant, staff, local community member, or themselves at risk. Willful misconduct and/or negligence, including failure to share information that could prevent injury and/or death, or knowledge that another has been harmed mentally or physically, or which results in injury or death to a student or Verto-ISI Florence personnel or a member of the outside community, will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Academic Integrity Statement Verto-ISI Florence is committed to upholding a culture of academic integrity within our learning community. By participating in a Verto-ISI Florence semester, students commit themselves to produce academic work of integrity that adheres to accurate attribution of sources, appropriate use of data, and acknowledgment of the contributions of others. Cheating or assisting others in cheating on exams, tests, or quizzes; plagiarizing the ideas or language of others; and any other form of dishonesty (including, but not limited to, lying, falsifying documents, or failing to disclose knowledge of an Academic Integrity violation) constitute violations of the Code of Conduct.

It is the responsibility of each student to consult with their faculty if they have questions regarding what violates Verto-ISI Florence’s Code of Academic Integrity. Academic misconduct at Verto-ISI Florence results in automatic Conduct Probation and may result in a failing grade for the course. Violations of academic integrity may also affect matriculation to academic institutions following a Verto-ISI Florence semester.

Academic Violations

• • Plagiarism: the presentation with intent to deceive or with disregard for proper scholarly procedures of significant scope, of any information, ideas, or phrasing of another as if they were one’s own without giving appropriate credit to the original source.
  • One commits plagiarism when one includes the words of another without quotation or when one includes the substantive work of another without properly crediting the source with footnotes, quotation marks, or other appropriate citation.
  • A student’s intent may be inferred based on the extent and context of the improperly cited material and whether the student has provided a false citation or has manipulated the original text such that a reasonable person may conclude the student did so in order to avoid detection.
  • Disregard for proper scholarly procedure that is minimal in scope may be addressed solely as an academic matter, and faculty may determine whether an academic penalty should be applied. Any intentional acts of plagiarism or disregard for the scholarly procedure of a significant scope shall be treated as a violation of the Academic Integrity Code.
  • Note: Verto-ISI Florence Education uses plagiarism detection software to identify plagiarism within students’ work.
  • Unauthorized Assistance/Collaboration: giving unauthorized aid to another student or receiving unauthorized aid from another person on tests, quizzes, assignments, or examinations. Unauthorized assistance includes, but is not limited to, providing information to another about an assignment or examination prior to the conclusion of the administration of such exams/assignments to all related sections of the course unless permitted by faculty.
  • Use of Unauthorized Materials: using or consulting unauthorized materials (including electronic materials) or using unauthorized equipment or devices on tests, quizzes, assignments, or examinations.
  • Unauthorized Dual Submission of Previous Academic Work: using any material portion of a paper or project to fulfill the requirements of more than one course unless the student has received prior permission to do so from the appropriate faculty.
  • Directions Violation: failing to follow instructions for an assignment or examination despite knowing or having reason to know that such conduct would result in an unfair academic advantage.
  • Failing to disclose that another student has committed an Academic Integrity Code violation.

Overt violations of the policies outlined above will warrant a grade of zero on the assignment for the first offense and a failing grade for the course beyond that.

Verto-ISI Florence Disciplinary Process Verto-ISI Florence seeks to guide the intentional development of personal responsibility, accountability, and respect for others as students discover themselves and the world around them. To facilitate this development, a holistic approach in response to behavioral concerns and issues is embraced by Verto-ISI Florence staff and faculty as they partner with students in the disciplinary process. Behaviours qualifying as violations of academic policy detailed above are also subject to this process. The disciplinary process will include at minimum:

• • A timely Behavior Education Meeting where the student’s behavior, including decision-making up to the time of alleged violation and the impacts of the behavior, are reviewed and disciplinary actions may be implemented.
  • Documentation of all information related to the behavior, alleged violation, and disciplinary actions.

Outcomes of the Behavior Education Meeting may also include the following Disciplinary Actions in response to the behavior concern:

• • Verbal warning that the behavior is in conflict with the Verto-ISI Florence Student Code of Conduct and steps for correcting the behavior
  • Written warning that the behavior is in conflict with the Verto-ISI Florence Student Code of Conduct and steps for correcting the behavior
  • Sanctions aligned with Verto-ISI Florence’s disciplinary philosophy
  • Loss of privileges
  • Probation
  • Negotiated Withdrawal
  • Dismissal

Verto-ISI Florence reserves the right to notify the following parties at anytime during the disciplinary process, and inform students of such notifications, specifically where Verto-ISI Florence is obligated to do so by law:

• • Student’s Enrolled School of Record
  • Verto-ISI Florence Partner Institutions
  • Emergency Contacts
  • Local Authorities

Title IX Statement Verto-ISI Florence is committed to supporting students and upholding our non-discrimination policy. Under Title IX, discrimination based on sex and gender is prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex- or gender-based discrimination, Verto-ISI Florence encourages you to report it. You do not have to go through the experience alone. Assistance and resources are available, and you are not required to make a formal complaint or participate in an investigation to access them.

If at any point during the semester, you have a need to report any inappropriate activity, want to share something privately, or have a grievance, you may notify your Program Leader or Academic Success Coordinator or email [email protected]. You also have access to the resources at Richard Bland College. To read more about the support services available there, please visit https://www.rbc.edu/my-rbc/title-ix/

I hereby expressly authorize and consent that my personal data (including my full name, place and date of birth, place of residence in the US and in Italy, passport number and photocopy, visa and permit of stay photocopies) be given by the Director of the International Studies Institute in Italy, or by his/her delegate, to the appropriate Italian authorities for any reason regarding safety or public order, which might directly or indirectly concern or affect my person.

I also expressly authorize the Director of the International Studies Institute in Italy, and his or her delegate, to give my own family’s address and phone/fax numbers and/or e-mail address to the appropriate Italian authorities for any reason regarding safety or public order, which might directly or indirectly concern or affect my person.

I hereby expressly authorize and consent that my personal data (including my full name, place and date of birth, place of residence in the US and in Italy, passport number and photocopy, visa and permit of stay photocopies) be given by any appropriate Italian Police authority (such as the State Police, the Carabinieri, the Finance Police, the Municipal Police, etc.) to the Director of the International Studies Institute, or to his or her delegate, for any reason regarding safety or public order, which might directly or indirectly concern or affect my person.

Autorizzo e consento espressamente che i miei dati personali (inclusi il mio nome completo, data e luogo di nascita, luogo di residenza negli Stati Uniti e in Italia, numero e copia del passaporto, copia del visto e permesso di soggiorno) siano forniti dal Direttore dell’International Studies Institute in Italia o da suo delegato alle competenti autorità italiane per qualsiasi motivo di sicurezza o di ordine pubblico che possa riguardare, direttamente o indirettamente, la mia persona.

Autorizzo altresì espressamente il Direttore dell’International Studies Institute in Italia o ogni suo delegato a fornire alle competenti autorità italiane il recapito postale, il numero di telefono e fax e l’indirizzo di posta elettronica della mia famiglia, per qualsiasi ragione di sicurezza o di ordine pubblico che possa riguardare, direttamente o indirettamente, la mia persona.

Autorizzo e consento espressamente che i miei dati personali (inclusi il mio nome completo, data e luogo di nascita, luogo di residenza negli Stati Uniti e in Italia, numero e copia del passaporto, copia del visto e permesso di soggiorno) siano forniti da qualsiasi competente autorità italiana di Pubblica Sicurezza (ad es. Polizia di Stato, Carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza, Vigili Urbani, etc.) al Direttore dell’International Studies Institute in Italia o a un suo delegato per qualsiasi ragione di sicurezza o di ordine pubblico che possa riguardare, direttamente o indirettamente, la mia persona.

I understand that photos and videos of students participating in the classroom as well as other activities may be taken for use in promotional material, brochures, websites, blog posts, social media, news, journals and other forms of media. I hereby grant permission to ISI Florence and its officers, trustees, employees, agents, representatives, successors, licensees and assigns (hereinafter "the Institute") to photograph my image, likeness, or depiction. I hereby grant permission to the Institute to edit, crop, or retouch such photographs, and waive any right to inspect the final photographs. I hereby consent to and permit photographs of me to be used by the Institute worldwide for any purpose, including educational and advertisement purposes, and in any medium, including print and electronic.

I understand that the Institute may use such photographs with or without associating names thereto. I further waive any claim for compensation of any kind for the Institute's use or publication of photographs of me. I also expressly give permission to the Institute to send press releases to my college or university relating to my participation in academic or co-curricular activities, together with photographs of me.

I hereby fully and forever discharge and release the Institute from any claim for damages of any kind (including, but not limited to, invasion of privacy; defamation; false light or misappropriation of name, likeness or image) arising out of the use or publication of photographs of me and/or those of my minor children (if applicable) by the Institute or my college or university, and covenant and agree not to sue or otherwise initiate legal proceedings against the Institute for such use or publication on my behalf. All grants of permission and consent, and all covenants, agreements and understandings contained herein are irrevocable.

I acknowledge and represent that I am over the age of 18, have read this entire document, that I understand its terms and provisions, and that I have signed it knowingly and voluntarily on behalf of myself and/or my minor children (if applicable).