James M. Clark Center for International Education
The James M. Clark Center for International Education fosters cross-cultural understanding and global awareness through study abroad and exchange opportunities for students, faculty and staff at SUNY Cortland. The center strives to be accessible to the greatest number of students and faculty while maintaining high-quality programs that are affordable. The center continues to develop programs that support the College's mission and that complement its academic programs.
Study Abroad
The James M. Clark Center for International Education operates 32 study abroad programs suited to the interests and needs of students and faculty in a wide variety of disciplines. The center furnishes detailed information about SUNY Cortland programs and serves as a resource on many other opportunities abroad. It provides information and support services to outgoing participants on orientation, cultural adaptation, room and board, registration procedures, student health, billing processes and immigration procedures. Students can choose from a variety of programs, including internships, student teaching, winter session, summer session, spring break, semester long or academic year.
Study Abroad Program Locations
Australia
Belize
China
Costa Rica
Egypt
European Study Seminar
France
Germany
Ghana
Ireland
Kenya
Mexico
National Outdoor Leadership School
Spain
United Kingdom
Venezuela
Application Process Web site
For students who wish to study abroad, applications must be processed through the center. Specific deadlines apply. Application and deadline information can be found on the Web site. Generally study abroad programs have a minimum cumulative grade point average requirement of 2.5 and applicants must be in good academic standing the prior semester. Participants usually are juniors or seniors, although qualified freshman and sophomores may be accepted into certain programs. All participants are governed by the Study Abroad Academic Policies found in the SUNY Cortland College Handbook and outlined below.
Academic Policy Regarding Early Departure, Early Exams, Pass/Fail and Incomplete Grades
Students on SUNY Cortland programs abroad are prohibited from requesting early departure, early exams, pass/fail or incomplete grades. In extraordinary circumstances, a request for special arrangements such as early exams or incomplete grades must be submitted in writing first to the study abroad office at the host institution. The reason for the request must be documented. If the host institution approves the request, it will then be forwarded to The James M. Clark Center for International Education at SUNY Cortland for final approval. The center in Cortland will advise the study abroad center overseas and the student of its decision. If the request is approved, the study abroad center overseas will advise the student whether it will make the arrangements on behalf of the student or whether the student is expected to make the arrangements.
Any special arrangements agreed upon, including remaining work and deadlines, should be documented in writing by instructors and by the study abroad center overseas. Copies should be sent to the center in Cortland.
Failure to follow these procedures may result in the student receiving no credit or a failing grade. A student may appeal SUNY Cortland's decision within five days by contacting his or her dean at Cortland and requesting a review.
Changes to Courses Made after Student's Arrival at Site Abroad
SUNY Cortland students must request changes to course selections and equivalencies after their arrival at the site abroad directly through the associate deans at Cortland by the end of the first full week of classes. The associate deans will secure the consent of both the advisor and the international coordinator. Copies of all changes will be sent by the associate dean's office to the Clark Center in Cortland to ensure that the course equivalencies are posted correctly upon the student's return. Students from other colleges should be sure to follow the approved procedure at their home institution in order to change classes. Failure to comply with this procedure may jeopardize the fulfillment of the student's degree requirements.
Grades Earned Abroad
SUNY Cortland students should be aware that grades earned overseas will be treated as grades earned on campus and will be factored into their cumulative grade point average. Students from other colleges should check with their registrar concerning the treatment of grades from abroad at their home institution.
Scholarships
The James M. Clark Center for International Education offers 25 campus-based scholarships of $1,000-1,500 for outgoing SUNY Cortland students and one scholarship for incoming international students.
Financial Aid
In most situations, financial aid may be applied to study abroad with the appropriate prior processing. For more information, contact the Financial Advisement Office at (607) 753-4718.
International Student and Scholar Services
The James M. Clark Center for International Education provides support to incoming matriculated and exchange international students, as well as visiting international scholars and staff at SUNY Cortland. The center currently receives exchange students from 14 partner universities. The center acts as a liaison between the College community and its international students and visitors; provides an orientation and immigration counseling; coordinates with support service centers on campus, including housing, dining, student health, student accounts, student activities, as well as academic and administrative departments to ensure that the needs of international students and exchange faculty are met. Additional information is available at www.cortland.edu/international/.
The Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) in the James M. Clark Center for International Education is the official representative of SUNY Cortland to interact with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and to deal with other immigration and program administration matters. This official represents and speaks for the school in all matters relating to F-1 students. As such, the PDSO maintains SEVIS records to ensure compliance with federal immigration regulations. The PDSO processes all immigration paperwork for students and scholars admitted to SUNY Cortland on F visas. The PDSO coordinates with other campuses and international agencies on immigration processing for students and scholars with J visas.
Scholarships
The James M. Clark Center for International Education offers a scholarship for incoming international students from Asia in the sum of $1,000 - $1,500.
Global Ambassadors
This club is approved by the Student Government Association (SGA). The advisor for the club is a professional from the James M. Clark Center for International Education. The club is open to all Cortland students. The purpose of Global Ambassadors is to provide a link between American students and those from other countries. Travel, activities and programs sponsored by the club foster an atmosphere in which students from other countries can learn about American life and culture while American students learn about the life and culture of other countries. Additional information is available at www.cortland.edu/sga/global.asp. |
