Last Revision Date: December 9, 2019
The University of Wisconsin System supports contractual training and sponsored students programs as a valid and desirable method of assisting other countries and organizations. The System encourages its institutions to provide such programs, which are appropriate to its mission and interests, and within the expertise of its faculty and staff. While such programs take a variety of forms, it is expected that all maintain the quality in instruction, support services, and administration consistent with the excellence of the host institutions. All contractual training and sponsored student programs, conducted either in the U.S. or abroad, shall adhere to the following policies and guidelines.
A. The Role of the Sponsor
The sponsor is an organization, institution, or government, which provides the primary funding, or management for students in educational and training programs offered by UW System institutions. A sponsor is expected to:
- Provide adequate funding for sponsored students and arrange for the timely transfer of such funds.
- Define the objectives of an appropriate educational program and establish guidelines for the selection of the students.
- Assure that each student participant is informed regarding financial entitlements and responsibilities, program arrangements, and eligibility for or limitations upon degree credit opportunities.
- Ensure that adequate health insurance is provided to each participant.
- Provide access to appropriate orientation prior to and upon arrival at the host institution.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and provide that information to the host institution.
B. The Role of the Sponsored Student
A sponsored student’s educational objectives are determined through discussion with the sponsor. They typically take into consideration both the interests and abilities of the student and the needs of the sponsor. A sponsored student at a UW System institution is expected to:
- Understand and agree to the program and training objectives.
- Carry out the responsibilities agreed to with the sponsor and with the host institution.
- Meet the language proficiency requirements of the host institution.
- Return to his or her home country following the completion of the program.
C. The Role of the Host Institution
UW System institutions serve as both trainers and programming agents. The responsible institutional representatives should be thoroughly versed in the details of any sponsored student program on their campus and should work closely with the program agency or sponsor to ensure that the program objectives are being met. The institution is expected to:
- Have and be able to demonstrate the capacity to provide the appropriate program.
- Ensure that all contractual programs, whether leading to a degree or not, are endorsed through the appropriate institutional approval process.
- Articulate to the program agency or sponsor an accurate statement of all program costs including tuition, living allowances, and insurance, and the institution’s expectations about payment. [See also UW System Administrative Policy 344 (SYS 344), Extramural Support for Instructional Programs, dated July 7, 1997.]
- Interpret student credentials to ensure appropriate preparation for the program.
- Facilitate the adjustment of students to the institution and the community.
- Assist the students, when necessary for their successful completion of their program, in improving English language skills.
- Regularly assess the academic progress of student participants and provide reports of such progress to the program agency or sponsor as required.
- Designate an institutional contact for each such program and maintain staff appropriate to provide academic advising, and advice in such areas as housing and immigration requirements.