Availability to Students

You should be prepared to provide assistance to students on a daily basis for personal as well as academic difficulties. You may be confronted with issues as diverse as illness, homesickness, accidents, sexual harassment, drunkenness, relationship issues, and loss or theft of property. Particularly during the first few days when students are dealing with adjustments to housing, food, currency, and classes, your availability and concern are crucial. In programs where on-site staff members are available to assist, establish clear instructions regarding whom students should contact with various concerns.  

Some topics require emphasis upon arrival and later reinforcement (such as disciplinary issues) or discussion (such as alcohol consumption/abuse, dating and sex) throughout the program. Some students may require more guidance and support than others. More information on these topics is provided in the appendices of this handbook.  

Since IU requires students to sign the Agreement & Release form which, among other provisions, grants IU and its agents the authority to authorize routine or emergency medical treatment, program staff have a duty to secure reasonable care and a responsibility to act in the best interests of participants.