Interim
UW System Administrative Policy 100- Interim 01

Interim: Study Abroad Emergency Reserve/Contingency Fund Requirement Waiver

This interim policy action expired on May 31, 2023.

Original Issuance Date: April 9, 2020

First Revision: May 31, 2022

Expiration Date: May 31, 2023

1.     Interim Policy Purpose

This interim policy action temporarily waives the requirement for institutions to maintain a minimum emergency reserve/contingency fund for students studying abroad. Given the need to assist students abroad during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, UW System administration is suspending the requirement of the emergency reserve/contingency fund until the end of the pandemic.

2.     Related System Administrative Policies

This interim policy action temporarily waives section 6.E.II of SYS 145, Development and Operation of Off-Campus International Educational Programs for University of Wisconsin System Students.

The study abroad emergency and contingency fund is also referenced in section 6.B.8 of SYS 810, Study Abroad & Study Away Programs.

3.     Scope

This interim policy action applies to all UW institutions with study abroad programs.

4.     Definitions

Study Abroad: Education abroad or study abroad is defined as any of a number of opportunities by which students can complete part of their degree program through educational activities outside the United States. The standard length of study abroad has been programs with a duration of a semester or a year, but it also more frequently includes short-term programs and faculty led programs between semesters or in the summer. Study abroad programs can also include volunteering or work abroad (including internships), classroom study, research, and service learning.

5.     Interim Policy Statement

  1. This interim policy action waives the requirement that UW institutions maintain a minimum emergency reserve/contingency fund equal to at least $100 times the number of students sent abroad each year or an amount adequate to respond to emergencies and unforeseen problems.
  2. This interim policy is only applicable for the duration for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and expires on May 31, 2023.
  3. Institutions should look at their own policies regarding appropriate funding levels and adjust them as necessary in this time.

6.     Supplemental Documents

None listed.