Health & Safety

Personal responsibility and assumption of risk

When applying to the Washington University in St. Loius Washington, D.C. Programs and when signing the program agreement, you acknowledge the following:

Behavioral and academic standards

• Admission to the Washington, D.C. Programs may be denied or rescinded due to behavioral or academic concerns.
• Your judicial and academic records will be subject to review.
• As a participant, you will be expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with the behavioral standards of the judicial code. Disruptive behavior, academic dishonesty, and other improprieties will not be tolerated.
• You must comply with the rules and regulations of any host institution and with the local laws and regulations in the foreign country or countries where you reside or travel during the program, including times when you are engaged in independent activities.
• Your participation in the program may be terminated by Washington University in St. Louis for violation of these standards, along with forfeiture of all program fees and loss of academic credit for the program.
• You may have to return to WUSTL at your own expense to appeal a disciplinary decision.

Drug use and other illegal activities

The possession or use of any quantity of marijuana, cocaine or other illegal substance is strictly prohibited for the duration of the program. This prohibition applies not only while you are in the company of fellow participants, but also while you are alone or with people not associated with the program. The consequences of substance abuse or other illegal activity at any time during the program include immediate expulsion from the program, forfeiture of all program fees and loss of academic credit for the program. Washington University cannot obtain your release from jail; they can only aid in obtaining legal assistance for you.

Inherent conditions, hazards and risks

Washington University in St. Louis acts only to provide the opportunity for study in Washington, D.C. and does not guarantee your satisfaction with the program or your well being. You will not be closely supervised while you are in Washington, D.C. You are responsible for using good judgment to ensure your own health, safety and welfare. There are certain inherent conditions, hazards, and risks associated with travel and living in Washington, D.C. for which the university cannot and will not assume responsibility. These include, but are not limited to, inclement weather, natural disasters, labor disputes, riots, terrorism, delays or disruption of travel or accommodations, accidents and disease. During the period of your participation in the program, and while you are en route to or returning from the program, Washington University in St. Louis will not be responsible for any injury or damage to you or your property or for any personal liability sustained or incurred.

Medical needs and health insurance

All fall and spring semester programs include WUSTL student health insurance. Students who are enrolled during the spring semester are covered during the summer through July 31. The WUSTL plan is administered by Aetna Student Health The group policy number is 474928.

For 2011-2012, the cost of WUSTL student health insurance is $632 per year, billed at $316 per semester. Coverage is effective August, 1 2011 through July, 31 2012. For summer participants, coverage automatically continues through August 1 provided they were not on a leave of absence the previous spring. If you are not enrolled at WUSTL during the preceding semester, early coverage is not available if your program begins prior to August 1 or mid-January in the spring.

For health insurance details please contact:

Student Health and Counseling Service
(314) 935-6666

Inquiries regarding coverage and claims should be directed to the program administrator:

Aetna Student Health
P.O. Box 15708
Boston, MA 02215-0014
(866) 525-1956

Coverage:

• The WUSTL student health insurance plan provides 50-80% reimbursement of approved amounts for covered medical services and fees related to emergencies, outpatient care or hospitalization.
• The plan does not cover prescription medication.
• Deductible amounts, if any, must be satisfied prior to reimbursement.
• The plan is effective worldwide and includes coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
• Within the U.S., you should access an Aetna Network Provider. A list of providers may be found at Aetna Student Health website.
• Students who obtain medical care within 50 miles of the university are required to have a referral from student health services unless it is a medical emergency.
• Students are responsible for assessing their own medical needs. Physical or emotional problems may be exacerbated by stresses associated in a new location.
• Students must be medically able and prepared to participate in the program, and must arrange for appropriate immunizations.
• Students are responsible for verifying that the required WUSTL health insurance is adequate for their medical needs. Also, they are responsible for complying with the appropriate claims procedures and deadlines.
• Claims for reimbursement of medical expenses must be filed in a timely manner (e.g. within 90 days), including medical documentation and copies of paid receipts. Contact Aetna Student Health for clarification.

Tips on Staying Healthy While in D.C.:

• Be aware that health issues that are under control at home can become much worse while in a new location. Examples include depression, eating disorders, allergies, asthma, eczema, psychological problems, alcohol and drug abuse, etc.
• Disclose any needs you may have beforehand to D.C. Programs.
• Disabilities, dietary requirements, allergies, counseling needs, etc.
• Use latex condoms if you are sexually active.

Safety

Your safety and academic welfare is our priority, whether in St. Louis or elsewhere.

While we cannot guarantee your safety and security while in Washington, D.C., we will continue to act in a responsible manner to promote your well-being. If a situation or cause for concern arises, we will evaluate and respond to the situation on a case-by-case basis. We are able and willing to close or cancel a program, but our experience has been that this is seldom necessary.

While in Washington, D.C. use good judgment in what you do and where you go. Carry your wallet deep in your pocket and keep purses zipped. Keep valuables with you in secure, inaccessible places (not in a shoulder bag or outer pocket of a backpack).

When you stop to consult a map or guidebook, step into a shop or café, don’t stand out on a sidewalk where you can be easily identified as a tourist and targeted while you are distracted.

Keep photocopies of all important documents (passport, airline ticket, credit cards) and a list of important account numbers and contact telephone numbers in a secure location.
Leave a complete set at home (e.g. with your parents) and another complete set at your Washington, D.C. residence (if safe to do so).

Be aware of your surroundings. If you get a “feeling” something is not right, pay attention to your instincts and find a place where you feel more secure. Leave the area as soon as it appears to be safe to do so.

Consider investing in a personal alarm unit. Shouting/screaming and activating the alarm’s piercing noise are likely to scare away potential villains. (Note: mace will not be allowed on airplanes.)

Avoid unnecessarily hazardous situations.

Use good judgment in making travel plans and participating in extracurricular or recreational activities. By far, the most common causes of injury (and death) while studying in a new location are vehicular accidents and risky forms of recreation.

Contact Overseas Programs, your parents, and/or on-site personnel whenever something happens that may cause concern at home, even if you are not directly involved. Site directors or other program representatives are asked to inform us promptly as well. We consult with parents whenever we and/or they are concerned about the welfare of a student away from campus.

Tips on staying safe while in D.C.:

• Arm yourself with information!
• Find out emergency phone numbers and actions to take.
• Street-smart behavior
• Where are the unsafe areas?
• Can you walk by yourself at night?
• What traffic or transportation precautions do you need to take?
• Watch your belongings and pockets very carefully at busy bus stations, train stations, markets, bazaars and other locations frequented by tourists.
• Use common sense.
• Don’t leave money unsecured at your residence.
• Don’t purchase or use recreational drugs.
• Limit your alcohol intake.