Resources for Parents & Guardians

As a consortium of small, private liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, ACM designs its programs to provide students with an immersive educational experience, enhancing each student’s intercultural learning through coursework, independent research projects, and professional development opportunities. ACM also takes great care to facilitate students’ safety and health while on site.

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Parent & Guardian Handbook

The Parent Handbook contains a comprehensive overview of ACM off-campus study programs, including information about academics, pre-departure preparation, on-site communication, health and safety, and more.

Download a PDF of the Handbook: 2021-2022 Parent & Guardian Handbook

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Program-Specific Information

Upon acceptance to an ACM program, your student will gain access to an information page that contains program-specific information, documents that your student needs to complete, and student handbooks.

For general program information, including academic and course information, schedules, program faculty and staff, and living arrangements, please visit the ACM webpage for each particular program. You can find all the programs listed on the off-campus study page.

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Policies and Procedures

All ACM policies and procedures are located on the Policies and Procedures page. Please note that specific off-campus study programs may have particular policies related to their unique location, context, or operation and those policies would be found in that program’s webpage or student handbook. ACM reserves the right to change these policies as it deems necessary and will endeavor to provide appropriate notice upon doing so. 

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Payment and Billing Information

Payment and billing information can be found on the Cost & Financial Assistance page. Please consult with your student’s home campus regarding the actual cost the college will be charged for the program, financial aid availability, and additional fees for studying off campus.

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Parent Orientation

Program Term	Date & Time (Central time zone)	Webinar Link
Fall 2021	TBD
Previous Orientations
Fall 2018	July 30th, 2018 - 4:30 p.m. CST	Recording
Spring 2019	December 18, 2018	Slides Recording

Recommended Information File

Before departing for an off-campus study program, ACM recommends that you and your student compile a folder of important information that might be helpful during the student's absence. This file may include resources such as:

• Copies of passport and visa (if applicable), credit and debit cards, travel itineraries, and lodging information
• Copies of the student's health insurance card and information on how to file a claim
• The address where students can receive mail at their program site (can be found in the individual program handbooks)
• Contact information for ACM's consortial office and the Off-Campus Study Office of the student's home campus
• Any information you might need in order to file the student's taxes in their absence (for spring programs only)
• Any information you might need to facilitate necessary processes with the home campus (housing sign-up, course registration, etc.)

You may consider talking with your student about designating a trusted individual to serve as their Attorney-In-Fact. Granting someone Power of Attorney will allow them to assist the student with some banking, financial aid, or other personal processes while away.

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Important Reminders

Here are a few important reminders for students and their parents/guardians as students prepare to study off campus:

• Healthcare: It can be helpful to have a physical and dental exam before departing. Students should have access to a copy of their complete medical record and any prescriptions in writing.
• Health insurance: All students participating in ACM off-campus study programs are required to carry their own health insurance.

• Medications and other medical preparation: If your student takes one or more prescription drugs regularly, they will need to speak with their physician prior to the beginning of the program. They can decide with their physician which pharmacy to use for their prescription(s).  

• Special diets: After your student's program acceptance, they will be prompted to notify the ACM if they have any dietary restrictions. The ACM will work to make appropriate accommodations for group meals. 
• Emergency plan: Discuss how you will handle any personal/family emergencies during your student's time away. Make a written plan that includes methods of communication to use and in what order. This might include information such as all family telephone numbers and email addresses, access codes for messages on voicemail or answering machines, and a "third-party" relative or friend who can serve as a contact. 
• Access to money: How will your student access funds for daily use? Investigate ATM withdrawals, cash advances, and other considerations. Discuss strategies to avoid petty theft, such as safe money storage methods and keeping an eye on belongings at all times. 
• Communication: Discuss with your student how you will communicate and how often you will communicate while on their off-campus study program. Students will be required to have a phone and phone number that works in the US. There are a variety of options for students to stay in touch including text, FaceTime, WhatsApp and Skype. Be sure to discuss your communication expectations ahead of time. 

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Additional Resources

For more information, refer to the following resources:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Federal Voting Assistance Program (for absentee voting)

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Questions?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact an ACM staff member:

Michael Vertovec Senior Program Administrator mvertovec@acm.edu 312.561.5934

In case of a program emergency after business hours, please call the ACM emergency phone at 312.561.5911.