Faculty Leaders

Cal Lutheran’s mission calls on us to "educate leaders for a global society." For many students, the most feasible way to participate in an educatoin abroad program, whether financially, psychologically, or academically, is with an instructor who they know and trust.

For leaders, faculty-led programs can be very rewarding, in part because of the heavy amount of work involved. The faculty leader is the instructor of record, as with any course on campus. That said, they are also the logistical coordinator and primary line of student support while abroad. As a result, teaching a faculty-led program can be very different from teaching inside the average classroom.

We expect faculty leaders will:

  • View instruction with a student-centered focus, maintaining both student enthusiasm and an active, rigorous pedagogical approach;
  • Offer expertise in the course content areas for which a course will award credit;
  • Have first-hand, relevant experience in the country of interest;
  • Communicate clearly, frequently, and collaboratively with the Office of Education Abroad and other campus stakeholders;
  • Take seriously the safety and security all program participants; and
  • Commit to and uphold the policies, procedures, and laws of California Lutheran University, the State of California, the United States, host institutions, and the host country.

Given the extraordinary level of effort and maturity required of faculty leaders, the Office of Education Abroad, departments, and colleges may not approve programs from prospective leaders, or reapprove them from repeat leaders, who do not illustrate their willingness or ability to serve these ends. All faculty-led programs should also identify a replacement leader in the event the primary leader is no longer able to lead the program. The expectations above apply to the replacement leader, as well. 

On a program abroad, the faculty leader should always consider student safety in planning group activities and be responsive to student needs. That said, students are legal adults and agree to take responsibility for their actions when they apply for a program. Faculty leaders should not, and are not expected to, behave as parental monitors or to anticipate all possible challenges.

While most programs run smoothly, emergencies occasionally do arise. Students may experience minor or serious medical emergencies or become victims of crime. For more information about preparing for and dealing with an emergency, go to the Emergencies section of our Policies and Procedures.

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