spanish-american institute

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CEA Student Services Standards Committee

Topic: Insurance and Housing

Meeting Date and Time: January 20, 2012, 6 pm

Present: Paul Schiffman, Committee Chairman, Thomas Schwenke, Dean of Administrative Services, Lyudmila Klavsen, Faculty Student Services Associate, Maria Machado, Faculty Student Services Associate

Minutes:

General Discussion: Review Student Services Standards 5 and 7.

• Standard No. 5: Students have access to health insurance if required and, in all cases, students are informed about the need for adequate health insurance coverage.
• Standard No. 7: The program of language institution clearly states and fulfills it responsibilities regarding student housing.

Standard No. 5: The Committee whole heartedly agreed that medical care expenses can jeopardize a student’s financial status and ability to maintain full-time student status in good standing. While The Institute does not require specific medical insurance, we believe that we are obligated to inform students in writing of services that can provide adequate medical coverage, as well as the risks incurred by letting coverage lapse.

Standard No. 7: The Committee whole heartedly agreed that medical care expenses can jeopardize a student’s financial status and ability to maintain full-time student status in good standing. While The Institute does not require specific medical insurance, we believe that we are obligated to inform students in writing of services that can provide adequate medical coverage, as well as the risks incurred by letting coverage lapse.

Recommendations: The Committee has determined that information regarding student health insurance and student housing should be included in the school catalog where The Institute’s staff can point out and communicate this information to students.

Standard No. 5 Health Insurance: In recommending health insurance plans, good practice requires that The Institute makes available information about plans that

• Are tailored to the needs of the student body
• Contain written regarding which services are covered and which are not, cost of the coverage, deductibles and co-payments required, and length of coverage
• Also contain written information about any optional coverage that can be obtained, such as that for spouses and dependents, dental care, and so on, as relevant

The following health insurance companies provide explanations on plans that are tailored to the international student:

ü Empire BlueCross BlueShield: http://get.empireblue.com/index.aspx

ü International Student Insurance Plans: http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/

ü International Student Health Insurance: http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/

ü International Student Organization: http://www.isoa.org/

Standard No. 7 Student Housing: The Institute is responsible to provide accurate information on housing available to international students. While The Institute does not conduct homestay operations, it does provide information about accommodations that are sensitive to the needs of international students. Good practice requires that any accommodation recommended

• Is a safe, clean, livable environment that is conducive to achieving the student’s educational purpose
• Takes into consideration respect for the student’s personal privacy and religious beliefs and practices-
• Has written policies available on request and that these policies are communicated to all appropriate staff.

The following accommodations fulfill the above good practice criteria. More detailed information is found in the school catalog, as well as a brochure that is available students and staff.

ü Broadway Hotel & Hostel

ü West Side YMCA

ü Vanderbilt YMCA

ü 92Y Uptown

ü Centro Maria

ü The Gershwin Hotel

ü The Leo House

ü Brandon Residence for Women

If a student has a problem at one of the recommended accommodations, s/he should follow the Complaint Procedure found in the school catalog.

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