TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The International Pathway Program (IPP) at the University of Hartford is operated by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC (“Study Group”) in conjunction with the University of Hartford (“Hartford”). Students in the IPP are bound to these terms and conditions. Prospective students should carefully read the terms and conditions prior to accepting their application for admission. It is important that students frequently review these rules and regulations as they may change. The right to amend the terms and conditions resides with Hartford and the IPP. Students agree to comply with the current version of the terms and conditions. University rules and regulations, which also must be followed, can be found at:
- The Source Student Handbook
- 2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin (academics)
- 2017-2018 Graduate Bulletin (academics)
1. Application
The IPP consists of 2 and 3 semester academic programs, with English-only semesters preceding as needed. Students may apply for any program, but they qualify for a specific program based on their prior degree-level, grade point average (GPA), and their English test scores (dated within 2 years). Students will be conditionally accepted in to a specific IPP program, but the program placement is subject to further English testing upon arrival (see 7. English Proficiency). By applying to an IPP program, students agree to comply with current terms and conditions and agree to adhere to adjusted terms and conditions. The application for admission can be found on the Application page.
2. Admissions
To apply, students must submit a completed application, all previous academic transcripts (high school and university) in the original language and in English, a copy of the student’s passport, and the results of an approved English proficiency test (dated within 2 years). A list of approved English tests can be found on the Admissions page. Once the student submits a completed application, notification of conditional acceptance will follow. If conditionally accepted, the student will receive a written letter of conditional acceptance, directions for paying the deposit and tuition, a list of the required items that need to be submitted, information about arrival and Orientation, and items to bring for on-campus registration. Admissions questions following receipt of a conditional acceptance should be sent to naadmissions@studygroup.com.
3. Visas
Students should contact their local Embassy, Consulate or High Commission to ensure they are allowed to enter and study in their chosen location. Visa advice can only be given by the appropriate Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. Hartford and Study Group cannot be held responsible for decisions taken by embassies or immigration officials regarding visa entry, extensions, or denials. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the most updated visa regulations/processes are being followed. By law, for the university to issue the I-20 form, Study Group must receive: the student’s home address, proof of sufficient funds to meet the student’s tuition and living expenses for the entire program through a current (6 months or less) bank statement. If funds are from a source other than the student applicant (e.g. family/friend sponsor), sponsors must also complete an affidavit of support. Available funds must be in Savings, Checking, Certificate of Deposit, or Money Market accounts. All IPP students must enter the US on an F-1 student visa and maintain an active SEVIS record at all times while enrolled in the IPP at Hartford. If a visa application is rejected and Study Group receives written evidence at least 7 days prior to the Arrival Day, the deposit will be refunded, less any bank and courier charges, as well any non-refundable fees. Students holding an I-20 from Hartford must report in person to the University on the IPP’s Arrival Day and register with the University and IPP staff.
4. Tuition and Fees
Directions for paying the $3,000.00 USD non-refundable deposit will be included with the conditional offer letter. Once the non-refundable deposit is received along with all required I-20 supporting documents, an I-20 will be sent to the student for the visa process. Payments may be made by bank transfer or credit card and must include all bank transfer charges (including intermediary bank charges). All IPP tuition and fees are payable to Study Group. The balance of the fees for the first term must be paid one month before the first course start date. Students accepted by an institution after the billing due date are required to pay their deposit immediately upon receipt of the student visa. The balance of fees for the 1st term must be paid prior to arrival. Failure to pay 1st term in full by this date will risk enrollment in the program, including academic participation, housing, dining, and all IPP and university services. All fees for second or subsequent ISC study terms must be paid two months prior to the term start date. Pricing is subject to change.
Payment may be made to Study Group via our PayOnline platform.
5. Refunds and Cancellation Fees Policy
If Study Group or Hartford cancels a program after a student has made payment, Study Group will refund all monies collected. Requests for refunds from the IPP must be submitted in writing to Study Group Admissions (Hartfordiscadmissions@studygroup.com) prior to the IPP Arrival Day or to the IPP Program Director after arrival. In determining the percentages of refund, the effective date of withdrawal will be the date on which the written notice of withdrawal was received, rather than the last day of class attendance. Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal.
| Written request received | Amount refundable |
|---|---|
| Prior to IPP Arrival Day to the university, first quarter of IPP only | 100% tuition & fees minus any non-refundable fees 100% housing and dining 0% of student insurance |
| Arrival on campus through 24 hours prior to the end of academic add/drop period, first quarter of IPP only | 80% tuition & fees minus any non-refundable fees 0% housing and dining 0% of student insurance |
| After 24 hours prior to the university's add/drop period in the first quarter of the IPP and all subsequent quarters | 0% tuition & fees 0% housing and dining 0% of student insurance |
The last opportunity for any refund for the entire IPP is 24 hours before the end of Hartford's add/drop period in the first quarter of the program. Housing and dining refunds will not be issued. Student insurance plans are non-refundable. Cancellation refunds are paid within 45 calendar days from the date of receipt of written notification. All refunds are made to the original payer. This IPP Refund and Cancellation Fees Policy covers all payments made to Study Group.
6. Arrival Information
Students must notify the IPP staff of their airline information as soon as they book the flight(s), including airlines, flight numbers, and departure and arrival times. This information can be submitted at Hartfordiscadmissions@studygroup.com. After entering this information, students will be notified of transportation from the airport to campus. The flight information must be received by the IPP staff no later than 7 days prior to the program’s Arrival Day. IPP housing will not be available until the IPP Arrival Day. Students arriving prior to the IPP Arrival Day will find hotel and transportation information on the Admissions page. All students must register on-campus with the IPP staff on Arrival Day.
7. English Proficiency
When accepted to the IPP, a student will be conditionally placed into an academic or English program that aligns with their English proficiency, based on the English score submitted at time of application. This program placement will be identified on the conditional offer letter. However, to ensure success, every student will be reassessed with an English test upon arrival. If this post-arrival test score shows a significant difference from the original score submitted, students may be placed in a program that aligns with a lower English proficiency and this may extend the length of stay in the IPP. If a student’s program is changed, the IPP staff will meet with the student to review the test results and explain the program change. A program change is based on test results and is non-negotiable. If a student’s program is adjusted and the cost is greater than the amount paid, a new invoice will be sent to the student. Payment for the adjusted tuition will be expected within 45 days.
8. Program Enrollment
The IPP runs three semesters a year – fall, spring and summer. Once students begin the IPP, they must continue their enrollment in sequential semesters until they complete the program. Students may not leave for a semester and return at a later date. In the case of an emergency situation, the student should meet with the IPP Program Director.
9. Academic Placement and Grades
For the greatest chance of academic success, students will be placed in the academic program that most closely aligns with their academic achievement to date and their English proficiency. By enrolling in the IPP, students agree to allow their grades and attendance status be released to their agent(s) and family. Students will be required to complete a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) form.
10. Academic Integrity Policy
IPP students agree to follow the university Academic Honest Statement, outlined in the Student Handbook (page 68), and agree not to plagiarize, cheat, use the work belonging to others, or participate in any activity outlined by the university as a violation of its policy.
11. Student Health Insurance
Hartford requires all undergraduate and graduate full- and part-time international students on an F-1 student/exchange visitor visa to be enrolled in an accident and sickness insurance program. IPP students will automatically be enrolled in health insurance through the IPP. Students will receive information about the health insurance plan in their pre-arrival information and the cost will be included on their IPP invoice.
12. Health Declaration
Students must report to the IPP Program Director any mental or physical illness, allergy, disability or condition that may interfere with their ability to successfully complete their program, that may impact the wellbeing of any other student or staff member, that may require monitoring, treatment or emergency intervention during the student’s period of enrollment, or that may require special accommodation. Study Group reserves the right to terminate a student’s enrollment if the students’ participation represents a risk to their health and safety or that of other students or staff, or if, notwithstanding reasonable accommodations, in the opinion of Study Group, the student’s physical or mental condition makes the student unable to successfully complete their program. Refunds are at the discretion of Study Group.
13. Housing and Dining
IPP undergraduate students will receive information about housing options while graduate students will receive assistance in locating housing options on or off campus. Undergraduate IPP students are required to live in IPP-designated housing. Participating in a dining plan is required of students living in designated IPP housing. Campus dining services will operate when the University is in session. During University Center holidays and closures, students will find dining options throughout the local area.
14. University of Hartford and IPP Code of Student Conduct
As a member of the University community, students can expect that their personal dignity and property will be respected. In turn, all students are responsible for maintaining standards of conduct that do not interfere with the rights of others nor prevent the University or the IPP from functioning as a center of inquiry and learning. All students are expected to abide by the standards of behavior outlined in the Hartford Student Code of Conduct. Violations of University regulations, as printed in the Student Handbook (page 98) and/or the Housing Contract, will result in appropriate sanctions, up to and possibly including suspension or dismissal from the University and the IPP.
15. Alcohol Policy
Hartford, as an academic institution dedicated to higher learning, condemns the irresponsible use or abuse of alcohol. The University affirms its institutional role of encouraging mature reflection and a free choice of alternatives, which may include the decision to use alcoholic beverages by a person of legal drinking age (21 years of age). The guiding principles in this choice should be education, respect, cooperation, and accountability. The IPP supports the University Alcohol Policy.
16. Damage to Property
Students must pay the full cost of any damage they cause to property. Damage deposits may apply to certain accommodation options. These deposits are payable in advance, but no later than the program Arrival Day.
17. Weapons
Students may not possess or use any weapons while enrolled in the IPP. Further, the University of Hartford Weapons Policy states: “The possession and/or use on University property of firearms, non-functional representations of firearms that could reasonably be perceived to be real firearms, deadly weapons and dangerous instruments is not permitted . . . under Connecticut General Statute 53a-3.” (page 15). Students in possession of dangerous weapons or materials may be subject to immediate suspension and may face criminal or civil sanctions.
18. No Smoking Policy
Hartford maintains a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted in any building on University property. Smoking is also prohibited in any IPP-operated off-campus facility.
19. Parking
All students must register their vehicle with the University and obtain a current parking permit. Public Safety has authority to enforce the University motor vehicle and traffic regulations as outlined in the Your Car on Campus pamphlet. For more information, visit the Parking Information page.
20. Photography and Filming
Students agree that photographs, videos, artwork or other works, that include their image as well as recorded or written testimonials where they are included, may be used, stored or transferred internationally by Study Group, or by a third-party agent, for promotional purposes including printed and online marketing materials and on any social media network without further consent or notification. If students do not wish to participate, Study Group will respect their wishes, but it is the student’s responsibility to remove themselves from the photograph/video by submitting a request in writing to the IPP Program Director.
21. Termination
Students are required to follow all IPP and university policies to maintain a record of good standing. A student’s enrollment in the IPP and the University may be terminated for violation of behavioral, financial, or attendance standards or unlawful acts. No refund will be given and any unpaid fees become immediately payable if a student’s enrollment is terminated. Students should carefully read these terms and conditions and all university policies found in the Hartford Student Handbook.
22. Liability
Study Group and its staff and representatives will not be liable for loss, damage or injury to persons or property howsoever caused, except where liability is expressly imposed by law. Study Group will not be liable in the event that any service contracted to be supplied by Study Group becomes impossible to supply for any reason or any cause outside the control of Study Group.
23. Force Majeure
Study Group will not be responsible for any failure to comply with any of its obligations (and therefore shall not be required to provide any compensation) if the failure is occasioned by any cause beyond Study Group’s reasonable control. Nor shall Study Group be responsible for any costs incurred by or on behalf of the student as a result of any such cause. Such causes shall include but shall not be limited to act of government, war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, unusually adverse weather conditions and infectious diseases.
24. University Calendar
Students are advised that campus facilities may not be available during holidays and at times of university closure. These facilities may include, but are not limited to, the Library, athletic and recreational facilities, classrooms, and laboratories. Find the Hartford Academic Calendar at https://www.hartford.edu/academics/academic-calendar.
25. Valid Prices
Prices are subject to change without notice and will be confirmed upon invoicing. Current pricing can be found here: https://pathways.hartford.edu/admissions
26. Agent Representation
Study Group Terms and Conditions are applicable to all students and agents representing students.
27. Current Terms and Conditions
The current Study Group IPP Terms and Conditions supersede any previous Study Group IPP Terms and Conditions.
