TOPPERS AT SEA
CODE OF CONDUCT
Toppers at Sea  wku.edu/flsa/toppersatsea2014 
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
1
May 2014
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………….…….3
Administrative Team …...……………………………………………………………………………...8
Program Highlight……………………………………………………………………………………….7
Western Creed…………………………………………………………………………………………..10
Code of Conduct………………………………………………………………………………………...11
Point System…………………………………………………………………………………….12
Conduct Violations and Assigned Points…………………………………………....12
Judicial Process………………………………………………………………………………..14
Sanctions…………………………………………………………………………………………15
Alcohol and Other Drug Use Policy…………………………………………………….17
Harassment/Hazing Policy……………………..……………….………………………...18
Roommates Rights and Responsibilities Agreement…………………………..19
Signature Agreement………………………………………………………………………………...21
See Green Sheet for package and cost as well as
eligibility requirements for credit and non-credit
participants.
www.wku.edu/study/climatechange
Contact facultyled.abroad@wku.edu for information.
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
2
INTRODUCTION
WKU is excited to embark on an international endeavor unlike any other, a faculty-led
program called Toppers at Sea. By partnering with the Institute for Shipboard
Education®, students will study in multiple countries, which will influence the
curriculum and deepen the learning that takes place through hands-on field
experiences and independent travel.
The 2014 Toppers at Sea program is unique because the courses, discussions, and field
programs have a theme surrounding the science and implications of climate change.
The travel itinerary supplements this theme and curriculum, enhancing the experience
by providing a chance to witness the effects of climate change first hand.
Students and faculty will meet prior to departing for the shipboard portion of the
program to begin the coursework and provide pre-departure orientation. All students
will enroll in a one credit hour seminar titled, “An Interdisciplinary Approach
Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change” as well as a three credit hour course in
their chosen discipline.
This handbook provides a deeper understanding of Toppers at Sea and is intended for
use as a resource for participants. It does not supersede or modify any university policy
or procedure. All participants should review the Code of Conduct section within prior
to confirming attendance and agree to abide by the standards set forth.
Toppers at Sea is made possible with the following partners.
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
3
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Program Leaders
Jerry Barnaby - jerry.barnaby@wku.edu - 270-799-9963
Dr. Bernard Strenecky - bernie.strenecky@wku.edu - 270-779-0499
Eileen Strenecky - bstrenecky@gmail.com
Student Leaders
Stephen Farley— stephen.farley264@topper.wku.edu
Ellen Barringer— ellen.barringer354@topper.wku.edu
Chelsea Cornett— chelsea.cornett632@topper.wku.edu
Student Life Team
Abby Tenet — abby.tenet@wku.edu
Samantha Hartman - Samantha.hartman@wku.ed
Cady Denton — cady.denton@wku.edu
Faculty Leaders
Cathy Carey - cathy.carey@wku.edu
Dan Duran - Visiting professor with Whittier College - dduran@whittier.edu
Andrew West -- andrew.west@wku.edu
Jason Polk - jason.polk@wku.edu
Leslie North - leslie.north@wku.edu
Nathan Phelps - nathan.phelps@wku.edu
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
4
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
Students participating in the Toppers at Sea program will have the unique opportunity
to participate in an international service-learning project. Service-learning is an integral
part of both Semester at Sea’s and Western Kentucky University’s missions. These
projects enable students to increase their global understanding and interact with locals
while learning a multitude of skills and knowledge.
Toppers at Sea is proud to partner with The $100 Solution™, an international servicelearning non-profit organization, whose work around the globe encourages students to
implement change in their community with small steps to large challenges.
Learn how you can turn $100 into a world
of change by participating in the Summer
2014 Toppers at Sea program!
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
5
WESTERN CREED
All Toppers at Sea participants are expected to uphold the ideals set forth by the
Western Creed, both on WKU’s campus and abroad.
Western Kentucky University is a community dedicated to learning where ideas are
offered, examined, and discussed. As a member of this community, you have both a
personal and shared responsibility to participate actively in university life by:

Practicing personal and academic integrity

Seeking unity by respecting the dignity of all persons

Celebrating and embracing diversity

Encouraging freedom of expression

Acting in accordance with basic principles of citizenship

Preserving and appreciating the natural beauty of campus

Enriching all aspects of life through the educational process

Embracing the ideals expressed on the university seal: “Life More Life” and “The
Spirit Makes the Master,” by pursuing personal growth and a life of excellence.
STANDARD OF CONDUCT
WKU expects all Toppers at Sea program participants’ behavior to reflect that of a
good citizen. As a participant you are to be guided by the principles of an active citizen
in our community. As a member of this community you are expected to respect the
rights of others in the greater spirit of higher education, no matter what your role may
be. WKU expects high standards of participants both inside and outside of the
classroom, on or off ship.
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
6
CODE OF CONDUCT
I. Overview
The policies and procedures outlined in this handbook are consistent with the mission
and values of the Institute for Shipboard Education and Western Kentucky University.
Toppers at Sea program leaders reserve the right to modify policies and procedures at
any time. Faculty, staff, students, non-credit participants, and family members are all
held to the standards set forth. With the world as our classroom, participants will
have the opportunity to experience a multiple-country study, interdisciplinary
coursework, and hands-on field experiences throughout which Toppers at Sea is
committed to fostering a healthy, safe, and responsible community for living.
Participation in the Toppers at Sea program assumes that participants have read and
understand the information discussed. Questions regarding the contents of this
handbook should be directed to Jerry Barnaby, Director of the Office of Study Away.
II. Code of Conduct Authority
The program’s coordinator, Jerry Barnaby (or designee), will be the administrator of
conduct. In conjunction with the residential staff and faculty members; decisions
made by the Code of Conduct Authority are final.
The Master of the MV Explorer (ship’s captain) is responsible for its safe and efficient
operation, including navigation, crew management, and ensuring that the vessel
complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag-state policies.
All persons on board, including officers and crew, faculty, and staff members,
participants, other passengers, guests and pilots, are under the Master’s authority.
As a community, we are all responsible for one another and should be accountable to
each other's actions. Participants may be under sanctions due to association under the
clause of “Shared Responsibility.”
III. Jurisdiction
1. The Code of Conduct is applicable from acceptance through final disembarkation.
2. The policies and procedures shall apply to conduct that occurs on the MV Explorer,
during field experiences, and to other off-ship conduct that adversely affects the
shipboard and/or Toppers at Sea community and/or the pursuit of its objectives.
3. The Code of Conduct Authority shall decide whether the policies and procedures
should be applied to conduct occurring off-ship on a case by case basis.
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
7
V. Points
1. The Code of Conduct system will utilize a points scale to help participants
understand their status within the conduct system and to provide consistency
among sanctioning.
2. Points are cumulative and are assigned to primary and secondary sanctions
as demonstrated below:
Cumulative Points Assigned
Primary Sanction Assigned
1-3
Warning
4-7
Probation
8-9
Expulsion in Abeyance
10
Expulsion
V. Conduct Violations and Assigned Points
Violation
Points
Academic Non-Participation
10
Full participation in the academic program is expected, including attendance, participation, and completion of assignments and exams.
Academic Integrity Violation
10
Includes but not limited to plagiarism and cheating.
Drug Policy Violation; Refusal to submit to a Drug Test
10
As detailed in the alcohol and other drug policy
Endangering Health/Safety
10
Conduct which threatens or endangers the health/safety of any person
Harassment/Hazing
10
As detailed in the Harassment Policy
Physical Abuse
10
Any attempt to or actually cause injury or inflict pain to oneself or others
Sexual Misconduct
10
As detailed in the Harassment Policy
Smuggling or Attempting to Smuggle Dangerous Weapons, Explosives, or Chemicals Abroad the MV
Explorer
10
Includes use of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens, or causes fear to others
Smuggling or Attempting to Smuggle Unauthorized Persons Aboard the MV Explorer
10
Dangerous or Serious Intoxication; Refusal to Submit to a Field Sobriety Test and/or Breath Sample
8
As detailed in the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
8
Violation
Points
Dishonesty
8
Furnishing false information to any ISE or WKU official, faculty or staff member, or officer or crew; forgery, alteration, or misuse of any Institute document, record, or instrument of identification
Operating Motor Vehicles/Vessels
8
Including but not limited to: cars/trucks, motorcycle/scooter/moped; ATV/dune buggy; jet ski; motorboat; houseboat. *Only non-student participants may use car/trucks for personal use. Please note: Field experience transportation must be organized through WKU in advance.
Alcohol Smuggling/Possession of Alcohol/Beverage Service Violations/ Elevated Intoxication
6
As detailed in the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy
Disorderly Conduct
6
Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to
breach the peace; intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other program activities
Failure to Comply/Identify Oneself
6
Not obeying the directions of ISE officials or crew acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify
oneself to these persons when requested to do so
Gambling
6
Organizing or participating in games of skill or chance where money exchanges hands
Unauthorized Use/Entry
6
Unauthorized entry to or use of ISE and/or MV Explorer premises
Abuse of the Code of Conduct system
Varies
Cabin Violations
Varies
(Ie. Propping cabin door, covering light shade, hanging anything from fire sprinkler)
Computer Abuse
Varies
Including but not limited to: sending spam, using any account without permission, altering existing resources,
wasting print resources, disk space, and network bandwidth.
Dining Hall/Public Area Violations
Varies
Including but not limited to: barefoot, shirtless, wet swimwear, taking food from dining hall; excessive noise at any
hour
Roommate Conflicts
Varies
As detailed in the Roommate Rights and Responsibilities Declaration
Smoking
Varies
Smoking anywhere but the designated smoking area
Violation of Law or Policy
Varies
Prohibited Travel
Varies
Tardy to the Ship or Field Trip/Field Lab
N/A
Tardy return to the ship, tardy on field program, or failure to return passport/landing card = 2 hours for each 15
minutes late
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
9
VI. Judicial Process
All participants have the right to report any infraction of the Toppers at Sea Code of
Conduct. This must be done so in written form to the Code of Conduct Authority, Jerry
Barnaby (or designee), and should be submitted as soon as possible.
The Code of Conduct Authority may organize an investigation to determine if the charges
have merit and/or if they can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the
parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Code of Conduct Authority. If the violation is
admitted to, but sanctions are not agreed to, the subsequent process, including a hearing
if necessary, will determine the appropriate sanction(s).
1. All charges are presented to the accused participant in written form. If prompt review
is necessary, the Code of Conduct Authority may request to meet within 24 hours. If
not, a time within 1-3 days will be set for a Conduct Hearing.
2. The Conduct Hearing will be heard by the Code of Conduct Authority, Resident
Directors, and faculty (if student violation) through discussion, conferences, and
meetings with the accused participant(s), complainant, and any witnesses deemed
necessary.
3. In correlation with the points system and the assigned point values for violations, the
Code of Conduct Authority will assign a point value to a student’s record and carry out
the sanction assigned, as detailed in section VIII.
The Code of Conduct Authority has the final decision and shall act in accordance to the
procedures set forth in the Code of Conduct.
VII. Non-Student Participants Addendum
All non-student participants are subject to two exceptions to the Code of Conduct.
1. Non-student participants of legal age may operate a vehicle for personal use only.
Please note: faculty and staff must organize field experience transportation through
WKU in advance.
2. Non-student participants of legal age may bring alcohol on-board the ship in
accordance to the policies outlined by the Institute for Shipboard Education. Please
see the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy for additional information. (see below)
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
10
VIII. Sanctions
Primary Sanction Assigned
Description
Warning
Official written notice to the participant notifying that they are violating or has
violated Toppers at Sea regulations which may result in further disciplinary
action.
Probation
Probation is notice to the participant that his/her behavior is of such a nature as
to place the them in jeopardy of removal from the program. Probation is for a
designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe
disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to violate any Toppers at Sea, ISE, or
WKU regulations during the probationary period. A disciplinary agreement may
be set forth with specific obligations outlined. The Code of Conduct Authority
may notify the home institution study abroad office or judicial affairs of the
disciplinary status.
Expulsion in Abeyance
Expulsion from the Toppers at Sea program, with the expulsion stayed, allowing a
final opportunity to prove that he/she can act as a responsible member of the
community. A disciplinary agreement may be set forth with specific obligations
outlined. Violations are grounds for expulsions. The Code of Conduct Authority
shall notify the home institution study abroad office or judicial affairs of the
disciplinary status.
Expulsion
Permanent separation of the participant from the Toppers at Sea program, ISE
and full WKU academic withdrawal with transcript notation of “disciplinary
expulsion” and a grade of “W” in each course (if applicable). The participant is
responsible for remitting any outstanding balances including repayment of
scholarships or grants. The participant must leave the ship on the date set by the
Code of Conduct Authority and will be responsible for the costs, arrangement,
and his/her own safety associated with returning home. The Code of Conduct
Authority shall notify the home institution study abroad office or judicial affairs
of the disciplinary status.
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
11
VIII. Sanctions (continued)
In addition to the primary sanction assigned, participants may be assigned one or more
secondary sanctions.
Secondary Sanction
Assigned
Description
Discretionary Sanctions
Work assignments, service projects, essays, referral for required counseling or
medical services, or other related discretionary assignments.
Dock Time
Restriction to the ship while in port for a defined period of time with no
guaranteed refund for field experiences missed.
Loss of Privileges
Restitution
Denial of specific privileges for a designated period of time.
Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of
appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
Other than expulsion, disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the participant’s
permanent academic record, but shall become part of the participant’s disciplinary
record.
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
12
IX. Alcohol and Other Drug Policy
A. Alcohol
Any participant who appears intoxicated to ISE or WKU officials shall be administered
a field sobriety test and/or breathalyzer test with the disposition of said test based
upon the observable evaluation and/or blood alcohol level.
After assessment, the participant is subject to sanctions in accordance with the
violation, as well as interim suspension for 12-24 hours immediately following
treatment.
On-Ship: Because the on-site portion of the Toppers at Sea program is conducted in
international waters and non-U.S. ports of call, the legal age of consumption is 18
years. Alcohol is available for purchase onboard the MV Explorer and the privilege is
afforded to students with the expectation of doing so responsibly. Any level of
drunkenness at any time will be subject to judicial sanction.
Participants are permitted to bring up to two (2) sealed alcoholic beverages onboard
per port. Bottles brought onboard must be checked by security at the gangway upon
arrival and may not be brought to cabins for consumption or storage. U.S. law
prohibits individuals under the age of 21 to bring alcoholic beverages into the country.
In-Port: Participants are expected to adhere to local laws in the countries visited and
be respectful in their use of alcoholic beverages. Uncontrolled and excessive use of
alcohol in host countries is not acceptable. During field programs, the consumption of
alcohol is off-limits, except if included in a program-sponsored event, while meeting
age requirements. Violation of this will result in non-participation during the field
experience, potentially resulting in academic consequences and judicial sanctions.
B. Other Drugs
Includes controlled substances as defined in 21 USC 802, which cannot be legally
obtained, as well as, prescribed drugs with an invalid prescription, used contrary to
the prescription, or unaccounted for on the student’s medical history form.
There is a strict zero tolerance policy for illicit drugs, controlled substances, and drug
paraphernalia including the manufacture, consumption, possession, sale, distribution,
or transfer of such items.
Toppers at Sea and ISE reserve the right to require a participant to submit a urine
drug screen test if the participant is part of a random drug screening or believed to be
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
13
X. Harassment/Hazing Policy
In order to maintain a healthy community for living and learning, Toppers at Sea will not
tolerate any harassment on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, age,
sexual orientation, disability, or other forms of impermissible harassment.
Harassment can take many forms including but not limited to: slurs, comments, rumors,
jokes, innuendoes, sexual misconduct, unwelcome compliments or touching, pranks, and
other verbal or physical conduct.
Due to the sensitivity of harassment issues, confidentiality will protect all parties and
information will be shared on a need-to-know basis.
If you or someone you know may be the victim of sexual misconduct, you are strongly
urged to seek immediate assistance. Contact a member of the Administrative Team,
Medical Team, or Student Life team 24 hours a day.
Any person found to have violated the policy against harassment is subject to sanctions
including but not limited to, warning, probation, dismissal, or expulsion.
Hazing is considered a serious violation of the Code of Conduct and is prohibited in all
forms. Hazing refers to practices which are a part of initiation into an affiliation with any
organization. Hazing is defied as any action, physical abuse, or creation of a situation
which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a participant
by any person.
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
14
XI. Roommate Rights and Responsibilities Declaration
As a participant in Toppers at Sea, everyone will be living among a shipboard community
with the rights and responsibilities that must be balanced with the needs of others.
Individuals involved in a roommate conflict should at first try to resolve the conflict
between themselves and the Student Life Team, but if the problem persists, can be taken
under the Code of Conduct Authority.
Each participant has the following rights:
1. The right to a clean and healthy environment
2. The right to read and study free from undo interference or noise
3. The right to sleep without disturbance
4. The right to privacy and freedom from interference with personal activities
5. The right to be free of any unnecessary emotional distress, discrimination, or
harassment
6. The right to have conflicts resolved in a timely fashion.
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
15
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
16
SIGNATURE AGREEMENT
Your signature indicated that you have fully read and understand the policies and procedures set forth by the Toppers at Sea program and agree to act as a responsible member
of the community.
_____________________________________
______________________________________
__________________
Participant Name (Print)
Signature
Date
_____________________________________
______________________________________
__________________
Program Leader Name (Print)
Signature
Date
This page will be kept by the Administrative Team only for the Toppers at Sea 2014 program.
 TOPPERS AT SEA HANDBOOK 
17