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1 . Under what conditions will you cancel the Gonzaga-in-Florence program?^

Gonzaga-in-Florence has been in operation since 1963 without interruption, including during the 1991 Gulf War. We rely on the State Department and the U.S. Embassy, as well as other local resources, for guidance about safety in Italy and Western Europe. Should the State Department issue a specific warning for Florence, Italy, or Europe, a Crisis Response Team composed of Gonzaga administrators would convene to advise the Academic Vice President on a course of action. Key to this process are the views and advice of the Dean of the Gonzaga-in-Florence Program.

2 . What kind of announcements does the state department issue?^

The State Department issues three levels of announcements as follows: (http://www.travel.state.gov )U.S. citizens traveling in specific countries to be aware of non-specific security issues and to exercise caution while traveling to or within those countries; 3) Travel Warnings indicate that the U.S. government has received a specific threat and is warning U.S. visitors to be vigilant and on alert for suspicious activity in a particular country. It often recommends citizens to defer travel until the threat is no longer present. Our office sends Worldwide Cautions and Travel Warnings to the Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence to share with the students on the program. Receipt of these may be followed with a meeting with a U.S. Consulate officer to further advise the Dean and/or address the students.

3 . What if there is an incident in Italy or Western Europe?^

The Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence is in direct communication with the U.S. Embassy in Rome and the Consulate in Florence. Should a situation arise which requires extraordinary measures to insure student safety, the State Department serves as a critical resource. As an example, during the European Forum meeting in Florence in November 2002, the Dean cooperated with the instructions of the Consulate and gave the students two extra days off and provided a student trip that took the group out of the country.

4 . Program cancellation?^

The Gonzaga-in-Florence program has never canceled since it began in 1963. There have been times when the program has avoided tours to certain countries when the State Department Travel Warnings warranted such action. For example, because of a State Department Worldwide Caution regarding Kenya, the safari to Kenya was canceled for April 2003.

5 . What is your evacuation plan and when would you implement it?^

The Gonzaga-in-Florence program has had an evacuation plan in place since the Gulf War and it has never had to be implemented. We will implement this plan only in the event of a call from the U.S. Government to evacuate all U.S. citizens from Italy. This extreme measure would be implemented only as a last resort. In an evacuation, Gonzaga University's crisis management team (including the Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence, the Director of Study Abroad, the Academic Vice President's Office, and the Vice President for Student Life), would analyze the event and work together to create an appropriate response. The Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence is in regular contact with the U.S. Embassy in Rome and the Consulate in Florence. We will follow the Dean's recommendations and notify the students and their parents of the specific plan and the time frame. We will work with various travel professionals to secure safe housing and the necessary transportation for their return to the U.S. or interim location according to the advice of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy. The cost of international travel is the responsibility of the student, including the evacuation by U.S. military planes. Students are required to have round-trip tickets in their possession when they depart from the U.S.

6 . What is your refund policy?^

This refund policy applies only to war or major terrorist incidents. Until the date of departure, Gonzaga will refund all recoverable money to any student who withdraws from our program because of war or a major terrorist incident resulting in a State Department Travel Warning specific to Italy.Florence) the cost of the Christmas Tour. They will forfeit the charges for the Opening Tour and the room and board for both semesters as these expenses have been paid to outside vendors. In the event of war or terrorist activity that does not result in a State Department Travel Warning specific to Italy, Gonzaga University will refund only recoverable money to any student who decides to return home after taking up residence and starting classes. In order to qualify for this policy, students must make the decision to return home within thirty days of the terrorist activity or the start of war.

7 . Payment for return flight home (voluntary):^

Students who decide to depart from the program on their own are responsible for making their own arrangements and paying for any flight change fees. (In an involuntary departure situation, the situation of each student that is required to leave will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.)

8 . How can my student communicate with you in an emergency?^

In our orientation materials, we provide the students with the office (011-39-055-215-053), residence and cell phone numbers of the Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence and the office number for the Study Abroad office in Spokane (509-323-3549). Upon request, the University switchboard (509-328-4220) will put students in direct contact with the Dean, the Study Abroad Director (509-323-3583)or other university officials as required at any time. The Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence and the Director of Study Abroad are on call 24/7. Students who are experiencing an emergency should immediately contact the appropriate local agents and/or the Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence for his assistance. The location of the student and the specific circumstances will dictate the immediate response. These circumstances will be addressed in orientation meetings and materials. In every circumstance the student should contact the Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence as quickly as possible. Florence) and the U.S. Embassy, as well as the numbers of the other students on the program. Students are provided with emergency cards including personal information about themselves and the numbers of the Dean, the Study Abroad Director and various U.S. Embassy numbers in Western Europe and Great Britain. We ask students to carry this card along with their passport when they are traveling.

9 . How will you communicate with parents in an emergency?^

Our information is primarily directed toward our students. We do provide parents with a guide prior to the start of the program and the Christmas Tour itinerary, which include telephone and fax numbers where the students and Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence can be reached. We do not contact parents unless there is a specific incident that requires direct communication. For this reason, we ask parents to provide us with office and resident phone numbers, fax numbers, as well as e-mail address. Parents may consult the Study Abroad website for updates and information as well. Should an emergency occur that affects the continuation of the program, the University will contact parents with specific information. (http://www.gonzaga.edu/studyabroad or http://www.gonzaga.edu/gonzagainflorence

10 . What security measures do you recommend for students in areas that might be hostile to Americans?^

1. Blend in with the local culture. Don’t wear clothing that immediately identifies you as an American, such as shorts, midriff tops, clothing with logos and baseball caps.

11 . How does the Gonzaga-in-Florence office keep in touch with students?^

The students are welcome to visit with the Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence any time during office hours. Through a variety of formal and informal activities, both Dr. Patrick Burke, Interim Dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence and Kassi Kain, Associate Dean of Students, will come to know each individual on the program. Kassi Kain arranges for and participates in social gatherings and the on-going weekend trips. She is readily available to any student who wishes to meet with her.

12 . Is there anti-Americanism overseas?^

Anti-Americanism has existed in most other countries since the beginning of the Cold War. It was prevalent during the Vietnam War and during talks of nuclear weapons proliferation in the 1980s and it is apparent in many parts of the world today. The essence of this sentiment is displayed on signs or expressed in rallies and demonstrations. Throughout the 40 years the Gonzaga-in-Florence program has been in operation, we have not known of a single incident where our students were physically or individually threatened by anti-Americanism. While it is normal to feel offended by such criticism, it is important to remember that Anti-Americanism is generally not a threat to personal safety. There is increasing evidence of Anti-Americanism in various major cities throughout the world at this time. Therefore it is very important to avoid rallies and demonstrations even if they are un-related to U.S. activities.

13 . Is the Gonzaga-in-Florence program in a safe location?^

The Gonzaga-in-Florence program is currently located in the center of Florence in a building not easily identifiable as a school. The entrances of the building are locked at all times and only those authorized to enter have access. Florence is host to about 60 U.S. study abroad programs. There are literally thousands of American students (and their visiting families) in the city throughout the year. These programs provide a substantial amount to the local economy. As a result, students and other visitors are very welcome both in Florence and throughout Italy and Europe. As in any large city, incidents of crime do occur in Florence. Therefore, it is important for students to be in control of themselves, use good judgment, and be aware of their environment at all times.