2009 Svalbard Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program

Acceptance of Offer to Participate

and

Acknowledgement of Programmatic Expectations

Participant Name _______________________________________________________

The 2009 Svalbard Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program is designed to offer you and a small group of peers a chance to participate in a hands-on Arctic research program. The program, including all your research expenses and your stipend, is funded by the National Science Foundation (specifically, the Arctic Natural Sciences and Earth System History in NSF).

When you agree to participate in this program, you agree to the following expectations:

• Cooperative, enthusiastic participation during summer field research. This includes following the Code of Conduct and all safety precautions outlined in the Participant Code of Conduct and Acknowledgment of Risk documents.

• Completing your research at your home institution. We will help you identify research project ideas and gather field data during the summer field season. Upon returning to your home institution, you are expected to complete a senior thesis or semester-long independent study that complements your field study with appropriate scientific literature reviews, data and laboratory analyses. You will complete a written report satisfactory to your academic advisor and provide this report to the Program (because this project will last for many years, we want to build a database of our data and results).

• Post-season project meeting. During the Spring of 2010, you will be expected to participate in a scientific meeting (most likely the Arctic Workshop or the Northeast Section Meeting of the Geological Society of America) in which you will present the results of your research. Your food and lodging expenses (but not airfare) will be provided by the Program.

I, the undersigned, acknowledge the programmatic expectations outlined above and hereby accept the offer to participate in the 2009 Svalbard REU program.

Participant’s Signature _______________________________ Date _________________

2009 Svalbard Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program

Code of Conduct and Behavioral Expectations

Participant Name _______________________________________________________

As a participant in the 2009 Svalbard REU Program (the “Program”):

I agree to conduct myself overall in a manner consistent with my status as a visitor in Svalbard, Norway, and to abide by local rules and regulations, including those of the national and municipal governments, the host institution ( Mount Holyoke College) and the Norwegian University system (UNIS).

I agree to abide by the local regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol. Abuse of alcohol will be punished according to local regulations and will, additionally, result in a hearing with Program administrators. Punishment from the Program will reflect the circumstances of the infraction, and will range from formal reprimand to expulsion from the Program.

I agree to refrain from the use and/or possession of drugs (other than prescription drugs used under the care of a physician) during the Program. I understand that violation will result in immediate expulsion from the Program and return to the United States. I further understand that the Svalbard and Norwegian governments have a zero tolerance policy with regard to drug smuggling and possession, and that severe penalties can be imposed for violation.

I agree to refrain from sexual harassment of Program participants and staff, and of others. Acts of individuals or of groups that diminish the friendliness of the participants’ workplaces and other Program venues, will not be tolerated. Punishment from the Program will reflect the circumstances of the infraction, and will range from formal reprimand to expulsion from the Program.

I agree to follow all safety rules, especially polar bear safety and firearm safety precautions.

I agree that if I am expulsed from the program, I will pay all costs for my immediate return to the United States and I will forfeit all stipends and any expense reimbursement.

Applicant Agreement and Signature:

I have read and understand the above code of conduct and penalties for infractions, and I agree to abide by this code of conduct during my participation in the 2009 Svalbard REU Program.

Participant’s Signature _________________________________ Date_______________