GCC Faculty FAQ

Does the program have to be offered in the Spring term?

• Yes. This is because the program tuition is paid in the Winter semester, so the class must be offered immediately following winter term.

What does the housing situation for the professor look like?

• The professor will typically be provided with a single room in the same hotel or lodging where the students are accommodated.

Does the on-campus course need to be a pre-existing course?

• No, but it must be on the books in time for students to register for winter term.  Additionally, the course must be in load for the instructor – it cannot be an overload.

How many students need to be enrolled in the Winter term course to make it a viable option for a GCC?

• Typically we like to see an enrollment of at least 30; note that students in separate sections of the same course taught by the same instructor are eligible.

How is tuition billed for the Spring term 2-credit course?

• Since the “GCC” is a continuation of the winter term course, the 2-credits for the spring term abroad section are counted in the students’ winter term credits; this lets us avoid charging spring/summer tuition, keeping the programs financially accessible. Note that students are advised not to register for more than 18 credits in the winter, as registering for more than 18 credits entails an overload charge.

Who pays for the faculty member’s salary during the abroad program?

• CGIS pays the instructors’ salaries based on their Term III pay rate (prorated for a 2-credit course).

Does the U-M class have to be in LSA?

• CGIS is only able to work with instructors who have an appointment within LSA, and the base (winter-term, on-campus) course should at least be cross-listed within LSA.

What is the deadline for students to apply to the program?

• Students must apply by December 10th. In most cases, CGIS requires that students register for the on-campus course by the deadline. Students will be admitted shortly after the deadline. This allows students to know prior to the start of Winter term whether they have been accepted into the GCC program.

What additional commitments do instructors have beyond teaching the on-campus and on-site courses?

• During the fall, prior to registration for winter term, instructors will help promote the program, including, if possible, representing their program at the CGIS Study Abroad Fair in early October.
• Instructors must participate in a 1-hour faculty orientation session in January, and will also participate in a GCC Retreat in February along with their full cohort of traveling students.
• Instructors are also responsible for holding at least one group meeting with their students outside of class time to help students prepare for their upcoming international program.

Can GCC faculty have guests on site?

• While GCC faculty are permitted to have family members or other non-enrolled companions accompany them on-site, non-enrolled companions may not participate in any program-sponsored activities or travel. GCC faculty must notify CGIS of any family members or other non-enrolled companions who accompany them; if any minors accompany the GCC faculty, there must be another adult with no connection to the program responsible for caring for the minor(s) on a full-time basis. Dependents are covered by GeoBlue insurance under the Faculty and Staff blanket coverage policy.