Students’ study abroad cancellation raises concern

TO THE EDITOR:

When concerns about Alyssa Valdez’s ability to study abroad were called into question (“UNC kicks student out of study abroad,” Sept. 21) she should have had a meeting with University officials — whether on the phone, Skype or in person.

She should not have been simply kicked off of a continent. Being woken up by a professor in the morning certainly does not qualify as a formal enough meeting.

While it is not clear yet whether she did indeed deserve to be dismissed from the program, one thing remains certain: Either the policy that resulted in her leaving was not followed, or the policy needs to be changed.

As it stands, the accusations that led to the decision are unproven, and yet the decision has already been made.

The way this decision seems to have been made is not in keeping with the traditions of the Carolina Way, nor that of the Honor Code.


Scott Neidich
Junior
Biology, Chemistry