UWc Red Cross Nordic Student Handbook 2023-24

S T U D E N T H A N D B O O K 2023 – 2024

Welcome from Pelham, Rektor of RCN

The back of my favourite T-shirt has a quote from Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”. Our mission “To make Education a force.” also makes clear the power and potential we have. “The fact is that given the challenges we face, education doesn’t need to be reformed it needs to be transformed.” said Sir Ken Robinson, “The key to this transformation is not to standardize education, but to personalize it, to build achievement on discovering the individual talents of each child, to put students in an environment where they want to learn and where they can naturally discover their true passions.” These words explain why we do what we do at RCN, developing the power and potential of our students, and why we need to do it well. These three pillars form the basis of understanding our World which is more challenging and more complex than ever before.

Quoting from a speech I gave in China I said, “temperatures are rising, the polar icecap is melting, disparities in wealth are increasing, populations are growing, resources are diminishing, and walls are isolating people from each other.” In UWC, we empower our students through experiential education; living and learning together, students from deliberately diverse contexts work together sharing and shaping perspectives, forming extraordinary relationships and joining a network that will last a lifetime. Tears, laughs, chats about existential issues, global warming, incessant rain, blue sky, sunshine, climbing, sleeping, swimming, running and academics merge.

At RCN we offer a two-year academic and experiential learning opportunity that is not for the fainthearted. If you are ready to challenge yourself in diverse and unexpected ways, in the outdoors or in a philosophical discussion, ideally both, then UWC wants to hear from you and we want to welcome you. As well as the two-year IB Diploma programme, we also offer a variety of short courses. Our aim is to understand and celebrate diversity as a strength, empowering our students in learning how to make a positive difference.

Living and learning with 200 students from around the world offers a two-year discovery of your passion and a unique, personal journey around the globe.

We warmly invite young people to bring their culture, values and attitudes from their home community. We seek individuals who are ready to listen, to question and to learn. Individuals with courage who want a context in which difference can be celebrated and valued, and who will courageously recognise and respond to our call to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable world.

Pelham Lindfield Roberts, Rektor

What’s Inside

Welcome to UWC RCN • 3

Campus Map • 6

UWC Movement • 7

RCN and the Red Cross • 9

A Message to Parents and Guardians • 10

Residential Life • 12

Health and Wellness • 13

Helping Around Campus • 15

A Typical Day at RCN • 16

The IB Diploma• 17

Experiences Outside the Classroom • 20

Living Responsibly & Independently • 29

Sharing A Room, House and Campus • 15

Receiving Mail • 32

Money • 32

Using the...• 33

Sustainability • 34

Policies • 35

Safeguarding • 38

Useful Contacts • 47 W E L C O M E T O R C N

UWC Code of Conduct • 40

RCN College Rules • 41

RCN College Expectations • 43

This handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to revision and updates. For more detailed or specific questions, contact our Community Life Leader, Sarah Haughey, at: sarah.haughey@uwcrcn.no or +47 45312214 and visit www.uwcrcn.no

CAMPUS MAP

U W C M O V E M E N T

UWC Mission

The College is guided by the UWC mission statement and promotes international understanding by creating an environment in which students from many countries and cultures are brought together to study, live and to serve the community.

UWC Values

UWC Values promote responsibility, respect, integrity and personal challenge.

UWC is a unique worldwide movement sustained by students, alumni and supporters. As an educational, non-governmental organization (NGO), UWC intentionally selects young people of merit and promise from diff erent socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, races, religions and nationalities who are brought together at 18 schools around the world by a common commitment to positive social action and the desire to build a more equitable and sustainable world.

UWC believes that to achieve peace and a sustainable future, the values it promotes are crucial.

“UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.”

Action & Personal Example

Sense of Idealism

International & Intercultural Understanding

Mutual Responsibility & Respect

Personal Responsibility & Integrity

Personal Challenge

Celebration of Difference

Compassion & Service

Respect for the Environment

Our identity as a United World College is at the core of what we do, but it is the Red Cross and Nordic elements of our identity which makes us a truly unique community. In Nordic countries, community has a specific cultural meaning which emphasises the importance of social relationships and mutual respect, and the understanding that everyone has a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of others in the community.

The Red Cross organisation is planted firmly in these Nordic ideals, and as an organisation they are committed to providing assistance without discrimination to all people in need, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or political beliefs. They do this independently from any political or religious affiliation and rely on a world wide network of volunteers who freely give their time, energy, and skills to serve those in need. The Red Cross, like the UWC, is working to transcend national boundaries and promote universal human dignity. We are privileged to share both a physical and an ideological space with this remarkable organisation.

A Message to Parents and Guardians

As we approach the beginning of a new academic year, we want to extend our warmest welcome to you as parents and guardians, as well as to the students who will be embarking on the exciting journey of joining RCN. We know that this is a significant step for both you and your student, many of whom are leaving their home communities for the first time, and we want to reassure you that we are wholly committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for their growth and development throughout their time with us.

Transitioning to residential life here at RCN will of course have challenges and frustrations at times, for both families and for the students themselves, but it is also an opportunity for growth, independence, and the development of valuable life skills. We are always here to support your student throughout this journey, and we encourage you to take care of yourselves during this time of transition as well.

Our House Leaders, Advisors, and Community Life Leader play a pivotal role in providing guidance and support to our students. We are always willing to communicate with parents and guardians about concerns, but it is important to remember that we

will primarily communicate directly with the students regarding school-related matters. As all of our students are over the age of 16, we believe that it is an important element of their education to empower them to take responsibility for their own communication.

We understand that sending your student away from home can be emotionally challenging for parents and guardians. It is essential to take care of yourselves during this period. We encourage you to engage in open and regular communication with your student, ask questions when you are unsure and above all, to trust in the supportive environment we work hard to create here at RCN.

We hope that this experience will be a transformative one for each one of our students, filled with new friendships, knowledge, and personal growth. Our dedicated staff and faculty are committed to creating a positive and enriching environment for your child's educational journey. Thank you for entrusting us with your student’s education and well-being. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

L I F E A T R C N

Residential Life

Being part of this community means actively participating in the wellbeing of the community. You will be expected, individually and with other community members, to live by the values upon which the College was founded. There might be aspects of residential life with which you may be unfamiliar at first, like living with four other students in one room and in a community of people from all over the world. This is an important part of our intentional learning environment.

Caring for Yourself and the RCN Community

We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of all students. An important part of the Community Life Programme here at RCN is the act of being conscious about your personal health and wellness, and the wellbeing of the community. Given the overall hectic nature of life at the College, you may find this to be the most challenging aspect of your time here. You will need to actively plan to ensure you get adequate sleep, regular exercise, and time for reflection. If you don’t take care of yourself, interacting with others and meeting the challenges of the program becomes very difficult.

A typical day is filled with classes, activities, community building, student-led events, and time for studying. Time management and proper rest will be crucial to making the most of your time here. Alongside taking care of yourself, you will need to reflect on your role within the community and your participation in all aspects of the program.

This will include thinking about how you interact with others and taking responsibility to build a respectful, compassionate community.

Student Support

Life at the College is energetic, busy and full of choices. To assist you through all of this, and to offer personal support, there are a number of people and structures in place. To stay on top of communications from the College and community, you are expected to check your email at least once a day.

Your room, where you will have a desk, a bed and storage area, is a place to relax and rejuvenate from the busy schedule at the College. There are 8 rooms in each house and each room is shared by 5 students from various countries. Each room has an attached bathroom. Each house has a House Leader who is responsible for the care and support of the students, and the running of the House.

The House Leaders are all teachers, and often have their own families living with them in the Student Village. They are available to offer a wide range of support for you and will take their role of being in loco parentis very seriously.

Just like in your own home, in your residence at RCN there are tasks that need to be done so that everyone can live well together. You will assist with washing dishes and keeping your room and shared spaces clean and welcoming. Since everyone helps in this way, there is a communal sense of ownership of our beautiful campus.

Besides your House Leaders, other adults are available to help you in different ways. For example,

you will have an Advisor to assist you with balancing your program. Your Advisor and your peers are available for personal and academic support.

Health and Wellness

The school’s Health Centre employs healthcare professionals, who can access additional healthcare and community support networks, including mental health and other wellness counsellors. As well as responding to physical wellness issues, the Health Centre can connect you to community and campusbased services.

The Community Life Leader, in collaboration with the Health Centre Team, promotes and preserves the health and wellbeing of student and community life at the College and collaborates with House Leaders and other campus adult residents, including Advisors.

Medical Care

As well as responding to physical wellness issues, the College Nurse can connect you with medical doctors, dentists, and other support as appropriate. Please be aware that there may be a substantial waiting period for specialist services.

You are encouraged to develop ‘self-responsibility’ for your own wellness by getting the basics right: sleep and enough exercise. The Wellbeing Counsellor is available for individual and group counseling appointments.

Medical Payment

Medical services are heavily subsidized by the Norwegian government, but they are not free. Once students receive their Norwegian National ID number, they are part of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. This means that a wide range of medical treatment will be covered by the Norwegian State, but it is not free. Public health services charge user fees up to a certain amount each year (NOK 3,040 in 2023), after which students qualify for an exemption card. Once a student has an exemption card, they are not charged user fees for the remainder of the calendar year.

Until students have reached the exemption level each year, RCN pays these user fees for students. To help offset these user fees from the Norwegian health care system, provide transportation to medical appointments, and provide over-the-counter medications, RCN charges all students (except those on Medical Cost Support) a Medical Fee each year. For the 2023-2024 school year, this fee is NOK 2,000, for which RCN will send families an invoice. Some special medical costs such as dental care and eye care are not covered by the Medical Fee and students will be expected to pay these costs themselves.

Head of Health Services: Guri Kanavin

guri.kanavin@uwcrcn.no

Head of Wellbeing: Charlotte Willemoes

charlotte.willemoes@uwcrcn.no

The Health Centre is located on the bottom floor of the Admin building.

Helping Around Campus

All of our students are required to help around campus. In addition to your room, you are responsible for cleaning dayrooms, corridors and the laundry room. Each student will be allocated a job in their house every week during House Cleaning, as well as during the deep clean twice termly. You will also participate in a CaRe, or Campus Responsibility. There are many CaRes to choose from, from helping to take care of the Campus Bicycles to being a Fire Warden, Keeping the Biology Lab in good working order and training to be a Lifeguard, or being a part of the Happy News Crew, being a Peer Tutor and so much more. This will all be explained to you when you arrive in August.

RCN First Aiders

All students take a basic Red Cross First Aid course in the first year, with some students then enhancing these skills to become First Aid Instructors. The First Aiders are spread across the five houses and undertake ongoing training throughout the year so that they are prepared to support the community in any emergency.

Being prepared to assist others in emergency situations is a very important skill. To emphasize the importance of the Red Cross and the Humanitarian Pillar to the College, we have developed a Red Cross Diploma programme with the support of the Norwegian Red Cross.

Intercultural and Interpersonal Awareness

Learning more about other people is probably one of the main reasons you chose to come to apply to the UWC. One of the most important ways for you to maintain and build the community is by listening carefully to others and offering support to all members of the community, who may claim different racial, gender and religious identities than your own.

A diverse community like RCN brings together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity can lead to a broader range of ideas and solutions, which can be particularly important when tackling complex problems- of which there are many in the world. This exposure to different perspectives, and the challenge of learning from them can lead to innovation and creativity and to help break down damaging stereotypes and promote empathy and understanding. By bringing people from different backgrounds together, a diverse community can promote social cohesion and help to build bridges between different groups. This community, built on knowledge, respect and compassion will naturally be more inclusive and provide a space where individuals from different backgrounds can feel valued and included.

DAILY TIMETABLE

A typical day at RCN

Every student’s classes and activities are different, but this is the general flow of a typical day at RCN.

You will receive your daily class schedule once you arrive on campus. As you can tell, time management and proper rest will be crucial to making the most of your time here.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Lessons

13.20-15.00

Tuesday, Thursday: EAC's 15.00-15.50

Monday: College Meeting or Advisor Meeting

Wednesday: Life Skills

Activities usually take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday is reserved for House Cleaning.Sunday's are reserved for community activities such as House Meetings and Community Meetings. Read more about each of these in the following sections.

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

RCN is authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the IB Diploma Programme that allows students the opportunity to earn a diploma accepted by universities in many countries. The IB Diploma is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth provided in others. All students study from five to six different academic areas. All courses, except schoolsupported self-taught languages, are studied for two years.

More information about the IB can be found at www.ibo.org

Course Preferences

Before you arrive on campus, you will receive an email with instructions on how to use the online course registration system. You will select the courses that fulfill the requirements of your IB Programme, as well as alternative choices if a course enrollment is at maximum capacity. Courses that require prior knowledge, such as Mathematics Higher Level and some languages, may have a diagnostic assessment to ensure you are enrolled in the course best suited for your level. Course changes may be requested during the first four weeks of classes but requested changes are not always possible. Think carefully about the courses you select now for your two-year academic program. You should discuss your course choices with your family and teachers at home. You should also research university course requirements prior to arriving at the College. With the exception of school-supported self-taught languages, you will take the same courses in your

second year as in your first year. Some courses you will study at a Higher Level and others at a Standard Level. If you study a self-taught language, you will generally complete this course in your first year and have time in your second year to dedicate to other courses and activities.

Ensure that the IB programme is compatible with your academic career: Studying at a university outside your home country can be very expensive and is not always possible. Therefore we encourage you to obtain information about:

The recognition of the IBDP and IBCP in your home country.

The specific program you intend to study (e.g. engineering, humanities, sciences, social sciences, law, medicine; in North America, law and medicine are not undergraduate programs

You will have the opportunity to seek guidance from our University Counselor throughout your two years on your university applications.

COURSES OFFERED

Group 1: Language A

Danish Literature HL & SL

Norwegian Literature HL & SL, Swedish Literature HL & SL, English Literature HL & SL, English Language & Lit. HL & SL, Spanish Literature HL & SL, Mother

tongue: Literature in the selftaught/school supported course SL

Group 2: Language B

English B HL, French ab initio (for beginners) SL, Norwegian B SL, Spanish ab initio (for beginners) SL, Spanish B (for students with experience learning Spanish as an additional language) SL and HL

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

History HL & SL, Global Politics HL & SL, Economics HL & SL, Geography HL & SL, Psychology HL & SL, Environmental Systems and Societies SL (transdisciplinary Groups 3 and 4)

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

Biology HL & SL, Chemistry HL & SL, Physics HL & SL, Environmental Systems and Societies SL (transdisciplinary Groups 3 and 4)

Group 5: Maths

Mathematics Analysis & Approaches HL , Mathematics Analysis & Approaches SL, Mathematics Applications & Interpretations SL

Group 6: The Arts & Electives

Theatre Arts HL & SL, Visual Arts HL & SL

The following courses are offered at the levels indicated (HL – Higher Level; SL – Standard Level). Course descriptions can be found on w4.

EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

A full commitment to your co-curricular program is central to both the completion of your IB Programme and your contribution to the UWC movement. At RCN, we consider your engagement in activities to be as valuable as your commitment to academics. In a typical week, you might deepen your caring for others by taking part in Amnesty International, pushing through your previous physical limits by hiking to the top of a mountain or nurturing a talent for pottery you never knew you had.

You will develop organizational and leadership skills, meet a variety of challenges, appreciate the beauty of our local environment, practice teamwork and cooperation, and form an enduring commitment to humanitarian service — and you will have fun along the way!

You will take an active role in shaping your activities to meet your goals. Many activities offer the chance to continue in a leadership role again in second year. Working with your Advisor to create a balanced and demanding program, you will identify personal challenges and pursue them through one or two scheduled activities of your choice per year. You are encouraged to take initiative to lead and participate in additional, less-formally structured activities throughout the year.

There are many activities and initiatives organized by students for students. New clubs can be proposed at the beginning of each term. This is an opportunity to share your passions and skills with others; convene and facilitate a group of peers to explore a topic of shared interest and develop and practice your leadership skills. It also provides a significant and unique opportunity for student leadership in the first year. Some examples of some student led activities are the Conversation Club, Dancing, Vex Robotics, Fjord Concerts and more.

In addition to weekly activities, the co-curricular program consists of two Project Based Learning weeks in October and in February.

Leirskule is a Camp School for Norwegian school children aged 1113 years hosting as many as 500 children over the course of 16 weeks per year with a range of activities running from Monday until Thursday. Directed and supervised by RCN staff, College students sometimes serve as instructors, and lead activities such as kayaking, archery, climbing and inter-cultural events.

For more information on Leirskule, please speak with our UWC Connect team on campus.

Leirskule

Examples of activities that were part of our program in the past include:

Outdoor Leadership

Badminton

Do Remember Other People

RCN Boats

Non Violent Communication

Gender and Sexuality Group

Fitness

The Art of Happiness

Theater

The Musicians

World Today

Species Identification

Red Cross Language Cafe

The Knights

SOS Childrens Village

Sjukeheimen

The Programmers

Swimming for Beginners

Project Based Learning Weeks

Outside the regular programmes, there are two weeks per year when students participate in so-called PBLs. These enable students and staff to pursue a particular interest and learn together outside the classroom. Examples include hiking, sea-kayaking and camping, yoga & meditation, intercultural communication and many more. First-year students spend the second of the two PBLs engaged in a Model United Nations simulation and undergo compulsory First Aid Training.

Mock Exams Week and Friluftsveka

In addition to PBL Week in February, all students also take part in Mock Exams or Friluftsveka. The aim of the annual Friluftsveka (“free-air-week”) trip is to enable all first years to enjoy a week skiing and appreciating outdoor experiences in the Norwegian mountains. During this week, second years stay on campus (a quieter place!) and write Mock examinations: these provide a very useful experience of writing IB style examinations and consolidating academically, as second years approach the final phase of their academic studies.

Global Concerns

Global Concerns are conferences organized by students with staff assistance. Issues of global importance, eg poverty, media, water, women’s rights, globalisation and AIDS, are addressed through lectures, discussions, activities and workshops and often include guest speakers. You will participate in the planning of at least one GC.

Special Focus Days are days devoted to foci such as interacting with students and teachers in the local community, Red Cross activities, health day and visiting guest lectures (eg. annual Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Lecture) and leadership training.

Exercise and Friluftsveka

Regular exercise is essential for your physical and mental well-being and can have positive effects on many aspects of your life. There is, of course, the obvious benefit of building and maintaining strong bones and muscles, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of a range of chronic diseases. But regular exercise and activity has many more benefits! For example, exercise has also been shown to have a positive effect on mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving your mood, and boosting self-esteem. It is also a great way to relieve stress and can improve your ability to cope with difficult situations. Participating in physical activities such as team sports can help you develop social skills, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging. There is even a benefit for your academic work, as exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory, attention, and decision-making skills.

At RCN you will have the opportunity to take part in lots of team sports including football, basketball, running, volleyball, handball and badminton. There are some opportunities to compete in these sports, but the focus is mainly on fun and exercise. At RCN the real opportunities for exercise are found in the natural world around us.

The Norwegian approach to the outdoors and exercise is deeply ingrained in the country's culture and history. Norwegians have a strong connection to nature, and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping are popular pastimes. Friluftsliv is a term that you will hear often at RCN, and is a Norwegian word that translates to "open-air life" or "outdoor life." This is a concept that emphasizes a connection with nature and the outdoors. This way of life promotes physical activity, adventure, and exploration of natural environments. Being in the outdoors comes with its own benefits to physical and mental health and improving your overall well-being.

Friluftsliv is not just a summer concept, but year round. Remember that there is no bad weather in Norway, only bad clothing! Friluftsliv is a commitment to celebrate time in the outdoors no matter your age, fitness level or the season and weather forecast. In the summer you can swim, in the winter you can ski. Friluftsliv is not only active sports like skiing and hiking, but anything that gives you space and live to be in the outdoors, watching the Northern Lights, laying in the grass, berry picking and laying in a hammock for an afternoon are all equally as valuable. So connect, calm down and clear your head by enjoying Friluftsliv.

College Meetings

Every two weeks we hold a College Meeting: normally, the Rektor reviews some past events and introduces some future ones, and students make short presentations to the RCN community – eg, to advertise an awareness raising event for a good cause they are working on. All students and education staff are expected to attend this gathering of the community.

Any member of the community is invited to share announcements during the College Meeting. A few days before the College Meeting the student organisers will send an e-mail out to the community asking for contributions.

Cultural Days

Special Saturdays are set aside so that you can work together on endeavours to share your cultures and promote a generosity of spirit. Each region in the world (Europe, Africa, Asia and Las Americas) is represented over your two years. Students prepare bazaars showcasing their countries, followed by a collective performance in the evening. World Today sessions are scheduled on Friday evenings. A team of students prepares and gives a presentation on an issue of international significance, followed by a discussion or Question & Answer session. These often involve guest speakers and provide a platform for students to exchange perspectives on significant issues.

Community Meetings

These Sunday Evening meetings create opportunities for the whole community to gather and discuss ideas and issues relevant to living together at RCN. The gatherings are opportunities to practice conflict resolution, public speaking and active listening in a group of up to 200 people. These meetings are based on the the belief that there is wisdom in listening to the whole community before making major decisions, and is gathering together to practice the skills which help us create peace and compassion.

Life Skills

Life Skills is a programme dedicated to the First Year students, and that seeks to educate and inform students on topics relating to their health and wellbeing. Every week, we come together to discussimportant topics like consent, nutrition, sleep hygiene, digital citizenship and much more.

Event Free Evenings and Days

There is an evening, or a day, designated each week as Event Free in the school calendar. This is in order to support all of our community members in taking important time to relax and recharge.

How to Arrange an Event

During your time at RCN, you are encouraged to participate in many different activities; you may also initiate an activity and from time to time you may wish to organize events, such as charity cafés, guest speaker visits, shows or parties.

While organizing events like this can be hard work, they can also be very rewarding. It is important that you are fully aware of the responsibility that you are taking on and that you are prepared to follow through with all the details that will make your event a success. This includes being responsible for all College equipment used, promoting respect for College rules and policies, and ensuring that your event does not negatively impact other members of the community.

Before organizing any of these types of events you must talk to the Community Life Leader to ensure that your event does not conflict with any other College events, to assist you with your plans and to ensure you are prepared to follow through with the responsibility you have taken on.

All events that involve an invitation to the wider RCN community must be discussed in advance with the Community Life Leader, and you are encouraged to speak to a member of the Student Council as well to help avoid any clashes. Sarah, the Community Life Leader, will then enter it into the school calendar.

LIVING RESPONSIBLY AND INDEPENDENTLY

While you are at the College, our primary focus of communication is with you. If your parents or guardians wish to be in touch with the College, they can do so by request. We also send out periodic updates to parents from our Rektor and, of course, your family can follow us online through our social media channels or reach out to your House Leader directly.

All aspects of life at the College are guided by our desire to be a compassionate and respectful community. To ensure that the College is a safe, secure, healthy and respectful place for everyone and to follow the rule of law in Norway, all members of the community are required to abide by the following policies both in spirit and in action at all times. These policies are constantly under review to follow best practices. The descriptions that follow are summaries of these and are consistent with the UWC Code of Conduct and the RCN Enrollment documents and policies.

While a student at RCN, it is essential to understand that drug, alcohol and tobacco use are not permitted on campus, regardless of your age. The laws of Norway prohibit the consumption and purchase of alcohol and tobacco by anyone under the age of 18. In addition, the distribution of alcohol and tobacco to anyone under this age is a serious offense.

RCN is a community and an organization that does not tolerate harassment, bullying and/ or discrimination of any kind and builds and sustains a community of respect and consent.

You are not permitted to consume, purchase or distribute drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or nicotine on campus. Doing so could result in your dismissal from the College.

RCN is committed to provide a safe and respectful environment for all students, faculty, staff, volunteers and other campus residents.

Consideration for Others Digital Citizenship

We are committed to a safe and respectful experience, free from harassment for every individual. Students who use physical force towards others, who become involved in theft, hazing, bullying, other anti- social behaviour, or who act willfully in a way that endangers the health and safety of another, may be sent home. The protocols for dealing with incidents of drug, alcohol, smoking, antisocial behaviour, sexual violence and harassment are outlined in the our Community Safeguarding Handbook. Please note that these policies and associated guidelines may be updated and revised at any time, although the community will always be involved and informed.

In the event of any situation where you feel unsafe, or uncomfortable, please make sure that you reach out to a trusted adult as soon as possible so that you can receive support.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of responsible digital citizenship is fundamental to the well-being of our community. Consideration for others applies to both your online and in-person presence.

You need to bring a laptop. If you are on IT Support and don’t have a laptop, the school will provide you on and this will be organised when you arrive.

Sharing a Room, a House and a Campus

After 10:30 pm, the entire campus should be quiet enough to allow community members to sleep if they wish to do so. Remember that our community includes people with lots of different habits and needs, and part of being a compassionate and respectful space is to make sure that these needs are all being met. Not everyone will want to go to sleep at 10.30 of course, and public spaces are still abailable for community use until midnight Sunday-Thursday, and without limit Friday and Saturday nights.

Between Sunday and Thursday all students should be in their own Houses between midnight and 6am, and no one should be in a room that is not their own after 10.30pm. This is to help create a maintain the opportunity and space for healthy sleep, as well as to ensure that student rooms remain a personal, safe and private space where everyone can relax. Sharing a room with 4 other students can be difficult, and we ask that you all respect the need for personal space that everyone has at times by respecting these expectations.

Room and House Collaborative Agreements

Room and House Agreements will be built together, and need to meet everyone’s needs to be equitable and realistic. To do this, each of you in the room, and later the House, need to make really specific requests, and explain what needs you have that this request would meet. To do this, you need to be willing to listen and try to understand the requests others are making, and what needs they have. The goal is that everyone’s needs are met and all voices are included. Every member of your room deserves to have their basic needs met, without exception. There are always other ways to meet everyone’s needs.

Your Rooms are Public Spaces

Please remember that while your rooms are private for your roommates, they are also public space because they are shared spaces. This means that sexual activity in the rooms is not permitted, and you have all signed the code of conduct agreeing this is. You have also agreed by signing the code of conduct that tobacco products and alcohol are not acceptable on campus, and this is especially true in student rooms. The rooms are your sanctuaries and as a community we expect each of you to respect and support that.

Day Rooms

Each House has its own Day Room, which is a communal space. There is a sofa, table and chairs, some simple cooking appliances, fridge, freezer and space for each room to store their snacks and cooking ingredients. Taking care of the Day Room is a shared responsibility, and a part of Wednesday House Cleaning. Each student is encouraged to provide their own plate, bowl, cup and cutlery for use in the House Day Room.

Receiving Mail

All mail and packages should be clearly addressed with the student’s name and the address of the student house, not the official school address. Each student house has its own postal address.

Finland House - Hauglandsvegen 270

Denmark House - Hauglandsvegen 268

Norway House - Hauglandsvegen 274

Iceland House - Hauglandsvegen 264

Sweden House - Hauglandsvegen 278

For example:

Sarah Haughey

Hauglandsvegen 264

6968 Flekke

Norway

Mail is delivered regularly to Reception and kept safely until you collect it. We encourage students to think carefully about their purchases, as we are a globally, socially and economically diverse community who have come together for a peaceable, sustainable and equitable education. The spirit of living equally also extends to our online shopping.

Remember that you will be expected to pay taxes on any goods you receive that have been sent from abroad. This can include packages sent from family members or items ordered online. This is important to check before you order something wiether or not you will be required to pay an import tax. These import taxes can often be huge, so caution is advised.

Some students receive a small allowance from the college as part of their scholarship. This money is meant to be used for your needs here in Norway and should not be sent home to families or other individuals. If you are pressured to do this, please let the Deputy Rektor know and we will support you with processes that will protect you from this.

The college is able, on occasion, to make small loans to students for unexpected costs. These loans are only available to students who are in genuine financial need and are generally used to cover emergency costs related to university deposits or similar unexpected situations. Students should contact the Deputy Rektor regarding this.

Money

As mentioned above, we are a deliberately diverse community, including social and economic diversity. To limit disparity between students, we recommend that spending money is limited during the year. You will not need much, and we will provide a great deal for you when you arriveincluding all of your meals, bedding and textbooks. You will not be expected to pay for any mandatory school trips, and we even have a clothing store here which students can access. We ask that you act in a way that an excessive display of wealth does not happen.

Using the Laundry

All students are responsible for their own personal laundry, although the college will provide clean bedding every other week.

Students share one communal laundry space in the center of the Student Village with washers, dryers and a small sink. Laundry detergent is provided, as well as a few laundry bags for students to use if needed. It is important that this space is cared for, and this responsibility is shared between all students. Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday a different room on campus will be assigned to clean the space.

Using the Høegh Kitchen

Although there are simple cooking appliances in each Day Room, students also have the option of booking the larger kitchen in the Høegh building to use. The process for this is easy! All you need to do is ask a member of the staff, most likely a House Leader or Advisor on duty at the weekends, to open it up for you, and to close it for you again when you are finished. There is a booking form, if you would like to book the Høegh Kitchen in advance, which can be found on the W4 Homepage with the other links.

You are expected to leave the kitchen clean and ready for the next person or group who wishes to use it.

Using the Silent House

The Silent House is a wonderful space on campus, and can be used by any member of the community. A group of students care for the Silent House as their Campus Responsibility, and the are responsible for unlocking it in the mornings and locking it up again at night.

There are sometimes activities in the Silent House, for example Yoga, or Christian Worship evenings, but most of the time you can simply go in and use the space.

Using the Gym

Students have access to the Gym, called the TSK, each evening from 7pm-9pm.

Using the Pool

Students have access to the pool facilities every Friday from 7pm-9pm, including the water slide, hot pool and sauna.

Sustainability

RCN is located in a truly beautiful location, nestled between fjord and mountains, surrounded by forests. We hope that every member of our community will do their part to protect our natural environment, and we encourage everyone to act responsibly to limit energy and resource consumption, as well as personal waste. This collective effort includes individual daily behaviours such as limiting the use of water, heat, electricity and paper. The campus’ sustainability relies on your participation.

As a campus community, we recycle to reduce our collective waste. Upon arrival at the College, you will participate in an educational session about recycling, overall environmental responsibilities. RCN is also working closely with our sister colleges within the UWC movement to share knowledge and collaborate on various sustainability initiatives.

Our Sustainability Coordinator works with a dedicated group of students to further this important work at the College. If you want to get involved, you can contact the Sustainability Coordinator at:

Ulrike.Lindfield@uwcrcn.no

P O L I C I E S

Attendance and Full Participation Academic Honesty

This is a short summary of the Full Participation Policy, which will be shared with you in full when you arrive. A condition of enrollment at RCN is that students participate in all aspects of College life: classes, community-wide events, activities, house meetings. Life Skills, College Meetings and Global Affairs sessions, special topics days, campus responsibilities, EAC's and all activities considered integral to the College. Absences and lates are recorded on student reports. If a student has an excessive number of absences or lates, parents, guardians and their national committee will be notified and the student will receive an Attendance Warning.

Part of participating fully also means arriving at the College and leaving on the expected dates. You will not be allowed to arrive late or leave early.

Please check the RCN Calendar, on W4 for important dates.

Life at the College is intense and therefore students should not pursue extracurricular activities that require significant absence from the College, except with permission from the Rektor.

If you are not fully and positively engaged in the life of the College and the active pursuit of the UWC mission and values, you may lose the privilege of attending and be required to leave the College or not return for a second year.

It is required that assignments are completed to the best of your ability and by the set deadlines. The College recognizes the importance of intellectual property. As such, it is a serious offense to cheat, collude or plagiarize and doing so could result in the loss of a diploma and, with repeated violations, dismissal from the College.

Absence from Campus

Normally, before applying for or accepting any opportunity that would require an absence from campus, you should speak to your House Leader in the first instance. Part of their role is to help you to balance your various commitments and responsibilities, and they will help you work through whether the absence is in your best interests or not. Of course, participation in national level events, voting, high level sports and so on can absolutely be supported and we will work with you to do this where ever we can. Remember that repeated time off campus can take you away from important campus activities, including your classes.

For those with family in Norway or elsewhere nearby, we request that you be sensitive to other students, who may not see their family for at least a whole year, as you plan your visits home. Visits home for those students who live close by should only be planned for long weekends and after discussion with your House Leader.

All absences from campus are managed through Trip Forms on W4 and students are expected to follow these procedures. These procedures are explained the Absence Policy, which you will learn more about when you arrive.

Absence Requests:

Any absence which requires an overnight stay needs to be approved in advance by your House Leader and the Community Life Leader.

Any absence which requires you to miss lessons must be approved by your House Leader and the Deputy Rektor or Academic Director.

Any absence which does not require an overnight stay or to miss lessons must be approved by your House Leader.

Trip Forms should be submitted 7 days in advance.

If you are under 18 you will need parental permission for any overnight trips.

Host Family Program

The Host Family Program is a wonderful opportunity for students who are far from home. Our Host families are all volunteers, living within 4 hours of campus, who invite a student, or perhaps a couple of students, into their home and hearts. They understand that being so far from home can be challenging, and they hope to offer support, companionship and fun. Many students have felt that their host families truly become a second family,

and describe their time together with theis host family as one of the most rewarding experiences of their two-year stay at the College. The experience is equally cherished by host families, many of whom have been hosting our students for years. full understanding of the mission of the College.

Before visiting families, you will be given an orientation of the responsibilities you have with a home stay, including offers to help around the house, respecting the rules of the family, keeping living spaces tidy, being active members of the household and being open to sharing their culture and experiences. When you stay with a host family you must show respect and behave politely at all times. You are the face of RCN, the UWC movement and your own communities and families. You have a special responsibility to your co-years and to future RCN students to make the hosting experience a happy one for host families, so that they will continue to welcome students in the future. One bad experience with a student may result in the loss of that family to the program and reduced opportunities for our students in the future.

Our Host Family Coordinator will reach out to each of you with further information, but if you have any questions please get in touch with her directly at:

hildegunn.arstein@uwcrcn.no

Safety Protocols & Procedures

Given the location of the College on the fjord, as well as surrounded by forest and cliffs and the risks associated with activities such as swimming, hiking and bicycling, you are required to follow safety rules, regulations and protocols. These will be explained to you when you arrive for Induction, including the boundaries of campus.

The Outdoor Department (OD) consists of members of staff qualified to teach skills associated with these activities and we aim to improve your ability to manage yourself safely in these settings. Student Outdoor Leaders are trained to take students on defined trips.

Campus Visitors

Visitors are welcome. To avoid disrupting classes and activities however, former students, friends and siblings of current students should visit on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Accommodation should be arranged privately (eg, in Flekke) as visitors are not allowed to stay in the Student Village. You can sometimes book accommodation in one of the two building on campus for visitors through UWC Connect, but this usually needs to be done in advance.

We ask that students do not invite guests to the College during the first two months of the school year, when first and second year students are getting to know each other, and during the examination period stretching from the second half of April (when more intense preparations begin) to the end of term. Graduates of RCN may not return to visit in their first year after graduation.

Visitors should contact the Deputy Rektor well in advance. They can only visit after classes and must leave campus by 22:00. Students should introduce visitors to their House Leader.

Visitors are also welcome to eat in the kantina but are asked to purchase a meal ticket at the front desk in the Administration Building.

Please note that there are no camping facilities at the College.

Visitors may not enter student residences under any circumstances unless organised in advance and accompanied by House Leader.

Safeguarding

All of our community members have the fundamental right to be protected from harm and RCN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student. The Safeguarding team is led by the Community Life Leader, Sarah Haughey who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead. She is supported by a team of five deputy Safeguarding leads.

Safeguarding covers many different issues, and during your time at RCN you will receive guidance on how to keep yourself safe and you will be expected to conduct yourself in a way which does not make others unsafe. Our responsibilities withing safeguarding also extend to supporting student wellbeing and throughout your two years with us you will be supported to adopt a healthy approach to life which promotes your wellbeing,

https://uwcrcn.no/safeguarding/

REACHOUT FORHELP

If you need immediate help, phone the duty phone: +47 45312214, the police: 112, or the ambulance: 113

UseSafegaurding24toconfidentiallyreportaconcernabout:

AnyDiscriminationyouhaveexperiencedyourselforseeninthiscommunity?

AnySexualMisconductyouhaveexperiencedorwitnessed?

YourPhysicalSafetyorconcernforthephysicalsafetyofsomeoneelse?IncludeanyPhysicalDangeryou noticeoncampus(e.g.dangerfrombuildingswhichmaybeunstableoranyelectricalsafetyconcern)

AnyHealthIssueaffectingyouorhealthissuewhichconcernssomeoneelse?

AnyPsychologicalorMentalHealthmatterwhichisaffectingyouorsomeoneelse?

AnyincidentofBullyingwhichaffectsyouorsomeoneelse

Anythingelseatall,includingjustNeedingtoTalk.

Safeguarding24: Our online platform for instantly reaching out to your Safeguarding Team when you feel worried or unsafe.

UWC Code of Conduct

The UWC Common Code of Conduct is a series of expectations which all students accept in order to join the UWC movements and, by extension, the RCN community. The UWC Code of Conduct is based on the UWC Values, which are at the heart of the movements's mission t o make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. It is RCN's desire that every community member works towards embodying these values. We expect the Code to be observed by all students which in attendance at the College and on College activities.

Pursuing the UWC Mission- to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future- requires a commitment to the following values: international and intercultural understanding, celebration of difference, personal responsibility and integrity, mutual responsibility and respect, compassion and service, respect for the environment, a sense of idealism, personal challenge, action and personal example.

At the heart of the UWC ethos is respect for self and others in all our actions and words in all circumstances, including online. This means that we must think about the common good and be able to rise above our individual desires in order to create fully integrated communities. In short, our ideals require good heartedness from all members of the UWC community and a recognition that cultural norms are diverse.

The Common Code of Conduct is requires to make expectations clear. Students who accept a position at a UWC school or college commit to the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, one that avoids potential harm to self and to others.

Therefore, the following are not acceptable:

Consumption, possession and\or distribution of: drugs for recreational or other nonmedically prescribed purposed tobacco products on college property and college sponsored activities

alcohol on college property and college sponsored activities

Sexual activity in student rooms and any other shared or public spaces

Violence of any kind, including hazing, bullying, harassment or any other forms of abuse

Assault, including but not limited to verbal, physical and sexual Stealing or "borrowing" without permission

Each school or college will have clear expectations regarding:

Attendance at all classes and activities

Academic integrity

Respect for curfew and\or quite times

Alcohol "off campus"

RCN College Rules

The college operates with a minimal number of rules. These rules exist to protect the community and the individuals within it:

Drugs: The possession, use, or trafficking of any narcotic or illegal drug is a criminal offence in Norway. Any student involved with illegal drugs (or other illegal substances) will be expelled from the College. This includes the possession, distribution (including “sharing”) or use of drugs without a valid prescription.

Theft: Theft is not permitted. Clear and documented cases of theft, including shoplifting from local shops, will result in a student being expelled from the college. Cases of theft in the student village (particularly of small items such as food and toiletries) can be difficult to prove. It is a student’s responsibility to ensure that they ask permission before using anything that does not belong to them. Any report of theft by a student will be investigated by the college.

Assault: Students may not use physical force towards others and /or act wilfully in a way that endangers the health, safety and/or well being of themselves or others. If a student engages in behaviour which endangers the safety of others, they may be asked to leave the college. All cases of assault are treated extremely seriously and will result in a minimum of a suspension from the college.

Nicotine: The consumption of nicotine products is not permitted on campus. The consumption of nicotine products, including vapes, snus, cigarettes and all other nicotine products on campus will result in a Community Life Warning. The consumption of nicotine products in a college building, and in particular in a student bedroom, is considered a more serious breach of the rules and may result in a Rektor’s Warning.

Alcohol: The possession or consumption of alcohol by students is prohibited at all times when a student is on campus or on a school-organised activity. It is also prohibited to consume alcohol off campus and return to campus within 12 hours. Norwegian law prohibits the provision of beer and wine to anyone under the 18 and spirits to anyone under the age of 20. Students are required to abide by this law whether on or off campus, and all other laws relating to the consumption of alcohol. A breach of the rules concerning alcohol is considered a serious breach of college rules and will result in a minimum of a Rektor’s Warning. The consumption of alcohol in a college building (and in particular in a student room) will lead to a suspension. Serious breaches of the alcohol policy, including (for example) the provision of alcohol to a minor, may lead to a student’s immediate expulsion from the college.

Sexual activity: Students are not permitted to engage in sexual activity in any public area, including student rooms. A breach of this rule will result in a Community Life Warning

Sexual misconduct and violence will not be tolerated and will result in significant disciplinary action. More information about what constitutes sexual misconduct and violence can be found in the Sexual Misconduct and Violence policy.

Harassment, bullying and hazing: All members of RCN have the right to enjoy their lives free of bullying and harassment, and are expected to treat others in accordance with the college’s safeguarding policy (specifically the sections concerning peer-on-peer abuse and emotional abuse). A breach of these expectations will be taken very seriously. The consequence for a student will depend upon the severity of the incident. Particularly serious incidents may result in an immediate suspension or in a student being expelled from the college.

Honesty: Students are required, at all times, to act with honesty and not to act in ways that are deceptive or manipulative. Breaches of honesty include knowingly misrepresenting oneself or involving others in violations without their knowledge. This includes breaches of the academic honesty policy. It is prohibited to knowingly hide, furnish false, falsified, or forged information or to withhold information from a UWC RCN representative, including information requested in connection with the enforcement of any policy or procedure. A breach of this rule will typically result in a written warning from the member of leadership with responsibility for the programme area in question.

Full participation: Students are expected to participate fully in the college programmes, in accordance with the full participation policy

Presence on campus: Students are expected to remain on campus for the entire duration of a college term. Requests for early departures, late returns or absences to visit home will not be approved. Please see the full participation policy for more information.

RCN College Expectations

In order to provide a safe, respectful and healthy community environment, the college has certain expectations of all students. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in supportive action from the college or written warnings and further disciplinary action if a clear expectation is breached.

Mental Health & Wellbeing: Students are expected to take steps to support their own wellbeing. This includes the maintenance of a regular sleep schedule, regular exercise and good study habits. Support is available from advisors, house leaders, members of the leadership team and the health team to assist students in managing their wellbeing and taking proactive steps to ensure their own mental health. Community life: there are a number of expectations related to community life. Some of these are detailed below. In general, all students are expected to act with courtesy and respect towards one another. Failure to comply with these expectations will lead to a house leader or community life warning.

Students are expected to connect with a House Mentor or Advisor each evening; Students must follow the expectations set out in the full participation policy with regard to spending time off campus.

Student Village Quiet Time is at 22:30. All students and staff are expected and required to respect Quiet Time in and around the Student Village. This means no audible music or disruptive activity (such as shouting) which prevents other community members from resting or sleeping. No student should go into the area of another student without that student’s permission. They should observe common courtesies such as knocking before entering a room, and being aware that they may be disturbing other members of a room who may be trying to study or sleep. Students visiting a room other than their own must leave if one of its occupants wants to go to sleep or to study without disturbance;

Some students from certain cultural backgrounds may feel uncomfortable about the presence of members of the opposite sex in their rooms, and their views must be respected. Students are encouraged to use the day-room or classrooms for further discussions and skype conversations after 22:30. Day Rooms should not be used for cooking after 22:30 as this can cause the fire alarm to go off and wake students up.

From Sunday to Thursday, no student should be in another student’s room after 22.30. On Friday and Saturday nights, no student should be in another student’s room after midnight. Students should be in their own houses between midnight and 06:00 on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. On weekend nights, students may be out of their houses after midnight but should not leave campus without permission.

Students may not spend the night in one another’s rooms. Students must comply with expectations about cleaning and other reasonable house responsibilities or requests as communicated by the house leader.

Students may not have pets

Students may not drive or have a car/motorcycle or other motorized vehicle for their own use during term times. The exception to this is when students are having driving lessons or if a student is at home with their parents.

In general, the college values the privacy of students. The college reserves the right to visit student rooms when this is considered necessary.

Prescription medication: To protect the wellbeing of the college community, prescription medication should be stored as per the college prescription medication policy. If a student chooses to store their own prescription medication, they are responsible for the safe storage and management of this medication and may not share it with or in any way make it accessible to other students. A student must have a valid prescription for all prescription medications that they possess.

Safety:

No candles, incense or other open flames or coals in college buildings at any time

Norwegian regulations and laws about fires outside must be respected. Please note that there are significant penalties associated with the starting of a forest fire, even if this is done accidentally.

No cooking in rooms, no cooking equipment in rooms including kettles for boiling water. All appliances such as kettles must be stored in the dayroom.

Guidelines about swimming in the fjord and all other outdoor activities or risky activities must be followed at all times.

Students are expected to make sure that they make choices which respect the safety of others

Students are expected to maintain a general basic level of hygiene in their personal and shared spaces. Access to cooking facilities may be withdrawn if these spaces are not hygienic.

Collective responsibility:

Students are expected to show integrity in their daily lives. If a student is present when significant rule breaches occur, that student is expected to leave, or to seek the advice of an adult if the rule breach is occurring in their private spaces. Students who are present at (for example) parties where alcohol is consumed, will be considered to be in breach of college policies.

Visitors to campus

Alumni may not return to the college to visit in the first year after their graduation.

Any student who wishes to have a guest on campus must follow the visitor policy

Mutual respect:

These expectations are not exhaustive. All students are expected to act with consideration and mutual respect for others.

USEFUL CONTACTS

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP