Policies

All participants must agree to ASB's core policies. Also see our organization's bylaws and constitution.

Application Process

  • Any currently registered student (either undergraduate or graduate) can apply for any trip.
  • Placing individuals on trips is a blind application process. ASB does not purposefully place/group applicants and will not switch placements once the placement process is complete.
  • You will not be considered for any trips you have specified in the "Do Not Consider" field on your application.
  • Anyone can apply as a trip facilitator; no previous ASB experience is needed.
  • To apply as a driver you must be 21 years old before your trip leaves and have a valid U.S driver’s license or international license in English. Vans are provided.
  • The $75 application fee must be submitted to the safe in the YMCA before the application deadline.

Costs and Refunds

Your fee, typically $325, covers everything you should need on your trip. Insurance, transportation, housing, and groceries for the group are all included. Meals out and personal snacks are not included. The $75 deposit [and remaining balance!] is non-refundable once you have been placed on a trip.

There is a $50 discount for drivers and trip facilitators, though they do not stack if you are both. Scholarships are available by filling out the final (optional) essay question on the application form.

Expectations as a Trip Participant

  • Pay total balance promptly before deadlines (remainder after $75 deposit up front)
  • Participate in all pre-break activities:
    • ASB Orientation: Meet other trips and get ready to send off
    • Fundraising: Raise donations for chosen organization
    • Service Project: Complete a volunteer experience in Champaign-Urbana relevant to your trip's issue
    • Coffee Talk: Meet with another trip to discuss service projects
    • Weekly trip meetings: plan fundraising and bond before leaving on the trip
  • Participate in all post-break activities:
    • Re-Orientation: Meet other participants and watch slideshows covering all other trips
    • Feedback: Complete a short survey to improve future trips

Drugs and Alcohol

ASB is an alcohol and drug free program for the following reasons:

  1. Legality – Alcohol is illegal for participants under the age of 21 and “drug” refers to any drug deemed illegal and prohibited by the government and the University of Illinois.
  2. Practicality – Age difference and personal practice vary within groups therefore alcohol and drug use is problematic to group dynamics and safety.
  3. Symbolism – In supporting our campus efforts and the local organization as we become short term members of their community during trips, we commit to not bring, purchase, or consume alcohol or illegal drugs at any time when we are representing ASB and the University.

Participants are expected to refrain from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol and illegal drugs throughout the duration of the trip and during pre-break meetings. Participants who use alcohol or illegal drugs will be asked and expected to immediately leave the trip meeting and trip site and are responsible for their own transportation home.