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Code of Ethics

Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP) is a volunteer organization supporting OISS at  at Michigan State University. For over 50 years CVIP has enhanced cultural exchange by promoting cross-cultural understanding and goodwill between the Greater Lansing Community and MSU international students, families and visitors.


CVIP activities welcome  all people who wish to come together in the spirit of compassion, curiosity, and international friendship. As an organization, CVIP is welcoming, supportive, inclusive, and fun. We value open-mindedness and respect for the richness of cultures around the world.

CVIP asks that anyone participating in our activities follow these guidelines:

  • Demonstrate awareness of, sensitivity to, and respect for other values, beliefs, viewpoints, systems, and cultures.
  • Recognize their own culture and value orientations and be aware of how those orientations affect their interactions with people from other cultures.
  • Respect all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, political opinion, immigration status, or disability.
  • Avoid proselytizing. Proselytizing is defined as unsolicited, coercive, manipulative and/or hidden persuasion that seeks to influence others to adopt another way of thinking, believing or behaving, particularly in relation to religious and political views.
  • Refrain from exploiting, threatening, coercing, disrespecting, or sexually harassing others.
  • Seek appropriate guidance and direction when faced with ethical dilemmas.
  • Follow all MSU rules governing students and volunteers.

Please help us ensure that CVIP is a place where international friendships can truly flourish. Contact us immediately if anyone involved in a CVIP activity does not respect the above guidelines.