Appendix A: International Travel Safety Oversight Committee (ITSOC)
- An International Travel Safety Oversight Committee (ITSOC), established by the Provost, will perform the following tasks:
- Establish a format and required information template for written proposals to travel to Travel Warning Areas. Define timelines for submittals and review.
- Conduct review and risk assessment of proposals for trips to Travel Warning Areas. Provide recommendation to Provost for final decision.
- Evaluate emergency conditions that arise abroad from natural disasters, civil unrest or violence, health threats, or other hazardous conditions, and develop action plans as described below.
- Work with the Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange (OSASE) and other academic units to perform risk assessment and evaluation of proposed new international programs.
- Monitor global developments that may increase travel risks or otherwise impact UA programs and travel abroad.
- Periodically assess existing policies and procedures concerning international travel and recommend changes as needed.
- Action Plans for Emergencies or New Travel Warning Areas
- When a country or region becomes newly designated as a Travel Warning Country/Area, or if safety conditions in a country deteriorate or are otherwise compromised due to emergency, natural disaster, health crisis, civil unrest, or other hazardous condition, the ITSOC will evaluate the situation and prepare a recommended action plan for immediate implementation.
- The action plan will include at a minimum:
- Identification of all UA travelers in the affected region, and initial well-being verification via e-mail, telephone, or text message.
- Decisions regarding continued presence of current UA travelers in the country or region in question, and instructions for travelers.
- Decisions regarding the operational status of existing UA programs or activity in the country or region in question.
- Decisions regarding whether to restrict or postpone UA travel planned for the country or region in question.
- Review of emergency assistance and insurance options for travelers, including evacuation assistance if warranted.
- Decisions regarding financial considerations such as reimbursement of program fees.