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Appendix A: International Travel Safety Oversight Committee (ITSOC)

  1. An International Travel Safety Oversight Committee (ITSOC), established by the Provost, will perform the following tasks:
    1. Establish a format and required information template for written proposals to travel to Travel Warning Areas. Define timelines for submittals and review.
    2. Conduct review and risk assessment of proposals for trips to Travel Warning Areas. Provide recommendation to Provost for final decision.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. Monitor global developments that may increase travel risks or otherwise impact UA programs and travel abroad.
    6. Periodically assess existing policies and procedures concerning international travel and recommend changes as needed.
  2. Action Plans for Emergencies or New Travel Warning Areas
    1. 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.
    2. The action plan will include at a minimum:
      1. Identification of all UA travelers in the affected region, and initial well-being verification via e-mail, telephone, or text message.
      2. Decisions regarding continued presence of current UA travelers in the country or region in question, and instructions for travelers.
      3. Decisions regarding the operational status of existing UA programs or activity in the country or region in question.
      4. Decisions regarding whether to restrict or postpone UA travel planned for the country or region in question.
      5. Review of emergency assistance and insurance options for travelers, including evacuation assistance if warranted.
      6. Decisions regarding financial considerations such as reimbursement of program fees.