Guidelines on DOS Travel Advisories
In the event that a DOS Travel Advisory Level 3 or Level 4 is issued or there is another significant threat to the health, safety, or educational objectives of the program, for previously approved international travel that has yet to depart, the education abroad opportunity will be automatically cancelled. Decisions regarding the cancellation of travel to locations under a DOS Travel Advisory Level 3 or Level 4 apply until such time as the status is lifted or a significant change in the safety conditions warrants further review of the program. If participants in a cancelled program wish to appeal this cancellation, the Program Coordinator for their proposed travel may apply for an exception to be granted by the Provost.
Should a DOS Travel Advisory Level 3 or Level 4 be issued while a program is under way, or there is another significant threat to the health, safety, or educational objectives of the program, the Crisis Abroad Task Force will determine whether conditions warrant suspension of the program and/or departure of the participants from the host country. The Crisis Abroad Task Force may consult: on-site staff, internal departments, peer institutions, other organizations that offer programs abroad, and other experts. In the event of emergency evacuation from a location, there may be implications for financial responsibility and organizing academic credit for the sponsoring department or individual participants.
If students, faculty, or staff wish to propose travel of a program in a region under a current DOS Travel Advisory Level 3 or Level 4 or where there is a significant threat to the health, safety, or educational objectives of the program, the Program Coordinator for their travel must submit an International Travel Proposal to the Travel Policy Advisory Committee, which makes a recommendation to the Provost. Requests for exceptions to the University policy are evaluated on a program-by-program basis through a process established by the Travel Policy Advisory Committee. Decisions for exceptions will be based on the nature of the DOS Travel Advisory Level 3 or Level 4, including the specific Risk Indicators identified in the Travel Advisory and such factors as:
- The location(s) of the program
- The experience and training of the Program Coordinator, participants, and local support staff
- The ability of the Program Coordinator, participants, and local support staff to manage a crisis abroad, should one occur
- The importance and academic relevance of involvement
- The precautions that will be taken to minimize safety risks