New International Travel Policy for University Students, Faculty and Staff

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Effective in August, the University of Arkansas will require university students, faculty and staff planning university-related travel outside of the U.S. to register their travel with the office of study abroad and international exchange. Students must be approved through the study abroad office for any university-related international travel prior to purchasing airfare or making any financial commitments for their intended travel.

“Through our international travel policy the university will have ongoing knowledge of where our students, faculty and staff are when they are traveling on university-related business, whether it be study abroad, internships, teaching, research, recruiting, conference attendance, or professional development,” explained Sharon Gaber, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This information is vital to insuring the safety and security of our travelers. If we know where they are, we can respond quickly and appropriately.”

A new international education advisory committee will be formed this summer to advise the university on the new international travel policy and to consider any requests for exceptions. In particular, current policy does not support travel when a warning has been issued by the U.S. State Department for a specific country.

Todd Shields, dean of the graduate school and international education, is pleased to see this initiative move forward. “Over the next several months we will complete implementation of an online registration system through Terra Dotta software where international travelers can conveniently report the details of the upcoming travel,” Shields said. “The international travel policy will be implemented through the office of study abroad and international exchange, the office on campus with arguably the highest level of experience in managing both individual and group international travel for the university.

“Centralized risk management for international travel is fast becoming the standard for U.S. universities,” Shields continued. “At the same time, this expectation parallels an equally high demand for increased international opportunities in more diverse locations. To increase our global footprint but do it safely and with high quality control is a challenge we accept enthusiastically; but it will require the patience and understanding of the university community as we implement the necessary policies and procedures.” The updated international travel policy is available as a PDF document in the university academic policy series.