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Policy on Higher Risk University-Sponsored International Travel

1. Purpose

In seeking to balance the benefits of international travel on educational, research, and outreach activities with the potential risks such travel might pose to students, faculty, staff, and members of the general public, the University relies on the guidance provided to travelers by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This guidance includes:

• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisors. The U.S. DOS Bureau of Consular Affairs administers the , which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information and Travel Advisories are vital parts of this program. An overall Travel Advisory level is issued for each country, but levels of advice may vary for specific locations or areas within a country. Therefore, travelers are encouraged to check the overall country-level alert and regional or local areas within the country, which may differ from the overall country-level alert. Travel Advisories apply up to four standard levels of advice, describe the risks, and provide clear actions U.S. citizens should take to help ensure their safety.

• CDC Travel Health Notices. The CDC is one of the major operating components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC issues  and to inform travelers about current issues that may affect their health when visiting specific destinations. Travel Health Notices apply up to three standard levels of advice, describe the risks, and provide clear actions U.S citizens should take to help ensure their safety. COVID-19 Travel Notices apply up to four standard levels of advice, describe the risks, and provide clear actions U.S citizens should take to help ensure their safety. 

2. Definitions

CDC Higher Risk Warning Location – a location designated as a Warning Level 3 or above by a CDC Travel Health Notice or a CDC COVID-19 Travel Notice.

DOS Higher Risk Warning Location – a location designated by a DOS Travel Advisory as a Level 3 or above.

University-Sponsored International Travel – includes, but is not limited to, study abroad programs (both University-led and thirty-party provider programs approved by the University); internships; field studies; service learning; research; athletic competitions; arts performances or exhibitions; and volunteer, experiential, or work programs sponsored, endorsed, or administered by the University.

3. Policy

It is the policy of the University of Nebraska System that students, faculty, staff and members of the general public seeking to conduct University-sponsored travel to a DOS Higher Risk Warning Location or CDC Higher Risk Warning Location must receive prior approval of the Chancellor of the campus sponsoring the travel. 
 
If a location becomes a DOS Higher Risk Warning Location or a CDC Higher Risk Warning Location while travel is underway, the guidance provided by the DOS or CDC shall be followed by participants in the affected area until the University provides guidance and direction regarding the steps necessary to ensure health and safety, including possible return to the United States.

All travelers undertaking such travel will be subject to appropriate screening and health monitoring before returning to campus to ensure the health and safety of the University of Nebraska community. 

4. Process

1. The traveler, or an administrative leader on behalf of the program, must request approval by submitting a written request to the cognizant Chancellor through the campus Senior International Officer. The request should include:
   
   •       the academic or research objectives which can only be achieved through travel to the proposed location;
   •       the actions that will be taken to mitigate any safety, security, and/or health risks posed by the travel; and 
   •       a University of Nebraska Informed Consent and Release of Liability Form signed by each participating student or member of the public acknowledging that they have been advised of the details of the Travel Advisory. In the case of a participating minor student under the age of 19, the Informed Consent and Release of Liability Form must also be signed by a parent or guardian.
2. The Chancellor, following consultation with the relevant campus authorities and experts, will decide to support or deny the request. This decision, which is final and not subject to further review or appeal, will be communicated to the traveler through the campus Senior International Officer.

Dated this 28th day of February, 2022.

Reference

July 1, 2003
April 30, 2009
October 21, 2014
June 25, 2018
January 12, 2021
February 28, 2022