Memorandum

TO:                  FAU Faculty and Staff

FROM:             John F. Pritchett

                        University Provost and Chief Academic Officer

DATE:             August 23, 2006

SUBJECT:        FAU Safety and Security Policies on International Study and Travel

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) strongly supports international education activities through undergraduate and graduate study abroad and exchange programs, faculty research and teaching abroad, and other forms of international institutional cooperation.   FAU study abroad programming and international agreements are managed by the Office of International Programs (OIP) on behalf of the institution's nine colleges.   Faculty research and teaching abroad are supported by departments and colleges and are assisted by OIP when these activities occur under the auspices of an international agreement.

FAU strives to make overseas learning and academic work experiences accessible to all who are interested.  At the same time safety and security is of the highest concern.  Potential risks and hazards are often associated with international travel for educational purposes.  In order to insure the safety and well being of FAU students, faculty, and employees, FAU has adopted and reaffirms at this time the following safety and security policies for official FAU sponsored international activities:

Student Overseas Study Programs.   Students on FAU sponsored study abroad and exchange programs receive information on safety and security concerns prior to departure.  FAU faculty-led study abroad programs file contingency plans with OIP for emergency situations.  Students also sign a waiver of liability acknowledging the risks inherent in overseas travel and study.   FAU does not currently sponsor study abroad and exchange programs in locations where the U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning.  FAU students interested in studying at an institution in a location where there is a US State Department travel warning in effect may, if they choose, enroll in the overseas institution directly.  In such instances, the student can often arrange for transfer credit back to FAU after the study abroad experience.  

Faculty and Employee Activities Abroad.  FAU encourages faculty and employees to take advantage of research and teaching opportunities in international locations.   If any official FAU activities; i.e., research or other educational opportunities that are sponsored, endorsed or funded by FAU or any FAU program, department or college, will occur in a location where there is a U.S. State Department travel warning, the faculty and/or employees will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that the travel is voluntary and that they are aware of the safety and security concerns associated with their travel plans.

The FAU OIP website has additional information on safety and security concerns for international travel and study, and students and faculty are encouraged to refer to this information as they plan for a possible experience overseas.  www.fau.edu/goabroad