Travel to Destinations of Elevated Risk

Policy 510.17

Introduction

Appalachian State University’s mission includes a commitment to prepare students to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens. Through the curriculum, co-curricular activities, relationships with scholars and students from around the world, education abroad programs, grants and scholarships for collaborative research abroad, and numerous cross-cultural programs, the University creates opportunities for students to understand the world and be active participants in it. This commitment to internationalization leads many faculty members, students, and staff members to travel internationally each year.

The purpose of this policy is to articulate protocols governing proposed travel to countries for which a United States Department of State travel warning or a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Warning Level 3 are in effect.

Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all Appalachian State University employees and students when they engage in University-Sponsored Travel.

2.2 This policy applies to all co-leaders, lecturers, approved guests, and any other individuals (whether or not they otherwise have an affiliation with the University) who accompany University faculty, staff, or students on University-Sponsored Travel.

Definitions

Faculty

Individuals designated in the Faculty Constitution as members of the University’s faculty.

Study Abroad Safety and Health Committee

An ad hoc Committee composed of individuals designated by the Office of the Provost to provide recommendations regarding requests for exceptions to travel restrictions pursuant to Section 4.2 of this policy. The Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education will chair and convene the Committee. The composition of the Committee will vary from case to case and will include, where feasible, individuals with expertise in the region or country in question, the purpose of the travel, familiarity with University policies and procedures relating to travel abroad, or other expertise helpful to considering the request for an exception to travel restrictions.

Travel Warning

“Travel Warning” means a warning issued by one or more of the following entities:

1. A Travel Warning issued by the United States Department of State.
2. A Warning Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

University

Appalachian State University, a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system.

University-Sponsored Travel

Travel which is led by a University employee or for which academic credit is awarded, or any other travel administered by, conducted under the direction of, or with financial support from, any University department, program, of office.