Policy update impacts all university-supported international travel
From: Outreach and International Affairs
The Global Travel Policy has been updated. To continue assisting university-supported travelers going outside of the 50 United States, the Global Travel Oversight Committee (GTOC) spent the last year updating Virginia Tech Policy 1070: Global Travel Policy.
Fiscal persons, business managers, departmental leadership, anyone who engages in university-supported international travel should familiarize themselves with what has and has not changed about Policy 1070.
What has not changed
- Faculty, staff, students, and guests on university-supported travel outside of the 50 United States must register their travel prior to departure.
- All university-supported travelers abroad must enroll in Virginia Tech’s contracted international emergency medical and assistance insurance (this is an authorized reimbursable expense).
- High risk travel is not authorized unless the traveler/group receives an exception to university policy from GTOC.
- Faculty leading groups of students abroad must register this activity with the Global Education Office if students gain academic credit through the activity or VT Engage if the students are not gaining academic credit through the experience.
- Global Safety & Risk Management can provide assistance to travelers before they travel and while they are abroad.
- 24/7 emergency support for university-supported travelers abroad:
- AXA Assistance (assistance provider through the contracted international emergency medical and assistance insurance): (312) 935-1703
- Global Safety & Risk Management: (540) 750-5747 (WhatsApp tool)
- Virginia Tech Police Department: (540) 231-6411 (ext. 1)
What is new
Travelers are required to report incidents while abroad. Incidents include injury, illness, damage to university property, robbery, burglary, vehicle accidents, assault, harassment, arrest, and others detailed in Policy 1070. See the complete list of incidents for which reporting is required at the Global Safety & Risk Management website. Note, this site is also for reporting requirements and support.
The revised policy now provides more clarity regarding what is considered a “high risk” destination. The Global Safety & Risk Management site also provides an easy-to-access list.
All travelers’ circumstances are different. Travelers or those approving travel are encouraged to reach out to the Global Safety & Risk Management office with any questions at VTGlobalSafety@vt.edu.