Administration of Risk Management as Applicable to Student and Faculty International Travel and Study Abroad

Elizabeth D. Capaldi, Provost

Recent events in Guatemala, Ecuador, the Middle East and in a number of other countries which involve US students studying on US institution approved programs have raised significant concerns related to the risk management of such activities. The University of Florida policies related to these issues were set out originally in a DDD memo on March 4, 1997. Following review with the University’s Office of the General Counsel and the Office of International Studies and Programs, the following should serve as an update to these policy documents.

1. All study abroad activities for which students receive University of Florida credit and academic approval must be administratively reviewed and approved through OISP Overseas Studies. Such review will include but not be limited to health insurance, emergency assistance, host program risk assessments, and other related matters such as academic advising review, certification to the Office of the Registrar and Student Financial Aid.
2. Risk management for faculty, staff and graduate student international travel associated with U.F. sponsored activities such as research, conferences, grant work, etc. is a service that is provided by OISP. College and Department staff should be aware that there are major concerns related to risk management associated with international activities, specifically about the level of institutional emergency assistance provided when overseas. In particular, there is a significant concern about the applicability of many major health insurance policies when travelling outside of district (especially for HMO type coverage’s). OISP Overseas Studies has developed a mechanism for reviewing such insurance plans and has an emergency assistance insurance package for such activities.

College and department faculty and staff with questions regarding these matters are urged to contact Jim Ellis, Assistant Director, Overseas Studies and International Exchanges, 846-2804, email: asstdir@nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu. Thank you.