Mandatory Travel Notification

Note: Now that the war has begun, it is critical that the following directive be followed. On the Central Campus, the information should be sent to the Office of International Programs and Studies, MSC06 3850. At the Health Sciences Center, the information should be sent to the appropriate Dean.

March 7, 2003

To: Faculty and Administrators

From: Brian L. Foster, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
R. Phillip Eaton, Vice President for Health Sciences

Subject: Concern for Safety of UNM Participants on Academic Trips Abroad

We write to make you aware of our great concern for the safety of UNM students who may be taking a UNM-sponsored academic trip abroad now or in the near future. There currently are risks for students studying abroad and those risks may well become greater in the event that war breaks out. In such an environment, it is imperative that there be a central clearinghouse for study abroad programs. Currently, students may study abroad through a number of UNM departments including Latin American and Iberian Institute, International Programs, Continuing Education, and the School of Medicine. In addition, we understand academic departments and even individual faculty sometimes sponsor student research trips abroad where students may earn academic credit in readings or research topics courses.

It is very important that everyone understand the potential for individual and/or institutional liability for students and faculty if study abroad is not appropriately organized. Although these activities are admirable and important to our educational mission, we must gain more institutional assurance over participants' safety. We are initiating a process to review and approve all such activities centrally. But until that process is in place, we hereby direct that every international trip that involves UNM sponsorship of students must receive the approval of one of our offices. Unauthorized activities of this sort may well result in personal liability, institutional discipline or even criminal prosecution.

Please prepare a short description of any activities of this sort that you are planning during the next six months and submit that description as soon as possible.

Thanks.