The Office of International Programs is delighted that you are planning to spend time outside the U.S. on study abroad or other university-sponsored travel. While the vast majority of study abroad and other university-sponsored travel outside the U.S. takes place without incident, occasionally world events beyond our control make it necessary to restrict, cancel, or withdraw approval for particular university-sponsored travel. This page describes how to ensure you have registered your university-sponsored travel and how to seek approval to travel to areas that may be considered high risk.

TRAVEL REGISTRATION

Travel registration is the primary way that University of Puget Sound knows the whereabouts of travelers abroad on university-sponsored travel. In the event of an emergency, resources are more readily available when we know where you are, how to reach you, or how to get in touch with your emergency contacts.

Travel registration also allows us to give you access to University of Puget Sound international travel insurance and emergency travel assistance program.

Study Abroad: Students (and faculty leaders) on approved study abroad programs (including faculty-led programs, PacRim, and any summer or semester study abroad program for which students receive Puget Sound credit) are registered as part of their study abroad application process and no further action is needed.

University-Sponsored Student Travel: Students who receive university funding to conduct international research, participate in international conferences, or take advantage of other university-sponsored travel opportunities outside the U.S. must register their travel at least four weeks prior to departure (check back here in mid-October for the link to register your travel). University funding cannot be released until you have registered your travel.

University-Sponsored Faculty Travel: Faculty who receive university funding or external grants to conduct research or participate in conferences outside the U.S. must register their travel at least four weeks prior to departure (check back here in mid-October for the link to register your travel). University funding cannot be released until you have registered your travel.

HIGH RISK TRAVEL

The University of Puget Sound reserves the right to cancel or withdraw approval of a study abroad program or other university-sponsored travel at any time if it involves risk to students, faculty, or staff. The university primarily uses two sources of information to determine risk:

 

Typically, the university will restrict, cancel, or withdraw approval for student, faculty, and staff travel to areas where there are either Level 3 or 4 DOS Travel Advisories or Level 3 or 4 CDC Health Notices. See the Travel Abroad Policy for High-Risk Areas for detailed information (please note that this policy is under review and a revised policy will be published during the 2024-25 academic year). 

It may be possible for students, faculty, or staff to apply for approval to travel to an area with a Level 3 DOS Travel Advisory or Level 3 CDC Health Notice (see below for details). 

Please note that the University of Puget Sound does not support travel to areas that have Level 4 DOS Travel Advisories, Level 4 CDC Travel Health Notices, or sanctions listed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). 

Level 3 approval process: You must be approved in advance to travel to a location with a Level 3 DOS Travel Advisory or Level 3 CDC Health Notice. In order to seek approval for such travel, please complete the Level 3 Approval Application at least four weeks prior to your planned departure (please check back in mid-October for the link to this application). Once the Chief Risk Manager and Director of International Programs have reviewed your application, you will be invited to schedule a short meeting to discuss your travel plans. Once your meeting is complete, the Chief Risk Manager and Director of International Programs will make a recommendation to the Provost who will make a final determination on approval of your travel. The Provost’s decision will be conveyed to you via email.

 

-updated September 27, 2024