Dear Campus Community,
I am writing to update you on UMBC’s approach to responding to international incidents, specifically in light of any ongoing international conflicts. I understand that these events may cause significant distress and uncertainty, particularly for members of our UMBC community with personal or academic connections to the regions impacted.
The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are our highest priorities. While incidents occur daily worldwide, we recognize some events can impact the ability of our community members more than others to travel freely, conduct research, complete their studies, or pose a direct threat to personal health, safety, and security. The following are the steps we take when such international incidents occur.
How UMBC Responds to International Incidents
When an international incident occurs, whether that is an armed conflict, a disease outbreak, or a natural disaster, UMBC follows this protocol:
1. Reach Out to Impacted Community Members
- Travelers
If UMBC has travelers in an impacted region, CGE staff will reach out to those travelers to confirm their safety, assess their immediate needs, and provide assistance as necessitated by the circumstances. Assistance ranges from simply sharing information to working with our insurance provider to coordinate an authorized medical or security evacuation.
- International Students and Scholars
CGE staff message international students, faculty, and staff from impacted countries and whose immigration records are managed by UMBC. In addition to reminding individuals of available campus resources, CGE shares notices regarding any special provisions (e.g., Special Student Relief and Temporary Protected Status) made available to impacted individuals by the U.S. government.
2. Engage Campus Partners
CGE coordinates with campus partners to support UMBC community members impacted by international incidents. A small and agile International Rapid Response Team is available to assess immediate and long-term impacts and identify campus resources available to those impacted.
3. Monitor Developments
Regardless of whether or not UMBC has travelers in an impacted region on university-affiliated travel, we continue to monitor significant international incidents to look for potential escalations or expansion to other areas where university travelers are present. If warranted, we will require requests for university-affiliated travel to impacted regions to be reviewed and approved by UMBC’s International Travel Review Committee, which includes faculty and staff representatives. If it seems evident that risks will spread to neighboring regions, university travelers in those areas may be proactively advised to depart their location. Please note that we do not monitor personal travel.
How UMBC Monitors International Incidents
To ensure our decisions are based on the most accurate and current information, UMBC uses several resources that are not available to the general public:
- AlertTraveler: AlertTraveler, which is a component of UMBC’s International Travel Registry, provides real-time alerts to CGE staff when high-threat incidents occur in locations where university travelers are present.
- AXA Assistance / Crisis24 Horizon: As part of UMBC’s international travel insurance policy, UMBC is supported by AXA Assistance, which offers 24/7 medical, travel, and technical support, and Crisis24 Horizon, a comprehensive security and travel risk management platform that enables CGE staff to analyze international incidents and assess emerging threats.
- Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC): This is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and private sector organizations, including higher education institutions. OSAC provides UMBC with unclassified security analysis, country-specific risk advisories, and direct access to analysts and regional security officers who can help with security assessments and incident response. In addition to receiving a daily update on global health, safety, and security incidents, UMBC belongs to several communities within OSAC focused on specific concerns.
- Additional Channels: We also leverage information provided by foreign governments, our network of peer institutions, and international partners to stay current as events unfold and to predict future developments.
Resources for University Travelers
If you are planning international travel, please ensure you utilize the following resources:
- AlertTraveler App: All university travelers should download the AlertTraveler App, which integrates directly with UMBC’s International Travel Registry system. AlertTraveler provides real-time security alerts specific to your location. It also includes a “Check-in” button that allows you to instantly notify CGE staff that you are safe during an emergency.
- Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI): All travelers going abroad on university-affiliated trips are required to enroll in the CISI international travel insurance policy. In addition to standard medical benefits, CISI provides critical non-insurance services ranging from assisting with replacement of lost medications to authorizing medical and security evacuations. Please download the CISI Traveler App to access your insurance materials and services on your phone. Travelers may also enroll any dependents accompanying them on university-affiliated trips in the CISI international travel insurance policy at their own expense.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Prior to traveling internationally, all U.S. citizens should enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s free STEP Program. This free service registers your trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, enabling travelers to receive timely updates and alerts unique to their location. Enrollment in STEP also helps the U.S. Department of State to contact your family in the event of an emergency.
Resources and Support
Like the state of Maryland, UMBC is a diverse and globally-engaged community. Our faculty, staff, and students have family, friends, and academic collaborators worldwide. For many, the concept of home stretches across borders, cultures, and timezones. We recognize that national and world events beyond our campus can have a significant impact on the overall well-being of our community members.
As a community of inquiring minds, it is important that we all remain committed to maintaining a global perspective. Staying informed of world events, seeking to understand viewpoints different from our own, and offering support to classmates and colleagues impacted by incidents that may seem to be a world away are three key ways to assist our global community at UMBC.
Finally, you are encouraged to review the resources mentioned below and utilize these resources if you need assistance or support.
- Retriever Integrated Health offers individual counseling and group counseling services to students.
- UMBC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees with access to free confidential counseling and connections to attorneys who can help with a variety of issues, including immigration concerns.
- The Office of International Students and Scholars is available to consult on immigration-related travel issues for individuals holding F-1, H-1B, and J-1 immigration status.
- Review the U.S. Department of State’s Advice for U.S. Students Abroad, which includes remaining aware of your surroundings, keeping a low profile, avoiding crowds and demonstrations. Also, keep a list of resources, emergency contacts, and your insurance information on your person at all times.
- Prepare for the unexpected by reviewing the U.S. Department of State’s International Travel Checklist.
Sincerely,
David L. Di Maria, Vice Provost for Global Engagement