High Risk International Travel Policy

Purpose

The University supports and promotes safe and secure International Travel by University Members for the purpose of University Activities. The purpose of this Policy is to promote safety and to manage the risks associated with International Travel to countries that have been identified by the Government of Canada as presenting the highest risks to personal safety.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy the following definitions apply:

“High Risk International Travel” means travel to any country, or region of a country, for which Global Affairs Canada or its successor has issued a Government of Canada Travel Advisory of “AVOID ALL TRAVEL” or “AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL”.

“International Travel” means travel outside of Canada.

“Risk Assessment” means a review conducted by the Office of Risk Management to identify risks to the safety and security of the University Member.

“University Activity” means any function that is directly related to, or arising from, the operations of the University for the purposes of carrying out its mission and mandate, including;

• Courses (credit or non-credit), field trips, study tours, student exchange programs, placements (clinical, practicum, internship, co-op, or similar), and athletics;
• Research and research-related activities;
• Teaching and teaching-related activities;
• University business including partnership development and cultivation, student recruitment, and attendance at conferences, meetings, symposia and/or other professional development programs.

“University Member” means any individual:

• Employed by the University;
• Registered as a student, in accordance with the academic regulations of the University;
• Holding an appointment with the University, including paid, unpaid and/or honorific appointments; and/or
• Otherwise subject to University policies by virtue of the requirements of a specific policy (e.g. Booking and Use of University Space) and/or the terms of an agreement or contract.
• Any individual otherwise Identified for the purposes of a particular policy instrument.

Scope and authority

This Policy applies to High Risk International Travel associated with University Activities.

This Policy applies to all University Members.

This Policy does not apply to personal and non-work-related travel conducted by University Members.

The Vice President, Research, Innovation, and International, or successor thereof, is the Policy Owner and is responsible for overseeing the implementation, administration and interpretation of this Policy.

Policy

It is the Policy of the University to manage and/or mitigate the risks associated with High Risk International Travel for University Activities.

General

1. A Risk Assessment must be completed in advance of any High Risk International Travel or at any time the risk level associated with International Travel changes to High Risk.

2. Individuals have the right to refuse, without reprisal, travel to a country or region where the University Member identifies an elevated risk to personal safety.

3. Faculty members have the right to engage in research and scholarly activities in areas deemed to be of high risk if they have demonstrated knowledge of those risks and will manage and mitigate those risks.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Responsibilities of the University Member

   1. University Members undertaking International Travel associated with University Activities are responsible for determining whether their travel plans constitute High Risk International Travel.

   2. If the travel plans include High Risk International Travel, the University Member must contact the Office of Risk Management to undertake a Risk Assessment.

2. Responsibilities of the University

   1. The University is responsible to provide the administrative supports and tools for the effective administration of this Policy and the associated Procedures.

   2. The University is responsible for responding to requests for evaluation of travel plans in a timely manner.

   3. The University is responsible for managing any information collected on High Risk International Travel by University Members in a way consistent with University Policies and relevant legislation.

Monitoring and review

This Policy will be reviewed as necessary and at least every three years. The Vice-President Research, Innovation & International is responsible for reviewing this Policy and will consult with Faculties and other units and committees, as required.

Related policies, procedures & documents

High Risk International Travel Procedures

Terms of Reference: International Opportunities Committee

Risk Management Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Student International Travel Policy

Student International Travel Procedures

Cotutelle Policy and Procedures