Off-Campus Travel with Students

In May 2007, the Academic and Administrative Leadership (AAL) Group of the University approved the "Administrative Policy and Procedures for Off-Campus Activities, Courses and Programs" to ensure travelers' health and safety and to manage the liability of the University.

For the purposes of this policy, "off-campus" refers to those activities, courses and programs which include an overnight stay off-campus.

All sponsoring departments must notify International Education of the off-campus programs/travel being offered. Contact Sarah Huesing, Study Abroad Advisor (651.962.6484, sehuesing@stthomas.edu) to coordinate the steps for taking students off-campus. Depending on the type of travel, there are different requirements.

International Non-Credit Off-Campus Travel

Domestic Non-Credit Off-Campus Travel

Independent Study

Best Practices for Off-Campus Travel

St. Thomas is committed to helping ensure the health and safety of all travelers. International Education will serve as liaison with departments sponsoring off-campus travel regarding these health and safety policies. Below you will also find a listing of University policies which apply to all Off-Campus Travel with Students:

• Student Disciplinary Rights and Procedures
  This policy of the Dean of Students office outlines the process faculty or staff follow in determining the appropriate action for inappropriate student behavior abroad. 
• Statement on Responsible Use of Alcohol Abroad
  Review and discuss with students prior to departure.
• University Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures
  This policy statement is provided for discussion and review with your group prior to departure
• Information on Health and Safety
  All participants should be provided with written information on travel safety. General health information should be provided as well as any specific information for a given country/destination. St. Thomas Student Health Services is a certified travel clinic and should be consulted prior to any/all travel abroad.
• Cultural and travel orientation materials
  Students should be encouraged to explore the cultural norms of their host country. IEC staff are available for intercultural training and travel orientation.
• University Travel Accomodation Policy
  This policy prohibits the co-habitation of unmarried couples while traveling with students. See Employee Handbook and/or Faculty handbook online.
• Travel Warning Cancellation Policy
• A Model Crisis Management Plan for Off-campus Programs
  This document models a system for establishing the protocol required for contacting the responsible parties in St. Paul in the event of severe illness or death or other emergency with the group abroad. Program directors should have such a plan in place prior to departure.