Legal Issues Abroad
Top 5 Risks Abroad Transportation Sexual Assault Inadequate Crisis Planning Inadequate Orientation Travel to Risky Locations (source: United Educators)
Crisis Planning Waivers for trips that are not part of planned academic program or that contain high risk Check State Department Advisories and follow Check with ASIRT (Safe International Travel) for advice on routes Due diligence re vendors, housing and any other activities?
Crisis Planning Have an Emergency Plan in place, with back up plan Onsite Orientations Know your students and any unique issues Train faculty, staff and students on emergency plan Respond immediately to a crisis Call home campus for help
FERPA Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Protects Student Education Records Access by student to own record College officials with “ legitimate educational interest” may access record
FERPA In a health or safety emergency, FERPA does not prevent release of needed info Release medical records on a need to know basis only Think about how you will safely store and access records.
Laws to Know Americans with Disabilities Act Prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities Students ideally self identify to DSS prior to departure If brought up while abroad, reasonable accommodations can be made in conjunction with DSS at or cua-
Campus Security Act Mandates the Reporting and Disclosure of Certain Crimes by Program Directors Crimes to Report-See handout or online at Crimes-Sep14.pdf Crimes-Sep14.pdf
Campus Security Act Reporting Obligations for Program Administrators Alcohol and Drugs arrests or referrals if illegal in host country Illegal Weapons Possession Domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence Hate crimes
Campus Security Act-Where When Abroad, All University Owned or Controlled Property If the specific program does not own, control, or lease property abroad then there are no reporting requirements
How to Report Reports should be made first to local police in the host country. Then report the matter to DPS at tel. (202) and to for recordkeeping
In a Crisis Designate a trained spokesperson Communicate accurately and effectively with parents, students, DPS Conduct a post crisis review After contacting local authorities as needed, contact DPS at If medical emergency, contact Frontier MedEx
Reminders When in Doubt, Always Ask Questions and Report it to the University We like to practice preventive law. Our office contact is or OGC Have a Great Trip!