Office of Global Opportunities Risk Management

The Office of Global Opportunities (OGO) tracks and reviews health, safety, and security issues that have the potential for impacting Ohio University student travel. OGO’s risk management team also responds to emergencies impacting students, faculty and staff on University-sponsored travel.

Risk Monitoring and Assessment

OGO’s risk management team monitors world events, news reports, U.S. Department of State (USDOS) travel information and advisories, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel advisories and warnings as well as information provided by the University's international security partner, International SOS.

Specifically, OGO monitors global information and events where:

• The University sponsors international and domestic study away programs.
• University students conduct independent, university-sponsored or -related international travel.

If conditions warrant it, OGO will initiate a review and assessment of proposed program and student travel and bring it to the Study Away Risk Assessment Committee (SARAC) for review.

Thresholds for risk assessment and review requirements are outlined in the SARAC Operating Policies and Procedures [PDF]. Review and approval of student and student program travel is required 

A health, safety, and security risk review and pre-travel approval is always required for all OHIO student travel under the following circumstances: 

1. U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory of Level 3 or 4 for country or locality 
2. International SOS travel risk rating of HIGH or EXTREME 
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Health Notices Levels 3 or 4 

Additional thresholds are outlined in the SARAC Operating Policies and Procedures. For questions and to inquire about travel approvals, send an email to OGOriskmanagement@hwanfei.com.

Timeline

The SARAC review process will take 1-2 months. The timeline will in part depend on the availability of and access to documents required for the full review.

Program Travel

• Risk assessment for program travel to high risk destinations must be initiated before the program application is open.

Independent Student Travel

• Risk assessment requests for independent student travel should be submitted at least 3 months in advance of planned travel. Students are encouraged to start the process earlier so they have enough time to plan travel, make onsite arrangements, and book airfare.

Study Away Risk Assessment Committee

The Study Away Risk Assessment Committee (SARAC) is comprised of representatives from across Ohio University. SARAC reviews travel requests and risk assessments. For more information on SARAC’s operations and triggers for travel review and risk assessments please see:

• SARAC Operating Policies and Procedures [PDF]

OHIO University Student Travel Policy

According to University Policy 22.001: Student Travel, Ohio University students must register University-sponsored travel. To register travel, start here.