Study abroad program offers registry to boost student resources, safety

LAWRENCE —The Office of Study Abroad is encouraging students to sign up prior to international travel during the 2014-15 year. The registry supports undergraduate and graduate students traveling abroad with university affiliation beyond study abroad. It also enables KU to communicate with and support student travelers in the event of an emergency.

The OSA will offer several informational sessions on the Student International Travel Registry. Individuals who regularly advise students traveling abroad for noncredit-bearing activities, such as research, academic conferences, performances or competitions, are encouraged to attend a session and learn more about this new service for KU students. Sessions will be offered as follows:

• Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2:30 p.m., 109 Blake Hall

• Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2:30 p.m., Gridiron Room, Burge Union

• Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2:30 p.m., 4062 Wescoe Hall

Through the registry, KU will disseminate and provide resources to students for their health and safety abroad, such as access to predeparture materials, resources and services, along with global emergency services and evacuation/repatriation insurance and access to the Office of Study Abroad emergency management services, maintained on a 24-hour basis.

“The Registry enables us to create a comprehensive repository of the many international activities of KU students, support students engaged in these valuable educational activities, connect students to resources both locally and abroad, and reduce the potential risks to students, faculty and staff traveling abroad,” said Angela Perryman, director of the Office of Study Abroad.

Since the release of the university-affiliated Student International Travel Policy in May, 131 students have completed the registration process. The development of the Student International Travel Registry stemmed from the increased number and type of international activities and destinations to which KU students are engaged and a desire on the part of the institution to ensure that students have access to timely information and emergency assistance.

The registration process is completed online through the Office of Study Abroad website. Upon creating a profile, students are asked to provide their overseas contact information, emergency contact information, a photocopy of their passport and their travel itineraries. All students will also be required to provide a completed Student Liability Release, Health Insurance Certification and Medical Release Form and to purchase Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation insurance through the Office of Study Abroad.