The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) emphasizes the importance of safety and adherence to protocols for those involved in international travel on behalf of the university. UIC faculty, staff, and students are reminded of the need for preapproval and the requirement to report any university-authorized or sponsored international travel, whether funded by the university or other sources.
The university's International Travel Safety Policy mandates that all international travelers on UIC business register with the International Travel Safety portal to qualify for reimbursement. Moreover, students embarking on travel to nations flagged with elevated Travel Advisories by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are subjected to additional scrutiny by the Office of Global Engagement.
Approval from supervisors or unit executive officers is mandatory for faculty and staff planning international travel. Once approved and registered in the portal, travelers are eligible for comprehensive insurance at no cost through UIC’s provider, Gallagher. For students, insurance enrollment through Gallagher incurs a fee.
It's crucial to note that Gallagher actively monitors global geopolitical risks and updates the list of countries or regions considered at war risk. Should UIC personnel be authorized to travel to these regions on university business, they must secure a war risk endorsement to access certain insurance benefits. For further details or the war risk country list, faculty, staff, and students are directed to reach out to sao@uic.edu.
For international travel as part of an outside activity, UIC staff and faculty must obtain international travel preapproval through UIC Research-COI. Travelers funded by organizations other than UIC must seek preapproval under the Educational Materials and Missions exception of the Ethics Act for such activities. Personal travel still requires reporting to the relevant supervisor or unit, excluding the need for International Travel Safety portal registration.
Finally, travelers carrying UIC property or data should consult guidance from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, which covers recommendations for handling technology such as cellphones and travel laptops while abroad.
The communiqué from Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Karen Colley, Vice Chancellor for Research Joanna Groden, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Chief Information Officer Matt Riley underscores these travel protocols.