Revised 08-APR-2024

The University of Missouri supports students as they participate in university-related international travel, such as credit-bearing study abroad programs, internships, research, service-learning and volunteer opportunities, conferences, registered student organization activities, student groups affiliated with academic departments and other noncredit-bearing university programs. The purpose of this policy is to facilitate the following objectives:

1. Ensure student access to information deemed pertinent to their travel abroad.
2. Assess any potential risks and take appropriate actions to reduce those risks.
3. Monitor when and where students are traveling abroad on university-related opportunities.
4. Comply with the University of Missouri Collected Rules and Regulations Ch. 210.070.

Applicable travel

This policy applies to all MU undergraduate and graduate students traveling internationally for university-sponsored or university-related purposes. University-sponsored or university-related purposes include credit-bearing study abroad programs, internships, research, service-learning and volunteer opportunities, conferences, registered student organization activities, student groups affiliated with academic departments and other noncredit-bearing MU programs. This includes the following:

• Any travel in connection with activities for which academic credit is being sought, including:
  • Programs operated through International Programs or any authorized academic division study abroad office;
  • Travel as part of a formal academic program or course of study;
  • Internship credit; and
  • Travel for independent study credit (including retroactive requests for academic credit).
• Any travel for purposes of performance, sporting events, service-learning, conferences, meetings, professional development or university-contracted volunteerism organized by a registered student organization or student group affiliated with an MU academic department.
• Any travel for which funding is sought through a university-administered account or a student government-administered account within MU.
• Any travel that is university-contracted.

This policy does not apply to personal travel. This policy does not include students who make the personal decision to travel internationally for recreational purposes and use their own funds, or other non-university funds, to support this travel.

Personal travel includes additional independent travel before or after travel for university-sponsored or university-related purposes, that is not part of the official university-sponsored or university-related itinerary. University-contracted international health insurance does not cover personal travel.

Policy statement

Any student who travels internationally for university-sponsored or university-related purposes, as defined above, is required to register their travel.

International travel registration with International Programs. Specifically, any student who travels internationally for university-sponsored or university-related purposes is required to complete:

• MU International Travel Registry
• Health insurance. Register for university-contracted (or other approved) international health insurance coverage and submit proof of coverage.
• Itinerary and contacts. Submit up-to-date itinerary information through the International Travel Registry, including personal and emergency contacts information (both U.S. and international), host institution/organization contact information (as appropriate), travel itineraries and international accommodations.
• Updated itinerary upon changes. Promptly provide updated travel itineraries and accommodations through the International Travel Registry as they develop, especially if/as these change during the course of travel.
• Document requirements. Read and sign any required documents that pertain to the study abroad or university-related international program in which the student is participating.
• Orientation. Successfully complete the mandatory Mizzou Abroad Orientation.
• Department of State registration. Students are advised to register through the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Study abroad or university-related international travel in countries or regions with the following requires written exception/approval from the MU vice provost for International Programs:

• U.S. Department of State travel advisory level three (reconsider travel) or level four (do not travel)
  • Note: Some level one or two countries may have regions at level three or four. Travel to those countries also requires approval.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel health notice level three or four

While away from campus, students are required to honor the university’s Student Standard of Conduct in accordance with the University of Missouri Collected Rules and Regulations Ch. 200.010, as well as any documents that pertain to the University of Missouri-approved study abroad or university-related international program in which they are participating. Students must further adhere to the codes of conduct established by program directors, hosting institutions/organizations and professional practice applicable to the University of Missouri international program in which they are participating. Students traveling internationally are subject to all local laws and to discipline under the MU Student Standard of Conduct.

Enforcement

Violations of the policy may results in disciplinary measures in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

The university reserves the right to deny academic credit, funding or reimbursement for any student international travel that is inconsistent with its policies and practices.

Related policy

See also: MU Student International Travel Policy for High Risk Destinations