Travel
Middle East Travel Notice
Due to ongoing security concerns in the region, the University is not approving University-sponsored or University-funded travel to Israel and surrounding conflict areas at this time.
This restriction applies to all travel supported by the University, including but not limited to:
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Faculty and staff business travel
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Student travel programs and study abroad
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Research-related travel
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Travel funded by University grants or departmental funds
The University will continue to monitor conditions and guidance from the U.S. Department of State and other relevant authorities. The restriction will be reviewed periodically and updated as circumstances warrant.
Group Travel Assistance Program
Brandeis University provides worldwide group travel assistance through Zurich Insurance Company for faculty, staff and students who travel 100 miles or more from campus to study or conduct university business. The Zurich policy provides travelers with access to 24/7 travel assistance services provided by Zurich Travel Assist.
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Students have access to a Student Travel Policy through Zurich. This policy uses On Call International for its Travel Assistance Provider. Prior to traveling, students should either download on their mobile device, or print out and carry the Student Travel ID Card with them at all times while traveling.
Students participating in study abroad programs should carefully read the required materials provided by the Office of Study Abroad. Graduate students should refer to their respective program coordinators. Note that Zurich Travel Insurance is not meant to replace health insurance while traveling. Check with your health insurance carrier to ensure your coverage extends internationally.
Travel Advisory
Except as provided below, Brandeis University will not operate, pay for, supervise, direct or otherwise support a research program, course or program for any student (undergraduate, graduate, professional) in an area of a country where a U.S. Department of State level 4 travel advisory is in effect.
Department of State Travel Advisory Levels
- Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions
- Level 2 – Exercise Increased Precautions
- Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
- Level 4 – Do Not Travel
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An individual faculty member, staff member or graduate student whose professional activities (e.g., research, teaching at a foreign institution, attendance at a conference) necessitate travel to a portion of a country where a travel warning is in effect, and any of whose travel/research costs are paid from a university-administered account, may undertake such travel only after the following steps have been taken:
- A description of the proposed professional activities has been filed with each program, department or school that is funding the trip, and each group has approved the trip in writing based on its feasibility and importance; additionally, the individual's department chair and dean have approved the trip in writing.
- The faculty member, staff member or graduate student has signed an Assumption of Risk and Release Agreement (pdf) to the Department of Insurance and Risk Management indicating that he or she understands the risks involved in travel to this location and releases the university from any liability.
- The faculty member, staff member or student has appropriate health insurance approved by the the Department of Insurance and Risk Management.
- Evidence of compliance with steps 1-3, above, is on file with the Department of Insurance and Risk Management.
All Brandeis University undergraduate students, except those participating in an approved study abroad program, are subject to the university undergraduate international travel policy and procedures, which require suspension of current and future educational activities in any country subject to the warning, but allows for a review and grant of permission to operate in certain circumstances. They must also submit an Assumption of Risk and Release Agreement (pdf) to the Department of Insurance and Risk Management.
Undergraduate study abroad participants planning to study in a country with a travel warning in effect must consult with the Office of Study Abroad before departing for their program.
Health Risk Assessment
Health risks are assessed using information from the Centers for Disease Control.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) uses three warning levels to evaluate travel:
- Watch Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions
- Watch Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions
- Watch Level 3: Avoid Nonessential Travel
Important: In order to be covered for a medical evacuation, the faculty/staff/student needs to be injured or sick and not able to obtain appropriate medical care in his/her current location. Healthy travelers would not be covered by the medical evacuation benefits.