In an effort to ensure meaningful and fulfilling global experiences for all Huskies, NIU’s Division of International Affairs aims to raise awareness of the university’s International Travel Policy and Procedures.
“At NIU, we celebrate international travel and strive to provide opportunities for all Huskies to infuse global perspectives into everything they do,” said Kerry Wilks, associate vice president for the Division of International Affairs.
“We know travel can transform the way you see the world. Global experiences are an integral part of the university’s teaching, research and engagement missions, and we’re here to promote a border-crossing spirit of exploration as we ensure that all travelers are prepared and educated about safe and healthy travel abroad.”
First created in the Fall of 2019, NIU’s International Travel Policy applies to all NIU faculty, staff, students, volunteers and groups traveling abroad for NIU business and those who bring NIU equipment abroad for personal or business reasons.
The policy does not apply to individuals who participate in NIU-approved Study Abroad credit-bearing programs. Those traveling as part of a Study Abroad program will be registered through the Study Abroad office.
A full description of the International Travel Policy, including how to register for international travel and access the travel registry, can be found here. Ideally, travel should be registered 30 days in advance.
Because the policy initially was created shortly before the pandemic when travel was limited, some might not be aware of it, Wilks said. Since its soft launch, slight revisions also have been made.
This has necessitated the need to spread word of the policy, Wilks said.
Among the revisions, students traveling on behalf of the university or in furtherance of university business or interests are now required to purchase supplemental travel insurance for any travel abroad. At registration, students will be told the steps necessary to secure travel insurance.
In addition, all NIU faculty, staff, students, volunteers and groups traveling to Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory Areas are required to purchase NIU’s supplemental travel insurance. At registration, travelers will be told how to do so. More information, including definitions of travel advisory areas, can be found in the International Travel Policy.
As stated in the policy, its mission follows:
“Northern Illinois University (NIU) recognizes that achievement of the institutional mission requires nurturing development of global perspectives. NIU encourages international travel to support research, study, institutional collaborations, volunteerism, and other activities.
Through this policy, the University strives to mitigate potential risks to students, employees and volunteers who travel abroad; it seeks to do so without undermining the benefits of travel outside the United States. The University also seeks to strengthen individual and institutional compliance with relevant regulations and laws.
Compliance with the policy improves risk mitigation for travelers while abroad and helps individuals and the University comply with relevant regulations and laws.”
For questions about the policy, contact Sarah Lindell, administrative assistant for the Division of International Affairs and the Graduate School, at [email protected] or 815-753-9526.