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USI campus to reopen, classes resume, January 28

Change is never easy, and we know this is a challenging time as you navigate recent announcements affecting programs and operations at Oakland City University. We want you to know that your educational journey doesn’t have to pause.

At the University of Southern Indiana, we are fully committed to helping you transition seamlessly so you can stay on track with your education journey. We’ve designed this dedicated page specifically for you to explore our programs, access resources, learn about credit transfers and continue your education with minimal interruption.

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Study/Travel Abroad Policy

USI's student study and travel abroad policy is based on the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) Travel Advisory System and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Travel Notice Definitions.  The USI Center for International Programs and other responsible departments also monitor information from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and other resources.  Program approval may change based on recommendations of these regulatory bodies.

USI Study/Travel Abroad Policy

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is dedicated to offering a wide variety of study abroad opportunities to meet the needs of a diverse student population. The University has recognized the importance of establishing policies and procedures to protect the safety and well-being of study abroad participants. Therefore, the following policy regarding study/travel abroad and U.S. State Department Travel Advisories has been adopted by the Study Abroad Risk Management Task Force.

This policy is based on the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) Travel Advisory System and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Travel Notice Definitions.  The USI Center for International Programs and other responsible departments also monitor information from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and other resources. 

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all University of Southern Indiana students who travel internationally as part of USI education, case competition, service, research or internship/employment.  International travel applicable to this policy includes, but is not limited to, travel that is eligible for USI-approved course credit as well as travel under USI auspices for noncredit experiences; travel within the scope of a USI-sponsored research grant or contract; and student travel under the direction or supervision of USI faculty or staff.  Students who take a leave of absence from USI enrollment to travel either on their own or through non-USI study abroad programs are not subject to this policy.

Policy Summary

  1. USI students are eligible to participate in a USI approved credit-bearing study abroad program, international internship, or USI sponsored international travel or research in a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) or Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
  2. USI students will not be allowed to travel to areas within these countries which have been designated as either Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or Level 4 (Do Not Travel) locations.
  3. USI WILL NOT provide any support to students who wish to participate in non-USI study abroad programs located in countries with Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisories (CDC Level 3). Should a student wish to participate in study/intern/travel in a non-USI program in a country with a Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory, USI will not process or transfer financial aid, scholarships or insurance coverage, and will not maintain the student's enrollment at USI. Students traveling to countries with a Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory in effect are ineligible for USI travel grants or other financial support. 

Automatic Program Suspension for USI Student Participants Prior to Departure from US

  • When the U.S. Department of State issues a Level 3 or a Level 4 Travel Advisory for a country in which USI has approved study/internship/travel programs, all programs whose participants have yet to depart for travel to the country which is subject to the Travel Advisory are automatically suspended.
  • Programs that entail travel to multiple countries can still go forward after removing from the itinerary the country or region within a country that is subject to the Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory.

When a USI approved study/internship/travel program is underway in a country where a Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory is announced for the first time

  • In the case of an immediate threat to student health, safety or welfare, the Provost has authority to immediately cancel or alter a program. If immediate action is not required, the process for regular review will be applied immediately and the Study Abroad Risk Management Task Force will meet as soon as possible to determine whether the program should be suspended, and whether current student program participants should be asked to return home.
  • If a Level 3 Travel Advisory is announced for a limited time period (for circumstances such as hurricanes or elections), the Study Abroad Risk Management Task Force will convene to assess its impact on the program and to determine whether the program should be suspended, and whether current participants should be asked to return home.

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Study Abroad

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