ABSTRACT
The role of the senior international officer (SIO) necessarily includes appreciation for institutional liability related to students, staff, and faculty traveling abroad. This chapter provides an overview of what SIOs should consider with respect to risk; legal compliance; and ensuring the safety of students, faculty and staff while engaged in international activities. Higher education institutions are responsible for mitigating any potential health and safety risks for students participating in international experiences. Ensuring the health and safety of students traveling abroad begins with the assessment of risk of the destination locations, identification of the “official” activities in which students will engage, and a determination of acceptable risk factors. As colleges and universities of all sizes pursue comprehensive internationalization, the involvement of faculty and staff in research and engagement abroad will likely increase. With the growth of short-term study abroad programs has come the growth of faculty-led programs.
