Travel Planning  > U-M Travel Policy

Travel Planning

U-M Travel Policy

This policy applies to all University-sponsored international travel by individuals and groups. Schools, colleges, and other units may have additional policies and requirements.

If safety, security or health conditions are determined to warrant such a decision, the University may prohibit or suspend University-sponsored travel to any destination by students, faculty or staff. Upon advice of University infectious disease specialists, and taking into account warnings from the CDC, travel to countries experiencing serious outbreaks of infectious disease may be prohibited.

Requirements for travel for University-related purposes by groups that include students

  • Authorization
    Faculty, staff or graduate students leading students abroad to any destination for study, research, or other purpose must have detailed plans reviewed and approved in advance by the Dean or designated administrator of each of the schools or colleges where the students are enrolled.
  • International Travel Registry
    Group leaders are required to enter all itinerary, lodging, and overseas contact information in the International Travel Registry, and to provide a copy of this information to the Dean or designated administrator of each of the schools or colleges where the students are enrolled.

Persons traveling in a group are encouraged to also register as individuals, especially if they have separate travel arrangements.

Requirements for travel for University-related purposes to countries where a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is in effect

Students may not be required to study or do research in affected locations in order to satisfy a degree requirement.

Regular recurring undergraduate study abroad programs will be suspended. Such programs take place annually during one or more full academic term and are established by a University affiliation agreement.

Undergraduate students traveling as individuals must, prior to departure:

Graduate-professional students must, prior to departure:

All students planning a group trip without a faculty or staff leader to a country under a travel warning must seek approval as individuals.

Persons leading groups that include students must:

  • bring applicable travel warnings to the attention of the Deans or designated administrator of the school or college where the students are registered and provide information about steps to ensure safety
  • provide ITOC in advance of departure an outline of the proposed itinerary that explains the academic relevance of the program for the students in light of the Travel Warning and that:
    1. Discusses the environment of the proposed travel in relationship to health/security/safety issues;
    2. Describes onsite health/security/safety support resources and services; and
    3. Explains plans for group orientation prior to departure and on arrival to mitigate risk.
  • secure from all students a signed waiver acknowledging possible risks
  • secure from each undergraduate student a signed parent/guardian consent form

A pre-departure planning checklist for leaders of student groups traveling abroad is available here.

Note: Graduate students may not lead student trips to countries under a travel warning.

Individual faculty or staff traveling with University funding to pursue research, study or other University-related business in a country under a travel warning are expected to notify their Dean (or designate), Chair, or supervisor.

The University will not provide funding for faculty, staff, and student travel to a country where the State Department has issued a mandatory evacuation order.