 |
Laura Klamut ('26) "Staying Warm" Kiruna, Sweden
Education Abroad Program: DIS Stockholm
Center for Education Abroad Grand Prize Winner
2026 Annual Global Photo Contest
|
|
Navigating International Travel: Compliance, Policy & Best Practices
This month, the Global Connections newsletter spotlights compliance issues in international travel and risk management. Compliance, policy adherence, and best practices are essential for managing both the inherent and residual risks faced by individuals and the institution. A strong policy framework ensures consistency, accountability, and alignment with the mission of the University of Rochester and the Office for Global Engagement.
Policy as a Foundation for Safety and Accountability
Adhering to established policies helps URochester operate within legal parameters, meet federal and state reporting requirements, and safeguard the interests of all stakeholders. Clear policies not only reduce risk but also provide a structured approach to decision-making and travel planning.
Staying Informed in a Changing Global Landscape
With ongoing shifts in federal policies, geopolitical conditions, and other rapidly evolving factors, it is critical for travelers to stay informed. Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to consult with the Office for Global Engagement before making travel plans, register their travel, and remain attentive to important advisories to ensure safe and compliant international experiences.
Meliora,
Ravi Shankar
Global Travel Risk Management: Strengthening Compliance, Policy, and Best Practices
As international engagement continues to expand, ensuring that faculty and staff are informed, prepared, and compliant with university requirements remains a top priority. The Director of Global Travel Risk Management (TRM) in the Office for Global Engagement, Jeffrey Russin, plays a central role in this effort—overseeing policy development, travel registration, insurance and assistance programs, and providing guidance to support safe and responsible international travel.
Keeping Policy Current and Actionable
In FY26, a major focus was updating institutional policies to reflect today’s global landscape. The University of Rochester’s international travel policy—first established in 2016—underwent its first comprehensive revision, alongside updates to travel registration requirements. These changes are designed to improve visibility into faculty and staff travel, strengthen compliance, and ensure that travelers receive timely guidance, resources, and support. For faculty and staff, this means clearer expectations and more streamlined processes when planning and conducting international travel.
Enhancing Coverage and Duty of Care
Another significant advancement was the transition to new travel insurance and assistance plans. This update ensures that all university travelers—faculty, staff, and students—have access to essential protections, including emergency medical care, evacuation services, and real-time support while abroad. Critical to ensuring this access is the policy requirement that all travelers- especially students of all levels- are properly registered in advance of travel. These enhancements reinforce URochester’s commitment to duty of care while aligning coverage with current best practices in global travel risk management.
Navigating a Complex Global Environment
The past year also underscored the importance of staying informed and adaptable. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts, public health concerns, and evolving federal policies have required continuous monitoring and responsive guidance. Faculty and staff are encouraged to remain attentive to travel advisories, comply with registration and policy requirements, and seek guidance early when planning travel to higher-risk locations.
Looking Ahead: Tools, Training, and Strategic Alignment
In FY27, the TRM team will focus on implementing a new travel registration and risk management system to improve compliance tracking and user experience. Expanded training and outreach will further equip faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate international travel safely and in alignment with university policy.
As global opportunities grow, so too does the importance of informed, policy-aligned travel. By staying engaged with TRM resources and adhering to established processes, faculty and staff play a critical role in maintaining a safe, compliant, and globally connected University of Rochester community.
 |
Julianne Zhu ('28G) "Night Market" Suzhou, China
International Services Office Grand Prize Winner
2026 Annual Global Photo Contest
|
|
|
Regulations on Access to Bulk U.S. Sensitive Personal Data | University of Rochester Guidance
The Office of the Vice President for Research published guidance on April 1, 2026, regarding compliance with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Regulations on Access to Bulk U.S. Sensitive Personal Data. These regulations establish important restrictions on how certain categories of sensitive data—such as health, genomic, biometric, financial, and geolocation information—may be accessed, transferred, or shared with entities or individuals associated with designated “countries of concern” (China—including Hong Kong and Macau—Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela). The guidance is intended to help faculty and administrators understand the basic elements of the regulation and includes recommendations for compliance.
The regulations are part of an effort by the U.S. government to mitigate potential national security risks posed by certain countries of concern in their efforts to access and exploit sensitive data. These regulations carry significant compliance implications. Researchers whose work involves sensitive personal data that they plan to make available to foreign entities should be aware of these requirements. ORPA must approve any arrangement that involves the University allowing access to or transferring sensitive personal data (even if de-identified or anonymized and regardless of subject authorization) for research purposes to foreign entities, foreign institutions, or researchers residing in foreign countries.
Thank you for your attention to this important update and for your continued commitment to responsible, secure, and compliant research practices. If you have questions, please reach out to ORPA or the University’s Research Security Officer (Joe Doyle; joe.doyle@rochester.edu) for additional guidance.
Leadership Conversation with Reitumetse Mabokela
The vice provost shares how a rapidly shifting landscape affects URochester's global strategy.
Monthly Observances
Each month, the Office for Global Engagement will highlight holidays observed around the world, fostering greater awareness of celebrations across cultures and communities.
April 1 – Passover begins (Jewish)
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
April 3 – Good FridayApril 5 – Easter
April 9 – Passover ends (Jewish)
April 10 – National Day of Silence (LGBTQ+)
April 13 – Vaisakhi (Sikh)
April 19 – Patriot Day
April 20 – Start of Ridvan (Baha'i)
April 22 – Earth Day
April 23 – Yom Hashoah begins at sunset (Jewish)
April 30 – Beltane - (Northern Hemisphere) begins at sunset - Wicca/Paganism
