International Travel Advisory Committee
Mission of the International Travel Advisory Committee
The International Travel Advisory Committee (ITAC) has established guidelines, policies and procedures for international university travel that addresses the health and safety of all WVU travelers while studying and/or conducting research/ business. The Committee is responsible for assessing levels of risk in regions where University-related programs and individual travel are occurring or proposed. Academic freedom and the University’s research agenda will be sustained as WVU ensures the safety of our students, faculty and staff.
This committee is chaired by Tara George-Jones and reports to Dr. Amber Brugnoli, Assistant Vice President of OGA. Committee members consist of representatives from across campus, including academic leaders, faculty members, staff, students, and international travel/risk specialists.
This group is responsible for making recommendations for student international travel to locations once a risk designation and/or State Department Travel warning is determined. Individual students will petition the committee. The committee will review the travel advisory documentation with relevant information to make a recommendation for or against travel. Any WVU faculty wishing to develop education abroad programming in a risk area will be required to petition the International Policy Committee as well. The committee reserves the right to change its recommendation and cancel the program at any time should the circumstances in country change.
The committee meets as needed to review and discuss policies.
Travel Advisories
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html
US Department of State Travel Advisories ( https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/)
Level 4: Do not Travel
This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the US government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State (DOS) advises the US citizens not travel to country under a Level 4 advisory or to leave as soon as possible. The DOS provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
This is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the US government may have limited ability to provide assistance. The DOS advises that US citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as possible. The DOS provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Level 2: Exercise increased caution
Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The DOS provides advice to travelers in the travel advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in all international travel. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
International Travel Advisory Committee
• Amber Brugnoli, Assistant Vice President - Global Affairs
• Sara Farjo, DO, Assistant Professor, Student Health and Travel Clinic
• Marion Holmes, Assistant Director - Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Kelsey Knotts, Risk Manager
• Lance Lin, Chairperson, Professor - Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Amanda Morgan, Faculty-Led Program Specialist - Global Affairs
• Henry Oliver, Director of Global Advancement - Global Affairs
• Andy Patrick, Associate Director and Student Advocate - Global Affairs
• Patty Powers, Export Control Officer
• Li Wang, Teaching Associate Professor, Director, Business Honors Program
• Abigail Wolfe, Associate Export Control Officer
• Vanessa Yerkovich, Director of Education Abroad - Global Affairs
Resources used by ITAC
International SOS ( WVU’s Travel Assistance Provider)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention