About Global Risk, Safety, and Operations
Global Risk, Safety, and Operations (GRSO) is dedicated to supporting the health, safety, and security of University travelers engaged in Columbia Travel and Activities. We can assist with pre-departure preparations, including overseeing the requirements of the university's Travel and Activity Planning Policy and working closely with the university's 24/7 emergency assistance provider, Crisis24.
In support of the mission and core values of Columbia University, we monitor worldwide news, alerts and advisories, advice from Crisis24 and other relevant sources to assemble and disseminate safety resources to those on official Columbia Travel.
We provide support for Columbia travelers and various travel issues, such as providing services in times of crisis or emergency. In urgent situations, this includes making recommendations for traveler evacuation from a specific location(s) or halting travel to a specific location for a period of time.
The Travel and Activity Planning Policy
This policy establishes a set of guidelines and requirements for planning Columbia-related travel and activities, both domestic and international – hereinafter referred to in this policy as “Columbia Travel,” which includes Columbia-Led Travel and Columbia-Facilitated or Recognized Travel, as defined below. The pre-travel requirements described in this Policy impact all Columbia affiliates.
Travelers should fulfill pre-departure travel requirements aligned with the highest-risk location included in their itinerary. "Location" could refer to country, city, or region under the Crisis24 ratings and/or CU Travel Restrictions.
From time to time, the University may issue guidance, requirements, and restrictions regarding travel to specific designations in addition to what is specified here.
Domestic Travel and Activities
Domestic Columbia Travel is defined as any travel or activity outside of the New York City metropolitan area involving an overnight stay, but within the 50 U.S. States and District of Columbia. All affiliates participating in domestic travel should closely review information, alerts, and warnings specific to their destination prior to travel, but generally, domestic travel will not be restricted except in the most extraordinary of circumstances.
Requirements
Domestic travel registration helps the University identify and communicate with travelers who may be affected by emergency circumstances, significant disruptions, or changing local conditions, and enables the University to offer timely support and relevant information when appropriate.
Although not required, all affiliates are strongly encouraged to register their Domestic Columbia Travel.
It is recommended, but not required, to register Columbia Travel in Crisis24 Horizon
Please note, any travel is booked through Columbia’s third-party travel management company (World Travel ), this registration automatically occurs. Additional information on how to book with World Travel can be found at https://travel-expense.finance.columbia.edu/.
International Travel and Activities
All travelers must register their international Columbia Travel, defined as anything outside of the fifty United States, with Crisis24.
All travelers must also adhere to pre-departure requirements related to the risk level of their destination. Crisis24 assigns Travel Ratings and CU assigns CU Travel Restrictions to specific locations. Both of these —Crisis24 Ratings and CU Travel Restrictions — must be used to guide planning and fulfillment of pre-travel requirements. These can be found at:
Elevated Travel and Activity Review Committee (ETARC)
Elevated Travel and Activity Review Committee (ETARC) reviews proposed International Columbia Travel and activity that is subject to elevated risk requirements under this Policy.
For travel or activities requiring Elevated Travel and Activity Review Committee (ETARC) review under this Policy, the dean or administrative unit head will review the academic and/or business purpose of the proposed travel or activity, and ETARC will review the proposed travel or activity for safety, security, health, and other risk considerations. Approval from both the dean or administrative unit head and ETARC is required.
The ETRAC will meet bi-weekly to review travel requests for the following:
- Students and Employees proposing travel to and/or activities within Crisis24 High Risk, Crisis24 Extreme Risk, and/or locations with a CU Travel Restriction; and
- Officers of Instructions, Officers of Research, Officers of the Libraries and Postdoctoral Fellows/Scholars proposing travel to and/or activities within Crisis24 Extreme Travel Risk and/or CU Travel Restrictions.
Pre-Departure Travel Requirements for International Travel/Activities
*Except for situations involving exceptional circumstances, no Students (undergraduate or graduate/professional), Officers of Administration, nor Support Staff will be permitted to travel to/conduct CU-related activity in (1) Locations with a Risk Rating of “Extreme” or (2) Locations that are subject to Columbia Travel Restrictions.
Global Risk, Safety, and Operations will effectuate the Elevated Travel and Activity Proposal process.
All affiliates are required to register CU-related international travel in Crisis24 Horizon.