Important Updates: Revised Travel Policy and New Emergency Assistance Provider

Transition to Crisis24

To help ensure that Columbia affiliates receive best-in-class emergency assistance and support while engaged in Columbia Travel abroad, the University is transitioning from International SOS (ISOS) to Crisis24, a leading provider in the travel risk management space.

In preparation for this change, Global Risk, Safety, and Operations (GRSO, formerly Global Travel) has been working to make the transition as seamless as possible, including:

 

  • Provisioning TravelTracker Administrators with access to Crisis24’s platform, Horizon;
  • Transferring trip registrations from ISOS MyTrips to Horizon for all currently registered travelers, whether currently abroad or with itineraries beginning on or after July 1;
  • Establishing a Columbia-dedicated Crisis24 assistance line. Beginning July 1, affiliates on Columbia-related international travel should call Crisis24 at +001-208-758-8809 (Columbia’s dedicated line) for assistance; and
  • Drafting communications that will go to currently registered travelers as above, informing them of the change in assistance providers and how to contact Crisis24.

 

Updates to the Travel and Activity Planning Policy

Alongside the transition to Crisis24, the International Travel Planning Policy (ITPP) will be updated and renamed the Travel and Activity Planning Policy (TAPP). Key changes to the policy – which will be posted on the Global Travel (GRSO) website on July 1 – include:

  • Updated Risk Ratings: ISOS Travel Risk Ratings will be replaced with Crisis24 Risk Ratings – Minimal, Low, Moderate, High, and Extreme. Along with CU Restricted Countries, these metrics will serve as the triggers for pre-departure review requirements.
  • Expanded Scope: The policy will explicitly cover Columbia-related activities conducted abroad, such as research, filming, and other field-based activities, in addition to travel. The policy will also include countries subject to Columbia Travel Restrictions, including but not limited to locations subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions and CDC Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Health Notices, as triggers for review.
  • Travel Expectations: Students (both Undergraduate and Graduate/Professional), Officers of Administration, and Support Staff will not be permitted to conduct Columbia-related travel and activity in locations with a Crisis24 Risk Rating of Extreme or to countries subject to Columbia Travel Restrictions, except in exceptional circumstances.
  • Creation of the Elevated Travel and Activity Review Committee (ETARC): For Columbia-related travel and activity subject to elevated risk review requirements, the relevant dean, administrative unit head, or designee will review the academic, research, business, or programmatic purpose of the proposed travel or activity, while ETARC will assess safety, security, health, operational, and other institutional risk considerations. Such travel or activity may proceed only after approval from both the relevant dean, administrative unit head, or designee and ETARC.
  • Domestic Travel Registration Strongly Encouraged: All affiliates will be strongly encouraged to register any travel or activity outside of the New York City metropolitan area involving an overnight stay, but within the 50 United States of America and District of Columbia. Registration helps the University contact and support travelers in the event of emergency circumstances or significant disruptions, including by providing updated information about local conditions when appropriate.

 

On July 1, GRSO hosted a webinar to introduce these changes and to take questions. To watch the recording: