AGENDA ITEM NO: 15.1
UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
FOR INFORMATION ONLY
PRESENTED BY:
Hans Michelmann, Chair
DATE OF MEETING:
June 20, 2013
SUBJECT:
Annual Report to Council for 2012-13
COUNCIL ACTION:
For information only
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13
The International Activities Committee is responsible for:
1.
Recommending to Council on issues relating to international activities at the
University of Saskatchewan.
2.
Encouraging the development of programs and curricula that provide an
international perspective on campus.
3.
Promoting and expanding scholarly exchange programs for faculty, students
and staff.
4.
Encouraging interactions with university and education/research institutions
outside Canada, thereby fostering new opportunities for University of
Saskatchewan stakeholders in international teaching, learning and research.
5.
Receiving an annual report on matters relating to international student, faculty
and alumni activities from the International Coordinating Committee.
The committee met on nine occasions in the 2012-14 academic year.
Committee Membership
Council Members
Gap Soo Chang
Physics & Engineering Physics
Claire Card
Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Hans Michelmann (Chair) Political Studies
2014
2014
2013
General Academic Assembly Members
Michael Cottrell
Educational Administration
Nadeem Jamali
Computer Science
Angela Kalinowski
History
2015
2014
2015
1
Mabood Qureshi
Stella Spriet
Phil Thacker
Pathology
Languages & Linguistics
Animal Science
Other members
Undergraduate Student Member
Graduate Student Member
Dan Pennock/Patti McDougall
Alison Pickrell
Harley Dickinson
By Invitation
Derek Tannis
Laurel O’Connor
2015
2014
2015
Rui Du/Gibson Odoka USSU
Elizabeth O’Meara, GSA
Vice-Provost Teaching and Learning[Provost
designate]
Director of Enrolment Services
Strategic Advisor, International [designate for VicePresident Research]
Manager, International Student and Study Abroad Centre
Assistant Director, International Research
Administrative support
Rita Lentner-Christa/Lana Kopp
International Office
Secretary:
Cathie Fornssler, Committee Coordinator
Issues and discussions
A special webpage titled “Readings on Internationalization” was established as a place to
post articles, reports and commentary relating to internationalization issues:
www.usask.ca/university_secretary/council/committees/int_activities/Readings/index.php
Metrics for internationalization
The committee held several discussions about the importance of identifying priority areas
to measure and improve internationalization at the university. We also discussed with
Troy Harkot, Director of Information Strategy and Analytics, how to improve the quality
of statistical and quantitative information about international activities and outreach.
Suggestions were made by committee members that information gathered in the
following areas would be useful in evaluating our progress and improving our
international profile:
- international inflow and outflow of students/employees, and academic/research
exchanges
- research collaboration with and without formal exchange agreements
- international graduate student recruitment and support, quality of international
students admitted, and measurements of their success
- study abroad programs, international sabbaticals, visiting professors,
international exchange programs and University research on international topics.
- internationalizing our curriculum, with a special focus on Indigenous peoples
locally and globally. Initially this could involve fostering teaching, learning,
research and service connections between Indigenous peoples in Canada and
those in the US, Australia and New Zealand because of similarities in historical
2
circumstances and contemporary challenges. But over time there is potential to
engage with Indigenous peoples in other countries.
The committee also discussed with Associate Vice-President Jim Basinger how
universities are evaluated in international research ranking publications like the Leiden
Ranking.
Additional information about internationalization metrics is posted on the Readings page.
Increasing international experiences for students
On behalf of the committee, Professor Angela Kalinowski and SESD Admissions
Director Alison Pickrell are working with SESD and the International Student and Study
Abroad Centre (ISSAC) to research how the university can align access and funding so
that student participation and learning from study abroad programs can be increased.
This research project includes a literature review on the perceived value of study abroad,
benchmarking with peer institutions, and a faculty survey and focus group. The intent is
to have the report completed by August, 2013.
The committee discussed with Eric Davos of University Advancement the possibility of
that office raising funds to assist students to participate in study abroad programs and
international exchanges.
Internationalization in the curriculum and projects for providing international experiences
on campus were discussed with Arts and Science Vice-Dean Linda McMullen. A studyabroad project is also being developed for students in Physics and Engineering Physics
by Sarah Purdy, Chary Rangacharyulu, Sina Adl and Derek Tannis.
The committee also looks forward to reviewing a report by the Strategic Advisor,
International, Harley Dickinson, who has indicated it will provide a framework to
develop international experiences within the curriculum for students who are unable to
travel. An example of this would be the new Arts and Science Certificate in Global
Studies, which allows students to undertake an experiential learning placement with
Saskatoon organizations which work with recent immigrants, or with companies that
undertake international sales.
Additional information about curriculum internationalization is posted on the Readings
page.
International Travel Risk Management for Student Mobility: Policy and Procedures
Update
This revision updated several areas in the 2005 policy on travel risk management for
students. The International Activities Committee discussed this revision with Derek
Tannis, Manager of ISSAC, and with Nowell Seaman, Corporate Administration. The
committee approved the revision and is attaching the revised policy document to this
report for the information of Council.
3
Reports received
Derek Tannis, Manager of ISSAC, provided the committee with an update on proposed
federal regulations regarding international students, and regularly updated the committee
on developments in his area of responsibility.
Laurel O’Connor, Office of the Vice-President Research, regularly updated the
committee on relevant developments in her office, as did Allison Pickrell, Director of
Enrolment and Student Affairs in the Student and Enrollment and Services Division.
The Strategic Advisor International, Harley Dickenson, presented information to the
committee regarding a project to compile a list of all U of S Memorandum of
Understanding agreements with universities outside Canada and regularly updated the
committee on developments in his area of responsibility.
Research Services director Susan Blum provided a presentation on the IT Research
Management System (UnivRS) proposal.
Industry Liaison Office managing director Glen Schuler and start-up specialist Lorna
Shaw-Lennox updated the committee on the internationalization initiatives which have
been undertaken by the ILO with universities in Ethiopia, China, Chile, the Ukraine and
the Philippines.
The following briefed the committee on internationalization plans and activities at the
University generally, and also more specifically in the area of their responsibility: Keith
Carlson, Special Advisor for Outreach and Engagement, and Dan Pennock, Vice-Provost
Teaching and Learning.
Acknowledgements
On behalf of the Committee, I wish to thank Cathie Fornssler, the committee’s secretary, for
her professionalism, and her dedication to the committee’s work.
Respectfully submitted,
Hans Michelmann, Chair
Attachments: Revised Travel Risk Policy changes
4
International Travel Risk Management for Student Mobility:
Policy and Procedures Revision Update for IACC
Timeline
•
2005: Policy and procedures passed for implementation
•
2006-2008: International Travel Registry (ITR) was a paper-based process /loosely followed
•
2008-2009: Arts & Science created an online registry for their students
•
2009: ISSAC created (merged from International Student Office and Exchange and Study Abroad
Office) and the ITR was moved, aligning with the policy and procedures
•
2009-2010: New ITR developed to be applied across the institutions
•
2011-2012: Policy update through sub-committee of Study Abroad Advisory Working Group
(SAAWG) /reviewed by IACC
•
January, 2012: Revised policy submitted to Policy Oversight I came back with requirement to
revise procedures and guidelines
•
2012-2013: Revisions of procedures and guidelines; requiring review/discussion again by
SAAWG, IACC and Dean's Council
•
Spring 2013: Date for re-submission of policy and procedures to POC
Overview of major updates
•
Policy
o
More specific clarification of scope (including university funded trips)
o · Changed "Appeal" to "Exemption" related to site selection
•
o
Determination of ISSAC as key unit associated with ITRM for student mobility
o
Moved procedural information to procedures and guidelines
o
Re-asserted authority for disallowed participation as residing within the Colleges
Procedures
o
Directed to staff and faculty (soon to have an improved web presence for staff and
faculty)
o
All student-oriented information moved to website
o
Re-ordered information for clarity
o
Inclusion of site exemption process, criteria and form
o
Inclusion of ITR tasks for different types of programs
o
Streamlined/clarified information for emergency response
o
Inclusion of incident report form
o
Inclusion of communications section
o
Updated contacts
o
ISSAC as key unit throughout the document (for risk planning records, waivers and
release form storage, ITR, emergency response, etc.)
DRAFT REVISION (February 7, 2013) - for approval by Policy Oversight
Committee
International Travel Risk Management for Student Mobility
Category: Academic Affairs
Responsibility: Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Authorization: Board of Governors
Date: Original April 8, 2005 – Revision TBA
Purpose:
To ensure that all programs and activities that involve student mobility internationally and are university-authorized
and/or funded, in whole or in part, incorporate specific measures to reduce risk and facilitate emergency response to
students, faculty, staff and other participants, before and during travel outside Canada.
Scope:
This policy applies to all programs and activities that involve student mobility internationally and are universityauthorized and/or funded, in whole or in part, including programs and activities that are designed, delivered, and/or
organized by faculty, staff or students and/or externally contracted organizations. These programs and activities
involving travel outside Canada include, but are not limited to: courses (credit or non-credit), student exchange
programs and activities; taught abroad courses; term abroad programs; clinical placements, internship placements,
cooperative placements or programs; field studies; research projects, conferences, workshops; sports and cultural
activities; or study tours. All student mobility programs and activities that meet these conditions must, at a minimum,
incorporate the following measures to protect the well-being of students and manage risks associated with
international travel.
Policy:
1)
Site selection – College/unit program coordinators shall give careful consideration to risk when selecting sites
for international academic mobility programs. Deans and department heads are required to approve and monitor
program locations based on available risk information, such as Country Travel Reports and Warnings provided by the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), and advice from faculty, the International Student and
Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) and other sources with knowledge of the specific location.
•
At a minimum, activities shall not be permitted to be conducted in locations for which DFAIT has issued an
“Avoid non-essential travel” or more severe advisory.
•
To determine appropriate response and action in the event that DFAIT issues an “Avoid non-essential travel”
or more severe advisory for a location wherein a program is in progress, the situation must be reviewed by
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DRAFT REVISION (February 7, 2013) - for approval by Policy Oversight
Committee
the Dean and/or Department Head, or their appointed representative(s), in consultation with a program
coordinator/trip leader (where applicable), and the Managers of ISSAC and Risk Management and
Insurance Services, or their designates.
•
Exemption – Where an ”Avoid non-essential travel” or more severe advisory has been issued by DFAIT,
faculty, staff members or students may request an exemption from site selection criteria that would
otherwise result in a decision to decline, postpone or cancel programs or activities falling under the purview
of this policy, following the exemption request process and criteria described in the Procedures and
Guidelines for International Travel Risk Management for Student Mobility.
2)
Risk Assessment and Emergency/Contingency Plans – All parties involved in programs or activities
involving student mobility internationally share the responsibility to familiarize themselves with the risks of the specific
activities and countries and regions of travel, and to make informed decisions concerning their participation.
•
All university-authorized programs or activities involving student mobility internationally require risk
assessment and emergency plans as described in University Policy No.3.13 - Field Work and Associated
Travel Safety and that interface with applicable University crisis response policies and procedures.
•
ISSAC, with consultation from Risk Management and Insurance Services, shall work with the Colleges/Units
in the development of risk assessment and planning documentation.
3)
International Travel Registry (ITR) – All students, faculty, staff and other program or activity participants
traveling abroad as part of a program or activity involving student mobility internationally and are Universityauthorized and/or funded, in whole or in part, are required to provide basic information to a central database to be
maintained by ISSAC. The information in the ITR shall be used to provide the University with a record of persons
abroad at any point in time to facilitate response and support in the event of emergencies or issues of safety and
security. Consent to release information in emergency situations will be included in the ITR.
4)
Risk and Responsibility Training - Each student participating in a program or activity that involves international
travel and is university-authorized and/or funded, in whole or in part, is required to complete risk and responsibility
pre-departure training, as described in the Procedures and Guidelines. Risk and responsibility training shall be the
responsibility of ISSAC, in cooperation with the College/Unit in which the student mobility program or activity is
housed. ISSAC will draw on specialized support from Risk Management and Insurance Services and/or Department
of Health, Safety and Environment, where needed.
5)
Insurance – All students and non-staff participants in student mobility programs that meet the conditions of this
policy are required to maintain out-of-country medical health insurance and include their policy number into the ITR
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DRAFT REVISION (February 7, 2013) - for approval by Policy Oversight
Committee
prior to travel. The insurance must provide coverage for the full duration of travel, and include coverage for medical
evacuation and repatriation.
6)
Waivers and releases - All students and non-staff participants involved in student mobility programs that meet
the conditions of this policy are required to sign a University of Saskatchewan waiver, release and indemnification
agreement or, alternatively, an informed consent form in specific cases set out in the Procedures and Guidelines, in a
format that will be provided and approved by Risk Management and Insurance Services and the Canadian
Universities Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (CURIE) prior to international travel.
6)
Authority– Deans, Department Heads, or their designates have the authority to disallow student participation in
programs and activities covered in this policy, if the requirements of the policy have not been met.
Procedure Summary:
The Procedures and Guidelines for International Travel Risk Management for Student Mobility are available at
<http://www.usask.ca/rmis/risk/international/procedures.pdf >
Related Policy:
Policy 3.13 - Field Work and Associated Travel Safety
http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/docs/Travel_Safety.doc;
Contact:
Manager, International Student and Study Abroad Centre – 966-4923
Manager, Risk Management and Insurance Services – 966-8788
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[NOTE:.the.following.procedures.are.available.at.the.office.of.the.University.Secretary]
International Travel Risk Management for Student Mobility:
Procedures and Guidelines / Draft – March 2013
Table of Contents
1.
Executive summary.............................................................................................................................................1
2.
Scope of Policy ....................................................................................................................................................1
3.
Site selection ......................................................................................................................................................2
4.
3.1. Site selection exemption ............................................................................................................................2
Fieldwork and associated travel safety planning record ....................................................................................4
5.
4.1. Medical emergencies..................................................................................................................................6
Pre-departure Requirements for Students.........................................................................................................6
5.1. International Travel Registry ......................................................................................................................6
5.2. Pre-departure tasks ....................................................................................................................................7
5.3. Registration with DFAIT ..............................................................................................................................8
5.4. Pre-departure Orientation .........................................................................................................................9
5.5. CURIE online pre-departure course......................................................................................................... 10
5.6. Insurance ................................................................................................................................................. 10
6. Waivers and Releases ...................................................................................................................................... 11
6.1. Administration of waivers, releases and informed consents .................................................................. 12
6.2. Witnessing and explaining waivers, releases and informed consents .................................................... 13
6.3. Storage and retention of waivers or informed consent documents ....................................................... 14
6.4. Exceptions................................................................................................................................................ 14
7. Authority regarding non-compliance and academic probation ...................................................................... 14
8.
Emergency planning and response ................................................................................................................. 15
8.1. Definitions ............................................................................................................................................... 15
8.2. DFAIT warning while program is in action ............................................................................................... 15
8.3. Initial incident reporting .......................................................................................................................... 15
8.4. Response to routine administrative (non-emergency) requests ............................................................ 17
8.5. Response to emergency (non-crisis) situations ....................................................................................... 17
8.6. Emergency crises protocol and response ................................................................................................ 18
8.7. Communication with family, university and media................................................................................. 20
8.8. Review of emergency plans ..................................................................................................................... 21
9. Incident reporting ............................................................................................................................................ 21
10.
Key contacts and resources ......................................................................................................................... 22
Appendix A: International Travel Exemption Request ............................................................................................ 24
Appendix B: Incident report .................................................................................................................................... 26
International Travel Risk Management for Student Mobility: Procedures and Guidelines / DRAFT March 2013
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