Determine if your trip qualifies as Group Travel Abroad
Definition: As described in the SPG 601.31 for International Travel, Group Travel Abroad refers to a cohort of for U-M Related Travel (UMRT) student participants on a trip that meets the following criteria:
- The group consists of a cohort of Student participants with similar program experience dates, itineraries, and related activities at the destination.
- A group leader assumes some responsibility for the group, such as supporting students and serving as the point of contact in the event of an emergency. The group leader can be a U-M student or a faculty or staff member who is leading the group within the context of their job responsibilities.
- A U-M program organizer or a U-M group leader exercises some element of control by making travel logistic decisions on behalf of the participants, such as choosing accommodations and/or modes of transportation.
Determine Group Travel Eligibility of Participants
Ensure Group Members Have Registered Their Travel
- For groups where students applied for the experience through M-Compass, the program application in M-Compass acts as the travel registration, and no further action is needed.
- For groups where students did not apply for the experience through M-Compass, the group leader or the U-M units sponsoring travel will need to submit a Student Group Travel Registration Request Form, which is located on the Global Michigan Register Travel page. The Global Engagement Team will then register the group into M-Compass on your behalf. Please note that travel registration does not imply travel approval; group leaders must obtain School/College/Unit travel approval. Search for your unit on the Education Abroad Office page.
For questions about travel registration, please contact global.engagement@umich.edu
Register Your Travel
Review Country Risk Rating and Submit a Group Safety Plan (if applicable)
Additional requirements depend on the U-M travel risk rating of your specific travel destination/s within the country. To determine your country’s risk rating, view the Country Risk Rating page.
- If you are traveling to a U-M Travel Health Medium Risk, U-M Travel Health High Risk, U-M Travel Warning, or U-M Travel Restriction destination, the group leader, or the unit managing travel, will need complete a Group Safety Plan at least four weeks prior to departure. (See example of a Group Safety Plan.)
- A Group Safety Plan is NOT required for a U-M Travel Health Low Risk destination.
- The Group Safety Plan will ask group leaders to demonstrate their understanding of travel feasibility and outline travel and risk mitigation plans.
See the U-M Travel Health Plan and Safety Plan Process Flowchart provides details.
Country Risk Ratings
Group Safety Plan
Adhere to the group leader responsibilities as outlined in the SPG 601.31 International Travel Policy
- Obtaining approval from the International Travel Dean’s Designee as specified by the sponsoring School/College/Unit. Questions regarding the appropriate International Travel Dean’s Designee can be directed to global.safety@umich.edu
- Following best practices for health, safety, and security planning; pre-departure orientation; on-site activities; crisis management; and post-trip review.
- Following any additional unit-level guidance or requirements for travel. Requirements may include signing and adhering to any documents detailing program leader responsibilities.
- Supporting students to the best of their ability in the event of a crisis situation and alerting U-M of a crisis by following the General Emergency Protocols for U-M International Travelers.
- Adhering to the sponsoring unit directions when performing duties in the official capacity as a program leader.
SPG 601.31: International Travel Policy
