Communication with Indiana University

Notify your designated administrator (international office staff, department chair and/or dean) immediately in the case of serious mishaps, accidents, or other emergencies that concern individual students. In some cases you may have to contact the student’s parents directly. Follow up with a report to Education Abroad. In the case of an international incident, such as a threat of terrorism directed at Americans abroad, or even an outbreak of disease, post office bombing or natural disaster in the host country, contact your designated administrator immediately to provide on-the-scene information even if the incident does not involve the program or its students directly. Parents are often alarmed by news reports of incidents anywhere in the host country or region and call campus offices for reassurance and details. Keep Education Abroad informed.

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, IU Education Abroad will share details of reportable crimes with the IU Office of Public Safety and Institutional Assurance. See info here. Links to an external site.

As incidents that impact student health and safety occur, you should record the details of date, time and location, the responses of local officials, and your actions. You can use the Incident Report Form (Appendix M).    

In any crisis, communication is the key to successfully coping with the situation. There should be a standard way of speedily reaching all students on the program. This is especially vital when students are scattered through the city. Keep a list of participants’ local addresses, passport numbers, insurance information and emergency contact information readily available. Establish and test an emergency contact system, particularly if student housing is disbursed around a wide area.  

If Americans are special targets of threats or violence, maintaining a low profile is of critical importance. Students should avoid congregating in places associated with Americans, such as McDonalds or the Hard Rock Cafe; they should dress and act as inconspicuously as possible in public.