Office of Study Abroad Policies Related to 9/11

MSU has not canceled any of its programs abroad due to the events of September 11, or because of subsequent American operations in Afghanistan. Our policy not to cancel programs is consistent with the policies of most other U.S. universities and study abroad organizations. The safety and security of our students abroad, however, remains our top priority, and we are monitoring events on a daily basis to ensure that we have the best basis possible to act in the interests of our students abroad.

Common sense suggests that MSU students, faculty and staff maintain low profiles while abroad, avoid behaviors or appearance that would call undue attention to themselves. Demonstrations should be avoided.

To guide our decisions, we receive and evaluate carefully all public announcements and advisories from the U.S. Department of State. We regularly receive and review reports from our partner institutions around the world and from the faculty leaders of our own programs abroad, as well as from multiple news sources.

MSU has a university wide Study Abroad Safety and Risk Analysis Group that regularly assesses the security environment of every country in which we have a program. This group is independent of the Office of Study Abroad, and headed by a university vice president. This group, using all sources of information, evaluates program locations for safety and health concerns, and is empowered to alter programs or their locations.

Despite these measures and precautions, some individual students may be concerned about staying abroad. If this is the case we ask that students get in touch with us, or speak with their resident director or faculty member. You may call the Study Abroad Office directly at (517) 353-8920, or call the special toll free number available for the exclusive use of MSU students, faculty or staff abroad who wish to report an emergency situation. Again, that toll free number is (517) 353-3784 (call collect, and identify yourself as an MSU study abroad student).

If students wish to withdraw from their programs abroad (fall 01; winter break 01-02; spring 02 or summer 02) because of safety and security concerns, we will be as supportive as possible of such a desire. Circumstances regarding credits and fees, and how much of either might be recoverable, will vary from student to student. If concerns about these issues are preventing you from making a decision to come home, please let us know. We will work with students on a case by case basis. If any student does decide to withdraw because of concerns over safety, please inform the Office of Study Abroad immediately.

All students, faculty and staff abroad should regularly access their email for updates. Study abroad students should also keep frequent contact with resident directors or local host faculty.

We will do our best to make the most informed judgments possible about MSU's programs and students abroad, with the safety of students our top priority. If students or their parents have any questions or concerns regarding safety issues on study abroad, please contact the Office of Study Abroad to discuss these concerns.