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Risk Management for Group Programs

The health and safety of students is NC State's highest priority. Program personnel, in collaboration with the Study Abroad Office and on-site partners, must build and plan each program component and activity with student health and safety in mind. Risks associated with travel to and study in program locations must be addressed thoroughly to ensure that the University has covered all possible aspects related to program safety, to every extent possible.

Site Risk and Safety Assessments

NC State Study Abroad relies on the collaboration of program directors and on-site partners as experts on the program site, to be closely aware of safety concerns in the program location, to address any safety concerns that may affect the program, and to complete a comprehensive safety assessment before departure. At the same time, if directors have any questions or concerns, the director should discuss those with the Study Abroad Office as further research can be done jointly. Safety assessments are required to aid on-site personnel in planning for student safety and to serve as written documentation of the safety planning that has taken place before a program’s departure.

These safety assessments:

  • Ensure that NC State Study Abroad and program personnel are informed about risks associated with program location and how to mitigate those risks
  • Ensure that each program director has developed a plan to respond to health, safety and security issues if they arise
  • Help NC State Study Abroad to respond to questions from students, parents, or any University officials about program safety
  • Address any new issues that may have arisen since the previous year’s assessment
  • Serve as a written record of any changes made to a program to mitigate risks and ensure student safety
  • Provide an outline to share site-specific safety information to enable participants to make informed decisions concerning study abroad.

While it would be extremely rare for a program to be canceled or changed substantially, adjustments to onsite arrangements are sometimes necessary or legally required.