In an Emergency
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In an Emergency

24 Hour Contact 612.626.9000

Purpose

To ensure that in urgent or serious situations University of Minnesota education abroad participants receive prompt, appropriate and thorough care, intervention or referral from both program staff and University of Minnesota officers.

Situations

Any situation or condition which jeopardizes the University of Minnesota student(s)' physical or mental health, safety, well-being, or program participation and/or requires the intervention of program staff. Such events or occurrences may include, but are not limited to: civil disturbance, natural disaster, severe or prolonged illness or injury requiring hospitalization, disciplinary action, emotional or behavioral disorders, illegal actions (i.e. drug use), absence from program site, academic probation, etc.

To assist program staff in addressing or resolving an urgent or emergency situation, it is vital that a University of Minnesota official be promptly notified.

Notification Procedures
Call 612.626.9000

This number is answered during business hours or the message will prompt callers to call the emergency cell phone which is monitored 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Notification Information—Please provide as much of the following information as possible:

  • your name
  • country & program of study
  • student(s) names
  • date & time of occurrence/condition
  • description of occurrence/condition
  • action taken thus far
  • action requested of Officer (if appropriate)
  • return contact information

Emergencies
In the event of a political, social, or natural emergency, the Learning Abroad Center will be in close contact with the on-site staff and/or US program contact for any study abroad program offered through the Learning Abroad Center. The on-site staff will in turn seek advice from the local authorities and the US Consulate or Embassy nearest the program location.

Remain in contact with the on-site staff in an emergency situation. Parents, friends, and family are asked to communicate with the Learning Abroad Center staff to allow on-site staff to focus on working with students and local officials. For further information on emergency precautions, please see the section below on Safety Precautions.

US Consulates and Embassies
The US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. aids Americans needing emergency assistance. During a crisis, the State Department will try to locate the whereabouts of an American overseas if needed. In case of injury overseas, the Bureau of Consular Affairs can assist in sending funds to the injured American and collects necessary health information to forward to the in-country embassy or consulate. In case of evacuation, the embassy or consulate overseas will try to help Americans depart. If destitute, Americans can turn to a US consular officer abroad for help.

In case of the death of a participant overseas, the Bureau of Consular Affairs provides guidance on how to make arrangements for the remains. The US State Department’s Crisis Emergency Center telephone number in Washington, D.C. is 202.647.5225. Updated recordings on State Department travel advisories are also available at this number.

 
Last modified on December 9, 2008