Global Safety and Security
The Office of Global Safety and Security is here to ensure the health, safety, and security of the University's students, faculty, and staff traveling internationally or participating in a student program abroad.
What We Do
- Remain aware of current global events, particularly in locations where SMU has travelers.
- Monitor security alerts and updates from SMU’s international assistance provider, Exlog Global, as well as relevant government agencies.
- Work with SMU’s Travel Oversight Committee (TOC) to evaluate travel to high risk countries.
- Assess the safety, security, and preparedness of SMU programs conducted abroad.
- Continuously evaluate SMUs duty of care response to university travelers.
- Respond to emergency incidents abroad, including individual traveler accidents.
- Ensure continuity of care by connecting travelers to relevant resources
- Conduct pre-departure orientations for individuals and groups, especially group leaders taking students abroad.
- Work with travelers to create mitigation plans and provide location specific situation reports.
- Provide travel safety briefings to interested SMU students, faculty, and staff.
24/7 Global Hotline
In case of a life-threatening emergency, call the local emergency authorities first.
Then call the SMU 24/7 Global Hotline at +1-469-806-0682
Additional Resources
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Register your travel dates to ensure that you receive local communication from the State Department and can be located by the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in an emergency (US citizens only).
- Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Private sector-government committee that provides security analysis of areas and events around the world. This website provides country research and traveler toolkits.
- Travel.state.gov. Information services for travelers, including: travel risk ratings, color-coded maps, and 'before you go' resources.
- US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Health and disease information and recommendations by country.
- World Health Organization (WHO). The United Nations agency working to promote health, and keep the world safe.
- Travel Safety Administration (TSA). Information on travel and security screenings.
- Smartraveller.gov.au. Latest travel advice as determined by the Australian Government searchable by destination.
- List of World Emergency Numbers. Emergency phone numbers around the world. Look up your destination's emergency numbers before you depart.
Contact Us
Email the Office of Global Safety & Security: awitucki@smu.edu
Contact the SMU 24/7 Global Hot Line: +1-469-806-0682
To file a claim for an international incident, visit the incident reporting page here.