Health and Safety Update

May 3, 2011
Worldwide Travel Alert

The U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Travel Alert regarding the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan resulting in the death of Osama Bin Laden. All students currently studying off campus have been reminded to be particularly vigilant about their safety and to remember the importance of maintaining a low profile in public settings. 

According to the Department of State Web site, "Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, either transnational or within a particular country, that pose significant risks to the security of U.S. citizens." As opposed to a Travel Warning, a Travel Alert does not discourage Americans from traveling abroad or suggest that they return home. Instead, it reminds Americans abroad about heightened concern and increased intelligence that suggests a threat may exist. Specifics on the most recently issued Travel Alert can be found on the Department of State Web site.

Please know that Skidmore takes the safety of our students very seriously. The Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges (OCSE) has been in contact with our international partners throughout the world. We are carefully reviewing information coming from the U.S. Department of State and our international partners to stay current on the situation and will respond accordingly as new information is received.

In accordance with Skidmore's policy, we will not curtail any programs based on this Travel Alert. Instead, we will continue to work with our international partners to assess the situation on site. Skidmore has well-developed safety guidelines for students, prior to studying off campus in pre-departure orientations. You also can find more comprehensive safety guidelines on the OCSE web site. Students currently abroad are also urged to register with the local American Consulate or Embassy if they have not already done so. Embassy locations and information can be found here.

OCSE remains in close communication with our partners abroad. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and will keep students and families updated as circumstances change. We understand that this in an anxious time and we want to assure you we are here to support students and their families. Please do not hesitate to contact OCSE with any questions or concerns.

Please contact Off-Campus Study & Exchanges at ocse@skidmore.edu or +1 (518) 580-5355 with any questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Cori Filson
Director of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges
Skidmore College

Starbuck Center, 202
Saratoga Springs, NY 12831 USA
t. (1) 518-580-5355
f. (1) 518-580-5359
ocse@skidmore.edu