SAIGE and Restricted Regions

The well-being of UT students, faculty and staff are the primary concern of Global Risk and Safety. In support of the mission and core values of the University of Texas at Austin, our Global Risk and Safety team monitors worldwide travel conditions and compiles and disseminates safety resources to assist students, faculty, and staff on official university travel. The International Oversight Committee Links to an external site. requires all education abroad programs to comply with University of Texas at Austin safety and security procedures.

Update for 2020

Global Risk and Safety (GRS) and Education Abroad has revised the group travel authorization processes to ensure that all UT-sponsored group programs have the same level of oversight and support.

The Study Abroad Program & Security Assessment previously known as SAPSSA Links to an external site. has been retired.  GRS has developed and implemented a new form, the Safety Assessment for International Group Experiences (SAIGE) Links to an external site.. Programs with an approved SAPSAA will complete a SAIGE abbreviated to remain in compliance under COVID-19. 

Please note the following aspects of the SAIGE process:

    • The SAIGE will replace all other group travel request documents, including the Study Abroad Program Safety and Security Assessment (SAPPSA), the Restricted Regions Group Travel Request form, and the International Travel Request Authorization Form-Group (ITRAF-G).

    • Groups traveling to a Restricted Region will have an additional required addendum.

    • The ITRAF-G will be retired, and all groups that would have gone through that process will be directed to complete the SAIGE form.

    • The SAIGE form includes a section where groups will need to specifically address COVID-19 and outline mitigation measures.
    • Programs that currently have a valid SAPSSA on file may complete an abbreviated version of the SAIGE form, which focuses primarily on COVID-19 mitigation measures. All other programs will complete the full SAIGE form: Abbreviated Safety Assessment for International Group Experiences  Links to an external site.. Please check with GRS if you have a valid SAPSSA on file: grs@austin.utexas.edu 
    • The Emergency Response Plan has been incorporated into the overall SAIGE process. Instead of asking programs to complete an additional document, GRS will return SAIGE forms approximately 60 days prior to departure with a request for necessary updates. Groups will need to submit updated SAIGE form to GRS at least 30 days prior to departure.

Typically, SAIGE forms will be due six months prior to the program start date. However, this year the deadline for Maymester and Summer programs is February 1. This will allow units additional time to evaluate and plan for the impact of COVID-19.

 

Departmental programs should use the following resources below to prepare for their term abroad:

1. Submit a Safety Assessment for International Group Experiences (SAIGE) Links to an external site. form before February 1, 2021.

3. Submit an Emergency Response Plan (single destination) Links to an external site. or Emergency Response Plan (multiple destination) Links to an external site.one month prior to departure.

4. Attend the annual Faculty Health & Safety Workshop. This workshop is held in November and April annually and will most likely be an a virtual format for 2020-2021.

Additional Resources to help departments fill out the SAIGE:

 

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