International Programs

Security Updates

US Travel Alert in Europe

Recently, the US State Department declared a Travel Alert to all Americans traveling in Europe. This advisory is not meant to tell Americans to avoid travel, but to take “common-sense precautions” in case of trouble.

Pepperdine University involves a multi-disciplined team of individuals to assess and monitor risks overseas. The team includes the International Programs Dean’s Office, the International Programs Directors, the Department of Public Safety, the Office of Risk Management, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Executive Vice President as well as outside risk assessment and security experts. Additionally, the University works collaboratively and maintains working relationships with local officials in program cities and embassy and consular officials near program campuses. The director of public safety is a senior member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council of the United States State Department. As such, the director receives intelligence briefings to aid the University in its assessment and monitoring. These groups work together and employ all available resources to share information and formulate best practices for the students and employees in our programs.

All of our facilities have camera surveillance and security locks. Each location has an evacuation plan specific to their location. All students are required to fill out a Travel Log of the places they plan to travel on weekends. As an additional precaution, we are asking that all students tell us exactly where they will be staying during their weekend travels. All Directors will require that the students know the location and contact number for the US Embassy in the country to which they are traveling. Finally, we will provide information to all students on how to be vigilant about their surroundings while traveling and what to do in case they are near an active attack. While such an event remains very remote, we are operating on the assumption that it is better to be extra cautious. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the office of International Programs at 310-506-4230.

April 30, 2009

International Programs is keeping a close watch on all the latest news related to the Swine Flu. At this point, we see no reason to cancel or postpone any of our summer programs. If we find any reason to be concerned about the safety or health of our students in International Programs, we will immediately inform students. If you have not heard from IP, you can assume that plans for your program are moving forward as normal. The following link will provide you with any further information from Pepperdine regarding the Swine Flu: http://emergency.pepperdine.edu.