Rinker Center for International Program will be a primary partner in the coordination of the university's response to emergencies, especially relevant to its international and study abroad students.

1. CIP functions will go on as scheduled.
2. When deemed necessary, CIP will remain open until 8:00 p.m. to be staffed by professional staff.
3. Professional staff will make their home phones available on a 24-hour basis.
4. CIP will respond to media questions.

II.         Regarding Study Abroad Students

1.         Disseminate to students the following information:

• We at Ball State will make every effort to insure the safety and security of all study abroad students and personnel.  We are primarily relying on State Department advisories.  In order to keep abreast of these advisories, consult the following:

Department of State Consular Information Sheets at http://travel.state.gov.   Web sites of particular embassies and consulates can be accessed through this same site.

American citizens may hear recorded information from the State Department by phoning 202-647-5225 or by receiving information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000.

• At the moment, no programs are being cancelled.  Situations are being monitored.  For monitoring, we are relying on a variety of sources of information in making our decisions about how to proceed.  These include:  U.S. State Department advisories, information from partner and/or other institutions, information from study abroad leaders, and the news.  In many cases, our partner institutions and our on-site program leaders have the best information about on-site security issues.
  
• Students have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to stay.  Resident directors and staff are available to help students as they ponder their options.  If a student decides to return home, it is very important that he/she notify on-site staff.  Financial liability involving program costs and changes in airfares will be borne by the returning student and his/her family.
  
• If Study Abroad students come home of their own or their family's volition, they risk forfeiting their academic credit for the term in question.  If they are brought home by policy of the university, plans will be put in place to maintain their academic credit for the term in question.
  
• If a student is participating in a Study Abroad Consortium such as ISEP, MCSA, and KIIS, Ball State will advise and consent to consortial policies.

2.         Behavioral recommendations:

• Stay in contact with on-site staff.  Students need to stay in close contact with their resident leaders and, if traveling independently, let their faculty leaders know where they are going and how they can be reached.  At the moment we discourage traveling independently.
  
• Register with the U.S. Embassy nearest your study abroad site.  Make sure you register and register your passport number with the embassy.  If you travel to other countries, register with the U.S. Embassy upon your arrival.  When registering, give the Embassy your address; no matter what country you are in or the duration of your stay.
  
• Keep certain information on your person.  For ease of communication, carry with you phone and fax numbers and e-mails of your study abroad leaders.  Also carry the same kind of information regarding emergency numbers of places where you live and travel.
  
• Don't stand out as a target.  Traveling as an identifiable American (individual or group) might impact more risk than protection.  Try to blend in with the surroundings.  Do not hang out in places with American symbolism or those that are frequented by Americans (eateries, banks, etc.).  Avoid using American logos on your belongings and clothing.
  
• Be careful with public statements.  Whether solicited or not, it is better not to call much attention to yourself and your perspectives.  Reject journalistic requests as published comments may be put into contexts that change their meanings and may bring on unwanted attention.
  
• Remain alert.  In public places, look around for anything suspicious.  Americans are not in the habit of doing this, but be aware of unattended bags, etc., and mention anything suspicious to employees or police.