Iowa State University has three intra-campus international education committees that help promote and carry out overarching goals. 

Council on International Programs (CIP)

The mission of the Council on International Programs (CIP) is to promote, improve, and expand the internationalization / globalization of Iowa State University by increasing the international and global knowledge of ISU students, expanding international faculty and staff development programs, fostering an environment in which cultural differences among people lead to mutual understanding, and expanding the scope of international / global scholarship.

Education Abroad Committee (EAC)

The Education Abroad Committee (EAC) is responsible for reviewing and promoting quality learning abroad programs through consultation, review, evaluation, and advocacy. The Committee works collaboratively with academic colleges and departments to fulfill these responsibilities.

Study Abroad Risk Management Committee (SARMC)

All international travel is reviewed by the Office of Risk Management and must be registered according to policy. Student-related international travel, including all undergraduate travel abroad and study abroad programs, is also reviewed for health, safety, security, and risk management concerns.

High-risk student-related international travel must be approved by the Study Abroad Risk Management Committee (SARMC) prior to departure. This approval is independent of, and in addition to, reviews required by colleges or other committees/processes such as the Education Abroad Committee (EAC).

Programs and student-related international travel determined to be high-risk cannot proceed without approval from SARMC. International travel will be considered high-risk for any of the following reasons:

  • The destination carries a risk rating of 3 or higher as determined by the Office of Risk Management. Current ratings may be found on the Office of Risk Management International Travel website.
  • The Education Abroad Committee (EAC) identifies that a study abroad program has higher risks.
  • The International Risk Manager determines that travel to a certain destination, planned activities, or other factors have additional risks.

The SARMC also determines if changes in the risk level for already approved or currently in process student-related travel warrants a program change or termination. Programs must adhere to the determinations of cancelation or status change, as determined by the SARMC.

Departments and colleges have wide discretion to cancel or discontinue programs due to financial, logistical, enrollment, and other concerns. However, once a program is approved, it cannot be cancelled due to risk factors without consultation with the SARMC. 

The SARMC membership includes:

  • Associate Provost for Academic Programs (Chair)
  • Director of the Study Abroad Center
  • Chair of the Education Abroad Committee
  • General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer (or designee)
  • International Risk Manager

Other ad-hoc members may be consulted as needed including representation from Student Health and Wellness, Office of Equal Opportunity, Environmental Health and Safety, Student Affairs, and Public Safety.