Draft GC05 International Travel and Conduct and its associated procedure GC05.001 will replace 41.20 International Travel Risk Management (approved on December 14, 2023) and its procedure 41.20.001.
The purpose of this policy is to establish the governance framework to manage the risks associated with university-sanctioned international travel. This policy outlines responsibilities of employees and students and establishes processes to help ensure that risks associated with university-sanctioned international travel activities are identified, assessed, and reasonably managed.
This policy and associated procedures do not alter, or substitute for, the established approval requirements for new academic courses and academic programs. Rather, this policy provides direction in managing foreseeable risks associated with university-sanctioned international travel related to courses, programs, and learning and work activities.
About the policy consultation
Consultation on the draft policy and procedure is now open and members of the VIU community are invited to share their feedback. The consultation runs from October 7 until 4:00 p.m. on October 28, 2026. Input received during the community consultation will help inform changes to the proposed policy and procedure. Any feedback or submissions received after the consultation period concludes may not be reflected in the revised policy and procedure or in the consultation summary report.
Policy information
This policy has been updated to move from a very operational policy to one that is more principles-based. The concept of managing and mitigating risks associated with international travel while recognizing the educational opportunities associated with international travel is at the heart of the policy.
- GC05 International Travel - Consultation Draft.pdf
- GC05.001 [INSERT LINK **************************************************]
Share your input
Once you have reviewed the draft policy and procedure, please share your feedback in one of the following ways:
- By taking this short survey
- By sending an email to: policy@viu.ca
- By writing to:
Policy Office
Office of the General Counsel and University Secretary
Nanaimo Campus
Building: 305, Room: 432
Mail drop: 305-4A
All feedback will be reported in public consultation reports and to the Board of Governors in accordance with FIOPPA. Feedback will be anonymized in all reporting.
Formal submissions
Formal submissions from groups or organizations can be submitted by email to policy@viu.ca or in writing (see above). Please state the name of your group and the position of the person submitting the feedback. These submissions will be provided in consultation reports and to the Board of Governors. They will not be anonymized and feedback will be attributed in reporting. Any personal information (with the exception of who provided the submission) will be redacted in accordance with FIOPPA.
Thank you for participating!
Once consultation is complete, this policy and procedure will go through the Board of Governors approval process. The policy and procedure may be updated based on the feedback received. The Policy Office may also make minor changes to formatting/wording for consistency. Consultation feedback and policy changes will be outlined in the consultation report. The consultation report will be provided to the Board of Governors and posted on this policy page.
We anticipate this draft policy and procedure will be provided to the November 26, 2026 Board of Governors meeting for approval. Check back on the GC05 International Travel and Conduct policy page for updates as this policy and procedure moves through the policy approval process.