UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State’s Office of Risk Management is currently examining all University-sponsored travel involving students to New York City and Washington, D.C. through the end of the fall semester.
Gary Langsdale, the University’s risk officer, said, “Given the perceived increase in security risks, the University is acting out of an abundance of caution to take a closer look at travel to New York and Washington, D.C. These are extraordinary times and we want to ensure the safety of our students.”
Langsdale said that academic trips or service trips that are overseen by a University employee and include structured group activities can continue. However, unstructured free time during these trips will not be permitted.
University-sanctioned student trips that are not of an academic or service nature are canceled and students should be refunded any expense paid for travel.
The Office of Risk Management is asking that any student trips planned to New York City or Washington, D.C., for the remainder of the fall semester be reviewed. Trip coordinators may contact Gary Langsdale at 814-865-6308 or GWL3@psu.edu.
“The Office of Risk Management constantly reviews security situations all over the world, including at home in the United States,” Langsdale said. “Our top priority is always the safety of our students, faculty and staff.”