Managing an Incident

If this is a life, limb, eyesight, or other significant emergency, seek immediate medical care at the closest hospital or medical facility. Find the 911 equivalent for your current location.

Evaluating an Incident

If this is not a life, limb, eyesight, or other significant emergency, evaluate the incident using the steps below.

  1. Status. Determine the status of participants and identify injuries requiring immediate assistance.
  2. Seek aid. Call 911 equivalent or send someone for assistance.
  3. Assign tasks. Identify and designate capable individuals to perform specific tasks (seek assistance, care for or comfort the injured, search for missing participants, find resources).
  4. Evaluate the location. Determine whether participants should be evacuated (accident) or shelter in place (terror attack or weather).
  5. Update International Safety and Security. We should be informed of emergencies as soon as possible in order to provide guidance, coordinate campus support, and inform relevant stakeholders. Report an incident.

Contact International Safety and Security

In the event of an emergency, please contact the University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) using the emergency number below. UIPD will link travelers abroad with our staff.

 Call Now   +1-217-333-1216

Be prepared to provide:

  • Caller name and contact information;
  • Traveler name and contact information (if you are not the one calling);
  • Traveler location (city, country);
  • Program or reason for travel;
  • Nature of the emergency and what assistance that is needed.

Incident Specific Steps

Program leaders should always contact our staff, who will help them navigate the emergency. In some instances, there are steps that should or may be taken before contacting us. The information below is provided to assist program leaders and others aware of an incident in thinking through their initial actions.

Responding to the death of a participant is a very stressful and time intensive process; the program will likely be cancelled but program leaders will be expected to remain in country to assist with arrangements.

  • The university or U.S. Department of State will make notifications and assist family members.
  • Gather as much information as possible, to include time, location, and the sequence of events, as well as who has been notified and potential sources of information.
  • If the decedent is a U.S. citizen, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or the Department of State Emergency Assistance. If the decedent is a non-U.S. citizen, contact their home country's local embassy or consulate.
  • Call the 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
  • Meet with other participants; request that others not post on social media.
  • Facilitate counseling services to other participants through campus or insurance.
  • Talk to other participants to determine the last known location, time, intentions, and others present when the individual was last seen.
  • Attempt to make contact via: e-mail, phone, social media, and speaking with others who may have potential information.
  • Check common areas and work with hotel or other staff to access the individual’s accommodations.
  • Call the 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
  • Contact local authorities at prudent time in coordination with our staff.
  • One program leader or chaperone must remain at the location of the student’s disappearance; if the decision is made to depart the location on pre-arranged travel; explain actions being taken to other participants to alleviate any concerns.
  • Determine location and status of participant. If possible, arrange for a visit.
  • Gather all available information regarding the incident, the charges or reason for detainment, and the next steps.
  • If the detainee is a U.S. citizen, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or the Department of State Emergency Assistance and ask for a welfare visit. If the detainee is a non-U.S. citizen, contact their home country's local embassy or consulate.
  • Call the 24/7 Emergency Contact Number; our staff will contact the participant’s emergency contact.
  • Do not post bail for student.
  • Ensure participant’s safety and well-being, arranging medical care or other assistance if required.
  • Gather information to include location and time of the crime, injuries, status of other participants (if involved), and items stolen.
  • Contact U.S. Embassy and/or local police.
  • Call the 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
  • Contact the university-approved international insurance to assist replacement of stolen IDs, credit cards, or other documents.
  • Arrange local emergency assistance; if required, contact the university-approved international insurance for nearest medical facility, guarantee of payment, and other support.
  • Call the 24/7 Emergency Contact Number and provide information.
  • Encourage student to inform family or emergency contact as soon as possible; assist in arranging or facilitating the contact if necessary.
  • Remain with participant and serve as their advocate. Students should not be left alone in the hospital.

Program leaders are not mental health practitioners and should not attempt to diagnose participant issues. Instead, the focus is listening to students and encouraging them to seek appropriate support.

  • Ensure the safety of the participant and others if there is an expressed intent to harm self or others.
  • Talk with the participant in private to review your concerns, focusing on the behavior. Listen carefully and show compassion; avoid criticism or judgment.
  • Call the 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
  • Suggest counseling if appropriate; the international insurance can arrange remote counseling and locate counselors and arrange for payment. Learn more about our Remote Insurance Resources.
  • If early return becomes necessary, International Safety and Security will coordinate with the insurance to make return arrangements.
  • Meet at predetermined location when it is safe to do so.
  • Determine the status of all participants and any immediate assistance required.
  • Contact nearest U.S. Embassy.
  • Call the 24/7 Emergency Contact Number to provide an update on participant status.
  • Determine proximity of events, the imminent risk, and the adequacy of your current location and supplies.
  • Take all reports seriously. Do not pose questions that could be perceived as placing blame on the survivor.
  • Before hearing an account of the misconduct, inform the survivor of your role and responsibilities as a Responsible Employee under the Title IX.
  • Create an environment that provides physical health and safety for the survivor, and others, based on the situation.
  • Safeguard the survivor’s privacy.
  • Seek medical treatment if the survivor has injuries requiring attention.
  • Inquire if the survivor desires:
    • To inform local law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy;
    • To seek additional medical examinations;
    • Counseling services, including confidential or non-confidential resources;
    • To depart the program early.
  • Call the 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.

Visit the Sexual Assault and Misconduct page under the Safety & Wellness Tips section for additional information.