campus news

UB Traveler Assist to provide assistance, security for university travelers

International travel concept featuring a passport, suitcase, world map and a small airplane.

By GRACE GERASS

Published May 8, 2025

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“The university is committed to the safety of those traveling on behalf of UB. Having this service available helps provide peace of mind for our university community. ”
Laura Hubbard, vice president for finance and administration

UB is launching Traveler Assist, powered by International SOS, to offer round-the-clock medical, mental health, security support and evacuation services for students, faculty and staff traveling internationally or domestically on behalf of the university.

Traveler Assist offers the following services to faculty, staff and students traveling on official university business to enhance the safety, security and well-being of the UB community:

  • 24/7 support: World-class medical and security professionals anytime, anywhere.
  • Pre-travel guidance: Tailored tools and advice to prepare for travel, including destination-specific health and safety insights.
  • Emergency assistance: Prompt and professional help during medical or security incidents, including evacuation if needed.
  • Peace of mind: A trusted partner to rely on in uncertain situations.

“We are excited to announce this new emergency and traveler-assistance tool,” says Laura Hubbard, vice president of finance and administration. “The university is committed to the safety of those traveling on behalf of UB. Having this service available helps provide peace of mind for our university community.”

Access to Traveler Assist will roll out over the next few months, beginning with international travelers in May and June 2025. Starting in summer 2025, students, faculty and staff traveling through the Education Abroad Office will be able to use the service. Domestic travelers will be trained in fall 2025.

To use Traveler Assist, the UB community members must create an account and register their trip with International SOS prior to traveling and download the International SOS app, available in the and .

  • For faculty and staff: Itineraries will automatically be transferred into the International SOS system when domestic or international business-related travel is booked through Concur. Faculty and staff who do not use Concur to book travel will have the option to manually upload their itineraries.
  • For students: Students should consult their department or program office for guidance on submitting their itinerary. Students participating in UB Education Abroad programs, including other SUNY-sponsored programs, will be automatically registered.

All participating travelers are also encouraged to request and carry their International SOS Membership Card while on business travel. This card provides essential contact details for emergency support. UB Traveler Assist does not replace an individual’s insurance. Travelers should ensure that they understand their coverage before and during their travel.

UB Traveler Assist was a collaborative, cross-campus effort with input and expertise from various departments across campus. Members of the project team:

  • Jennifer Pesany, Financial Management.
  • Adam Rubin, Education Abroad.
  • Pat Shyhalla, International Education.
  • Meg Mitchell, Travel Services.
  • Joe Raab, Environment, Health and Safety.
  • Greg Howland, Enterprise Application Services.
  • Jeff Dambrowski, Enterprise Application Services.
  • Beth Rogan, Student Life.
  • Daniel Baker, University Communications.
  • Janelle Toner, Business Reporting and Systems.

“The hope is that those traveling do not have to utilize the emergency services,” says Beth Corry, associate vice president of business services and controller. “But the service also provides vital information on the location that you are traveling to ensure that you are prepared. This will help travelers be more confident in their travel.” 

Faculty and staff can learn more by registering for at 11 a.m. on May 15 and 1 p.m. on May 27. Additional sessions will be scheduled in the future.

To learn more, visit the .