Dear University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Faculty, Staff, and Students,
We are very thankful that none of our students were hurt by the tragic bombing in Manchester, UK on May 22, 2017. Illinois’ Office of International Safety and Security felt it necessary to update security information and draw attention to resources that are available to you.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign staff is here to support you while you are abroad. Currently, we are not recommending the cancellation of our programs in Manchester or the wider United Kingdom, but we will continue to actively monitor developments in the area in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, the UK Government, peer institutions, and U.S. Safety and Security organizations.
It is understandable that this event/experience may cause travelers in the United Kingdom to experience mental distress. If you would like to speak to a professional about how these experiences have affected you, you can contact ACE Travel Assistance Program to help find and set up appointments with a counselor. On your International Insurance card, you will find the contact information and policy number to reach out to ACE. You can also consult with your host institution about support services.
If you ever feel you are unsafe, or in imminent danger, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Office of International Safety and Security through the 24/7 International Emergency Number: +1 (217) 333-1216. This number will connect you to the University of Illinois Police Department who will connect you to a member of our International Safety and Security team.
I want to take a moment to address the increased security alert in the UK, which is a response to the Manchester bombing. Governments raise their threat levels to allow for an enhanced police or military response. Thus, travelers may notice more military around key public venues. This will likely be more evident in Manchester, but may also be noticeable elsewhere in the UK. Please note the following from the UK Government’s Intelligence website:
"Threat levels in themselves do not require specific responses from the public. They are a tool for security practitioners working across different sectors of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and the police to use in determining what protective security response may be required. Vigilance is vital regardless of the current national threat level. It is especially important given the current national threat. Sharing national threat levels with the general public keeps everyone informed. It explains the context for the various security measures (for example airport security or bag searches) which we may encounter in our daily lives."
Please continue to follow the advice of the U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom for updated safety and security guidance, and practice the following:
- Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places.
- Exercise vigilance when in public places and when using mass transportation.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially in an emergency
- Monitor media and local event information sources and factor updated information into your travel plans and activities.
- Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
- Stay in touch with your family and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
- Continue to pay attention to communications from the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Your continued safety and security are of the utmost importance to the University of Illinois.
Best,
Andrew Collum
Associate Director for International Safety and Security
Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs and Global Strategies
Illinois International Programs
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
507 E. Green St. Champaign, IL 61820
aacollum@illinois.edu | 217.300.2401
24/7 International Emergency Number: +1 (217) 333-1216