What does VIRT do?
The VIRT team is led by Andrea Bordeau, Director of Global Safety and Security, and supported by Sabrina Kronk, VU Travel Manager.
VIRT provides critical, personal, and time sensitive guidance to travelers facing emergency situations while away from campus. VIRT coordinates with overseas partners, campus offices, and connects travelers to the appropriate insurance policies. VIRT supports all VU travelers with health, safety, and emergency situations throughout their travel experience.
Some campus partners include, but are not limited to:
- Student Health Center
- University Counseling Center
- Global Education Office
- Project Safe
- Risk & Insurance Management
- Student Access Services
- Title IX and Student Discrimination Office
VIRT can assist travelers in many ways. Some examples are:
- Providing guidance on next steps during complex emergency situations
- Connecting you with appropriate health care abroad
- Providing consultation to help you make informed decisions
- Guiding you in using Vanderbilt-issued insurance
- Coordinating a medical or emergency evacuation from abroad
How do you reach VIRT?
Call +1 615-322-2745 any time of the day or night, any day of the year, for expert help with health or safety issues while traveling. Tell the VU Public Safety dispatcher that you want to report an issue to VIRT and you will be connected immediately to a VIRT team member.
The VIRT team can also be reached by email in non-emergency situations or situations where email is the most easily accessible mode of communication: VIRT@vanderbilt.edu
Students of Concern
A student’s life can be stressful. During your time abroad, you may have a friend or peer who is in distress and could benefit from wellness support and professional resources. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. We have numerous resources available to support students and we encourage you to reach out to the Office of Global Safety for assistance.
- Early detection and intervention are important. You may notice changes in a student’s academic performance, physical appearance, behavior, or an event that could be triggering.
- Don’t be afraid to approach the student to express care and offer support. Be calm, compassionate, and willing to listen.
- Refer the student to the Office of Global Safety to get connected to available resources and professional assistance. You may even offer to help the student complete the initial assessment, help them make the initial phone call, or walk with the student to OGS during their office hours.
Faculty, staff, students, other community members, and family members can also report their concerns pertaining to the personal, physical, or emotional wellbeing of a student using the Student of Concern Form.