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Université de Montréal has taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of its students and staff who will be traveling to the United States for academic endeavors. Rector Daniel Jutras announced a set of guidelines on Thursday, responding to a rising number of inquiries regarding U.S. travel, particularly following numerous reports of detentions and entry denials in recent weeks.
Jutras emphasized that while there have been no specific incidents involving members of the university community, the institution felt it was imperative to address the concerns that have been communicated. The university’s recommendations include notifying school officials prior to travel and engaging in discussions about potential risks associated with their trip.
Key elements of the guidelines suggest exercising caution when crossing the Canada-U.S. border and highlight that U.S. customs officials reserve the right to inspect electronic devices upon entry into the country. This reminder comes amid increasing scrutiny of travel procedures in the U.S.
Members of the university community are further advised to safeguard their data by ensuring devices do not contain sensitive academic information and by changing passwords if such information is shared with customs officials. This precaution is essential in an era where data breaches can have serious ramifications for students and researchers alike.
In an interview, Jutras noted that the policy, which was established in 2023, applies to all international travel undertaken by scholars, researchers, and students. It takes into account various factors, such as health concerns and climate-related issues, when traveling to different regions around the world.
Source
globalnews.ca