ISAC 2026: Advancing Duty of Care in an Increasingly Complex World

Scholastic Risks and Threats Demand Collaboration and Community

One emerging theme echoed throughout every discussion at the first International SOS Academia Conference held this spring - navigating today’s global risk environment requires collaboration, adaptability, and a renewed commitment to Duty of Care.

Held against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, expanding student mobility, and constrained institutional resources, the inaugural conference brought together safety, security, and higher‑education professionals to share insights, learn from one another, and strengthen the systems that protect students, faculty, and staff abroad.

A few highlights:

• ISAC welcomed about 75 scholastic attendees and more than 20 speakers for a full day of educational sessions and networking.
• Participants engaged in in‑depth discussions, panel conversations, and practical learning opportunities while building connections with peers facing similar challenges across global higher education.
• The breadth of perspectives and the density of interaction underscored ISAC’s role as a learning forum and a collaborative space for advancing Duty of Care and operational resilience.
• A new whitepaper – “What’s Next in Scholastic Travel: Trends, Risks, and Technologies Shaping Travel Management” – was launched (download your free copy here) and the Institute of International Education presented statistics from its annual survey.

Opening the conference, International SOS leadership emphasized the power of community. In a world marked by overlapping crises and rapid change, ISAC was framed not just as an event but as a shared journey.

By convening professionals who support students, faculty, and staff across borders, ISAC reinforced International SOS’s role as a partner that understands the unique challenges facing global education and institutional travel.

Duty of Care in Practice: Shared Responsibility Across Study Abroad Programs

Duty of Care was the central focus throughout the program, particularly within the context of study abroad. Panel discussions highlighted the complex web of responsibility shared by home institutions, schools of record, and program operators.

Speakers emphasized that Duty of Care goes beyond written policies; it requires actively educating students, faculty, and staff about foreseeable risks and mitigating those challenges through planning, communication, and monitoring.

Practical tools such as alerts and incidental tracking were considered essential for maintaining situational awareness and identifying emerging trends on the ground. Just as important was the reminder that memoranda of understanding and waivers should enable quality programming, not hinder it, when clearly defined and well understood.

Another recurring conversation addressed the challenge of delivering security value amid budget pressure. Security leaders urged institutions to shift the narrative from security as a cost center to security as a mission enabler. Protecting people supports international enrollment, research continuity, and institutional reputation.

In an interconnected world where “poly crisis” is increasingly common, security was positioned as an integral part of the Duty of Care, one that safeguards lives while also reducing long‑term operational and financial risk.

From Plans to Preparedness: Strengthening Crisis Response Capabilities

Preparedness, rather than planning alone, was another critical takeaway. Multiple sessions and case studies explored why having a plan does not necessarily mean an institution is ready to respond. Effective crisis management depends on training, practice, and the ability to adapt as situations evolve.

The OODA loop, Observe, Orient, Decide, Act was highlighted as a practical framework for navigating crises amid uncertainty. Speakers stressed that information would change, and multiple crises may unfold simultaneously, making rapid, iterative decision‑making essential. Over time, this cycle can become institutional muscle memory, particularly when supported by clear metrics and accountability.

The scale and diversity of today’s student mobility underscore the importance of these discussions. With millions of students crossing borders each year and students studying in an ever‑widening range of destinations, institutions are managing risk across vastly different environments. While traditional study abroad locations remain popular, the geographic spread of student travel reinforces the need for tailored risk assessments and localized intelligence.

Travel Safety: Moving to Operational Readiness

Sessions on travel safety and security emphasized moving beyond static risk ratings toward operational readiness. Risk ratings were consistently framed as a starting point, not a conclusion. Institutions were encouraged to tailor data to their specific traveler populations and operational realities, factoring in variables such as adverse weather, accessibility considerations, and medical needs.

Increasing attention was also drawn to risks at ports of entry, where evolving regulations and nationality‑based restrictions can complicate travel and evacuations. The message was clear: medical and security risks are inseparable, and effective programs must be addressed together.

Student wellness added another layer to the conversation. Speakers highlighted that many student challenges abroad are neither catastrophic nor unpredictable; rather, they are manageable concerns that require consistent support. Invisible risk, uncertainty tied to mental health, assumptions about care, and first‑time navigation of healthcare systems was identified as a critical area for improvement.

Addressing these risks early, through pre‑departure planning and accessible support tools, helps students remain engaged and resilient while abroad.

Training Through Practical Exercises

The conference also reinforced the value of training through scenario‑based exercises. Tabletop discussions and simulations were presented as complementary approaches, enabling institutions to test plans, identify gaps, and practice decision‑making under imperfect conditions. By “fumbling” in training environments, teams build confidence and adaptability for real‑world incidents, where systems may fail, and key personnel may be unavailable.

As ISAC 2026 ended, one insight stood out above all others: collaboration is essential. Whether supporting student wellness, strengthening crisis response, or demonstrating security’s value to leadership, progress depends on cross‑functional alignment and shared understanding. For many attendees, the conference provided not only practical tools but also a renewed perspective on how their work contributes to broader institutional resilience.

In a time of rapid change, particularly for students navigating formative international experiences, this conference played a vital role. By bringing people together, fostering open dialogue, and grounding strategy in real‑world experience, ISAC 2026 reaffirmed that Duty of Care is not a static obligation, but an ongoing commitment. One that is strongest when institutions, partners, and professionals face the shared journey.