International Issues

Federal laws restrict the export of certain goods, information, and technology in ways that affect Washington and Lee University. These laws primarily focus on technology that could have military, nuclear, or aerospace applications, but in some instances, can apply to such seeming innocuous items as laptop computers and cell phones. U.S. export control laws have existed for decades; their applicability to higher education has been of particular interest for at least the past twenty five years. Although the events of September 11, 2001 resulted in a significant increase in enforcement of export control laws, a trend toward greater enforcement had already been underway. As part of this enforcement trend, the various government agencies with responsibility for enforcing export control regulations have increasingly turned their attention to compliance in the higher education setting. Although the emphasis has largely been directed toward academic research institutions, all higher education institutions, including small liberal arts schools such as Washington and Lee University, are affected by and must comply with these export control laws.

Guidelines for hosting international scholars

Protocol for Faculty and Staff Traveling Abroad Under University Auspices

Participation in a W&L academic course or other University-sponsored activity which includes travel abroad is generally restricted to W&L students, faculty, or such members of the W&L community as staff, spouses, retired faculty, or others as may receive permission to participate through the Provost. Faculty leaders of overseas programs may request consideration for the inclusion of non-W&L participants on a case-by-case basis.