Dean of Students Issues Warning about Mexico Travel

With Spring Break set for March 14-22, the Texas Tech Dean of Students has issued the following warning to any students planning trips to Mexico.

 

To all Texas Tech Students:

Spring Break is fast approaching and many students are planning trips to Mexico. If you are among them, please be aware the U.S. State Department has issued a Travel Alert for Mexico. A Travel Alert is issued when the U.S. Government considers a country unsafe for its citizens.

The Mexico Travel Alert has been issued due to increased violence in recent months and is in effect until April 2009. Because of this official warning, the Dean of Students Office is advising that students avoid traveling to Mexico.

If you choose to make the trip, we ask that you please read the Travel Alert at the State Department Web site. The Web site includes specific instructions for Spring Break travel in its document "Spring Break in Mexico – Know Before You Go!" It also provides detailed information about specific destinations and offers contact information to American Consular agencies.

While the greatest increase in crime is near the U.S. border, students traveling to the interior of the country should also be aware of escalating violent crime in resort areas and should exercise extreme caution. During your trip, please phone home often to assure your family or friends that you are safe. More than 100,000 college students spend their spring break in Mexico ever year. Common sense precautions can help you have a fun trip and avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Also remember, whether you are crossing the border for the day or spending a few nights, you are in a foreign country and you are subject to Mexican laws.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Dean of Students office at (806) 742-2984 or the Office of International Affairs at (806) 742-2974.

Gregory G. Elkins
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management