Texas Tech Dean of Students Issues Advisory about Mexico Travel

With Spring Break set for March 15-19, the Texas Tech University Dean of Students has issued the following advisory 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 Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. State Department have issued Travel Alerts for Mexico.

The US State Department alert cites both “Violence Along the US – Mexico Border” and “Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico” as causes for serious concern. Because of these dangers the Dean of Students Office is advising that students avoid travelling to Mexico.

If you choose to make the trip, the U.S. Department of State’s Web site http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4491.html lists the travel alert and other information regarding travel in Mexico.

While the greatest threat concerns continuing high rates of crime and violence near the U.S. border, students travelling 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 Enrollment Management and Student Affairs