Trinity International University of Ambassadors (TIUA)
Including All Subsidiaries and Affiliate Institutions
Christ-Center

TIUA Mission Trips & Global Travel Policy

Trinity International University of Ambassadors (TIUA), including all subsidiaries and affiliate institutions, is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, ethics, accountability, and Christian witness in all mission trips, humanitarian travel, and global ministry assignments. This policy outlines expectations, responsibilities, and procedures for all participants engaging in domestic or international mission trips or ministry-related travel.

This policy applies to students, alumni, faculty, staff, volunteers, delegates, and any individuals representing TIUA during mission or ministry travel.

Purpose of Mission Travel

TIUA mission trips exist to demonstrate Christ-centered leadership, provide humanitarian support, strengthen global partnerships, engage in ministry and community development, foster cultural awareness, and empower communities through Kingdom-based service. Mission travel is not recreational and is not intended for personal business or self-promotion. It is a ministry-centered assignment requiring maturity, discipline, and integrity.

Approval and Authorization Requirements

All mission trips must be approved by the TIUA Office of Institutional Affairs. Only authorized TIUA mission leaders or approved partners may organize or coordinate mission travel. No individual may claim to represent TIUA, use the TIUA name, or promote a trip as an official TIUA mission without written authorization. The TIUA name, brand, and logos may not be used for travel without approval.

Required Documentation for Participants

Each participant must complete and submit all required forms before departure. These include: Mission Trip Application, Medical Information Form, Liability Waiver and Travel Release, Code of Conduct Agreement, Photo/Media Consent or Opt-Out, Emergency Contact Form, Passport and visa documentation if applicable, and proof of required vaccinations or medical clearances. TIUA reserves the right to deny participation due to incomplete documentation, health concerns, or behavioral issues.

Background and Integrity Requirements

Participants must demonstrate character and lifestyle consistent with Christian values. TIUA may require pastoral references, background checks, or additional screenings. Individuals with violent criminal histories, pending legal issues, or conduct inconsistent with ministry values may be denied participation for the safety and integrity of the mission team.

Ethical Conduct and Participant Responsibility

All participants must maintain the highest standards of ethical and Christian conduct. Expected behavior includes honesty, humility, cultural sensitivity, modesty, professionalism, and appropriate interactions with others. TIUA does not tolerate unethical practices including illegal activity, harassment, inappropriate relationships, misrepresentation of authority, financial misconduct, or conduct that dishonors TIUA or the Kingdom. Participants who violate ethical standards may be removed from mission activities, denied completion, or restricted from future TIUA travel.

Mandatory Adherence to Trip Guidelines

Participants must follow all instructions, schedules, safety protocols, curfews, group movement procedures, cultural expectations, and dress standards appropriate for ministry. Mission leaders hold full authority during the trip and may correct behavior, redirect decisions, and restrict participation if safety or integrity is compromised.

Liability for Participants Who Separate from the Group

Participants are required to remain with the group at all times during scheduled activities, transitions, and ministry assignments. If a participant separates from the group, wanders off, or disregards instructions, TIUA assumes no responsibility or liability for injury, harm, loss of property, missed transportation, legal issues, or any incidents resulting from unauthorized movement. Participants who separate from the group do so at their own risk and may be removed from the trip at their own expense and barred from future TIUA travel.

Financial Integrity and Transparency

All mission trip payments must be submitted through TIUA or authorized partners. TIUA does not collect funds for trips it does not officially organize. All costs, fees, and payment schedules will be provided in writing. TIUA does not guarantee refunds for cancellations due to health issues, political instability, visa denial, natural disasters, or other uncontrollable events. Participants are responsible for obtaining passports, visas, travel insurance, vaccinations, personal spending funds, and any additional required documentation.

Leadership and Oversight

Each mission trip will have a TIUA-appointed Mission Leader and, when necessary, a Co-Leader or administrative support person. Leadership responsibilities include spiritual guidance, safety oversight, daily check-ins, incident documentation, and ensuring adherence to this policy. Participants must follow the authority and instructions of mission leaders at all times.

Safety Protocols and Emergency Response

TIUA may cancel or postpone mission trips due to health risks, natural disasters, political concerns, or global travel restrictions. In emergencies, participants must follow mission leader instructions, notify TIUA leadership, and contact local authorities or U.S. Embassy officials as required. Mission leaders must report emergency incidents to TIUA within 24 hours.

Use of TIUA Name and Representation

Participants may not use TIUA’s name, brand, title, or credentials for personal business, unauthorized ministry activities, or independent negotiations. No participant may speak on behalf of TIUA or form partnerships without written approval. All photos, videos, and content captured during mission trips must comply with TIUA’s Media and Confidentiality Policy.

Post-Trip Reporting and Accountability

Mission leaders must submit a trip summary, attendance record, incident reports, financial documentation when applicable, and recommendations for future missions. Participants may be invited to provide reflections or testimonies and participate in ongoing outreach efforts.

TIUA Right to Decline or Remove Participants

TIUA reserves the right to decline applications or remove participants whose behavior jeopardizes safety, violates Christian conduct, disrupts group dynamics, damages partner relationships, or brings disrepute to the institution. Violations of this policy may result in removal at the participant’s expense and future exclusion from TIUA programs.

Conclusion

TIUA mission trips represent the heart of the university’s calling to serve, uplift communities, and reflect Christ through global ministry and leadership. This policy ensures that all mission travel is conducted safely, ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with the values of Trinity International University of Ambassadors.