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Overview of Executive Order GA-48 at UNT 

Executive Order GA-48, issued by Governor Greg Abbott, requires all Texas institutions of higher education to implement safeguards that protect state infrastructure and research from entities associated with foreign adversary nations. UNT enforces GA-48 through its International Travel, Ethics, and Research Security policies. The University of North Texas is focused on providing clear and comprehensive guidance to our community, and we understand that there may be specific questions. The following information aims to provide further clarification.  

General Information

How does GA-48 impact UNT?

GA-48 affects:

  • Personal travel to designated foreign adversary countries
  • University-related international travel 
  • Research collaborations
  • COI and ethics disclosures

Executive Order GA-48 mandates that Texas state agencies and higher education institutions, including the University of North Texas, implement measures to protect against foreign adversary influence by placing restrictions on certain activities, such as gifts, professional travel, and participation in foreign recruitment programs. The order also requires the implementation of personal travel notification processes and the establishment of minimum qualifications for critical infrastructure positions. Overviews of the requirements and answers to frequently asked questions are provided on this website.

How does GA-48 define "foreign adversary"?

The foreign adversaries identified in GA-48 are those included on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s foreign adversary list under 15 C.F.R. Section 791.4, which currently includes the following: 

  • The People’s Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Macau (China) 
  • Republic of Cuba (Cuba) 
  • Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) 
  • Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) 
  • Russian Federation (Russia) 
  • Venezuelan politician Nicolás Maduro (Maduro Regime) 

Gifts and Business Travel

UNT employees are prohibited from accepting any gift, regardless of value, from an individual or entity associated with a foreign adversary.  Professional travel to foreign adversary nations is also prohibited.  The University of North Texas must include this in its ethics policies and must provide a mechanism for employees to report being offered such gifts or travel, as well as alleged violations of this directive. 

What is considered a "gift"?

A “gift” is anything of value received without providing compensation in return. This could include, but is not limited to, tangible items (e.g., equipment, supplies, materials) and services. 

What does "entity associated with" mean?
“Entity associated with” refers to any organization, group, or individual acting on behalf of or closely affiliated with a foreign adversary government. This includes government agents and agencies, state-owned enterprises, research institutes, and other organizations. 
What should I do if I am offered or receive a gift from an entity or individual who meets restricted criteria?

Employees should decline any offers of gifts and/or travel from an individual or entity associated with a foreign adversary and immediately report any offers of gifts or travel from a foreign adversary to University Integrity & Compliance via the UNT Trust Line. 

If an unsolicited gift is sent from an individual or entity representing a foreign entity, the gift should immediately be reported to the Trust Line and to the recipient’s supervisor.  Employees should then consult their supervisors to determine what to do with the gift. 

What constitutes "travel for professional purposes"?
“Travel for professional purposes” includes any travel related to an employee’s University of North Texas responsibilities or in support of the University’s mission and purpose, such as attending conferences, conducting research, presenting at workshops, or engaging in collaborative activities. 
I have ongoing collaborations that involve travel to a foreign adversary country. Can I continue this work?
Executive Order GA-48 prohibits travel to a foreign adversary nation as a representative of UNT or for the purposes of conducting University of North Texas business.  The University of North Texas recognizes that international collaborations are vital to the discovery and innovation essential to addressing global challenges.  As such, employees are encouraged to partner with collaborators in ways that uphold our values and are compliant with all applicable requirements, including UNT Policy 13.020.
I am invited to an international conference hosted in a foreign adversary country. Can I attend?
No, Executive Order GA-48 prohibits travel to a foreign adversary nation as a representative of UNT or for the purposes of conducting University of North Texas business.  Employees are encouraged to identify avenues for professional development and knowledge exchange that align with our institutional values and the requirements of the executive order. 
How do I report potential violations of these requirements?
Reports of potential ethics violations can be reported to the University Integrity & Compliance via the University of North Texas trust line.
Who should I contact for guidance on these requirements?
Questions regarding the GA-48 gift and travel requirements should be directed to the Research Integrity and Compliance team at ORIC@unt.edu.

Personal Travel

University of North Texas employees are required to submit notification of personal travel to a foreign adversary nation prior to the travel, as well as a post-travel brief. 

Does this order restrict personal travel?

No, UNT employees may travel to these countries for personal reasons.  In accordance with this order, all University of North Texas employees are required to notify UNT before departing for one of the countries on personal travel. The executive order also requires individuals to provide certain information about the trip upon return. 

What constitutes “personal travel to a foreign adversary nation”?

“Personal travel to a foreign-adversary nation” is defined as travel to any of the countries identified in the Executive Order for non-university purposes, such as holidays, vacations, or family visits. 

Can I access university resources or work on UNT tasks while on personal leave in a foreign-adversary nation?

It’s important to keep personal and university activities separate during such trips.  Therefore, employees should not engage in any university business while traveling in foreign adversary nations, including accessing university systems or meeting with collaborators for work-related purposes. 

Employees should not count on being able to connect to university systems from those locations and are encouraged to work with their supervisor to cover work needs while out of the office and to proactively discuss communication plans in case the need arises. 

Which employees are required to report personal travel?
All University of North Texas employees who are active on payroll, including full-time, part-time, and 9-month appointments with continued service, are required to complete the personal travel notification process.  This includes faculty, staff, and student employees. 
How do I submit the required pre-travel notification?
Pre-travel notification is submitted using the Pre-Travel Notice: Pre-Travel Notification Form 
How do I submit the required post-travel briefing?
Post-travel notification is submitted using the Post-Travel Notice: Post-Travel Notification Form