OFAC Regulations and University Activities
If your research involves engaging with people or organizations in heavily sanctioned countries such as Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and certain regions of Ukraine, the Export Controls and International Compliance Office (ECIC) can assist you in navigating Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations. If you plan to participate in University-related activities like teaching, fieldwork, or establishing international partnerships (even virtually, such as giving a presentation) in a sanctioned country or with individuals or entities located in sanctioned countries, you likely need prior U.S. federal government approval.
For example, you may require a federal license to participate in an online conference (even while based in the U.S.) or to give an informal presentation, even if it pertains only to published work; receive or transfer funds; perform University work; or allow students to take online courses remotely from an OFAC-sanctioned country. Employees and students generally cannot work remotely from these countries without a license, and you are prohibited from traveling with your Northwestern laptop to most of these countries (i.e., it contains restricted software, such as encryption and VPN). OFAC imposes civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance.
Learn more and contact the ECIC team with any questions.