Dear TU community,
The global situation related to the spread of a novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 disease is rapidly changing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have raised the alert level to 3 “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” for most of Europe and to level 2 “Practice Enhanced Precautions” for our other program locations. We are in an unprecedented time, and several important decisions were made Thursday that affect students, faculty and staff.
Travel Restrictions
Effective immediately, all university-related international travel has been suspended until further notice. This includes future travel as well as any trips already booked. In addition, we are suspending all nonessential domestic university-related travel until further notice. Waivers may be available, and each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by colleges and major administrative units.
TU requires students, faculty and staff to self-quarantine off campus and record their temperature twice daily for at least 14 days after returning from abroad. Those returning from a level 3 country also must be screened through a call with Alexander Health Center (students) or Hurricane Health Clinic (employees) before stepping onto campus.
Study Abroad
TU’s Center for Global Engagement made the very difficult decision to cancel all TU study abroad programs for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester and for all of summer 2020. Our students who are overseas have been instructed to book travel back to the United States as soon as possible. Students in Europe should come home by March 18; students in other countries should come home by March 22.
We are working with our travel and study abroad partners to bring our students home safely as well as minimize financial obligations. We also anticipate students may have to go through additional screenings upon entry and are providing guidance to every study abroad student. The university is committed to getting our students home safely.
The university also is committed to the students’ academic goals and success. In many cases, the study abroad program provider or host university will work with students to complete the courses virtually. In the case of credit deficiencies, TU will help students earn credits through special classes, independent study and/or summer courses at no additional cost to them.
Please note that the 2020 JumpstartTU program set for this summer in Panama has been canceled, too.
We understand how frustrating this situation is. We look forward to a time in the future when we can reinstate these incredibly enriching opportunities for our students and return to a normal travel routine for faculty and staff.
Stay safe and healthy,
Jane Kucko
Vice Provost for Global Engagement