Carnegie Mellon University

March 3, 2020

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon Community:

Effective immediately and until further notice, we are suspending all upcoming university-sponsored, non-academic, international travel for students. Some of the trips that are canceled include volunteer, community-oriented, and leadership experiences in various cross-cultural settings. This decision was made in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the coronavirus outbreak continues to be a rapidly changing situation.

We also strongly discourage our students from traveling abroad during spring break. We ask those with personal international travel plans to consider making alternative arrangements. This is a fluid situation that could impact your ability to return to campus in a timely manner.

Travel related to academic coursework or research will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the sponsoring or supervising faculty. This does not impact domestic travel at this time.

We know this decision is disappointing to many in our community who have been looking forward to their international travel experiences. This was a difficult decision and one that was not taken lightly. The health and safety of our university community is our top priority, and we feel that this is the most prudent action to take for the safety of those traveling and those remaining on campus.

If you have questions about the status of your trip, please contact your trip leaders or your advisor in the SLICE office or the Office of International Education.

Please know that the university is working with impacted students who are currently studying overseas. Students in study abroad programs in countries that are on the CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice are being supported by the Office of International Education, and we are working with them to identify alternative plans. Those who will return to Pittsburgh will self-isolate for 14 days before coming to campus. We are working with students studying in Level 1 and 2 countries to ensure that they are able to complete their semesters in a safe and healthy environment.

In an effort to reduce misinformation, we ask that you refer to CMU’s coronavirus website, which will continue to be updated with the latest official university information and guidance. A direct link to that information has also been added to the CMU homepage. The university will provide additional guidance for faculty and staff travel on Wednesday.

In this time of growing uncertainty, it is important for our community to come together and support each other. Please be vigilant about your own personal health and do your part in helping to keep our campus safe.

Thank you,

Jim Garrett, Provost
Gina Casalegno, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs