Dear UT community:
As part of the university’s ongoing commitment to the health of students and staff, we are closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in China through trusted agencies including the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of State, Overseas Security Advisory Council, World Health Organization, International SOS and our colleagues in the US and around the world.
The number of confirmed cases affecting people around the world is increasing. It is for this reason that we have added China to the list of UT Restricted Regions as a high risk travel destination. As an additional precautionary measure for our university community members, the following are effective immediately:
Student trips to China are suspended. Texas Global will work with individual students currently planning to enroll in programs in China and their colleges and schools, either to relocate their international experience to another country or to attend classes in Austin.
Faculties, staff, and graduate students traveling to China must be reviewed by the University’s International Oversight Committee’s Restricted Regions Review Committee. For the time being, only essential trips to China will be considered for approval.
Any approved trip requires an in-country security plan and consent to follow the protocols established by the university for return to campus.
We understand the impact this can have on members of our community. I encourage students to contact the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center or Student Emergency Services for assistance. Counseling services for staff and faculties are available through the HealthPoint Employee Assistance Program.
For university travel resources and guidelines, see global.utexas.edu/risk. Contact Randy Penson, Director of Global Risk and Safety at rpenson@austin.utexas.edu or (512) 471-0341.
Our top priority is to support the health, safety, and protection of our community and to remain vigilant during this evolving health crisis. We stand ready to adjust our approach if circumstances warrant and hope that conditions for resuming our activities in China will improve.
With best regards,
Sonia Feigenbaum, Ph.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement / Chief International Officer
