The below message was sent to students, faculty, and staff impacted by the Board of Regents' cancellation of all university-sponsored international travel for 30 days. It was also sent to people who are currently traveling abroad, but not in CDC Level 3 countries.

The Board of Regents has instituted a ban on university-sponsored international travel for the next 30 days due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This ban applies to faculty, staff, and students and is effective immediately – March 5, 2020. International travel will continue to be evaluated and any updates will be immediately communicated to those impacted given the fluid nature of the situation.

We are disappointed by this disruption and know it will cause hardship on students, families, faculty, and staff. We appreciate your continued patience, as these decisions are being made in the best interest of the health and safety of our entire community. We are following the protocols outlined within the UI’s Critical Incident Management Plan, and by our Board of Regents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of State.

Additionally, the Board of Regents has announced that faculty, staff, and students who are already out of the country will be recalled from any country when the CDC designates or raises its warning to a Level 3-Avoid Nonessential Travel. The university is currently in compliance with this guideline and will implement changes as needed based upon new guidance as the situation evolves. 

We will continue to communicate with you as updates become available. You can also find the most up-to-date information at coronavirus.uiowa.edu.      

Travelers should work with their departments or sponsors in order to cover reasonable costs associated with cancelling or rescheduling travel arrangements due to the Board of Regents 30-day international travel restriction.

If you have any additional questions, please contact: UI-Coronavirusquestions@uiowa.edu.

Thank you again as we continue to navigate this constantly changing situation in order to keep you as safe as possible.