Tuesday, March 3, 2020

The below was sent to all students studying abroad in countries that do not yet have a CDC or Department of State travel advisory related to COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

Dear Student (still overseas),

Hello. My name is Russell Ganim and I am the Dean of International Programs at the University of Iowa.

As you may have heard, students from several study abroad programs are coming back to the United States due to the Coronavirus outbreak at their location. While there is currently no need to suspend your program, the university is continually monitoring the situation and will act in accordance to recommendations from the CDC and the State Department.

The university wanted to ensure you have the necessary information to guide decisions related to your academics as well as personal health and wellbeing.

Academics

You may have seen that the University of Iowa has cancelled all programming in China, South Korea, Japan, and Italy for the spring semester, based on guidelines for specific countries from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of State. The university will continue to monitor and if necessary, cancel programs if further country specific guidelines are released. At this point, no such guideline exists for your country, so your program will continue at this time.

Students can elect to return, but the university is not offering compensation for tuition, housing, flight changes, loss of academic credit, or other expenses, however the university will refund study abroad administrative fees. If you choose to return, the university will advocate that your program provider refund recoverable costs and accommodate your academic needs through distance education. If this is not feasible, the university will pursue academic options for you. Please know that we understand you may have concerns about continuing your program and respect that the decision is yours. We will keep you informed of all developments.

Health Care

If you feel sick with a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, or if you have been in contact with someone with confirmed 2019 Novel Coronavirus, please call the Student Health Nurseline (319-335-9704) (student-health@uiowa.edu) or your local healthcare provider. After hours and on weekends, call the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Integrated Call Center at 319-384-8442 or toll free 800-777-8442 or your local healthcare provider.

It is important to know that your privacy will be maintained by your provider.

The CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces by using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

While currently there are no restrictions on travelers from your area, individuals have found information from the CDC to be helpful if they personally make a decision to limit contact.

Please keep in mind that this situation is changing daily and it is important that you check public health and travel resources frequently.

In addition to your physical health you may have mental health concerns following your return to the US. Please know the university has resources and supports available to support and assist you. If you find yourself in need of help, please reach out to campus resources as listed below:

A copy of this email has also been sent to the person listed as your emergency contact.

Sincerely,

Russell Ganim

Associate Provost and Dean

International Programs