UPDATE: The university has clarified that plans for summer study abroad programs are still pending, while students who were abroad this semester have been sent home. A decision on those trips is expected in the weeks following spring break. The FAQ page with more information can be found here.
AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - Auburn University is canceling all study abroad programs both for the spring and for this summer, amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Auburn University announced this evening March 2 at 6:50 p.m. that they are officially recalling all students, faculty, and staff traveling abroad.
Officials reached this decision as a result of the CDC advising institutions of higher learning to consider canceling upcoming study abroad programs.
Per an email sent to students that had plans to study abroad in the summer, the university considered safety, academic progress, and financial/insurance issues.
The full email is below:
"The health and safety of you and your students is very important to Auburn University. Per this notice, Auburn University is suspending all summer programs abroad. Auburn University has made this decisions based on a careful consideration of safety, academic progress and financial/insurance issues.
Safety issues:
Please follow the instructions below:
- Follow good health hygiene as recommended by the CDC:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- If you do not have access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce risk of infection.
- Use a tissue to cover your sneeze or cough, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
- If you do not have access to a tissue, remember to sneeze/cough into your sleeve on the crook of your arm.
- Do not sneeze or cough into your hands.
- Avoid touching mucous membranes (keep your unwashed hands out of your eyes, nose and mouth).
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay hydrated and well rested
- Additional information on Auburn University actions can be found on the Auburn University Coronavirus website found at https://ocm.auburn.edu/news/coronavirus/.
Academic Progress:
- Please speak to your academic advisors if the summer program abroad cancellation affects your degree progress or graduation plans.
- Please also consider on-campus courses this summer.
- Your program abroad faculty directors may also reach out to you with alternatives, stay in touch with them.
Financial Issues/Insurance:
- Due to the March 30, 2020 deadline, very few students have been billed for summer Auburn University programs. If you are on an Auburn University summer program and have been billed, we will be working with the department to get a refund to you."
