In the interest of the safety and well-being of our campus community, we are requiring all students, faculty, and staff to register any college-sponsored travel, both domestic and international, by providing us with your date(s) of travel and destination(s).
What if students are not able to travel for Spring Break?
Students who are not able to leave campus between Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 5p.m. and Saturday, March 28, 2020 at 8a.m. due to extenuating circumstances must complete the Spring Break 2020 form. If approved, students will be notified about instructions for remaining on campus during Spring Break. If not approved, students should contact the Dean of Students office to discuss travel options and alternate arrangements.
Updated: March 11, 2020
How will the airport shuttle schedules be altered?
The Spring Break return shuttles on March 22, 2020 have been cancelled.
Shuttles have been set for Saturday, March 28, 2020 and Sunday, March 29, 2020. Revised schedule times can be viewed on the Student Leadership and Involvement site. Students that have already paid for March 22 and re-book for March 28 or March 29 will receive credit for the new booking. Students that need to book a return shuttle can do so here.
If this does not accommodate your travel plans, please contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@allegheny.edu.
Updated: March 13, 2020
Update for Spring Semester 2020 Study Abroad Program Participants
Thursday, March 12, 2020
The International Education Office in the Gateway is closely monitoring changing conditions and travel advisory levels in countries where our students are currently studying abroad. In just the last 24 hours, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) elevated their travel warning to a Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) for most of Europe (excluding the UK) and to a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) for the rest of the world. In addition, the U.S. State Department has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory – Reconsider Travel.
Effective March 13, Allegheny is requiring that all students currently studying abroad in a location with a CDC Level 3 Warning (Germany and France) begin to make arrangements to return home as soon as possible. You should plan to return to your home, not to Allegheny’s campus, and follow CDC recommendations for self-care. The International Education Office stands ready to assist you and your family in making the necessary travel arrangements to return to the U.S. The International Education Office will also work with our study away providers/institutions in these locations to determine whether academic work initiated abroad can continue remotely, and/or if work completed to date can be transcripted and transferred back to Allegheny. The International Education Office will also work closely with the Registrar, Financial Aid Office, your academic advisor, and others to determine options for you to complete additional spring semester academic work (remotely) through Allegheny (e.g. independent studies) if necessary.
For all other students currently enrolled in study abroad programs in locations with a CDC Level 2 Warning, Allegheny is allowing you the option of continuing in your program as long as your program provider/institution continues to offer instruction. If your study abroad provider/institution cancels the program, or if your study abroad location moves to a CDC Level 3 Warning, we will work with you to make arrangements to return home per the guidelines provided above.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Lucinda Morgan (lmorgan@allegheny.edu), Lenee McCandless (lmccandless@allegheny.edu), or Terry Bensel (tbensel@allegheny.edu) with questions or concerns.
Updated: March 12, 2020
I plan to travel for spring break. Is it OK to travel outside the US with the novel coronavirus travel restrictions?
The spread of COVID-19 seems to be accelerating, and cases have been reported on all continents except Antarctica. Accordingly, there are risks associated with traveling outside of the US, including being exposed and restricted from reentering the country.
If you choose to travel outside of the US, you should stay alert to all travel warnings, health notices, and advisories that are located on the US Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. It is critically important to be aware that these warnings may change without advance notice, as the COVID-19 situation in a particular location can change quickly. Additionally, transportation options may be disrupted, including flight cancellations.
In an effort to promote the health and well being of our entire community, we ask students, faculty, staff, and visitors to be respectful and not travel to campus if they are ill or have traveled to any CDC-restricted area.
Travelers are advised to stay home for 14 days from the time they left an area with widespread, ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice countries) and practice social distancing. Follow CDC guidance for travelers returning from high-risk countries.
Updated: March 13, 2020
What about spring break travel within the US?
If you choose to travel, remember the essentials of illness prevention are critically important if you are in areas where large numbers of people are passing through, such as airline, train, and bus terminals. Avoid others who appear ill, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth.
In an effort to promote the health and well being of our entire community, we ask students, faculty, staff, and visitors to be respectful and not travel to campus if they are ill or have traveled to any CDC-restricted area.
Updated: March 11, 2020
Are there any other travel restrictions I should be aware of?
As the situation continues to develop, all travelers should check travel restrictions to countries outside the US. This information can be found at the State Department’s travel advisory site.
State-by-state warnings, states of emergency, and cancelations
US Travel Association – Emergency Preparedness
Updated: March 13, 2020