At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the safety of our students is always our top priority. We have been monitoring the evolving outbreak of the new coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While the University draws on a variety of sources for information, we use U.S. government sources as the benchmark for our decisions. On 30 January, the Department of State elevated its travel advisory for China to Level 4, Reconsider Travel (more information on the advisory levels can be found on travel.state.gov). On 27 January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Warning Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel for China.
Based on the advisories, the University of Illinois is suspending academic programs in China for spring semester 2020. Students will not be allowed to travel to China for university-related matters while the advisories are in effect. This decision will affect only a very small number of students studying with partner universities in China. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is in contact with those students and will work with them to adjust their academic plans for the semester.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign encourages faculty and staff planning travel to China to review the advisories and make an informed decision regarding travel. The concern is the spread of the coronavirus, reduced flights to and from China, internal logistic difficulties as China implements containment measures, and the ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist travelers. Travelers should also be aware of the demographics shared by CDC for being most at risk, which includes older adults and people with underlying health conditions. Travel to a Level 4 country requires University review per the Policy on International Travel. If faculty and staff travel, they must enroll in the University’s International Insurance and the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
The University of Illinois will continue monitoring global developments related to the coronavirus. As with China, while we consult numerous sources, the U.S. Department of State and CDC will be our benchmark for making decisions regarding international travel and programs in other countries.
Faculty, students and staff with questions or concerns about travel plans or the suspension of academic programs in China should contact International Safety and Security at safetyabroad@illinois.edu or call 217-333-6104.