University Suspends Student Travel for Countries With CDC Risk Levels 2-3

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – In an abundance of caution for the health and well-being of University of Arkansas students, faculty and staff traveling internationally during the coronavirus outbreak, the university has updated its travel guidelines. 

The campus community should be aware that guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arkansas Department of Health and university may change rapidly given the fluidity of the coronavirus outbreak, so all updates will be posted on the university's Coronavirus (COVID-19) page along with other information, resources and frequently asked questions.

For Students

The university is requiring all registered student travelers in countries with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention risk level for coronavirus of 2 or above to return to the United States immediately. 

All upcoming registered student travel (through at least the end of the current academic semester) to countries with a CDC risk level for coronavirus of 2 or above will be suspended or postponed until a later date.

The U of A is currently assessing the CDC recommendation that higher education institutions consider postponing or canceling all upcoming international registered student travel. The status of all summer programs is also being reviewed by the university. 

For students who are currently traveling internationally and have questions related to returning to the U.S., please send your questions to studyabr@uark.edu. 

For Faculty and Staff 

The university strongly recommends that faculty and staff traveling internationally return to the U.S. and suspend future international travel at least until the end of the current academic semester. Faculty and staff should consider the health risk and logistical challenges that may be encountered, and understand that the university may not be able to provide support if travel is impacted. This recommendation will be regularly evaluated and could be extended.

Spring Break Travel Recommendations

All those who have plans to travel during Spring Break are urged to consider the latest guidance from the CDC, Department of State and Arkansas Department of Health. In addition to the health risks related to the outbreak, international travel is becoming more difficult. All international travelers must consider the possibility of travel restrictions, quarantines and other potential travel-related issues.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3 percent of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Reportranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.