The University continues to monitor developments with the novel coronavirus

February 28, 2020  

The University continues to monitor developments with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it might affect our community.

While there are still no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, other parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Europe, are experiencing an increase in the number of cases.

As a result, at the direction of Gov. Mike DeWine and based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, Bowling Green State University is prohibiting all University-supported travel to countries where the CDC has issued a Level 3 travel advisory (avoid non-essential travel). That prohibition currently includes mainland China and South Korea and it is effective immediately.

BGSU also is taking the additional precaution of temporarily suspending planned study abroad programs and other University-supported group travel to Iran, Italy and Japan — countries under a CDC level 2 advisory – through March 31.

We continue to monitor the situation in other parts of the world, particularly areas that host or will host education abroad programs or where we know faculty and staff plan to visit on University business.

In an effort to protect the health of our community, guidelines for students, faculty and staff are below:

Guidelines for students

BGSU is following CDC’s travel advisory available on the CDC website on making decisions about its programs abroad:

• Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions
• Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions
• Level 3: Avoid Nonessential Travel

Faculty-led student programs abroad scheduled for areas at Level 2 and Level 3 will be cancelled through March 31, 2020. No decisions have been made about late spring and summer programs. BGSU’s Education Abroad office is contacting students in current Level 2 and 3 areas to provide assistance. 

At this time, BGSU is continuing with those education aboard opportunities in Level 1 areas as there are currently no restrictions in place. However, students currently in these areas who prefer to return home may contact Education Abroad at edabroad@bgsu.edu or 419 372-2247 and the office will provide assistance.

Guidelines for faculty and staff

BGSU is following CDC’s travel advisory available on the CDC website on making decisions about its programs abroad:

• Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions
• Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions
• Level 3: Avoid Nonessential Travel

University sponsored individual international travel to Level 1 and 2 areas are at the discretion of the faculty or staff member. However, the University recommends you follow the CDC and State Department guidelines

Faculty-led student programs abroad scheduled for areas at Level 2 and Level 3 will be cancelled through March 31, 2020. The University is prohibiting any travel to any level 3 areas and any student group travel to level 2 countries.

Faculty and staff on University international business are reminded to register their travel in the University’s International Travel Registry.

Should you have questions or concerns, please contact Education Abroad at edabroad@bgsu.edu or 419 372-2247 and the office will provide assistance.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs