The following message from Provost Magill to University faculty was delivered Feb. 27.

Dear UVA Faculty Colleagues,

As spring break approaches and the news regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) changes daily, I write with important updates about how we are preparing for potential disruptions to our normal operations here and abroad.

Many UVA students have spring break travel plans to destinations around the world, while others are due to return to Grounds from programs abroad. Similarly, many faculty members have travel planned at this time of year, some of it associated with University programs and research.

If you are planning to travel in the near future, it is important to be aware that there is significant uncertainty surrounding the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a website for Travel Information related to COVID-19, and is recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to countries at Warning Level 3. That currently includes only China and South Korea, but these ratings can change rapidly. We advise you to consider carefully any travel to countries with reported COVID-19 outbreaks and take into account the possibility of delays and quarantines when returning to the United States. While the University has no mechanism for monitoring faculty travel, even for University-related business, we strongly encourage you to share any travel plans with your department chair in order to facilitate University assistance if the need arises.

Faculty members are eligible for Travel Assistance Insurance, but there are certain exclusions regarding epidemics and pandemics. Travelers who arrange travel through Christopherson Travel, the University’s travel vendor (available through the TravelUVA app, behind Netbadge), automatically receive information on the insurance during the reservation process. If you do not arrange travel through Christopherson, you are still eligible for this insurance; please go to TravelUVA (Travel Resources) for more information.

Each year, just prior to spring break, Dean of Students Allen Groves writes to students to remind them of important safety considerations. His message to them yesterday included information about the risks of upcoming travel, including the potential difficulty of returning to Grounds, and resources available to students who need assistance while abroad. In addition, the International Studies Office (ISO) has comprehensive information about UVA students who are studying abroad. ISO is coordinating with the schools and partners supporting these programs in order to respond quickly and appropriately as conditions evolve. Under University policy, we will cancel any study abroad programs, even those in progress, at any location for which the CDC sets a warning level 3, or the State Department sets a warning level 3 or 4. (This approach is outlined in the University’s comprehensive policy on Student International Travel – PROV-010.) All faculty leading UVA-sponsored programs have taken pre-travel training and are prepared for this possibility.

Finally, we are aware that stigmatization may occur around coronavirus. The CDC has developed a webpage offering guidance on countering this stigma. Please help us prevent stigmatization by becoming familiar the facts about COVID-19, and supporting community members with compassion and kindness.

The University is committed to keeping our community informed about critical decisions and also the best ways to stay healthy. We continue to update the COVID-19 website, as well as answer related questions at 434-297-4027. For any academic policy-related inquiries, please contact the Provost’s office at provost@virginia.edu.

Our foremost concern is the health and safety of our faculty, students, staff, and our Charlottesville community. Rest assured that a University team is closely monitoring the situation and following advice and directives from the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, and the U.S. Department of State. To that end, we have already begun planning for any contingencies that might affect summer programs. We will share these plans as needed in the coming days. Thank you for your support and patience.

Sincerely,

Liz Magill

Provost, University of Virginia