Mar. 9, 2020 – International Travel Restrictions Update
Dear Vanderbilt colleagues,
We write to alert you to a change in Vanderbilt’s travel policy in response to concerns around the spread of COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and to protect the health and safety of our community and the most vulnerable among us, Vanderbilt is restricting university-sponsored international travel to any country effective Tuesday, March 10 through April 30.
As part of this change, Vanderbilt will also have restrictions on hosting new visitors to campus during this period. Detailed guidance will be available on the university’s website as soon as it becomes available.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will reassess the policy as needed in the coming days.
Faculty and staff may request an exception by contacting their dean or vice chancellor. No exceptions will be granted for students or postdoctoral fellows.
This is a dynamic and challenging situation and we appreciate your support and patience during this difficult time.
What qualifies as “university-sponsored” travel?
Any travel that is covered by or reimbursable from the university, whether from university funds or extramural grant funds, is considered university-sponsored.
Will the university reimburse travel cancellation or change fees?
The Vanderbilt Travel Office and World Travel are monitoring developments related to domestic and international university travel in the wake of the spread of COVID-19. Information about issues such as airline waivers, refundable and non-refundable tickets, visitor reimbursements, and booking future flights will posted as available at vu.edu/coronavirus. The webpage is regularly updated as new information becomes available.
Does this rule apply to personal travel?
No. However, the university strongly recommends that everyone reconsider even personal travel abroad at this time.
Starting today (March 10), if you return from international travel, you must self-isolate for 14 days before returning campus.
I also want to inform you that the “Tools for Putting Your Courses Online” will go forward on Wednesday and Thursday. Workshops and Trainings »
Questions should be submitted through the Coronavirus contact form.
Thank you,
Tracey George
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs