Travel Guidance

SOU is limiting all non-essential, SOU-related travel. Work-related travel by an SOU employee requires pre-approval from the vice president who oversees the employee’s area and from the university’s risk manager. The university also encourages its community members to avoid personal travel outside of our region to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The U.S. Department of State now posts country-by-country travel warnings. SOU’s international health insurance policy – required for students, faculty or staff traveling on SOU programs or business – will not be approved for countries with level 3 or 4 warnings from the State Department. All those who are contemplating university-related international travel should contact SOU’s International Programs office for up-to-date information.

The Oregon Health Authority continues to recommend staying close to home, avoiding overnight trips and minimizing other non-essential travel – including “recreational day trips to destinations outside the community where you live.” The OHA travel bulletin provides good guidance for those who have traveled.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns against the risks of traveling, and also offers helpful advice for those who do travel – including tips for before, during and after your trip. The CDC’s travel webpage has information about the risks associated with various modes of travel, how to avoid getting or spreading COVID-19 and warnings about high-risk situations such as crowds and social or mass gatherings. It recommends taking extra steps to protect family, friends and community members for 14 days after returning from a trip.

SOU regularly hosts students and scholars from around the world. If you are expecting international guests or visitors, please contact your academic director’s office or the Office of International Programs.

For Students:
University-related student international travel is being managed on a case-by-case basis. Students who are scheduled for this travel will receive information from their group leaders with additional instructions.

Any credit-bearing, university-sponsored student international travel – including study abroad programs – is now subject to additional review by the university to assess program-specific factors and guidance from relevant sources and government agencies including the CDC.

If traveling abroad, we strongly suggest that U.S. citizens and nationals register their travel through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The free program allows travelers to be easily located by embassy personnel in the event of an emergency.

Students returning to campus who exhibit signs of illness, such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing, should call (not visit) the Student Health and Wellness Center at (541) 552-6136 and immediately note your travel history (in detail).

We recognize the impact that these travel restrictions and recommendations may have on the SOU community. The steps outlined above are taken in the best interest of the well-being of our community, and only after significant consultation. We do not take these actions lightly. As the situation is constantly evolving, the university will continue to monitor, adjust and communicate when necessary. You can find university updates, answers to frequently asked questions and other resources related to COVID-19 on the SOU website.