Travel Guidance

SOU is limiting all non-essential SOU-related travel. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, SOU encourages its community members to avoid personal travel outside of our region.

Any member of the university community who travels to a country designated as Level 3 by the CDC due to coronavirus – whether the country’s designation occurs before departure or during the trip – may be subject to self-quarantine restrictions prior to return to campus. The OHA travel bulletin (hyperlink below) provides good guidance.
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served//LE2681B.pdf

In addition, the CDC website has information regarding returning travelers to the US from Level 3 countries which suggests a self-quarantine from work and school should be practiced.
See: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

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 were scheduled for this travel will receive an email from their group leader with additional instructions.

Any credit-bearing, university-sponsored student international travel – including study abroad programs – for the remainder of the academic year will now be 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 allows travelers to be easily located by embassy personnel in the event of an emergency.

Students returning from spring break 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.