Dear Arcadia Community,

With more cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) being confirmed around the world, the University wants to update the community on how the virus has impacted our academic and international programs. 

Arcadia has cancelled Preview courses scheduled to travel to high-risk areas (as defined by our International Travel Policy—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Level 3 and Department of State Level 4) in China and South Korea. The University is closely monitoring health situations in Italy and Japan and will update the Arcadia community on decisions regarding those programs as they are made. 

The College of Global Studies has been in frequent contact with students studying at Arcadia’s centers abroad, including in Italy, as well as with their families and home institutions. In response to the surge of cases in northern Italy, and in accordance with travel restrictions imposed by the Italian government, all students abroad have been advised to defer travel to the Lombardy and Veneto regions, including Milan and Venice, in Italy. Students overseas with health concerns should contact Arcadia Center staff or International SOS. 

Students who have visited areas affected by the coronavirus and who have symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath should contact Student Health Services at 215-572-2966 or shs@arcadia.edu (non-emergency), or visit the office on the ground floor of Heinz Hall. Faculty and staff should consult with their primary care physician and be sure to share their recent travel history including itinerary and airports visited. University community members are encouraged to consult with Travel Health and Safety Manager Dan Devery (267-620-4134, deveryd@arcadia.edu) with any questions regarding upcoming University-sponsored travel plans. 

We continue to encourage our community to take precautions and exercise good health practices. Arcadia has posted information on the coronavirus on the Student Health Services webpages and will be updating information regularly. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information. 

To adapt quickly to changing conditions, the Provost is initiating a plan for continuity of instruction for faculty and staff. Please keep an eye out for upcoming communications. 

Sincerely, 

The Travel Advisory Committee:

Jan Finn
Associate Dean for International Programs

Sandra Crenshaw, Ph.D.
Associate Provost

Daniel Devery
Travel Health and Safety Manager

Maureen Gordon
Director of Health, Safety, and Security
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
The College of Global Studies

Theresa Smith, MSN, CRNP
Director, Student Health Services