1. How is UAH monitoring the COVID-19 situation worldwide?
    A team of university officials are monitoring the outbreak of the respiratory illness COVID-19 worldwide. To assess risks related to University international programs and activities, the university uses a number of resources, including governmental agencies, news reports, reports from UAH’s international security provider, professional health and security organizations, clinical and infection prevention experts, and more.   
  1. What is the university doing to support its students, faculty and staff who are studying or working abroad?
    Representatives from the university's Office of Study Abroad are working to contact any impacted individual students to ensure their safety, answer questions, and where appropriate and requested, help individuals return to the United States. Students in areas impacted by the coronavirus are encouraged to remain in contact with Study Abroad for information and direction specific to their programs.
  1. What would happen if a UAH study abroad program was suspended or canceled?
    UAH will work closely with our academic partners' international program providers with the goal of mitigating potential impacts on students’ academic progress. Depending on the program we will work with the students to consider alternative means to maintain academic progress. For information on a specific program, please email Study Abroad (hughes@uah.edu) to obtain specific contact information.
  1. UAH required my early departure, how will I complete my academics?
    UAH students impacted by these travel restrictions will work closely with contacts at UAH to identify an academic plan. The Office of Study Abroad will communicate with campus staff to seek late-term enrollment, independent study, or alternate ways to ensure progress to degree is not negatively affected.
  1. If a student chooses to leave an international student program that has not been suspended, how might that student’s academic credit be affected?
    UAH understands that students need to individually evaluate and make personal risk decisions and that final decisions will be made between a student and their family. If students choose to leave a program and return home, we support that decision. Students should contact Study Abroad for coordination assistance as soon as a decision has been made, and we would recommend they notify their academic adviser of their choice as well. We will work with our partners to try to support the student’s completion of their work with that program, however awarding of academic credit will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.
  1. Will I be quarantined when I return to the US?
    When travelers return to the U.S., whether or not they are traveling on essential university business, they must comply with all U.S. and State of Alabama re-entry and quarantine requirements in place before returning to UAH. Personal travel is subject to any regulations and the university community.
  1. Does UAH have any recommendations for students traveling independently while on study abroad?
    Personal travel is subject to any regulations and advisories of the U.S. government and other relevant agencies. Travel to other countries outside of North America defined as CDC Level 1 in relation to COVID-19 is strongly discouraged at this time. Individuals who choose to travel to CDC Level 1 at this time should know that the global situation is rapidly evolving, and their risk of acquiring COVID-19 may change abruptly; moreover, disruptions in return travel may occur and the possibility of quarantine upon return to the US cannot be excluded. We highly recommend that you be mindful of potential associated risk of disruptions to your reentry to the United States and your ability to successfully return to the United States and campus. We urge you to consult guidance from the S. Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Department of State prior to and during your trip and exercise caution when traveling to these countries. When travelers return to the U.S., whether or not they are traveling on essential university business, they must comply with all U.S. re-entry and quarantine requirements in place before returning to campus.
    • A list of travel watch, alert and warning levels and affected countries are maintained on the CDC website.
    • Students should advise their program staff of any independent travel in their international destination. In-country program staff’s ability to help in case of difficulty is increased by knowing students’ plans in advance.
      1. Students should keep cell phones fully charged and operational, and check their email often (at least once every day).
      2. Students should travel with all key travel documents, including their passport and insurance documents.
      3. Students should travel with a full supply of any regular medications, regardless of how long they plan to be away. Prescription medications should be packaged in their original containers.
  1. What changes has UAH made to its student, faculty, and staff travel policies in light of the COVID-19 outbreak?
    UAH has suspended all University travel to destinations designated CDC Alert Level 2 and Warning Level 3 for COVID-19 as have most US higher education institutions. Faculty, staff and students MAY NOT TRAVEL to these countries for University business or academic purposes, including but not limited to study abroad or other international academic work, research or grant activity, internships, conferences or presentations, teaching or training, performances, recruiting, or athletic competitions. 
  1. How can I get my flight rearranged?
    UAH Study Abroad is prepared to assist students with their return if needed.
  1. Who will UAH contact with updates?
    UAH will directly contact students abroad with updates. UAH reaches out to students’ designated emergency contacts only in very specific situations, such as when a student has been incapacitated or when we cannot reach the student. 
  1. Who can I contact about international programs and activities and the coronavirus situation?
    UAH students with questions about travel should contact the Office of Education Abroad at 256-824-5802 or nicole.hughes@uah.edu. Faculty should contact the Office of the Provost at 256-824-6335 or 256-824-6337. Researchers and research staff should contact the Office of Research Security at 256-824-6444. All other staff should contact the Office of Risk Management at 256-824-6875. These offices are available to provide guidance and assistance to our travelers.