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University Policy Regarding SARS

To members of the Northwestern community:

Northwestern officials are concerned about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and, in particular, its effect on the University community. We will continue to monitor the situation and modify policies and recommendations as conditions warrant. Currently, we adhere to the policies as provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding travel, quarantine, and clinical care.

Specific points follow:

Outbound: No student will be permitted to participate in any university sponsored or affiliated course or program, including but not limited to study abroad programs, in countries subject to a SARS-related CDC travel advisory or travel alert. Any student already in a country when a SARS-related CDC travel advisory or travel alert goes into effect may be required to return if he/she is participating in a university sponsored or affiliated course or program unless doing so would pose a greater risk to the student's health.

Individual faculty members or graduate students whose teaching or research activities cannot be postponed but, rather, necessitate travel to a portion of a country where a SARS-related travel advisory or travel alert is in effect and any of whose travel/research costs are paid from a university administered account should undertake such travel only after the following steps have been taken:

  • a description of the proposed project has been filed with the program, department, or school that is funding the trip and that group has approved the trip based on its feasibility and importance; additionally, the individual’s department chair and dean have also approved the trip.
  • the faculty member or graduate student has signed a waiver indicating that he or she understands the risks involved in travel to this location and releasing the university from any liability;
  • the faculty member or student has appropriate health insurance approved by the Office of Risk Management;
  • evidence of compliance with a., b., and c. is on file with the Office of Risk Management

Inbound: In regard to our own students or faculty who have been in SARS affected areas or to visitors coming to our campus from such areas, we follow the guidelines published by the CDC and the WHO. Both agencies have web sites about risks and policies. The CDC has a very specific set of guidelines for those facing decisions about travel and return.

Questions on this statement may be referred to Associate Provost Stephen Fisher by phone at 491-7040 or by e-mail.

Lawrence B. Dumas
Provost