Cancellations and Restrictions on International Travel

President | March 6, 2020

Email sent to students, faculty and staff


Dear University Community,

As new cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerge and our university community prepares for spring break, I want to share some expanded travel restrictions and important updates to safeguard our faculty, staff, and students.

As a reminder, we have launched a COVID-19 webpage as a source for critical and updated information.  Please check your Texas State email and the website to stay informed.

Situation Update

As of this date, no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported on our San Marcos or Round Rock Campuses, or in Hays County or Williamson County.

Education Abroad Programs

Effective immediately, all Education Abroad programs for spring break and summer are being cancelled.  We will continue to assess future programs as the situation evolves. The university is working to provide alternate options for students registered for the cancelled Education Abroad trips.  

If you enrolled in an Education Abroad program that is being cancelled and you have questions, please call the Education Abroad Office at 512-245-1967 for assistance.

Students in Education Abroad programs in countries with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated Travel Warning Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) have already been recalled and required to self-isolate for 14 days. 

Faculty, Staff, and Student International Travel

University-affiliated international travel by faculty, staff, and students to countries with a CDC Travel Warning Level 2 or 3 is restricted. Approval for official university international travel for faculty, staff, and students will be evaluated on an individual case basis at the President’s Cabinet level. 

Faculty, staff, and students who choose to travel for personal reasons to countries with a CDC Travel Warning Level 2 or 3 will be required to self-isolate for 14 days before returning to a Texas State campus.  If a country’s warning level increases to a CDC Level 2 or 3 during the visit, the faculty, staff member, or student will also be required to self-isolate before returning to campus.  Check CDC Travel Warnings for the  latest information.

Class/Work Absence Due to Illness

Providing a healthy, safe working, and learning environment is a priority.  It is essential that faculty, staff or students who have a potentially contagious illness stay home and not go to class or work.  Persons who appear ill and have symptoms such as cough, fever, and sneezing will be asked to leave the workplace or classroom.  Students who miss class due to illness should contact the Dean of Students office (phone: 512-245-2124) and work with their professors to discuss how to manage course work while absent.  Faculty and staff who miss work due to illness should follow the established university policy for notifying supervisors and using sick leave.

Self-Isolation Requirements

Faculty, staff or students required to self-isolate must follow the CDC’s guidance for effective and safe isolation (How to Self-Isolate).  Self-isolation may be required by a public health authority or a medical provider.  A medical note verifying the need for isolation must be provided upon return to school or work.  Faculty or staff required by a public health authority or a medical provider to self-isolate will follow the established university policy for notifying supervisors and using sick leave.

Personal Health and Safety

As COVID-19 continues to spread both in the U.S. and abroad, it is important that you carefully consider where you are travelling.  Avoid areas where there is evidence of COVID-19 spreading.  Practice effective prevention measures such as staying away from those that are sick, washing your hands frequently, and staying home if you are ill.  If we work together and follow the guidance provided, we can help protect our Bobcat community.  For the latest information on COVID-19 and the university’s response measures, please check TXST COVID-19. .

 

Sincerely,

Denise M. Trauth

President