An update on Fall 2021 study abroad programs and other international travel opportunities sponsored by Occidental.

Plans for Fall 2021 study abroad programs cautiously proceed as conditions and travel restrictions allow on a site-by-site basis. However, Occidental College continues to prohibit other types of student travel internationally for the duration of the Spring 2021 semester (including spring break) and Summer 2021. Impacted programming includes:

  • Independent, College-funded, non-credit "Global Projects" (Young, URC-Richter ASP, Richter, Anderson, Schwartz, and Maes)
  • Student travel internationally that is normally authorized and/or funded by Athletics, any administrative or academic department, or ASOC, DEB, and other student organizations

Background/Rationale

The International Programs Crisis Management Team and faculty representative of the International Programs Committee (a standing committee of Faculty Council) made this decision in accordance with Occidental's Statement of Location Safety and the Student Travel Policy, in light of the U.S. Department of State’s advisory levels, and with regard to global travel restrictions.

The prohibition helps limit the spread of COVID-19 to communities around the world. Further, by suspending these programs, departments and organizations will prevent the irrecoverable loss of College funds due to cancelled flights, border closings, travel restrictions or mandatory vaccine and quarantine requirements, etc.

We look forward to resuming these activities when circumstances allow.

Sincerely,

Wendy Sternberg, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
Rob Flot, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Robin Craggs, Executive Director, International Programs