Pitt, Edinboro cancel study abroad programs

The University of Pittsburgh said Tuesday it has canceled all university-sponsored travel study programs over spring break that require air travel because of the spread of coronavirus.

The decision affects study abroad and study away programs.

Pitt also is requiring students studying abroad in France, Germany and Spain to return to the United States. Those students are being asked to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days.

“The health and safety of everyone in the university community is our top priority,” Pitt Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd said in a statement.

Cudd said Pitt’s Study Abroad Office is in contact with affected students and faculty.

“These are not decisions we take lightly,” she said. “We know that they will have numerous implications for the students and faculty whose travel plans will now change. However, especially in light of the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s) guidance, we feel that it is prudent to be cautious and to take all reasonable precautions to protect our community.”

Meanwhile, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania near Erie canceled international travel plans through spring.

Edinboro President Guiyou Huang cited the CDC advisory asking U.S. colleges and universities to consider postponing or canceling international travel in the face of the spread of the coronavirus.

“This decision was made out of an abundance of caution,” Huang said in a letter to the university community. “As spring break approaches, we urge you to avoid all nonessential travel.”