Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Policy

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Policy

Last Updated: July 6, 2021

Introduction

To promote the health and well-being of University of Portland community members, and to minimize COVID-19 infections during the 2021-22 academic year, the University is adopting this policy concerning travel by UP students, faculty, and staff, effective immediately until further notice. The University recommends following CDC guidance and delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you must travel, and are not fully vaccinated, follow the latest guidelines set forth by the Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and the local public health authorities of your travel destination.

University of Portland-Sponsored and/or -Reimbursed Travel

Throughout the 2021-22 academic year, University-sponsored (or reimbursed) travel will be limited to essential travel and subject to budget approval.

Permission for University-related travel will be reviewed and approved/not-approved by one of the following individuals:

• For Students and Student Affairs: Director of the corresponding unit
• For Staff: Immediate supervisor for staff, and
• For Faculty: Department chair (where applicable) or Dean

All requests for University-sponsored and/or reimbursed travel should include the following:

• Rationale for why the travel is essential to the UP mission
• Departure and return dates
• Description of what steps will be taken to minimize the risk of spread including:
  • Vaccination confirmation by traveler/s
  • destination
  • transportation plans
  • lodging (if required)

Approval will be based on the following:

• The connection of travel to the UP mission
• Compliance with health and safety measure that are in line with local, state, and CDC orders
• Assessment of the immediate and essential need for travel, instead of the potential to defer to a later time
• The potential short and long-term negative consequences of delaying or not traveling during the 2021-22 academic year.

The University will not pay for, or reimburse expenses for, travel that does not comply with these components.

University study abroad

Several University study abroad programs have been approved for the Fall 2021 semester. For updates on program status, visit the COVID-19 Study Abroad Dashboard. Students who are interested in studying abroad in the Spring 2022 or academic year 2022-23, should contact the Office of Studies Abroad at studiesabroad@up.edu.

Traveling in University Owned Vehicles

In compliance with Oregon OSHA’s COVID-19 Workplace Risk Rule (OAR 437-001-0744), when employees are transported in a vehicle for work purposes, regardless of the travel distance or duration involved, all occupants in the vehicle must wear a mask, face covering, or face shield unless employees are wearing respirators in accordance with the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Note that this requirement does not apply when all occupants within the vehicle are vaccinated or members of the same household.

Personal Travel

The University recommends following CDC Guidelines for all domestic and international travel, as well as the local public health authorities of your travel destination.