COVID-19 FAQs

In collaboration with the Registrar’s office, program counselors, Residence life, and others we make final decisions far enough in advance that students will have neither lost opportunities to participate in classes or housing contracts on campus nor will have purchased flights or made other financial commitments before we announce major changes. 

For example, ahead of spring 2021 travel we determined October 1 as the latest date we would announce major changes, three months before departure dates. This timeline can vary based on feedback from our many stakeholders. 

We have made the difficult decision to cancel Summer 21 programs and Australia Fall 21. Given the continued uncertainty around the global spread of the COVID-19 virus as well as significant ongoing travel restrictions and mandatory in-country safety precautions, we do not feel that we can guarantee the high levels of safety, academic integrity, and dimmers cultural value that our programs are designed to offer. We know this is disappointing and we hope to anticipate some of your questions below, please reach out to studiesabroad@up.edu if you have a question not answered here.

 Last updated 3.8.21

As study abroad students, you were enrolled under international health insurance coverage that covered you only while you were outside of the United States. The nature of this type of coverage means that you will no longer be covered under this policy once you are back in the US.

 Next steps to consider:

• If you are currently covered under a parent’s health insurance plan or another type of coverage, there isn’t anything else you will need to do. We encourage you to maintain whatever domestic health insurance coverage you already have.
• If you do not currently have a domestic health insurance plan, we strongly encourage you to explore the options for adding coverage under a parent or family member. Most insurance plans will not normally allow you to add coverage in the middle of a plan year, but it is possible that there are exceptions for certain life events. It is possible that this situation, in which you are unexpectedly losing your existing coverage, would qualify you to add domestic health insurance mid-year.
• If you do not currently have domestic coverage and are not able to add coverage elsewhere, we have received special permission from UP’s student health insurance provider to add you to coverage for the remainder of the spring and summer. Please use your UP e-mail address to send a message to stu-acct@up.edu requesting to be added to the insurance plan for the spring/summer. There isn’t a way to add pro-rated coverage, so they will enroll you for the full term. Your coverage dates will be Jan 1 to Aug 14, 2020 and you’ll be billed for the full term ($1255.50) through Student Accounts. They’ve also shared this link for more information about the coverage.

Updated 3.27.2020

We understand that you may already have questions pertaining to possible refunds and reimbursements. We will be discussing financial matters with our partners and colleagues abroad and will update you on refunds, if applicable for your program, at a later date. We regret that we are unable to provide greater certainty at this time, but rest assured that we are considering this actively and will keep everyone updated.

Updated 3.27.2020

In terms of academics, all of our study abroad programs have transitioned or are currently transitioning to on-line instruction. We understand that students and faculty members are under significant pressure during this time, so we are committed to viewing academic matters through the lens of compassion and understanding while also maintaining the academic integrity of all programs. In every case, we will work with our returning students so that they receive the proper credit.

Please reach out to your faculty directly to find out if they how are able to accommodate time differences and other challenges.

The Office of Studies Abroad will advocate for you as best we are able in situations where you need extra help navigating the transition to virtual learning. Please email ongoing academic concerns to studiesabroad@up.edu.

 Updated 3.27.2020

Most everything will proceed as originally planned; you will be registered by the Program Counselors in your individual school or college. Please reach out to the appropriate contact person if you have any questions:

• School of Business: please reach out to your program counselors, Molly Cullen and Allison Knoedler, with any questions.
• School of Nursing: please reach out to your program counselors, Kristen Kordecki or Becca Fischer, with any questions.
• School of Engineering: please reach out to your program counselor, Jamie Merritt, with any questions.
• School of Education: please send me your course choices (following the directions e-mailed out to you on Tuesday, 3/10) and reach out to your program counselor, Kelly Brown, with any advising questions.
• College of Arts and Sciences: please send me your course choices (following the directions e-mailed out to you on Tuesday, 3/10) and reach out to your program counselors (Aimee Davidse, Becca Henley, and Katie Richardson) with any advising questions

As a UP student, you have a great variety of resources available to you. Each campus office is available for virtual appointments. Do not hesitate to reach out for support and services.

You are also invited to re-entry webinars hosted through the Studies Abroad office. You will receive invitations to these via email and we will post recorded sessions.

Finally, here is a curated list of resources to get you started. Email studiesabroad@up.edu with suggestions for further resources or topics you would like to see addressed.

Help for an Unexpected and Early Re-entry

Strategies for Online Learning

Active Minds Meeting Wednesdays at 7:15 pm

Lines for Life This hotline is anyone in emotional distress who seeks someone to talk to. Please follow link to find other hotlines for peer youth support, senior loneliness, alcohol and drug issues, and other issues

Crisis Text Line  Text “HOME” or “START” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. You can also reach them on Facebook Messenger.

 Updated 4.2.2020