FEBRUARY 28, 2020 — Editor's note: The following message was sent today on behalf of Dr. Lisa Montoya, vice provost for global initiatives and senior international officer, to all faculty and staff.

As you are likely aware, the coronavirus outbreak has continued to impact people and countries around the globe. UTSA is carefully monitoring the situation with the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff as our highest priority.

While there are currently no UTSA faculty, staff or students who have reported symptoms or a diagnosis of coronavirus, worsening conditions in Europe could result in countries closing their borders to travel with little advance warning as the outbreak spreads.

For that reason, we have determined that it is in the best interests of our community to recall students from the UTSA International Studies Center in Urbino and from Rome for the remainder of the spring semester.

Over the next few days, we will be working closely with our students and faculty in Urbino and our students in Rome to arrange travel back to the United States. We are communicating with airlines and have requested that they waive change fees for the students’ flights.

⇒ See UTSA's information page with regular updates on coronavirus monitoring.

Upon return to the United States, students and faculty will be required to consult with and receive a wellness evaluation from UTSA’s medical director, Dr. Beth Wichman, and, out of an abundance of caution, to self-isolate for the next 14 days. We will be working closely with students who need assistance in finding housing in San Antonio.

Students will continue their academic coursework online upon their return and, after spring break, may return to campus for completion of their studies provided they are symptom-free.

We recognize the impact this decision has on those who are studying abroad and the personal disappointment that comes from not being able to complete studies in Italy. This decision has not been made lightly — we are exceptionally proud of the programming offered through our Study Abroad program and of the students who have taken advantage of the opportunity. However, our decision is based on the best guidance from The University of Texas System, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and the Italian government.

We will continue to provide updates to our campus community as additional information becomes available.