March 4, 2020

March 4, 2020 – 5:28 p.m. EDT

To: Students, Faculty and Staff
From: Nancy Georgiev, Director, Rinker Center for Study Away and International Education

Dear Campus Community,

In light of the dynamic nature of coronavirus developments around the world, Furman’s Study Away Safety and Compliance and Assessment of Risk Committee has been closely monitoring coronavirus developments in the United States and across the globe, especially in areas where our students are studying and places we are scheduled to visit.

We are continually monitoring:

• Travel advice published by the U.S. Department of State,
• Information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
• Information from a national network of institutions of higher education and many students and families who are currently overseas. These sources, along with the status of overseas academic programs, access to effective health care and the preferences of students, families and faculty directors, are guiding the university’s decisions with respect to the best courses of action for our study away programs.

Flyer courtesy of DHEC

With this in mind, we have reached the difficult decision to cancel or redirect Furman-sponsored spring break programs traveling outside of the United States. The university is currently monitoring the situation and its potential impact on current and other future study away programs, such as May X experiences, and will update everyone involved as soon as possible.

As we mentioned last week, we want to encourage you to be mindful of where you may travel over spring break. Please monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information for Travel site. Regardless, please continue to practice the following healthy habits:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick (do not go to class or work)
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Practice good hygiene and other good health habits such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, getting plenty of sleep, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.

We encourage everyone to be diligent in helping to prevent the spread of illness. Students, if you experience any symptoms, please contact the Earle Student Health Center at 864.522.2000. Faculty and staff, please visit the Employee On-Site Clinic or contact your preferred health care provider.