Effective July 1, 2022

The health and safety of members of the university community is always Puget Sound’s top priority. In light of ongoing and evolving public health recommendations and guidelines regarding domestic and international travel, and the presence and rate of transmission of the coronavirus locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, University of Puget Sound is updating its temporary travel restrictions and guidance, effective July 1, 2022. This temporary policy is subject to change as conditions and public health recommendations and guidelines change.

International Travel

  • All international travel on behalf of or otherwise supported by the University of Puget Sound is currently limited to those faculty, staff and students who have provided proof of being fully up to date with vaccines against COVID-19 (including booster doses when eligible).
  • As always, the university does not support or sponsor travel to high-risk countries. As a reminder, the university does not support travel to countries that have Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) and Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisories issued by the U.S. State Department. In addition, the university does not support travel to regions classified as ‘Reconsider Travel/Avoid Travel/Do Not Travel’ within countries that have an overall travel advisory of Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precaution) or 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), unless an exception is explicitly stated in the text of the travel advisory for a specific city or zone within an area classified as ‘Reconsider Travel/Avoid Travel/Do Not Travel’ area. The university also does not support travel to countries listed on Warning Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel health notices. Travel may also be restricted, or require a waiver, for countries with CDC COVID-19 Levels at Level 3 (high) or Level 4 (very high). 
  • Students planning to study abroad in summer or fall of 2022 should contact the Office of International Programs for specific program status, requirements, and risk of cancellation.
  • All personal international travel should be carefully considered and is strongly discouraged for those who are unvaccinated. 
  • Wearing a mask on public transit and during air travel is strongly recommended.
  • Campus members who are planning international travel are required to: 
    • notify their supervisor, department head, or academic chair well in advance of the planned travel in order to promptly identify potential work impacts, and
    • follow the CDC’s international travel requirements and recommendations, which outline steps to take before, during and after international travel.

 

Domestic Travel

  • Domestic travel on behalf of or otherwise supported by the University of Puget Sound is subject to the CDC’s domestic travel requirements and recommendations, which outline steps to take before, during, and after domestic travel. During periods of high coronavirus transmission rates, the university might further restrict or limit travel to the most essential travel, as determined by the Provost/area Vice President.
  • Domestic personal travel should be approached with caution. Out-of-state personal travel should be carefully considered and is ultimately determined by the individual. Campus members who choose to travel for personal reasons are expected to follow CDC requirements and recommendations.
  • Unvaccinated faculty, staff, and student staff who are planning domestic travel, whether for university or personal purposes, are expected to notify their supervisor, department head, or academic chair well in advance of the planned travel in order to promptly identify potential work impacts.

Any campus member who travels is expected to take all appropriate precautions and follow CDC, state, and local health requirements and recommendations. 

This policy is subject to further revision as conditions, requirements, guidance, and restrictions change.

 

Issued: March 2020
Updated: July 2020, February 2021, April 2021, May 2021, August 2021, January 2022, July 2022