Dear Study Abroad Student,

Please see below an email sent to our students studying abroad at our Italy campus, which has suspended all programming and coursework for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. Given the fluid nature of this situation, please be aware that because travel advisories can change quickly it is important to stay up to date on the coronavirus situation. Marist senior leadership is monitoring the situation hourly with the goal to protect the health and safety of community members in all Marist locations and to keep everyone well-informed.

If there is a change to the travel warnings while you are away, you will be subject to the strictest interpretation of the suggested policies in order to limit the risk of spread to the Marist community. Therefore, all students should remain updated on Marist policies, including restrictions on travel to Marist locations, and communications related to coronavirus.

Many of your programs are approaching the spring recess period of your academic experience, and students often choose to travel during this period. All students should take the time to educate themselves on the impact the coronavirus is having on the regions you elect to travel to, and respond accordingly. This could include changing plans, staying closer to your program location, or making arrangements that avoid areas where the virus has been found. This can be done through monitoring local media, consulting the CDC, or the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory system. Please be sure you have downloaded and activated the Alert Traveler app, as discussed during pre-departure orientation.

The Marist Abroad Office will work with any students who are concerned about their abroad program and wish to modify their semester plans. Please contact the Marist Abroad Office with any questions.

Best regards,

Dr. Thomas S. Wermuth
Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dear students and families,

The coronavirus situation in Italy is unfolding quickly and we have further updates to our communication sent on February 29 12:48 (EST). As a reminder, on February 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) increased their Italy advisory level to Level 3, “Avoid Nonessential Travel.” The College policy related to coronavirus (COVID-19) is guided by the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO).

As a result of the CDC Level 3 designation, Marist is suspending all regular programming and coursework for the Spring 2020 semester at the Florence campus.

While daily life in Florence remains calm, our top concern is first and foremost the health, safety, and security of our students. All Marist students in Italy are strongly advised to make immediate plans to leave and return home with all of their academic materials. Students will be able to complete the remainder of their spring courses online or through directed study starting March 23. Marist will ensure all students in Italy will have the opportunity to complete the spring semester and stay on track for graduation. Any student who is unable to secure plans to depart Italy by Wednesday, March 4, must speak with the Marist Italy office immediately.

Below please find the immediate next steps students should take.

Immediate next steps:

• Transportation: We are committed to working with each student to make arrangements to return home safely. As most Marist students book flights directly, students should immediately contact their flight carriers to make alternate arrangements to leave Italy. Freshman students booked on the Advantage Travel Group Flight need to contact Advantage Travel immediately to discuss the availability of spaces on a flight leaving Monday, March 2. Other students interested in this flight should contact the Marist Italy office immediately. Marist is providing each student who returns from Italy with a $500 travel allowance, which will be credited to their student account. All students may also collect a taxi voucher (Taxi 4242) to the Florence airport from the LdM Reception (bring Marist ID).
• Housing: Marist and LdM housing will remain available to all students until departure plans can be made. Students in Marist housing will receive direction from Marist Italy staff and MAP students will receive direction from their LdM advisors on specific procedures to follow. Students in independent housing must contact their individual landlords to discuss departure arrangements. Any degree-seeking student may store a reasonable amount of belongings in Marist Italy storage.
• Student Visa: Due to the suspension of Marist academic programs for Spring 2020, student visas will expire shortly. Students who decide to stay in Italy must check their individual visa requirements.
• Academics: Students will be able to complete the remainder of their spring courses online or through directed study starting March 23. Students will receive additional information within the next week.

Marist Policies: All students should remain updated on Marist policies, including restrictions on travel to Marist locations, and communications related to coronavirus.

Best regards,

Dr. Thomas S. Wermuth
Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dr. John E. Peters
Dean of International Programs