University lifts student domestic travel suspension

Ohio University has lifted its suspension of student domestic travel activities. Effective immediately, students are not required to seek approval from their college when planning domestic travel.

Because travel increases the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19, students are expected to consider risks associated with domestic travel and to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when planning travel or when traveling. These considerations are in addition to the travel registration requirements described in Policy 22.001: Student Travel.

The CDC provides travel recommendations for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, but advises that individuals who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 delay travel until fully vaccinated. Those travelers who are not fully vaccinated should take additional steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, including testing before travel, masking during travel, and testing and quarantining after returning home. OHIO students can schedule asymptomatic tests through Vault Health.

OHIO students are expected to consider the following factors when making travel plans:

• Level of community transmission in county of origin and in destination county.
• Vaccination status of travel companions.
• Potential for needing to quarantine or isolate during or after travel if exposed to COVID-19.

Students traveling internationally still must seek approval through the Study Away Risk Assessment Committee process managed by the Office of Global Opportunities. This includes student international travel for all independent, University-affiliated experiences such as internships, research, exchange, volunteer, clinicals, work, trainings, and conferences. It is recommended that travelers submit their travel requests no later than three months prior to travel.