September 1, 2020 - Updated university travel policy
Dear Faculty and Staff,
The COVID-19 Unified Command team recommended and the Executive Policy Group approved an update to our university travel policy. Please take a moment to review the policy below, which limits university related travel to only those activities essential for student recruitment, sponsored research and engagement activities – whether regionally, in-state or beyond – through an approval process. This policy also aligns with the system-wide funding priorities and guidance first communicated in March, which remains in effect until further notice.
Sincerely,
Kristin Sobolik
Chancellor
University of Missouri–St. Louis
University Travel Policy – Effective 9/1/20
All university-sponsored international travel – including travel by air or road – remains suspended until further notice. This includes international travel connected to university activities and study abroad/exchange programs for all faculty, staff and students, whether funded by the university, an external grant or any other source.
Until further notice, only essential university-sponsored travel within the continental United States – including travel funded by the university, an external grant or any other source – will be considered for approval. Approved travel may only be by road and no air travel will be allowed. Essential travel will be limited to those activities related to supporting student recruitment and continuing sponsored research and engagement activities; especially those related to the public health crisis.
Requests to engage in essential travel must be submitted at the dean or vice provost level for review and potential approval by the Office of the Provost or appropriate vice chancellor in consultation with Human Resources. Requests for travel must include documentation to qualify it as essential, such as travel required as part of grant compliance. Those engaging in university approved travel must adhere to university, U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and advisories for travel.
Those approved for travel must adhere to university safety requirements, continue to engage in established health and safety measures and follow any regional guidelines. Additional restrictions related to travel include minimizing the travel distance, limited the number of overnight stays, reducing the number of individuals traveling in the same vehicle to allow physical distancing while wearing face coverings, limiting meals to carry out or pick up, and avoiding those destinations experiencing significant community spread. Upon returning from travel, individuals should closely monitor their health and remain off campus if sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
While discouraged, there are no restrictions on personal travel. In all cases – whether university approved travel or regional travel – the traveler should monitor for symptoms upon return and if experiencing symptoms should stay home and notify Student Health Services (for students) or your primary health provider and supervisor (for employees) as well as submit a Reporting COVID-19 Diagnosis/Symptoms form.
