In line with the travel suspension condition implemented by the Washington University International Travel Oversight Committee for all University-sponsored and University-supported travel to mainland China on Jan. 29, the Shanghai study abroad program has officially been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Carrie Canham, the assistant director of overseas programs, informed the program’s applicants in an email, Feb. 13. Applicants had been previously warned that the program may be in jeopardy, Feb. 11, and that the decision would be made by the end of February.

“Supporting health and safety of our students and faculty abroad is our highest priority, as is being able to offer the exceptional opportunities that have always been hallmarks of the WU in Shanghai program,” Canham wrote in the email. “Current conditions do not give us confidence that we could accomplish either.”

The Center for Disease Control has placed mainland China under a Level 3 Travel Warning, which is the highest severity of warning and indicates that individuals should avoid all nonessential travel. Additionally, the Department of State has placed mainland China under a Level 3 Travel Advisory (out of four levels), encouraging individuals to reconsider travel. When one or both of these restrictions changes, the University will reevaluate its own travel suspension.

In a memo sent out to the ITOC general body and program travel coordinators, Global Travel Safety Manager Catherine Dalton emphasized the careful consideration that went into the University’s decision, including consultations with peer institutions and campus stakeholders. The University will continue to monitor the situation as it develops, she wrote.

In an email to Student Life, biology professor Dr. Allan Larson highlighted the DIS Copenhagen Medical Practice and Policy program for pre-med students who wish to study abroad during both semesters as well as the summer, since the Shanghai Global MedPrep Scholars Program will no longer be offered.

“Students also can take DIS Copenhagen Medical Practice and Policy through other majors, such as anthropology,” Dr. Larson wrote. “It is generally available to pre-medical students.”