Dear Colleagues,
We have updated our policies for university-related domestic and international travel for faculty and staff.
Faculty & Staff University Travel
Effective August 2, faculty and staff will no longer be required to obtain dean, vice president or provost approval for university-related domestic or international travel. All employees should continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and recommendations related to travel.
For employees whose positions require it, university-related domestic travel will resume regular, pre-COVID operations on August 2. If you have questions about required travel, these should be discussed with your supervisor. For international university travel, read the guidance provided below.
International University Travel
New requirement: All university international airline travel must be booked using the Concur system and with the preferred university provider in order to maintain a university travel registry.
Faculty and staff who are traveling internationally should be aware that the Department of State has recently changed its Travel Advisories to reflect the CDC Travel Health Notices that outline current issues affecting travelers’ health. The Travel Advisories now take into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for U.S. citizens. Travelers are encouraged to register with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and receive regular updates regarding local conditions.
Lehigh has resumed International SOS (ISOS) services to provide 24-hour medical and security assistance for faculty, staff and students traveling internationally and domestically. ISOS is the world’s largest medical and security services firm. Faculty and staff are encouraged to consult with ISOS to plan for health and safety concerns in the country of travel. (For more information, contact Katie Radande, director of Study Abroad, at kaw8@lehigh.edu.)
Faculty and staff traveling on business for the university are automatically covered by international travel insurance. Travelers are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the terms of coverage and how to access medical services while abroad. Information about this policy and how to access it is available here.
International travel involving undergraduate or graduate students will continue to be reviewed by the International Travel Advisory Committee (ITAC).
If you have any questions regarding these policies, contact the COVID Response Team at incovid@lehigh.edu.
-COVID-19 Response Team