Message to students from the Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Dear Stanford students:

Following yesterday’s communication from the provost announcing online-only classes for the remainder of the winter quarter, we know that some of you are planning to leave campus in the coming days. As you consider your options, I’m writing with very brief information to inform your travel planning. While my message here focuses on travel planning, please know that the university will continue to send broader updates.

First, because we have received a number of inquiries asking if it is permitted to leave campus now, I want to be clear that it is okay for you to leave campus and complete your coursework from a different location.

Second, let me reassure students who are not planning travel that Stanford will continue to provide care for you through Vaden Health Center and your residences throughout the rest of the quarter and spring break.

For students who are planning to leave campus now or closer to spring break, please keep in mind that the COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving, and this will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Travel will continue to be uncertain, and a range of factors may make it difficult for you to travel back. We thus suggest that you pack with travel delays in mind, making sure to include all items you might need and packing more heavily than you normally would.

Please note that international travel remains particularly uncertain. We urge international students to consult with the Bechtel International Center before finalizing international travel plans. Advisors at Bechtel can be reached by email at internationalstudents@stanford.edu and phone or zoom appointments can be made via the Bechtel website.

Finally, I want to note that university research activities will continue. For graduate students engaged in research, please continue to follow current university guidance, which is in line with CDC recommendations. These guidelines include social distancing, frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, using technology in place of in-person meetings when appropriate, etc. We will continue to update healthalerts.stanford.edu/covid-19.

We wish you safety and well-being for the remainder of the quarter and the spring recess.

Best regards,

Susie Brubaker-Cole
Vice Provost for Student Affairs