Seton Hall University has joined a growing list of universities that are canceling their study abroad programs due to concerns over coronavirus.
University officials say that the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led them to this decision.
Seton Hall tweeted out that all spring study abroad trips will be canceled. This does not apply to any non-Seton Hall study aboard programs or students who have already left for travel. But the university is urging them to “return home as soon as it is feasible.”
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The decision left many students disappointed – but they said that they understood the decision.
“I know that my friend who was going was definitely concerned,” said sophomore Bailey LaPlante. “She’s like, ‘Is this going to be safe or not?' But...there could have been a way that they could have gone somewhere where the virus wasn’t really affecting. I know people would be very upset in general because they’re probably really excited to go, but I guess safety comes first.”
Seton Hall is asking faculty to help students with possible refunds and is asking staff to design alternative course requirements so that they can still earn credits.
Although there are no cases of coronavirus in New Jersey, state officials say that they are making sure that everyone is prepared for a potential outbreak.
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Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement, “My administration is working around the clock with local, statewide and federal agencies to get ahead of any coronavirus outbreak and the impact it could have on New Jersey. We understand the threat – and we are ready.”
Sen. Bob Menendez on Friday toured a Nutley medical facility that is working on a quicker method to test for the illness.