COVID19 Dashboard

This dashboard shows the 7 factors that go into the decision-making process for study abroad programs at the University of Portland. A "YES" in the final column indicates that the program is presently set to run in the spring 2022. Programs that have been canceled will say "CANCELED" in the final column. Decisions are made based on the entirity of factors and not any single component. The information below reflects the data as it appeared on November 1, 2021. Students must follow UP Vaccination Policies as well as the policies of local partners. 

Last update: September 24, 2021 by the Office of Studies Abroad.

Description for Each Decision-making Factor

• US State Department Risk Level: The United States State Department has four levels of risk for international travel (1=normal precautions; 2 increased caution; 3 reconsider travel; 4 do not travel). The University of Portland would likely not allow a credit-bearing program to run in a country at a risk level of 4.  A program in a country at level 3 or higher would need special approval by the University. Levels 1 and 2 would be considered acceptable thresholds for travel by the University.   
• US CDC Risk Level: The United States Center for Disease Control has four levels of risk assessment for COVID-19 (Level 4 Very High; Level 3 High; Level 2 Moderate; Level 1 Low). The University would likely not allow a credit-bearing program to run in a country with a Level 4 CDC Risk Level. A program in a country at level 3 or higher would need special approval by the University. Levels 1 and 2 would be considered acceptable thresholds for travel by the University.
• Host Country Risk Level: The University also considers the risk level within the host country based on an assessment of the following elements: movement restrictions, quarantine information, transportation options, fines for non-compliance and US consular operations and local resources. This information is gathered by the US Embassies within each host country and is available at USEmbassy.gov. The University considers three categories in this factor: High, Moderate, and Low. Programs within countries that fall in the "High" category would need special approval to run. Programs within countries that are "Low" or "Moderate" would run.    
• Visa processing capabilities: The University considers whether it is possible for American students to get a visa. If visa processing is not available for a host country, a program would not run. 
• Peer institution benchmark: The University considers what other US institutions of higher education are doing with regard to study abroad programs. A "NO" in this column suggests that a large number of peers have canceled programs to the host nation. A "YES" suggests that most peer institutions are still considering sending students with all necessary precautions in place. 
• Local Partner Recommendation: The University also considers what our host country partners are saying with regard to local facilities, in country staff-support, and ability to navigate COVID-19 protocols within their nation. A "NO" in this category suggests that the host partner is unable to support students at the time of the decision. The word "CAUTION" suggests that the host partner proceeding with caution and is able to meet the health and safety needs necessary to host students.
• Insurance Availability: Finally, the University considers whether our insurance provider is able to provide insurance coverage in the host country. A "YES" indicates that the University's insurance provider is able to offer insurance. A "NO" indicates that the insurance provider is not able to offer insurance. A program would not run if the University was unable to secure insurance coverage for students in the host country.