This report was updated June 9 at 12:10 p.m.
With global travel restrictions still in place, Notre Dame announced the cancelation of all fall 2020 study abroad programs and provided information for housing for students Monday.
“We understand how disheartening and disappointing this is to you, but please know that we are committed to your international education,” Michael Pippenger, vice president and associate provost for internationalization and Hong Zhu, senior director of global education, said in an email.
In a follow-up email from the director of residential life for housing operations, Jonathan Retartha, displaced study abroad students were informed they have three options for housing. Students can participate in a lottery to fill a bed in their home hall, choose a bed in another residence hall or live off-campus.
Students who choose to select a room in another facility may choose between Baumer Hall for men, Pangborn Hall for women and Fischer Graduate Residences for men and women. Those who choose to live off-campus may still receive credit toward the residency requirement, Retartha said.
The online roommate grouping tool will open June 15 in Home Under the Dome. Students who live off campus fall semester may reapply for housing to live on campus for the spring semester, Retartha said.
In addition, Residential Life and Notre Dame International are interested in implementing international programming in the fall for students who were planning to study abroad.
“We welcome the opportunity to discuss student interest in this concept and programming possibilities with you upon your return to campus,” Retartha said.
In a Tuesday email the study abroad team informed students that all spring 2021 programs are slated to proceed as planned.
According to the email, the cancelation of fall study abroad programs will result in many of these students being accommodated into spring programs. Students who are no longer interested in studying abroad are able to withdraw until Aug. 10 without financial penalty.
Students studying abroad in the spring of 2021 are asked to follow the instructions from program directors to prevent non-recoverable costs.
“We are still closely monitoring the health, safety and security risks around the world,” the email said. “It is our hope that the situation will continue to improve in the coming months and you will be able to have a meaningful and fulfilling experience abroad.”
