Dear Assumption Parent:

As you may have heard, the Italian government has responded swiftly to incidents of Coronavirus in the northern region of the country. This response has included the cancellation of school and sporting events and some towns have been placed under quarantine.

The safety of your son or daughter is paramount. This evening, Professors Lance Lazar, Ph.D. and Catherine WoodBrooks, Ph.D. met with students studying in Rome to discuss actions the College is taking in response to this situation following a directive issued by the Italian government:

The travel suspension will not compromise your son or daughter’s study abroad experience, as Italy provides several historic and culturally significant sites around Rome and in the southern region of the country. I ask that you impart upon your son or daughter the importance of complying with the temporary suspension of independent travel to the northern region of the country. Please know that if students travel to a town or region placed under quarantine while they are there, neither the College nor the U.S. Embassy in Rome or U.S. Consulates can secure their release. Once Italian authorities have declared that it is safe to travel to these areas, the travel suspension will be evaluated.

College officials are monitoring news reports relative to this situation and all advisories issued by the U.S. Embassy in Rome. (I urge you to monitor these resources as well.) When advisories are issued, the contents are shared with appropriate College staff, including my office, as well as Assumption faculty at the Rome Campus. Given that the situation is currently isolated to the northern region of Italy, know that it is not necessary to bring students home at this time.

Please know that Assumption is committed to providing your son or daughter a rewarding and memorable study abroad experience at our campus in Rome. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at presoffice@assumption.edu or by phone, 508.767.7321.

Sincerely,