Dear Assumption Students and Parents,

College officials in Worcester and Rome continue to closely monitor the coronavirus situation in Italy and across the globe using a number of reputable sources. These sources include the U.S. State Department, the U.S. embassies where our students are studying, and domestic and international media. In addition, we rely upon observations from our faculty on the ground in Rome and the other study abroad program providers through which Assumption students are studying.

According to these sources, Rome remains relatively unaffected by coronavirus at this time. Our goal is to complete the full semester in Rome, however, efforts are underway to develop various contingency plans should such be needed. 

Incidents of coronavirus do continue to rise in the northern region of Italy. Following careful consideration and much discussion with faculty in Rome, we have taken the precautionary step of extending the suspended-travel area for College-sponsored and independent travel to include the Tuscany region. While only two cases of coronavirus are confirmed in this particular region as of today, this decision was made out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our students. We are in communication with AIFS, our third-party provider in Florence, regarding the status of the program in which our students there are studying. At the present time the Florence program is fully operational. We are monitoring this as well should there be any changes that will impact continuation of the Florence program. Students engaged with other study abroad providers should follow the advice of their program administrator for the time being with regard to travel.

Our Rome faculty shared that most students are more concerned with the possibility of having to return home early than the threat of coronavirus. We are pleased students are enjoying their semester thus far at the Rome Campus. Regardless, know that our analysis of this matter and our response is always made with the safety of our students as the priority.

Know that we are in frequent contact with our staff in Rome and other study abroad providers to discuss the coronavirus situation in Italy and other areas where Assumption students are studying abroad. Please know that we will continue to provide updates to students and parents as information warrants.

In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at presoffice@assumption.edu or please feel free to contact the College’s Executive Director of Communications, Michael Guilfoyle, at 508.767.7331 (office), 401.243.7182 (mobile) or by email, mk.guilfoyle@assumption.edu. Michael is available day and night to address any of your concerns.

Sincerely,