Drexel Moves to Phase 3: Allowing Limited University-Related Travel

This message was sent to all faculty and staff by the Provost and Vice Provost for Global Engagement on May 28, 2021. 

Dear Colleagues,

With COVID-19 restrictions easing in many areas due to decreasing infection rates and increased vaccination, Drexel is moving into Phase 3 of our COVID-19 Essential Travel Guidance and will begin allowing limited University-related travel. However, it’s important to note that, while easing restrictions may make it easier to travel, the University still faces financial challenges that will require continued limitation of Drexel-funded travel expenditures this fiscal year.

As was previously shared, each academic and administrative unit is being asked to provide temporary savings for fiscal year 2022. For many units, travel expenses are likely to be a significant part of that temporary savings. Faculty and professional staff should talk with their supervisors and division heads about travel expenses for the coming year before confirming any plans.

All Drexel travelers participating in University-related travel are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Travel by non-vaccinated travelers with a University-approved medical or religious exemption may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Travelers will need to complete a pre-travel attestation available at this link. This adjustment to the COVID-19 Essential Travel Guidance permits domestic travel for vaccinated travelers to occur with supervisor approval. International travel for vaccinated travelers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Essential Travel Review Committee. Supervisors should continue to only support essential travel at this time. 

Travel must be approved in order to be eligible for reimbursement, and all travel should be booked through World Travel, Drexel’s travel management company. 

Limited summer Education Abroad programming for students will be permitted, subject to successful completion of the travel review process.

Full details on updates and new guidance documents are available now on the COVID-19 Essential Travel Guidance page of the Procurement Services website.

Sincerely,

Paul E. Jensen 
Executive Vice President 
Nina Henderson Provost 
University Professor

Rogelio Miñana
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Department Head of Global Studies and Modern Languages
Professor of Spanish and Global Studies