Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Community Update and Travel Restrictions – March 5

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Pepperdine continues to monitor and respond to the domestic and international spread of COVID-19 with the safety and well-being of the entire Pepperdine community always remaining the University’s highest priority. The University has no known cases of COVID-19 at any of our campuses worldwide. The situation is evolving daily. California and Los Angeles County have declared a state of emergency with confirmed cases increasing and a need to secure preparation funding through these declarations. To help keep the University community informed, the University has launched a new COVID-19 planning and preparedness website, which provides the latest information related to the University’s response, guidance, and resources for the community. 

New Travel Restrictions

Effective immediately, Pepperdine is implementing Interim Travel Restrictions for the University community until further notice due to the outbreak of COVID-19. All other provisions of the University’s International Travel Policy remain in effect. 

  • Pepperdine is prohibiting University-sponsored travel to countries with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice for COVID-19. As of today, these include China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, and Japan. Other countries may be added at any time.
  • Pepperdine is not restricting domestic travel at this time.
  • Employees who have already scheduled or are considering University-sponsored travel should review their trips with their supervisors to assess whether to continue, postpone, or cancel the trip in light of current circumstances. 
  • Pepperdine is temporarily allowing the purchase of travel cancellation insurance while this interim travel policy is in effect.
  • University employees are encouraged to avoid personal travel to countries with a CDC Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice related to COVID-19.
  • The University will restrict community members from coming to University campuses for 14 days after returning to the US from countries with a CDC Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice related to COVID-19. Students who have academic questions should contact their academic dean’s offices. They may contact the Student Care Team if they need other assistance. Although the University will do what it can to be supportive, to reduce health risks to the entire community, these restrictions will be enforced. Students or employees who violate these restrictions may face discipline. 
    • Affected employees should work with their supervisors and affected students should contact the Office of Student Information and Services at onestop@pepperdine.edu or 310.506.7999.
    • Students and employees will assume all responsibility for their personal travel decisions to countries designated with a CDC Level 2 or 3 Travel Health Notice for COVID-19, including any consequence related to an inability to complete their coursework or fulfill their job duties immediately following their return. 

Upcoming University Events

At this time, it is expected all scheduled University events through the end of the academic year will continue as planned. However, community members should be aware that events may be canceled if the Los Angeles County Department of Health or another health agency mandates such action, or if University officials determine event cancellation is the best course of action given the totality of circumstances. Pepperdine community members and their families should consider travel plans for upcoming University events, including commencements, and plan accordingly. The University recommends considering the purchase of refundable ticketing options or travel insurance when appropriate.

University Preparations

The University’s Infectious Disease Task Force and Emergency Operations Committee are fully engaged in preparations and response to the global COVID-19 outbreak, and are in regular contact with outside experts and local health authorities. Internationally, the University has suspended operations on some campuses where warranted by the circumstances, and the London and Buenos Aires campuses remain operational. The University’s pandemic plan is updated, and departments and schools are reviewing and further developing response protocols for any number of possible scenarios for each of our campuses. The University’s cleaning protocols meet CDC and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health standards, and Human Resources policies are being updated to best position the University to respond, if needed.

Supporting Each Other Through COVID-19

Pepperdine is a community of compassion and care. University community members enjoy an inclusive community committed to ensuring no one is ostracized, bullied, or mistreated due to misinformation around this disease. The risk of contracting COVID-19 in the US remains low, and someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people. Continue to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 and practice healthy hygiene habits to help prevent the spread of illness.

Updates will continue to be shared with the Pepperdine community as more information is made available. Frequently asked questions are regularly updated on our COVID-19 website and the latest information can be found on the University’s Emergency Information Page. If you have other questions, please contact the Office of Emergency Services at 310.506.4996 or the Office of the Chief Operations Officer at 310.506.7227. 

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