Dear Marist Italy students and families,

I wanted to reach out to update on the situation here in Florence.

As you likely know, a number of US universities in Florence have recently suspended their spring 2020 programs, and these cases have featured in the international media. What has received less press, however, is that the vast majority of US American university programs in Florence remain open at this time.

We are continuously monitoring the situation through close contact with affiliates, the Italian government, private sector, and international stakeholders. Operating with an abundance of caution, our actions are informed by the WHO, US CDC, and other health institutions. At this time, Italy has a Level 2 “Practice Enhanced Precautions” CDC Advisory for Italy, focusing on “Special Precautions for High-Risk Travelers.” https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/coronavirus-italy

Students have two options at this time:

(1) Remain enrolled in Florence at LdM and continue in-person classes;

(2) Choose to complete the semester from home, using online directed study. This will commence on Monday, March 23. If a student initially chooses option (1) but then decides that they wish to complete the semester from home, they will be able to do so. In this case, students need to indicate by noon (Italy time) on Friday, March 13. Students who choose the online track will not be able to rejoin the in-person option at a later date.

Students must indicate their intention for option (1) or (2) via email from their Marist email account to bradford.miller@marist.edu.

As noted previously, the health, safety, and security of Marist students will always be our top priority. Working with students to help facilitate significant, pivotal, and in many cases transformative experiences explains why study abroad is a signature aspect of the College. We look forward to continuing to work with you toward your goals in international education.

Best regards,

Vanessa Nichol-Peters

Director, Marist Italy

Marist College