Students whose short-term abroad programs this semester were canceled out of concern for COVID-19 will be reimbursed for their expenses.

Donna Scarboro, the associate provost of international programs, said in an email sent to affected students that the University will credit all of the prepaid program fees and reimburse students for “demonstrated out-of-pocket, unrecoverable program-specific expenses related to airfare and lodging.” The update comes after administrators suspended all non-essential GW-affiliated travel abroad Thursday amid concerns over the virus.

“Because of the unusual nature of this global health situation, the university is making a special policy exception and will compensate students participating in these short-term abroad programs who have directly incurred program-specific expenses,” she said in the email. “Given the unique nature of these individualized programs, the compensation process will vary by program and student.”

She said officials have selected a representative in each of the schools and units affected by the closure of the programs to serve as a “point of contact” for students to work through issues related to the reimbursements. Students should expect “initial outreach” from a staff member by Tuesday regarding the process, Scarboro said.

The moratorium on GW-related travel will extend until July 1, officials announced in an email last week.

Scarboro said students enrolled in short-term abroad programs related to spring academic coursework during the semester will have the opportunity to complete the “academic portion of the program.” She urged students to get in touch with their academic adviser if they have any questions.

“We understand that this initial outreach will not answer all of your questions,” she said. “All of us here at GW pledge to continue working with you as the semester continues. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work together through this rapidly evolving situation.”