April 28, 2003
Contact: Dr. Carlos Martin (509-963-3610/fax 509-963-1558/e-mail: martinkike@hotmail.com)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The spread of severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS) has been an issue of international concern in recent
weeks. The Central Washington University office of international
studies and programs (OISP) has been closely monitoring the situation.
Following consultations with the President Jerilyn S.
McIntyre and Provost David Soltz, Dr. Carlos Martin, OISP executive
director, has announced the cancellation of all study abroad programs
in China because of the on-going threat.
“We did not come to this decision lightly,” Martin says,
“but, based on information gathered from sources in China and the U.S.,
we believe this is the best course of action given the circumstances.”
OISP is now in the process of assisting student currently in
China with administrative and academic issues related to the
cancellation of the program.
Enrollment for the four CWU students studying in China, at
Peking University and Anhui University, was terminated last Monday
(April 21) and they were strongly encouraged to return promptly to the
U.S.
