Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
I am writing to you to inform you that, in light of global events, effective Tuesday, Nov. 19, Syracuse University will end early this semester’s Hong Kong Study Abroad program.
This was not an easy decision. While we do not believe our students are in imminent danger, safety and security conditions are deteriorating in Hong Kong. Until recently, protests were localized and our students attended class and safely experienced the city by observing common sense precautions. Over the last several months, protests have escalated, with significant disruption to mobility and public transportation.
Protest activities at Hong Kong’s universities have become more intense. Most have cancelled classes and/or suspended academic programs for the remainder of the semester. Given the high degree of uncertainty, we believe that our students’ best interest is served by leaving Hong Kong. We will continue to work with students to ensure that they are able to complete all required academic work.
I am grateful for the tireless work that our Hong Kong center team has done on behalf of our students. They have provided exceptional support under very challenging circumstances. I also appreciate the leadership and staff of Syracuse University Abroad and Campus Safety and Emergency Services, who have been tirelessly working with our leadership team to monitor the situation in Hong Kong closely. They have carefully addressed and assisted with issues all semester, as well as this past week. This support has allowed our students to combine academic travel in the region with coursework and experiential learning in a living classroom.
Syracuse University Abroad is registering students for the Spring 2020 semester at the Hong Kong Center, contingent on an improvement in security conditions. Students planning to study in Hong Kong for the spring semester who have questions should contact Syracuse University Abroad at suabroad@syr.edu or 315.443.3471.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Kent Syverud
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