By Marlene Seeklander
Foreign institutions now have updated guidance on national emergencies.
In a recent update to a prior Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education has expanded the types of emergencies and appropriate foreign authorities. The guidance now reflects the provisions under the CARES Act.
Types of emergencies that may qualify for a waiver include:
- a qualifying emergency related to the coronavirus as defined in Section 3502 of the CARES Act
- a public health emergency
- a major disaster or emergency
- a national emergency declared by the applicable government authorities in the country in which that institution is located
A foreign institution may need to cease on-campus coursework during a national emergency. The Department can consider applications from foreign institutions for a waiver of the prohibition of offering distance education to Direct Loan recipients.
Those institutions seeking a waiver can contact their School Participation Division and provide the information outlined in the Electronic Announcement.
To assist these schools and their students, a series of Q&As are included in the announcement. A section of Q&As directed to domestic institutions with foreign locations or study abroad programs are also included.
