Durham, NC - Following the earthquake in Haiti that has caused widespread disruptions in the country, Duke has placed Haiti on the Restricted Region List for travel.

The decision by the university's International Travel Oversight Committee (ITOC) means that undergraduates can not go to Haiti, or any country on the Restricted Region List, using Duke funds or for Duke credit unless they get the committee's approval for the trip. Faculty and staff members may not be required to travel to Haiti while it is on the list. Graduate students can go to Haiti, but they must sign a waiver.

"While the situation changes on a daily basis in Haiti, this is an acute recovery period," the committee said in a statement.

"We are aware that many students are contemplating travel with the intent to aide in the relief. We do not wish to inhibit good faith intentions of our students to contribute to the support and rehabilitation efforts in the country. For that reason the International Travel Committee will reassess the situation, and the restriction, on a daily basis as we receive word from colleagues on the ground in Haiti."

The decision puts into question the planned DukeEngage program in Haiti, which was scheduled to start June 1. Eric Mlyn, director of DukeEngage, is a ITOC member.

Students in the program work with Family Health Ministries, a non-profit organization that provides health care and other services to sustain healthy families in rural Haiti. A final decision on the program will be made later.