“It’s actually turned out okay,” Fu said. “I wouldn’t want to be in China at this moment. I don’t think it is safe enough and I’m glad they decided to cancel it and resume it next year.”

The Yenching’s decision is the latest in a series of SARS-related restrictions at the University. Although the University has lifted its ban on travel to Toronto, Singapore, and Vietnam, the moratorium is still in effect for travel to mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

And the SARS policy has implications for those traveling in the other direction as well.

When they arrive at Harvard housing locations, alumni from SARS-affected regions will be required to show airline ticket stubs, passports or visas to demonstrate that they have met the 10-day wait requirement.

Those who do not meet the requirement will not be allowed to reside in University-sponsored housing, but will be issued refunds.

The same criteria will apply to summer school students.

While seemingly strict, Harvard’s policy with regard to commencement visitors is significantly more permissive than some institutions’.

Case Western Reserve University, the University of Rochester, and Washington University in St. Louis have asked people from SARS affected areas not to attend their graduation ceremonies.

—Staff writer Yailett Fernandez can be reached at yfernand@fas.harvard.edu.