Mexico's largest university cancels field study program amid growing violence

The Sciences and Engineering Campus of the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has canceled until further notice its field study programs in the states of Morelos, Veracruz, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Guerrero due to the wave of insecurity and violence currently rocking those states.

In September, the technical committee of the Sciences Campus sent a notice to professors informing them of the cancelation of any “substantial” field study and research programs for certain majors. The official communication prohibits students from carrying out these activities in Morelos, Veracruz, Sinaloa, Michoacán and Guerrero.

Professor Gabriela Muiguía of the school's Sciences Campus warned students, professors and workers that they are in risk and encourages them to carry out their studies within the safety of their school's facilities.

However, faculty members also said that there has been a growing number of cases of armed robberies on the university's facilities in Mexico City, and urges students to avoid certain areas at night even while in their cars.