AUS RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)

AUS continues to monitor developments related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) very closely. This page contains the University’s latest guidance for students, faculty and staff, which are in line with the directives of the UAE Ministry of Health, as well as resources for reference.

Fall 2021 Updates

AUGUST 1, 2021

Message to New AUS Undergraduate Students | Plans for the Fall 2021 Semester

AUS will be offering all undergraduate and graduate courses during the Fall 2021 semester in either a hybrid or a fully face-to-face format. Hybrid courses will consist of both face-to-face and online components. The face-to-face components of hybrid courses will be compulsory unless the student is granted an exception as explained below.

Full details regarding the format each course is to be delivered in will soon be provided. We encourage our new students to begin to make necessary travel and accommodation plans so that they are ready to attend campus on August 29. If travel restrictions or documented health reasons recognized by the UAE authorities prohibit being on campus on August 29, students can apply to take the Fall semester online. In this instance, students need to send the Fall 2021 online request form to their college/school as soon as possible. Contact details for each college/school can be found below.

Major	Contact email address
College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD)	[email protected]
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)	[email protected]
College of Engineering (CEN)	[email protected]
School of Business Administration (SBA)	[email protected]
Undeclared major	[email protected]
Achievement Academy Bridge Program (AABP)	[email protected]

As per the regulations provided by the UAE Ministry of Education, to enter the AUS campus, any individual over the age of 16 years will be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Those students who have obtained a certificate of exemption from vaccination will follow procedures established by the relevant health authority. In addition, prior to entering campus for the first time, all AUS students will be required to provide a negative PCR test. Details regarding how students are to provide their vaccination status and negative PCR test to the university will follow in a separate communication.

Registration with the AlHosn app is mandatory for all AUS students. Students will be required to wear masks at all times while on campus. One-meter social distancing rules will apply at all locations on campus.

Student housing on campus will be available for the Fall 2021 semester. You can register your interest in on campus housing at www.aus.edu/osa/residentialhalls/apply. Space may be limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you intend to reside on campus this semester. On campus residency will only be available to students fully vaccinated against Covid-19, as per Ministry of Education health protocols.

As has been communicated in earlier emails, pre-orientation for new students will begin on August 8 and official orientation, including course registration, will take place from August 20 to 28, 2021. Further details relating to orientation will soon follow.

Office of Enrollment Management
American University of Sharjah

AUGUST 1, 2021

Message to New AUS Graduate Students | Plans for the Fall 2021 Semester

We are writing to you to inform you of the delivery mode of classes for the Fall 2021 semester. The university is planning to open the campus when the semester commences on August 29, 2021. In order to protect the health of all AUS community members, students are required to undertake precautions before entering and while on campus. The details of these precautions, and what campus access will look like, is outlined below.

Major	Graduate Program(s)	Contact email address
College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD)	Urban Planning	[email protected]
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)	Mathematics; Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages; PhD in Materials Science and Engineering	[email protected]
College of Engineering (CEN)	Biomedical; Chemical; Computer; Civil; Construction Management; Electrical; Engineering Systems Management (MS and PhD); Mechanical; and Mechatronics Engineering	[email protected]
School of Business Administration (SBA)	Accounting; Finance; Master of Business Administration; PhD in Business Administration	[email protected]

Office of Enrollment Management
American University of Sharjah

July 27, 2021

Message from the Provost | Update on the Fall 2021 Semester

We are writing to you to announce plans for the return to campus for the Fall 2021 semester. The university is planning a return to on-campus learning when the semester commences on August 29, 2021. We look forward to welcoming the community back to campus. However, to protect the health of all AUS community members, students are required to undertake precautions before entering and while on campus. The details of these precautions, and what a return to campus will look like, is outlined below.

In line with health protocols recently issued by the UAE Ministry of Education, AUS will be offering all undergraduate and graduate courses during the Fall 2021 semester in either a hybrid or a fully face-to-face format. Hybrid courses will consist of both face-to-face and online components. The face-to-face components of hybrid courses will be compulsory unless the student is granted an exception as explained below.

Full details regarding the format each course is to be delivered in will soon be provided. We encourage students to begin to make necessary travel and accommodation plans. If travel restrictions or documented health reasons recognized by the UAE authorities prohibit being on campus on August 29, please contact your Department Head no later than August 8, 2021. Students who have not declared a major should contact the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs, Dr. James Griffin. Specific procedures for requesting and, if warranted, granting exemptions to campus attendance will be communicated as soon as possible. If an exception is granted, the Department Head will work with students to resolve any issues related to online instruction.

As per the regulations provided by the Ministry of Education, to enter the AUS campus, any individual over the age of 16 years will be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Those students who have obtained a certificate of exemption from vaccination will follow procedures established by the relevant health authority. In addition, prior to the first week of class, all AUS students entering the campus will be required to provide a negative PCR test. Details regarding how students are to provide their vaccination status and negative PCR test to the university will soon follow.

Student housing on campus will be available for the Fall 2021 semester. You can register your interest in on campus housing at www.aus.edu/osa/residentialhalls/apply. Space may be limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you intend to reside on campus this semester. On campus residency will only be available to students fully vaccinated against Covid-19, as per Ministry of Education health protocols.

Orientation for new students, including course registration, will take place from August 20 to 28, 2021. Further details regarding orientation will be sent soon to new students. The first day of classes will be on August 29, 2021.

Thank you for your understanding and willingness to adapt as AUS begins a safe return to campus. We look forward to seeing you on campus.

Office of the Provost
American University of Sharjah

Fall 2021 FAQs

Delivery of classes

+What format will classes be held in during the Fall 2021 semester?

All classes will be held in either a fully face-to-face format or in a hybrid format that includes a face-to-face component.

+What is a hybrid class?

If you have a class in a hybrid format then you will attend class on campus for one week and take the class online for the following week. This will then continue to alternate throughout the semester.

+Can I choose to take my classes in either a face-to-face or hybrid format?

No. The delivery format is determined by the class.

+How do I know which of my classes are face-to-face and which are hybrid?

Before the semester starts, you will be informed by either your department or your academic advisor on which format your individual classes are in.

+Does campus attendance start from the first day of classes?

This depends on the class. Most fully face-to-face classes will start on campus on August 29 (or August 30 for the Monday-Wednesday schedule). However, some face-to-face classes will begin online for the first two weeks and switch to full face-to-face mode at the start of week 2 or week 3. Your department or academic advisor will let you know if this is the case.

Hybrid classes will begin online and will start the hybrid mode either at the beginning of week 2 or week 3 of the semester. You will be informed about the specific start date of the hybrid mode by your department or academic advisor.

+If I have a face-to-face class session and a hybrid class session that is delivered online on the same day, will there be a place for me to attend the online session while I am on campus?

Yes, there will be several designated study spaces set up on campus where you will be able to sit quietly and attend online class sessions, workshops, or office hours. Your Department Head will inform you of the availability of such spaces in the academic buildings. Other study spaces on campus currently include: AUS Library, Main Building Dining Hall, AUS Writing Center, CITL meeting room, and the AUS Testing Center. Please note that this list will be updated if any changes are made. When you attend these spaces, you must remember to bring headphones so you can listen to a class without disturbing others.

Vaccinations

+Do I have to be vaccinated to enter campus for the Fall 2021 semester?

Yes, it is a UAE ministry of education requirement that you must have a full vaccination record to enter campus for the Fall 2021 semester. The only exception is if you have a government-approved vaccination exemption certificate from your local health authority. If this is the case then please contact the University Health Center ([email protected]) and they will advise you on what to do.

+What if I am not vaccinated, can I still attend classes on campus?

If you are not vaccinated, you will not be able to attend classes on campus. You should start your vaccination as soon as possible in order to get a complete record before the start of classes.

+If it is not possible for me to complete my vaccination record in time for the start of the semester, what should I do?

You should complete the Fall 2021 online request form (available at www.aus.edu/registration/forms) explaining that you are requesting to start the semester online until you have obtained a complete vaccination record. As soon as you have a complete vaccination record, you should then complete the semester on campus.

NOTE:

For continuing students, the form should be sent to your head of department.
New students should send the form as per the following table:

Major (NEW UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY)	Contact email address
College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD)	[email protected]
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)	[email protected]
College of Engineering (CEN)	[email protected]
School of Business Administration (SBA)	[email protected]
Undeclared major	[email protected]
Achievement Academy Bridge Program (AABP)	[email protected]

Major (NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY)	Contact email address
College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD)	[email protected]
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)	[email protected]
College of Engineering (CEN)	[email protected]
School of Business Administration (SBA)	[email protected]

+I have been vaccinated in another country and I am not sure whether my documentation will be recognized by AUS. Who should I contact?

Please contact the University Health Center ([email protected]). They will advise you on what documentation you need to submit for the vaccination record.

+How do I submit my vaccination record to the university?

You can upload proof of vaccination at the following link: https://pulse.aus.edu/form/covid-19-

Please note that you will need to use the AUS VPN to access this link. For instructions on how to use the AUS VPN, please click the following link: https://itfaq.aus.edu/faq/student-tools-collaboration

You may also contact [email protected] if you are experiencing problems with accessing the form.

PCR test

+In addition to providing a vaccination record, do I also need to take a PCR test?

Yes, all students will need to take a PCR test prior to entering campus for the first time this semester. The test must be taken less than 72 hours before you enter campus.

+How many PCR tests will I need to take during the semester?

You will only need to take one PCR test.

+How do I submit my negative PCR test result?

You submit your PCR test result at the same link as you submit your vaccination record. Please see earlier question related to submitting a vaccination record.

+If I have any questions related to vaccinations and PCR tests who should I contact?

Please contact the University Health Center ([email protected])

+When I upload my vaccination record and PCR test result it asks me for an Emirates ID number. However, I am an international student and I do not yet have an Emirates ID number. What should I do?

Please contact the University Health Center ([email protected]) and they will assist you with this.

Exemptions

+If I cannot attend campus this Fall because of health reasons, can I take the semester online?

It is possible to request to take the semester online because of health reasons that require isolation. You can do so by completing the Fall 2021 online request form (available at www.aus.edu/registration/forms).

NOTE:

For continuing students, the form should be sent to your head of department.
New students should send the form as per the following table:

Major (NEW STUDENTS ONLY)	Contact email address
College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD)	[email protected]
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)	[email protected]
College of Engineering (CEN)	[email protected]
School of Business Administration (SBA)	[email protected]
Undeclared major	[email protected]
Achievement Academy Bridge Program (AABP)	[email protected]

Major (NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY)	Contact email address
College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD)	[email protected]
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)	[email protected]
College of Engineering (CEN)	[email protected]
School of Business Administration (SBA)	[email protected]

+I am currently residing in a country where travel to the UAE is not permitted. Can I apply to take the semester online?

You can request to start the semester online by completing the Fall 2021 online request form (see previous response for details regarding the form). As soon as travel restrictions are lifted, you should travel to the UAE and complete the remainder of the semester on campus.

+If I am allowed to take the semester online, will I be able to take all of my courses online or will I have to drop some courses?

You will be able to take all of your courses online.

+I reside outside of the UAE and my government is asking me for a letter from the university in order to allow me to travel to the UAE. Where can I get this letter from?

You may contact your school/college to request the letter. If you do not have a school/college, please contact [email protected] to request the letter.

+I reside outside of the UAE and do not yet have a visa to enter the UAE. Who should I contact regarding this matter?

Please contact Visa Services by emailing [email protected].

Campus access and health protocols

+Do I need a QR code to enter campus?

Yes, if you have uploaded your vaccination record and negative PCR test, you will receive a QR code for campus access via your university email address. The same QR code will be valid for the entire Fall 2021 semester. NOTE: More specific information on entering campus for the first time this semester will be shared in a later communication to all students.

+Do I need different QR codes for different buildings?

No, the same QR code will work for all buildings on campus.

+Will there be social distancing on campus?

Yes, social distancing of 1 meter will apply on campus as per UAE ministry requirements.

+Will I need to wear a mask on campus?

Yes, all members of the AUS community will need to wear a mask at all times on campus.

+If I test positive for Covid-19 during the semester, who should I contact?

You should contact the University Health Center as soon as possible ([email protected]) .

+If I test positive for Covid-19 during the semester, will I be able to continue my classes online?

Yes, you will continue to take all of your classes online until you make a full recovery and test negative for Covid-19. At that point you can return to campus.

Student housing

+Will student housing on campus be available this Fall?

Yes, individual private rooms will be available in student housing for the Fall.

+How do I apply for student housing?

You can apply for student housing on campus at https://www.aus.edu/life-at-aus/housing-and-dining/residential-halls/new-and-prospective-students. Space may be limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you intend to reside on campus this semester.

Miscellaneous

+Will AUS be running bus services during the Fall semester?

Yes, the usual AUS bus services will be running. For more specific details regarding AUS busses and University City busses, please contact Ms. Anna Bilbrough at [email protected].

+Will the food outlets be open on campus during the Fall semester?

Yes, some of the food outlets will be open on campus in the Fall.

+How do I purchase my textbooks for my courses?

Course textbooks can be purchased from the AUS eTextbook Shop. The University’s eTextbook Shop is provided by Kortext. Kortext is an ebook platform that enables students to access their books both online and offline, on multiple devices. Kortext provides perpetual access to ebooks once they are downloaded. Access to the AUS eTextbook Shop is through iLearn (the university's learning management system). Specific details on which books to purchase for your individual courses will be provided in the course syllabus.

A student guide to purchasing texts from the AUS eTextbook Shop can be found at: https://itfaq.aus.edu/faq/586

Precautions

Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
When sneezing or coughing, be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Seeking Medical Treatment

Should you feel unwell with fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, or believe you may have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus, visit the University Health Clinic located in the basement of the Language Building. It can easily be accessed by taking the stairs between the Language Building and the College of Architecture, Art and Design. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.

In the case of treatment required after opening hours and on public holidays, please call the 24-hour Medical Hotline at +971 50 635 7651 or text 4911, or call the University Health Clinic at +9716 515 2100 and press option 1.

Resources

COVID-19 Research: To learn how AUS faculty are focusing their research to examine COVID-19 related outcomes, please click here.

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AUGUST 1, 2021

AUGUST 1, 2021

July 27, 2021

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