AUS Community updates on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

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.

AUS Community Updates

May 24, 2020

Dear Members of the AUS Residential Community,

Eid Mubarak to you, we hope this Eid finds you safe and well. We are fortunate that the precautions you have taken individually and collectively since the closure of AUS have ensured that the campus residential community has remained safe. However, as cases in the UAE continue to rise and restrictions ease across the country, continued vigilance will be important as many of us will limit travel and remain in residence on campus during the coming months.

Please continue to take all the necessary precautions as communicated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and contact the University Health Center (UHC) with any questions or concerns. As part of the Ministry’s contact tracing and testing efforts, a new app has been introduced . All COVID-19-related health matters continue to be dealt with directly by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

If you do feel unwell, please contact the UHC. During the Eid break, the UHC will be available to address any concerns and for emergencies 24 hours a day at 056 635 7651 or extension 4911. The UHC will resume normal hours (8:30 am until 4:30 pm from Sunday–Thursday) on Sunday, May 31.

We hope that you have an enjoyable holiday.

May 21, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

I wish you a wonderful Eid Al Fitr and hope that the coming week provides a respite from work.

While we continue to await Ministry of Education directives addressing when on-campus classes will be permitted, announcements from higher education institutions around the world indicate that plans range from a complete return to campus at the beginning of Fall 2020 to a continuation of online classes through the 2020–2021 academic year. As mentioned in the faculty and staff assemblies, we must prepare for a variety of possibilities for the fall semester.

There will be considerable challenges regardless of when, or under what conditions, we return to campus. The medium- to long-term consequences of what some considered to be a short-term crisis will likely be significant and may require fundamental change. A task force has been established to review readiness for resuming activities on campus when possible and assess the capacity for advancing the mission of the University in spite of changing circumstances and restrictions that will impact nearly every aspect of life for some time to come.

The Spring 2020 Commencement cannot be held as scheduled due to current limitations on public gatherings. After the close of a survey sent to all graduating students, a Spring 2020 Commencement Working Group was formed. The Working Group included members from the AUS Student Council, undergraduate representatives of the graduating class from each school/college, and a graduate student representative. Following a review of the survey results, which indicated that 92.5% of the respondents would prefer a traditional Commencement ceremony in the Fall 2020 semester, the Working Group recommended that AUS hold a traditional Commencement ceremony when conditions allow. The Working Group recommendation was forwarded to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Member of the Supreme Council Member and President of American University of Sharjah. His Highness has responded by expressing his steadfast commitment to continuing to personally congratulate each AUS graduate, and therefore a Commencement ceremony will be held in the future. A video celebrating the Graduating Class of Spring 2020 is being prepared and will be launched on June 6.

In addition to participation in virtual recruitment fairs, virtual open days are underway. Each event has attracted more than 100 prospective students and the participation of faculty and staff has been essential for success. Overall applications and deposit payments remain approximately 6% below last year, with some programs are experiencing an increase in admitted students. During the Spring 2019 semester departments were asked to consider the aspects that differentiated the degree programs from others locally and regionally. Given that the circumstances will likely further limit the pool of potential students that the large number of private universities in the region are currently competing to recruit, a review of peer programs and reassessment of the attributes that differentiate degree programs are essential. Consideration should be given to how programs are positioned relative to peers with respect to new opportunities associated with employing technology to support teaching and learning or relevance to addressing the global problems that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The extraordinary achievements across campus during the Spring 2020 semester have demonstrated new dimensions of differentiation.

Summer 2020 Financial Assistance Grant applications are being reviewed and applications indicate that the families of students are being impacted by an increasing number of redundancies and salary reductions across the region. AUS will continue to make every effort to assist students struggling to secure the funds necessary to complete their education. The generous contributions that faculty and staff have already made to the AUS General Student Support Fund will allow even more to be done.

The Board of Trustees meeting will be conducted remotely and will take place in early June. The Board is currently reviewing budget planning scenarios and I will provide you with an update on the outcome following the meeting.

Thank you for everything that you have done to successfully complete the Spring 2020 semester. I wish all of you an incredibly well-deserved break next week.

May 17, 2020

Update for Graduating Class of Spring 2020

Congratulations on completing degree requirements in spite of the challenging circumstances that were unimaginable when you began your final semester in late January.

As we know, the ceremony planned for June 6 is not possible due to the ongoing prohibition on public gatherings. I regret that AUS cannot proceed with Commencement at this time, especially given the importance of this occasion for you and the fact that the graduation ceremony is very meaningful to your family and friends.

Thank you for completing the Commencement survey that was previously distributed. After the close of the survey, the Spring 2020 Commencement Working Group was formed. The Working Group included members from the AUS Student Council, undergraduate representatives of the graduating class from each school/college, and a graduate student representative. Following a review of the survey results, which indicated that 92.5% of the respondents would prefer a traditional Commencement ceremony in the Fall 2020 semester, the Working Group recommended that AUS hold a traditional Commencement ceremony during the fall.

The Working Group recommendation was forwarded to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Member of the Supreme Council Member and President of American University of Sharjah. His Highness has responded by expressing his steadfast commitment to continuing to personally congratulate each AUS graduate, and the University looks forward to hosting a Commencement ceremony to recognize you and celebrate this significant achievement with your family and friends. The Spring 2020 Commencement Working Group will remain active and AUS will continue to update you on plans for a ceremony. If circumstances prohibit your attendance at the Commencement for the Graduating Class of Spring 2020 intended to take place during the fall, you are more than welcome to participate in a future ceremony.

We would like to prepare a video to celebrate the occasion of your graduation from AUS. If you wish to participate, please follow the submission instructions that have been provided by the Office of the Registrar.

I would like to convey my congratulations to you and your family virtually at 10:00 am on June 6. Further details regarding login access will be sent to you in advance of the date.

Professor Kevin Mitchell
Chancellor

May 11, 2020

Virtual Staff Assembly at 10:00 a.m.

May 6, 2020

Virtual Faculty Assembly at 5:00 p.m.

APRIL 26,2020

Updates from around campus

Please review the two announcements below.

MoHaP and NCEMA Social and Health Guidelines

MoHaP and NCEMA have issued a new set of guidelines for all UAE citizens and residents: https://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/MediaCenter/News/Pages/2384.aspx. MoHaP and NCEMA advise that maintaining public safety and health requires compliance with all of the relevant precautionary procedures stated in the guidelines.

Sharjah Islamic Bank Operations

In line with the UAE Central Bank directives to all banks, SIB had to temporarily reduce the number of its operating branches. Accordingly, SIB had to temporarily close its branch at AUS campus. All ATM machines on campus will remain operational. Please note that SIB Muweilah Branch is open. All employees can visit this branch to conduct banking.

April 12,2020

Updates from around campus

We hope you and your families are safe and well during these challenging times. We now know that the university will continue to be operating remotely for the time being. Please find some updates from around campus.

Wellness and Daycare

Wellness continues to provide online Wellness activities, with at-home workouts posted on its Facebook page. Every Thursday at 5 p.m. there is a live Quiz Night for families. The Day Care Center will be offering online services as appropriate soon and will make these available to all AUS families with children free of cost, regardless of whether they were attending the Day Care Center prior to closure. Please contact HR@aus.edu if you would like to be informed about these activities.

Transportation

Buses are operational and are being disinfected between routes. The current bus schedule can be found here www.aus.edu/life-at-aus/around-campus/parking-and-transportation.

University Health Center and Pharmacy

The University Health Center remains open for appointments. To schedule an appointment, please call +971 6 515 2100 and press option 1 for further instructions. The clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday). If you are calling after hours, please call +971 50 635 7651 or text 4911.

The pharmacy has temporarily relocated to the University Health Center to fill prescriptions and sell over-the-counter medications. Please contact the University Health Center at the number listed above to arrange for prescription renewals.

Outlets

The Sharjah Coop near the women’s dorm remains open. Please note that the Sharjah Coop recommends customers wear face masks and gloves while in the shop. Subway, Burger King and Dunkin Donuts provide delivery services. For details please see www.aus.edu/life-at-aus/housing-and-dining/restaurants-and-cafes.

Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center continues to offer remote counseling sessions via video, phone, and chat and can be reached via ucsappointments@aus.edu.

Mail and Deliveries

All deliveries, including courier deliveries, are going to residential addresses as normal. Postal mail is received in the Campus Service Center (ext. 2033 and 2085). Residents will be informed of the mail arriving and can choose to collect this from the Campus Service Center or leave it there until the normal service of the post office resumes.

The Main Gate is the only gate open at this time, and it will operate normally for 24 hours daily. The Airport Road Gate and CSC Gate remain closed. Personal deliveries to on-campus residences will continue as normal.

The situation in the country continues to evolve. We recommend that all campus residents register with their respective embassy or consulate serving their citizens in the UAE.

All relevant university communication can be found on www.aus.edu/about/aus-response-to-the-coronavirus-disease-covid-19. We ask for your continued support in adhering to guidance provided by UAE authorities to ensure that we all do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19. The source for health-related information in the UAE is the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The most recent federal directives can be found here.

AUS Alerts

From time to time, AUS may use its SMS alert system to send out messages, as it did last night to report the unexpected internet outage. If you have not already done so, you may sign up for these alerts through Banner (banner.aus.edu). After you sign in, select Personal Information, then Update SMS Emergency Mobiles.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Stay well.

April 9, 2020

Reduction of Support Provided by Third-Party Service Providers

We hope that you and your family are doing well.

We know that those of you who live in Dubai are affected by the recent decision to extend the disinfection curfew to 24 hours. For those of you who were deemed essential and who were commuting from Dubai, please coordinate with your supervisor as needed due to these new government restrictions.

Effective April 5, the number of Cleanco staff serving AUS has been significantly reduced. Those Cleanco staff who remain will provide only essential cleaning services after normal business hours and as directed by Facilities in order to maintain physical distancing and follow other practices recommended by the government. AUS has also worked with its third-party service providers and University City municipal employees to reduce the number of all non-AUS employees on campus, such as gardeners. AUS has conducted a series of in-service sessions addressing sanitizing and prevention protocols for third-party service providers and University City municipal employees present on campus.

The physical distancing measures that AUS has implemented, including remote working prior to the directive from the Ministry of Education and significantly limiting the number of employees of third-party entities working on campus, align with the steps taken by public health authorities nationally and within each emirate to control the spread of COVID-19. We ask for your continued support in adhering to guidance provided by UAE authorities to ensure that we all do our part to limit the spread of this virus.

The University Health Center (UHC) will remain open Sunday—Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For out-of-hours or medical emergency, please call 06 515 2100

and press option 1 or 050 635 7651. The pharmacy has been relocated to the UHC and follows UHC opening hours until further notice.

For the latest updates and FAQs, please visit www.aus.edu/updates.

April 2, 2020

Completion of the Spring 2020 Semester Online

I hope that you and your families are doing well as we come to terms with being physically separated while working together.

The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed that the suspension of on-campus classes will continue and therefore we will be completing the Spring 2020 semester online. Although we did not expect the sudden change that has impacted course delivery and campus life, AUS is committed to ensuring that students are provided with the opportunity to earn credits to advance in their degree program or complete final graduation requirements this semester.

The UAE Ministry of Education has also issued a directive requiring all but essential campus operations to be conducted from home until further notice. All university functions will continue remotely and students can contact academic and administrative units using email and telephone.

Given the extraordinary circumstances, there will be temporary changes to some academic policies and deadlines. The Office of the Provost will provide an update once these measures are in place and the information will also be posted on the AUS Response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) webpage: https://www.aus.edu/about/aus-response-to-the-coronavirus-disease-covid-19.

Students who were resident in the AUS dorms for the Spring 2020 semester will be contacted by the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life with further information.

We know that students preparing for graduation are concerned about Commencement. If the physical distancing measures remain in place as we approach the date of the event and the ceremony cannot be held as planned, a committee that includes members of the graduating class will be formed to review and recommend alternatives that will allow AUS to duly recognize and celebrate achievements of graduates.

A final decision regarding the summer term will depend on how the situation develops over the coming month. A course schedule will be available on Banner and you will be able to register for courses during the early registration period. The university will continue to monitor the situation and make an announcement regarding the summer term as soon as possible.

In order to address internships and employment following graduation, the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA) is working closely with the school/colleges to develop a virtual career fair that will take place on April 20. Further information will be provided by OAAA.

All of you have done incredibly well despite the challenging circumstances that we face. The faculty, and the staff who have provided support, have made an extraordinary effort and dedicated themselves to ensuring that classes could continue without interruption. Students deserve praise for playing a significant active role in the learning process, which has been widely recognized by faculty members. There is no doubt that we will all face unforeseen difficulties that arise as we continue to engage with each other virtually. However, by working together we will all become better prepared for the future.

MARCH 28, 2020

Important Update Regarding Measures Related to COVID-19

There have been two UAE Government directives issued today that impact AUS.

The UAE Ministry of Education informed the university that a mandatory work- from-home order effective from March 29 until further notice must be implemented. Therefore, the transition to remote work that was initiated at AUS on March 22 will continue until the Ministry rescinds the order. The mandate allows for a limited number of essential employees. If your presence is required it will be coordinated with HR by the relevant Dean or supervisor.

The UAE Ministry of Education work-from-home directive requires that any office presence be approved. If you live off campus and are required to come into the office to perform an essential function, HR will issue a letter via email to be used if necessary to confirm to the authorities that the reason for leaving your residence is for the purpose of work as required by your employer. Your Dean or supervisor will request the letter from HR.

Although there has been no official statement regarding the continuation of online classes, the mandatory work-from-home order indicates that an announcement is imminent. Academic units had already initiated contingency planning to address aspects associated with the continued suspension of on- campus classes. The Provost and the Council of Deans are focusing on the issues that must be resolved if the Spring 2020 semester is to be completed online.

The media have reported a range of measures applicable to all UAE citizens, residents and visitors. The measures, which are part of a new UAE Cabinet resolution addressing COVID-19, are extensive and violations result in fines:

https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/coronavirus-dh50000-fine-for-violating-precautionary-measures-in-uae-1.1585335521833

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-outbreak/coronavirus-in-uae-new-list-of-fines-for-violating-covid-19-precautionary-measures

At this point, AUS has no information beyond the media reports. If the university is able to obtain a copy of the UAE Cabinet resolution, it will be posted in the Resources section of the AUS Response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) webpage.

The Main Gate will operate normally for residents 24 hours daily in case there is a need to leave campus to purchase necessities. The Airport Road Gate remains closed. Personal deliveries to on-campus residences will continue.

The University Health Center (UHC) will remain open Sunday—Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For out-of-hours or medical emergency, please call 06 515 2100

and press option 1 or 050 635 7651. The pharmacy will be temporarily relocated to the UHC from March 22 and follow UHC opening hours.

MARCH 19, 2020

Message to Faculty and Staff: Campus Operations During Remote Working

AUS will move to a remote working model from March 22 to April 2, 2020.

While access to academic buildings will be restricted during the deep-cleaning activities that will be taking place until April 2, access to housing for campus residents and their guests will not be affected.

The Main Gate will operate normally for residents and their guests 24 hours daily. The Airport Road Gate will be closed from March 20. Personal deliveries to on-campus residencies will continue as normal.

The University Health Center (UHC) will remain open Sunday—Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For out-of-hours or medical emergency, please call 06 515 2100 and press option 1 or 050 635 7651. The pharmacy will be temporarily relocated to the UHC from March 22 and follow UHC opening hours.

Please continue to check our FAQ page for updated opening hours of other services.

To view all AUS community updates, please visit www.aus.edu/updates.

We thank you again for your support at this time, and wish all the best to you and your families.

March 17, 2020

Faculty and Staff update - Out of Country Travel Discouraged

In order to follow travel-related measures recently announced by the UAE government, the University is offering the following advisory to the AUS community:

Strongly Encouraged Not To Travel Out Of Country
Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged not to travel out of the country. Individuals who travel for personal reasons despite the warnings must:

Complete the Online Travel Survey ; and,
Self-quarantine for 14 days upon return to the country.

For staff, the self-quarantine will be charged to accrued vacation leave or be unpaid if suitable work remote work is unavailable.

For Those Who May Already Be Out Of Country
Recently, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called upon UAE citizens to return home due to travel difficulties amid the spread of coronavirus and suspensions of flights from some countries. Faculty and staff who are already out of country should consider arranging to return to country for similar reasons.

Please Review Your Health and Travel Insurance Policies
Because within the UAE tests and related treatment for the COVID-19 are provided without cost to citizens and residents at Government hospitals, UAE-based health insurance policies (including the Al Buhaira health plan at AUS) exclude payment for tests and treatment for epidemics as declared by the World Health Organization. Individuals who do not participate in the Al Buhaira health plan should review their policy to determine if there are similar exclusions for epidemics.

Those persons receiving treatment for COVID-19 outside the UAE may be financially liable for their treatment. Faculty and staff who must travel despite warnings are encouraged to explore the availability of travel insurance and confirm that it will cover tests and treatment for COVID-19 medical costs outside the UAE.

If You Feel Unwell
Should you feel unwell with fever, cough, have difficulty breathing, or believe you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, call the University Health Clinic at +971 6 515 2100

and press option 1 for further instructions. The clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday). In case you are calling after hours, please call +971 50 635 7651 or text 4911 .

The university encourages you to remain abreast of any public updates from the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

For the latest university updates, including preventative measures, please continue to visit https://www.aus.edu/updates.

March 17, 2020

Faculty and Staff Working Remotely - from 22 March till 2 April

In order to comply with the Ministry of Education directive regarding deep cleaning of facilities, AUS will move to a remote working model from March 22–April 2, 2020 for all employees.

Special access will be granted to essential personnel only in coordination with the COO.

For staff:
As previously communicated, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 is already a work from home day. This will take place as previously communicated in order to address any issues prior to the two-week remote work period.

For faculty:
Please conduct the last week of classes prior to the spring break remotely. If you need to move your desktop to your residence or have other IT needs, please note that ICT will begin coordinating with Dean’s Offices tomorrow.

The move to remote working will be an additional challenge, we very much appreciate your patience and understanding in these extraordinary times. Please refer to itfaq.aus.edu/faq/how-to-work-remotely for guidance.for guidance.

March 15, 2020

Remote Workday for Staff

As part of business continuity planning efforts, the university will evaluate readiness to operate remotely on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 by requiring that all staff and administrators work from home (except for lab instructors and members of other departments that may be essential for continuation of course delivery). The unit head will inform you if presence is required. Please consult with your unit head if there are any questions.

As every function at AUS is unique, each unit head will lead the effort for their area. In anticipation of the test, all administrative units should:

Ensure all staff are trained in tools that support working remotely (VPN, Google Meet, Google Drive, etc.). IT will provide further training sessions if necessary;
Determine how devices currently available can be used for essential functions. For critical staff some laptops will be made available, but there will not be sufficient to provide all staff. Staff may work from their phone or their own device, if possible. Should there in the future be a prolonged period where staff would work from home, office desktops may be moved home if necessary to maintain operational continuity;
Ensure office phones are transferred to mobile phones to guarantee service continuity on the day of the test. If the transfer of phone extensions is not possible, please ensure that the office phone message is changed to indicate remote work conditions and provide an email address to be reached; and,
Execute activities that will allow units to identify any issues that could impact business continuity and service delivery in the event of short- or long-term closure of the university.

On Thursday, March 19, please evaluate performance and let your unit head know of any issues. Unit heads will provide an evaluation to the relevant Chief Officer by 5:00 pm on Thursday.

itfaq.aus.edu/faq/how-to-work-remotely provides information related to telephone forwarding, VPN connections, collaboration solutions, and other tools. For special requests, each unit head must coordinate the needs for their unit with IT (or designate someone else to do so). Requests to IT must be made by the unit head or their designee.

The Government of Sharjah has issued a directive related to remote working provisions for individuals that may be especially vulnerable to COVID-19. Human Resources will provide further information and work with those impacted by the directive.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

Important message to Resident Students - travel outside of the UAE

As you know, in response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Health and Prevention recently announced travel-related measures that must be taken prior to the planned resumption of on-campus classes on April 5, 2020.

As a precautionary measure to protect the health of the AUS community, we therefore strongly recommend that AUS resident students refrain from travelling outside of the UAE prior to on-campus classes resuming on April 5, as this may impact your return to country.

If you must travel, please note that you cannot return to your room on campus until 14 days after your arrival in the UAE. If on-campus classes resume during this 14-day period, your coursework, class meetings as per the Spring 2020 course schedule, and submission requirements will continue to be conducted remotely, as per the instructions provided by your instructors. Following the 14-day period, you may return to campus.

For residing students, the Student Center will remain open. During this period, opening hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily. After 6pm, the retail outlets located in the Student Center will be available for delivery to the campus community. Please see the link below for the opening hours aus.edu/life-at-aus/housing-and-dining/restaurants-and-cafes.

For the latest university updates, including preventative measures, please continue to visit https://www.aus.edu/updates.

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020

Message to the AUS Student Community - information regarding travel-related measures

In response to COVID-19, as you know on-campus classes have suspended and coursework is being conducted online from March 8, 2020 through March 26, 2020.

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced travel-related measures be taken prior to the planned resumption of on-campus classes on April 5, 2020.

If you must travel for personal reasons and are advised to self-quarantine
If you must travel and are screened upon return at a point of entry and advised that self-quarantine is necessary, please follow the steps below:

Follow the instructions provided by the authorities.
Inform the University Health Center at clinic@aus.edu that you have been asked to self-quarantine. Please include in the email a scanned copy of any material provided to you by government authorities.
Please email your associate dean that you have been requested to self-quarantine:
- Associate Dean, SBA - Mohsen Saad - msaad@aus.edu
- Associate Dean, CAAD - Zinka Bejtic - zbejtic@aus.edu
- Associate Dean, CAS - Ahmad Al-Issa - aissa@aus.edu
- Associate Dean, CEN - Assim Sagahyroon - asagahyroon@aus.edu

If you or a member of your household traveled to or transited through one of the locations with a Centers for Disease Control Level 3 Travel Warning for COVID-19, please complete the online travel survey. Your survey responses will be reviewed, and you may be contacted with further instructions.

If you feel unwell
Should you feel unwell with fever, cough, have difficulty breathing, or believe you may have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus, you should call the University Health Clinic at +971 6 515 2100 and press option 1 for further instructions. The clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday). In case you are calling after hours, please call +971 50 635 7651 or text 4911.

The university encourages you to remain abreast of any public updates from the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

For the latest university updates, including preventative measures, please visit https://www.aus.edu/updates

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020

Message to the AUS Faculty and Staff Community: Information regarding travel-related measures

The UAE Ministry of Education has issued a number of directives to address COVID-19. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced travel-related measures be taken prior to the planned resumption of on-campus classes on April 5, 2020.

Please be advised that, effective immediately, all university-related travel is suspended until further notice and personal travel is not recommended at this time.

Follow the instructions provided by the authorities.
Inform the University Health Center at clinic@aus.edu that you have been asked to self-quarantine. Please include in the email a scanned copy of any material provided to you by government authorities.
Please email your dean (faculty) or supervisor (staff) that you have been requested to self-quarantine.

The university encourages you to remain abreast of any public updates from the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

For the latest university updates, including preventative measures, please visit https://www.aus.edu/updates.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020

Travel Advisory

In considering travel, please be aware that the Ministry of Health and Prevention has issued a statement that those who travel may face preventative measures upon their return to the UAE at the discretion of the authorities. Measures may include undergoing medical checks at the airport and home quarantine if you present symptoms.

The university encourages you to remain abreast of any public updates from the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

For the latest university updates, including preventative measures, please visit https://www.aus.edu/updates.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020

Information Related to Suspension of On-Campus Classes March 8-April 5, 2020

Although there have been media reports of a two-week spring break beginning on Sunday, March 8, AUS will maintain the schedule that was previously announced:

March 8 – March 26: Online delivery of courses
March 29 – April 2: Spring Break
April 5: Classes resume

Although on-campus classes are suspended, you will proceed with coursework and continue to follow classes as per information provided to you by your instructors.

Please follow the instructions provided by your instructors regarding coursework, class meetings as per the Spring 2020 course schedule, and submission requirements during the period that classes are conducted remotely.

For the latest updates and FAQs, please continue to visit https://www.aus.edu/updates.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

Information Related to Suspension of On-Campus Classes March 8-April 5, 2020

Students have been informed that the UAE Ministry of Education has announced a suspension of on-campus classes beginning Sunday, March 8, 2020 and continuing until on-campus classes resume on April 5, 2020. The Spring Break previously announced will remain in effect (March 29-April 2, 2020).

During the period of suspension of classes, coursework will continue as per the schedule published in syllabi and online class meetings are to be held as per the Spring 2020 academic calendar. There may be some cases such as experimental labs and other specialized instruction that cannot take place remotely. The plan for addressing this work must be developed in consultation with the Department Head and approved by the Dean.

The University will remain open and regular working hours will be maintained during the period of suspension of courses unless there is a Ministry of Health or Ministry of Education directive regarding closure.

At present there is no University prohibition on business-related travel and individuals must, as always, assess the personal risk associated with travel. Leave policies remain in effect and approval for business-related travel must be obtained. AUS will continue to follow guidance from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education regarding employee travel and a communication will be sent if there is further information from the Ministries.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

Suspension of on-campus classes from March 8 to April 5, 2020

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced a suspension of on-campus classes beginning Sunday, March 8, 2020 and continuing until on-campus classes resume on April 5, 2020.

The Spring Break previously announced will remain in effect (March 29-April 2, 2020).

Although on-campus classes are suspended, you will proceed with coursework and continue to follow classes as per information provided to you by your instructors.

Saturday, February 29, 2020

University health update (COVID-19)

To keep the AUS community up-to-date with on-campus developments regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we have created a new webpage: https://www.aus.edu/updates.

This page will contain any updates from the university in relation to COVID-19, and also archive any previous announcements that are relevant. Please note that any future announcements will also be distributed via university email.

Precautions
This is an opportunity to remind the whole community that it is the responsibility of all to minimize the spread of communicable disease of any kind. We therefore urge you to adhere to the following advice of health authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

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, you should 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.

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Important message to the AUS Community: UAE MOE-mandated cancellation of events/activities

As part of precautionary measures related to protecting public health, the UAE Ministry of Education is requiring that the following activities and events be cancelled with immediate effect and not be rescheduled until further notice from the Ministry:

Student trips within and outside of the UAE.
On-campus competitions, festivals, conferences, seminars, and other events and activities requiring gatherings.
Activities or functions between universities and other external partners/parties.

The current directive issued by the Ministry of Education does not impact the academic calendar and classes will proceed as scheduled. If there are any questions regarding a specific activity or event, please contact the organizers.

The university remains in close contact with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, and will communicate any new information as it becomes available.

Please consult the previous e-mails from the AUS University Health Center regarding preventative measures and visit the Center if you have any concerns or require further information related to personal health.

We understand that cancellations of activities and events can result in significant challenges and disappointment. We appreciate your patience and understanding as the university takes precautions to address health concerns and the necessary steps to maintain compliance with Ministry directives.

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Closure of the Daycare Center, Epicenter and cancellation of organized wellness activities

In order to comply with the UAE Ministry of Education directive requiring that nurseries be closed and campus group activities be suspended until further notice, please note that, effective as of tomorrow (March 1, 2020), the Daycare, Epicenter and community pool will be closed until we receive permission to resume from the Ministry.

Wellness classes/organized recreational activities will also be cancelled.

The community gym will remain open for individual use.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Information about influenza and the coronavirus

As you know from earlier communications, AUS is committed to ensuring the well-being of its community during the influenza (flu) season. This year, with developments regarding the coronavirus, we are particularly mindful of taking flu-like symptoms seriously and doing what we can to prevent the spread of any communicable disease.

AUS is in regular contact with the UAE Ministry of Health and is following the most recent guidelines issued by the Ministry in relation to flu and the coronavirus.

In keeping with these guidelines, we urge all of our community to adhere to the following advice:

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).
Visit the AUS University Health Clinic (or other registered medical practice) if you are feeling unwell.

If you have any concerns or require any further information, please email the AUS University Health Clinic at clinic@aus.edu or call +9716 515 2100 and select Option 1.

Please note, the University Health Clinic is following the advice and protocols provided by the relevant authorities and will act accordingly should anyone present to the Clinic with relevant symptoms.

We will continue to update the AUS community in light of any new information.

We encourage everyone to practice the above-mentioned advice.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Timely information about influenza and the coronavirus

Influenza (flu) season generally occurs this time of year and extends until late February or March. This year there have also been reports in the news about a new virus, coronavirus, which originated in China but now has confirmed cases reported around the world. As of this communication, there is one report of a case of coronavirus in the UAE.

Virus Symptoms

Similar to the flu, the coronavirus is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes in close proximity to others. Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.

Individuals who have confirmed coronavirus have symptoms to include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Contact the University Health Center if you believe you may have been exposed to the coronavirus.

If you were in China or another country with reported cases, or believe you may have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus, in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, you should:

Contact the University Health Center call +9716 515 2100 and select Option 1. Before you go to the University Health Center, call ahead to report your recent travel and your symptoms so preparations can be made for your appointment without exposing you to others.
Avoid contact with others. You should not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not go to work, classes, or be in public areas, and do not use public transportation or taxis.
Avoid sharing household items, you should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items with other people in your home. After using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

AUS Academic Updates

March 30, 2020

Communication to Undergraduate Students

Following the recent announcement of the continuation of online classes in accordance with the directives of the UAE Ministry of Education, the university has made a number of decisions in order to address the transition to online course delivery for the remainder of the semester. These decisions pertain to academic policies and deadlines that will be in effect for the Spring 2020 semester.

The following points relate to course syllabi, assessments, examinations, grades, withdrawal deadlines and academic standing. They are provided to help you plan for a successful continuation of the semester.

Course Syllabi:

If any revisions to the course syllabus are required as a result of the transition to online classes, the revised syllabus will be sent to you by your instructor. Changes to the course syllabus may include:
- Assessment schedule between now and the end of semester
- Weights of assessments
- Types of assessments

Online Exams:

Some courses may require online exams proctored by Respondus Monitor. Respondus Monitor is an online tool that is integrated with iLearn.
Instructions for students on how to take online exams with this tool are provided at the following link: https://itfaq.aus.edu/faq/444
Online final examinations will be administered as per the Spring 2020 Final Exam Schedule published by the Office of the Registrar.

Changes to the Grading System for the Spring 2020 semester:

All courses will, by default, be graded with the standard AUS letter grading system.
Students may opt to have any course grade converted to Pass/No Pass (P/NP) up until June 15, 2020.
The P/NP grade does not affect your semester or cumulative GPA.
Students should discuss the decision to opt for a P/NP grade with their academic advisor prior to making a final decision.
Any P/NP grade will come with a notation on the transcript explaining that the change in grading system is a result of disruptions caused by the Covid-19 virus.
A form will be sent to you from the Office of the Registrar and will be available here: https://www.aus.edu/academics/registrars-services/forms. To opt for a P/NP grade in one or more of your courses the form must be filled and returned to the Office of the Registrar no later than June 15, 2020.

Course Withdrawal Deadline:

The deadline to withdraw from courses without a grade penalty is April 30, 2020.

Academic Standing:

Students currently on good academic standing will not be placed on academic probation for Fall 2020 if their cumulative GPA drops below 2.00 at the end of the Spring 2020 semester. Academic support services will be provided to those whose a cumulative GPA below 2.00 at the end of Spring 2020 and students are advised to take advantage of the opportunity for individualized probation advising by the Academic Support Center during the Fall 2020 semester.
Students currently on probation will be contacted soon by the Academic Support Center with updated procedures related to probation status at the end of the Spring 2020 semester.

Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List:

Students who maintain at least 15 credits in letter-graded courses (not Pass/No Pass) will continue to be eligible for the Dean’s List or Chancellor’s List should they meet all other requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog.

School-/College-specific issues related to GPA

Information on school-/college-specific issues such as the CAAD Foundation Year and CEN Admission to Second Year will be provided to you by your Associate Dean.

I take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts and support in adapting to the online delivery of classes and I wish you the best for the remainder of the semester.

AUS Graduating Class of Spring 2020 Updates

May 17, 2020

Update for Graduating Class of Spring 2020

Congratulations on completing degree requirements in spite of the challenging circumstances that were unimaginable when you began your final semester in late January.

I would like to convey my congratulations to you and your family virtually at 10:00 am on June 6. Further details regarding login access will be sent to you in advance of the date.

Professor Kevin Mitchell
Chancellor

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.

AUS Community FAQs

+Will the university remain open?

Face-to-face classes have been suspended on campus since March 8, 2020; however, classes are being conducted using remote learning technology. No student-related activities or face-to-face classes will occur on campus during this time.

AUS has been working remotely during normal business hours since March 22. During this closure academic buildings and offices are being deep cleaned.

+Will the Library remain open?

The Library building is closed until further notice. Please keep your books, as items are auto renewed. Do not use the book return boxes. For further information, refer to the library website library.aus.edu

+Will AUS facilities remain open?

In order to comply with the directives of the UAE Ministry of Education, AUS academic buildings, including the Achievement Academy facilities, Sports Complex and Student Center, are closed. The Post Office is also closed.

All food outlets will be closed during this time except for delivery to the campus community.

The University Health Center will remain open Sunday—Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For out-of-hours or medical emergency, please call 06 515 2100 option 1 or 050 635 7651.

The pharmacy has been temporarily relocated to the University Health Center. The opening hours are Sunday—Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Sharjah Co-op at the women's residential halls is open. Sharjah Co-op offers an online service for delivery across Sharjah, which is available at www.shjcoop.ae.

For further information on any revised operating hours and delivery details, please click here.

+How will I continue with my courses?

Faculty members responsible for the courses will provide you with information regarding how classes will be conducted using remote learning technology.

+Will campus vendors remain operational?

During the period of remote work, some outlets and services will be closed. All revised operating hours are published here.

+Will the university still provide transportation?

Yes. For local buses, the bus schedule will follow the non-regular class day schedule as posted here.

Since the Dubai Metro is not running at present, buses to the metro have been suspended until service resumes.

+Where do I find training in regards to the online tools that may be used for my courses?

A website describing the tools your instructors may be using can be found here: itfaq.aus.edu/faq/tools-collaboration.

+How do I get technical support while working remotely?

For links, guides and FAQs for supporting online learning tools, including VPN access, please visit IT FAQ at itfaq.aus.edu.

AUS Academics FAQs

Grading

+Will the weight of assessments completed prior to the start of online classes be changed?

No, the weight of assessments (for example, quizzes, homework and tests) that have been completed prior to the start of online classes will remain the same.

+Will the type, weight and schedule of assessments administrated after the transition to online delivery be changed from what was originally specified in the syllabus?

Yes, some instructors may revise the syllabus to accommodate the transition to online course delivery. Students will be notified of any revisions to the syllabus.

+What is the maximum assessment weight that can be attributed to the final examination?

No more that 40% of the total grade can be allocated to any final examination.

+Can a mid-term examination have a weight higher than the final examination?

No, the weight on the final examination must be more than or equal to any mid-term examination.

+What is the deadline for submitting a request for changing a grade to Pass/No Pass?

For Spring 2020 grades, requests to change a grade must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than June 15, 2020. For Summer 2020 grades, the deadline is August 13, 2020.

Forms to make this change are available at www.aus.edu/academics/registrars-services/forms. Completed forms are to be submitted via email to registration@aus.edu.

+Can I choose to change some of my courses to become graded as Pass/No Pass and other courses to use a normal letter grade?

Yes, you may choose to convert one or more courses to the Pass/No Pass system by the appropriate deadline (June 15 for Spring 2020 grades, August 13 for Summer 2020 grades).

+Why would I choose to change a letter grade to Pass/No Pass?

If you receive a low grade in one or more of your courses, you may consider using a Pass/No Pass grading system to ensure that your semester and cumulative GPA are not affected. You are advised to discuss the Pass/No Pass option with your advisor.

+What should I consider when making the decision to opt for a Pass/No Pass grade for some of my courses?

If you are intending to apply to graduate school in the future you are advised to contact the admissions office at the schools you are thinking of applying to or have applied to in order to find out if changing to P/NP would have any bearing on your application. Other considerations may include placement on the Dean’s List, or other issues specific to your situation. Sponsored students must also consult with their sponsor to determine how the Pass/No Pass may impact them. You are strongly encouraged to talk to your advisor before making your decision on whether to opt for Pass/No Pass in certain courses.

+Can I still be placed on the Dean’s List or Chancellor’s List in Spring 2020?

Students who meet the criteria can still be placed on the Dean’s List or Chancellor’s List for the Spring 2020 semester. The criteria are outlined on page 33 of the Undergraduate Catalog. Note that to be eligible you will need to maintain at least 15 credit hours in courses with the standard AUS letter grading system (not a Pass/No Pass).

+What is the deadline for withdrawing from a course without a grade penalty?

For Spring Semester 2020, a student can withdraw from a course no later than May 7, 2020. For Summer Term 2020 term, the withdrawal deadline is July 20, 2020.

The course withdrawal form is available at aus.edu/academics/registrars-services/forms.

+If I have a question related to scholarships, who should I contact?

For all matters related to AUS scholarships, please contact the Office of Financial Grants and Scholarships scholarship@aus.edu.

Online Exams

+Are online examinations required for all AUS courses?

No, instructors will be using a variety of methods for assessment that are specific to the type of course and the content covered. Online exams will be used if this has been determined to be the most appropriate means of assessment.

+What happens if there is an internet connection problem during my online exam this semester?

Online exams delivered through iLearn will not terminate if there is an issue that results in temporary disconnection. In most cases the system will automatically reconnect and you will be able to carry on with the exam. In case the disconnection problem is very severe, and you cannot continue the exam, you should contact the instructor of the course at the earliest possible opportunity to explain the situation. These situations will be assessed on a case by case basis.

+Will the duration of the online exam period be extended to make up for the time lost due to IT problems?

Instructors are considering the time needed to complete an online assessment when developing the exam. If you encounter a problem during an exam, notify your instructor as soon as possible.

+Will backtracking be allowed in online exams this semester?

Yes, backtracking will be allowed in most online exams this semester. Backtracking will be disabled only in courses where there is no other viable option for maintaining integrity.

+Will my online exam be proctored through Respondus Monitor?

The unanticipated transition to online courses requires the adoption of a range of approaches and tools, including Respondus Monitor for proctoring in some courses. Respondus Monitor was adopted because it can be integrated with Blackboard and is used by leading universities worldwide to ensure the academic integrity of online exams. Your instructors will inform you if Respondus Monitor will be used to proctor their courses.

+What happens if my exam requires Respondus Monitor and I do not have a webcam?

Contact the instructor of the course to explain the situation and alternative arrangements will be made. Students may request an incomplete (I) grade for a course if there are extenuating circumstances. Information on incomplete (I) grades can be found on page 31 of the AUS Undergraduate Catalog.

+How does Respondus Monitor work?

You will be asked before the start of the exam for your consent to be proctored online. You can position the laptop or webcam so only you are in view of the camera. The proctoring software is automated which means that no human is watching you while you take the exam. Proctoring reports are sent to the instructor after the exam and are confidential.

If you have specific concerns, please contact your instructor. Students may request an incomplete (I) grade for a course if there are extenuating circumstances. Information on incomplete (I) grades can be found on page 31 of the Undergraduate Catalog.

+Will Respondus Monitor indicate cheating for various reasons outside a student’s control, for example, a family member entering the room, external noise picked up by the microphone, or a user tilting their head away from the screen?

No. Proctoring reports will be sent to your instructor after the exam. The instructor will review the reports with the understanding that students may be taking their exams in less than ideal conditions. The scenarios listed above – or similar scenarios – will not be considered cheating.

+What happens if my webcam stops working during a proctored exam?

If internet connectivity is reduced during the examination the system will correct itself to allow for the webcam to keep working as long as the webcam is not turned off. If you encounter technical issues with your webcam during the exam, please contact your instructor as soon as possible.

Parents and Family Updates

For Messages to AUS Parents and Family click here.

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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