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 2020 Updates

August 25, 2020

Health Declaration and PCR Test Required Prior to Initially Entering Academic and Administrative Buildings and Student Residential Halls

We hope this message finds you and your family well.

As you will be aware from previous communications, there may be some limited instances in which a member of the AUS community may enter the AUS campus during the coming semester, despite the current restrictions in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

The UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) has issued a directive requiring that anyone who is on campus) during the Fall 2020 semester is required to:

Take a PCR test and receive a negative result four days before entering campus academic buildings, administrative buildings or residence halls for the first time. The MOE provides testing centers where you can obtain a PCR test free of charge. You will be asked to show your Emirates ID. The list of centers located in Sharjah is included on attached document. The list includes the Family Health Promotion Center, which is not far from campus, and is open 7 days a week, with no booking required.

Download and install the Al Hosn App. Information on how to do this can be found here: https://www.alhosnapp.ae/en/home/.

Complete AUS’ COVID-19 awareness training. This training is available here: aus.edu/updates#resources.

To confirm that you have complied with all of the above, you are required to complete this online declaration form. You must be connected to the AUS VPN in order to access this form.

We thank you all in advance for your ongoing support and cooperation in keeping the AUS community safe and healthy. Please direct questions to [email protected].

AUS University Health Services

August 20, 2020

Message from the Provost | Online education during Fall 2020

We hope that you are enjoying your summer and are looking forward to the upcoming semester.

As you know from previous communications, our foremost priority is safeguarding the health and well-being of our students, staff and faculty. As a result, the Fall Semester 2020 will be delivered online. In limited cases, some students may be permitted to come to campus to use the laboratories at times specified by their college/school. These students include those undertaking undergraduate capstone work or graduate students completing thesis/project or dissertation work.

There will be strict guidelines governing the circumstances under which a student can come to campus to use any laboratory and the health and safety procedures they must adhere to while on campus. Students who are granted access to campus must undergo COVID-19 testing as mandated by the Ministry of Education. Information on testing protocols will be provided after final information has been provided to the university.

This FAQ document answers many of the questions you may have about your academic experience in Fall Semester 2020: aus.edu/updates#afaq.

Please note that an FAQ document outlining key IT-related information can be accessed here: https://itfaq.aus.edu/

We know how difficult this situation is for many in our community, and we share in your disappointment and concern. It is important to recognize that beginning or continuing your studies at this challenging time is evidence of your determination and resilience. Doing your best academically and participating in our community virtually will demonstrate your ability to overcome adversity with persistence and tenacity, and this will certainly distinguish you as you progress toward graduation and seek internship and employment opportunities in the future.

Wishing you and your family health and safety.

Office of the Provost

July 19, 2020

Message from the Provost | Update on the Fall 2020 Semester

While we want to return to life on campus as soon as possible, priority must be given to considerations related to the health, safety and wellbeing of the AUS community. Global developments indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact the ways in which we study, work, and live together. Therefore, as described in this document, AUS is planning to begin allowing limited access for specific groups while continuing to rely on remote teaching and learning for courses during the Fall 2020 semester. AUS will also continue to monitor the situation to determine if presence on campus can be increased during the semester.

If the UAE Ministry of Education issues directives that impact course delivery or mandates more stringent requirements than those outlined in this document, the university will provide an update.

The latest information related to the AUS response to COVID-19 can be found here: www.aus.edu/updates

Office of the Provost
American University of Sharjah

July 19, 2020

Message from the Chancellor | Update on the Fall 2020 Semester

I am writing to update you on plans for the Fall 2020 semester. Although the Ministry of Education has not yet issued directives or guidance related to the 2020–2021 academic year, a review of logistical, operational, and scheduling issues has been carried out to determine the degree to which on-campus activities could be accommodated in Fall 2020 given the situation.

The current AUS plan is to continue with online instruction in Fall 2020. If permitted by Ministry directives, limited campus access will be provided for students who must use facilities to carry out work related to capstone projects or graduate professional projects, theses, or dissertations. Additional campus access for other purposes will depend on the circumstances and government regulations that are in place as the fall semester progresses. Protocols for all individuals accessing campus facilities will be provided prior to granting access. The university has limited residential hall capacity as accommodation will be restricted to private rooms in order to ensure that each student has a private bath and kitchenette. Priority will be given to those who live beyond driving distance and require access for completion of capstone projects or graduate professional projects, theses, or dissertations.

A concerted effort will be made to support new first-time students pursuing courses online. The Fall 2020 Week of Welcome activities, orientation, placement testing, file completion and registration for first-year students will take place online and the First Year Experience (FYE) Program is developing many opportunities for engagement to facilitate integration into the AUS community and to support the successful transition to university life. New forms of peer engagement prior to and during the semester are also being developed. AUS will continue to explore ways to bring first-year students on campus to participate in small group activities that adhere to health and safety protocols. In order to support new students as they prepare for the Fall 2020 semester, workshops with information on the use of online tools will begin in August.

For colleagues who have travelled or will be travelling during the next few weeks, the faculty return date remains August 24, 2020 in order to deliver online classes from the UAE. Staff returns are based on the approved leave dates. If extenuating circumstances prohibit return to the UAE by the specified date, please contact your Department Head and Dean (faculty) or supervisor (staff). If you have travelled and have been unsuccessful in securing permission to re-enter the UAE, inform HR at [email protected].

The staff work plan that is currently in place will continue until the current Ministry-mandated limitations on campus access are removed or revised. If a greater number of staff members can be accommodated and on-campus presence is necessary, an access plan will be developed to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained.

Access to classrooms and other spaces to prepare for course delivery and the ability to carry out work in offices and research facilities are important for many faculty members and every effort will be made to accommodate needs within the parameters required for adherence to any restrictions that may be in place. There is a plan being developed for access by graduate research assistants, which will be implemented when the current Ministry restrictions are revised to allow for their presence.

Student recruitment activities for the Fall 2020 semester continue and there have been a number of virtual events. At this time, the overall number of applications is at approximately the same level as last year and the coming weeks will be important for recruitment. Many of you are investing significant effort into maintaining contact with prospective students and ensuring that we remain responsive in spite of remote work. The colleagues responsible for New Student Orientation and the FYE program continue working on ways to engage students through virtual experiences.

I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to make the Summer 2020 term successful and to recognize those who are focusing on preparing the university for what will undoubtedly be a challenging Fall 2020 semester.

Professor Kevin Mitchell
Chancellor

About

August 25, 2020

August 20, 2020

July 19, 2020

July 19, 2020

ABOUT US

APPLY

RESOURCES

TOOLS