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.

Spring 2021 Updates

December 09, 2020

Message from the Provost | Update on the Spring 2021 Semester

As the end of the Fall 2020 semester approaches, we would like to thank each of you for your resilience as you have faced the many challenges this term has presented. You have shown remarkable dedication and adaptability throughout this term, ably responding to uncertain circumstances.

Looking ahead to the new year, we are writing to update you on the plan for delivery of classes in the Spring 2021 semester.

As you know, we began the Fall 2020 semester online with limited access to campus for students conducting laboratory work for their senior projects or graduate thesis work. The intention throughout the Fall 2020 semester has been to monitor the risk levels posed by the virus, in line with guidance from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and make changes where possible.

Unfortunately, the development of the pandemic has not allowed us to return during the fall, and the semester will conclude with all final examinations being conducted online as planned.

Given these circumstances, we have made the decision to begin the Spring 2021 semester in the same mode as we are currently operating. The semester will start with all classes being held online and access to campus will continue to be allowed for those who need access to labs.

During the coming months, the encouraging developments in the fight against COVID-19 may result in changes in the nature of the pandemic and in the directives received from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The changes may offer opportunities for a transition to increased campus access and other modes of course delivery as the semester progresses. Information related to changes in course delivery will be made available in advance, and adjustments will be made for students who cannot come to campus due to reasons that correspond with the guidance provided by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Residential hall capacity will remain limited as accommodation must be restricted to private rooms to ensure that each student has a private bath and kitchenette. Priority will be given to those who live beyond driving distance and require campus access for completion of capstone projects or graduate professional projects, theses or dissertations.

Ensuring the health and well-being of the AUS community is the primary concern, and our decisions are guided by the advice of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Prevention. We realize this has been a challenging time for all members of the AUS community, and that you miss being together on campus. We are grateful for your continued support and cooperation.

We wish you all the best as you complete the Fall 2020 semester.

Office of the Provost

Spring 2021 FAQs

+Will the Pass /No Pass option be available in Spring semester 2021?

No. In line with a decree from the Ministry of Education, the P/NP option will no longer be available as of the Spring 2021 semester.

+Will we have online classes for the whole Spring Semester 2021 or will we transition to face-to-face learning at some point during the semester?

As per UAE Ministry of Education directives, AUS has made provisions for offering all Spring 2021 classes online. If the ministry deems the risk level will allow a return to campus, AUS will comply with ministry directives and provide adequate notice of a return to classes.

+Will exams be online or will we come to campus to take exams?

All final exams will be held on campus in face-to-face mode. The current plan is that all midterms will be held online.

+Do I have to have my webcam switched on when I attend class?

At the discretion of the course instructor students may be asked to turn on their webcams during discussions.

If the course instructor is carrying out an assessment during class time such as a quiz or class presentation, then students must comply with the instructor’s instructions regarding the webcam for academic integrity purposes.

+Will exams be proctored by online proctoring software?

Yes, online exams will be proctored using online proctoring software. Students must comply with the course instructor’s instructions, such as switching on their webcam and microphone during exams, otherwise they will not be able to sit for the exam.

+Can I come to campus to carry out lab work for my projects?

Most project work will be done online. If the project work in capstone undergraduate courses, or graduate thesis work, professional projects and dissertations, requires access to the lab then students will be able to use the labs on campus on a scheduled basis. Your department/program will provide information regarding the protocol and schedule for lab use on campus.

+Will I need to access labs on campus to participate in my lab courses?

AUS is planning to offer all lab courses fully online and access to the labs will not be required.

As the semester progresses, selected lab courses may introduce an optional face-to-face component depending on the risk level and directives issued by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and the Government of Sharjah.

+Can we come to campus to meet with the course instructor for office hours?

Office hours will be delivered virtually as announced by the course instructor.

+How will students have access to Library resources during Spring Semester 2021?

Students have access to the full range of online resources from AUS Library from the website library.aus.edu

A Click & Collect or Click & Post option will be available for students to access the printed books and other media in the Library, while the Library building is closed.

+Will I be able to use the Academic Support Center, Writing Center, Math Learning Center, or Business Learning Center during the Spring Semester 2021?

All activities of the Academic Support Center will be delivered fully online. Visit the ASC website for information about advising, peer advising, Student Success Workshops, and Academic Accommodations. For questions, please contact [email protected]. Follow the ASC Instagram @asc.aus for the latest ASC information.

The Writing Center will deliver all of its services in an online format. For any questions related to the Writing Center, please contact [email protected].

The Math Learning Center will deliver all of its services in an online format. For any questions related to the MLC, please contact [email protected].

The Business Learning Center will deliver all of its services in an online format. For any questions related to the BLC, please contact [email protected].

+Is advancement of probation status suspended for the Spring 2021 semester?

No. Academic standing and progression of probation status will function as stated in the catalog as from the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester.

For any questions related to academic probation at the undergraduate level, please contact [email protected]. Graduate students can contact the program coordinator.

+How can I purchase my textbooks and materials from the AUS bookstore?

After receiving your course syllabus, you can send your order to [email protected]. You will be provided with a link to pay by credit card. Access to e-books will be emailed directly to you, and print books or physical supplies can either be picked up from the campus service gate or couriered directly to your address.

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

Fall 2020 FAQs

+Will the Pass /No Pass option be available in Fall Semester 2020?

The option to convert a letter grade to the P/NP grade will be allowed. Students will have the right to choose which grading system applies after their letter grades have been published on Banner. Students are strongly advised to consult their academic advisor before making a final decision.

The Office of the Registrar will announce the procedure and deadlines later in the semester.

Please note that in order to be eligible for the Dean's List you must maintain 15 credit hours in courses graded with a letter grade. Changing from a letter grade to a P/NP grade may affect your Dean's list eligibility.

+Will we have online classes for the whole Fall Semester 2020 or will we transition to face-to-face learning at some point during the semester?

As per UAE Ministry of Education directives, AUS has made provisions for offering the full Fall 2020 semester online. If the ministry deems the risk level will allow a return to campus, AUS will comply with ministry directives while continuing online classes for students who reside outside of the UAE.

+Will exams be online or will we come to campus to take exams?

The current plan is for all exams throughout the semester to be conducted online. If the UAE Ministry of Education deems the risk level will allow a return to campus, AUS will comply with ministry directives while continuing to offer online exams for students who reside outside of the UAE.

+Do I have to have my webcam switched on when I attend class?

At the discretion of the course instructor students may be asked to turn on their webcams during discussions.

+Will exams be proctored by online proctoring software?

Yes, exams will be proctored using online proctoring software for the Fall Semester 2020. Students must comply with the course instructor’s instructions, such as switching on their webcam and microphone during exams, otherwise they will not be able to sit for the exam.

+Can I come to campus to carry out lab work for my projects?

+Will I need to access labs on campus to participate in my lab courses?

AUS is planning to offer all lab courses fully online and access to the labs will not be required.

As the semester progresses, selected lab courses in CAS and CEN may introduce an optional face-to-face component depending on the risk level and directives issued by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and the Government of Sharjah. If a face-to-face component is introduced, accommodations will be made so that students outside of the UAE can complete all required work online.

+Can we come to campus to meet with the course instructor for office hours?

Office hours will be delivered virtually as announced by the course instructor.

+How will students have access to Library resources during Fall Semester 2020?

Students have access to the full range of online resources from AUS Library from the website library.aus.edu

A Click & Collect or Click & Post option will be available for students to access the printed books and other media in the Library, while the Library building is closed.

+Will I be able to use the Academic Support Center, Writing Center, Math Learning Center, or Business Learning Center during the Fall Semester 2020?

The Writing Center will deliver all of its services in an online format. For any questions related to the Writing Center, please contact [email protected].

The Math Learning Center will deliver all of its services in an online format. For any questions related to the MLC, please contact [email protected].

The Business Learning Center will deliver all of its services in an online format. For any questions related to the BLC, please contact [email protected].

+Is advancement of probation status suspended for the fall semester as it was for the spring?

No. Academic standing and progression of probation status will function as stated in the catalog as from the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester.

For any questions related to academic probation at the undergraduate level, please contact [email protected]. Graduate students can contact the program coordinator.

+How can I purchase my textbooks and materials from the AUS bookstore?

After receiving your course syllabus, you can send your order to [email protected]. You willl be provided with a link to pay by credit card. Access to e-books will be emailed directly to you, and print books or physical supplies can either be picked up from the campus service gate or couriered directly to your address.

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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