AUS Community Updates

Tue, Mar 17, 10:00 a.m. 
Sender: Chancellor
Audience: staff | faculty

Subject: An Update for the AUS Community

Dear AUS Community,

Following the latest announcement by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, distance learning for schools and higher education institutions has been extended for an additional two weeks, from March 23 to April 5, 2026.

At AUS, distance learning will therefore continue during this period. All classes and assessments will be conducted online.

Campus services, facilities and amenities will continue to operate under the previously communicated arrangements.

Faculty members are requested to continue delivering their classes through approved online platforms. Students are expected to attend classes remotely as scheduled. Administrative staff will receive further guidance from the Employee Services Directorate as well as their respective supervisors regarding work arrangements and essential campus operations.

The University Clinic will remain available on campus for emergency cases only, while Counseling Services will continue to be available online during regular working hours. Students may also access support through TalkCampus, while faculty and staff may access TalkLife.

We know this change may require some adjustment and we appreciate the continued care, understanding and support shown across our community. Thank you for your cooperation and for looking out for one another.

Warm regards,
Dr. Tod Laursen
Chancellor

Wed, Mar 11, 2:40 p.m.
Sender: Chancellor
Audience: staff | faculty

Subject: An Update for the AUS Community

Dear AUS Community,

I hope you and your families are safe and well. I would like to take a moment to provide a brief update on the university’s status and to remind everyone of the support resources available to our community.

I begin by acknowledging the challenges the events since February 28 have brought to many of us. At the same time, I have been deeply encouraged by the spirit of care, understanding and solidarity that continues to define our community. We remain grateful for the measures taken by the UAE to ensure the safety and security of all who live here, while recognizing that some questions about the coming weeks cannot yet be fully answered.

As you know, all schools and universities in the UAE are currently observing an extended Spring Break, with classes scheduled to resume on March 23. Administrative staff are largely working remotely until further notice. At this stage, we do not yet know what form the return to classes may take, and we will continue to share updates as the situation evolves and further guidance becomes available from the relevant authorities.

For those members of our community who are from abroad, many embassies have issued guidance regarding travel options. In considering whether to leave the country temporarily, we encourage you to make the decision that is best for you and your families. If you do plan to travel and are able to do so safely, the university will support you. We simply ask that you inform your supervisors or the relevant university offices of your plans and that you return when it is safe to do so. The uncertainty surrounding the resumption of classes should not prevent anyone from taking the steps they believe are necessary for their family’s well-being. As a community, we will continue to approach these circumstances with flexibility and compassion as we work together to support our students and one another.

As shared in recent updates from Employee Services, the University Clinic will remain available on campus for emergency cases only, while Counseling Services will continue to be available online during regular working hours. These services remain available to support the well-being of our community during this time. I would also encourage everyone, as I mentioned in my video message over the weekend, to check in with colleagues, friends and students whenever possible. Our strength as a community lies in the care we show for one another.

In addition, I would like to invite you to join me for an online AUS Community Update where I will share further reflections and answer questions from faculty and staff.

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Link: Click here

If there is a question or topic you would like me to address, you are welcome to submit it in advance by clicking here. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the session.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and take time when possible for rest, reflection and connection with family and friends. We will remain in touch with updates as circumstances evolve. In the meantime, my very best wishes to you and your families for a blessed Ramadan.

Warm regards,
Dr. Tod Laursen
Chancellor

Wed, Mar 11, 2026 1:42 p.m.
Sender: Chancellor
Audience: Students

Subject: A Message to our Students

Dear Students,

I hope you and your families are safe and well.

In light of recent developments in the region, I would like to begin by expressing how proud I am of the care and consideration that members of the AUS community continue to show one another. It is this spirit of community that makes AUS such a special place, and I want you to know that we remain here to support you.

Many of our students are studying far from home, and during times like these, it is especially important that we continue to support one another and stay connected as a community.

The situation in the UAE remains stable, and the country continues to operate under the guidance of its trusted leadership, with national authorities closely monitoring developments and taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of all who live in and visit the country. The university is also monitoring the situation closely and remains in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Please remember that support services are always available should you wish to speak with someone or simply connect with a member of our community.

Counseling Services provide confidential online support and guidance. You can also access TalkCampus, a global peer-support platform where you can connect anonymously with peers around the world at any time.

I will also be joining our students in the residential halls for Iftar on campus this week. I look forward to meeting and hearing directly from you. Further details will be shared with students living in the residential halls.

If you have any questions or would like to connect with the Student Experience team, please feel free to reach out:

[email protected]
06 515 2166

Warm regards,
Dr. Tod Laursen
Chancellor

Mon, Mar 9, 3:36 p.m.
Sender: Employee Services Directorate
Audience: staff

Subject: Continuation of Remote Work Until Further Notice

Dear Colleagues,

Please note that remote work will continue until further notice.

All staff members are expected to maintain their regular working hours while working remotely during this period.

The University Clinic will remain available on campus for emergency cases only, while Counseling Services will continue to be available online during regular working hours.

Further updates, if any, will be communicated accordingly.

We understand that this may be a challenging time for many. The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority and we sincerely appreciate your flexibility, cooperation and continued commitment.

Warm Regards,
Employee Services Directorate

Sat, Mar 7, 5:32 p.m.
Sender: Chancellor
Audience: staff | faculty | students

Subject: A Message from our Chancellor

Dear AUS Community,

In light of recent developments in the region, Chancellor Tod Laursen would like to share a message with our community.

We invite you to watch the video below.

[video]

Wishing you and your loved ones safety and well-being during this time.

Regards,
Office of the Chancellor
American University of Sharjah

Thu, Mar 5, 2026, 4:56 p.m.
Sender: Employee Services Directorate
Audience: staff

Subject: Update: Spring Break | Remote Work on March 9

Dear Staff,

Further to the email from the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, and in line with the directives issued by the relevant ministries regarding the Spring Break period, staff will continue to work remotely on Monday, March 9.

At this time, we do not have confirmation on when in-person work may safely resume. We will await further guidance from the Ministry before confirming the duration of remote work and will keep you informed as updates become available.

All staff members are expected to maintain their regular working hours while working remotely during this period.

The University Clinic will remain available on campus for emergency cases only, while Counseling Services will continue to be available online during regular working hours.

Any further updates will be communicated through official channels.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued dedication to the university during this time.

Warm Regards,
Employee Services Directorate

Thu, Mar 5, 8:34 a.m.
Sender: Provost
Audience: staff | faculty

Subject: A Message to Our AUS Community

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

The resilience and ethos of a community become most apparent during times of uncertainty and competing demands on its members. As we find ourselves at such a moment in time, we may experience a sense of uncertainty and disorientation. But this is also a time to show mutual care and compassion, to demonstrate what it means to belong to a community that promotes inclusive campus life.

Just like us as academics, spouses or parents, our students are torn between their commitments to their studies and the need to head the calls of their families. Travel has been made nearly impossible, adding to the sense of isolation that many of them, and us, feel. Ever-shifting schedules have eroded another guardrail that shaped daily and weekly routines. The additional physical and spiritual commitments made during this holy month of Ramadan, despite their valuable comforting impact, create further demands to be managed.

With all this going on, I am impressed by the care taken to support our students, to communicate with them about their feelings and plans, and to assist as we can. Let us continue to show empathy, practice patience, and share our respect and support generously. Let us be calm and focused on what matters most—the well-being of people around us and the success of students entrusted to us. We will all be stronger for it.

With all my best wishes for your safety and health,

Matthias Ruth, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost
American University of Sharjah

Thu, Mar 5, 8:03 a.m.
Sender: Provost
Audience: staff | faculty | students

Subject: Update: Revised Spring Break Schedule

Dear AUS Students,

Following the announcement issued by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and in alignment with directives from the relevant authorities, American University of Sharjah will adjust the Spring Break schedule for students.

Spring Break will now take place from Monday, March 9, to Sunday, March 22, 2026. Classes will resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.

These changes do not affect the end date of the spring semester.

This adjustment follows the national directive applying to students and academic and administrative staff across schools and universities in the UAE.

We understand that changes to the academic calendar may affect your plans, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time. The university continues to closely monitor the situation and remains in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Should there be any additional updates affecting academic schedules or university operations, they will be communicated promptly through official AUS channels.

We thank you for your cooperation and wish you a safe and restful break.

Matthias Ruth, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost
American University of Sharjah

Mar 4, 2026, 3:01 p.m.
Sender: Employee Services Directorate
Audience: staff | faculty

Subject: Continuation of Remote Work Until March 8

Dear Colleagues,

Following the updated announcement from the Ministry of Education extending remote work until Friday, March 6, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) will continue operating remotely through Sunday, March 8.

All employees are expected to maintain their regular working hours while working remotely during this period. The University Clinic will remain available on campus for emergency cases only. Counseling Services will continue to operate remotely and will be accessible online during regular working hours.

On-campus operations are expected to resume thereafter, unless further guidance is issued by the relevant authorities. Any additional updates will be communicated as they become available.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Warm Regards,
Employee Services Directorate

Wed, Mar 4, 9:21 a.m.
Sender: Provost
Audience: staff | faculty | students

Subject: Distance Learning Extended Until Sunday, March 8, 2026

Dear AUS Community,

In alignment with the updated announcement issued by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, distance learning and remote working have been extended until Friday, March 6, 2026, for students, teaching staff and administrative staff across all public and private schools and universities nationwide.

Accordingly, American University of Sharjah will continue operating under distance learning and remote working arrangements through Sunday, March 8, 2026, and all classes and examinations scheduled on March 8 will be conducted online.

Campus services, facilities and amenities continue to operate under the previously communicated arrangements until further notice.

Faculty members are requested to continue delivering their classes through approved online platforms. Students are expected to attend classes remotely as scheduled. Administrative staff will continue to receive guidance from their respective supervisors regarding remote work arrangements and essential campus operations.

The situation will continue to be closely monitored by the relevant authorities. We also await further guidance from the Ministry regarding the delivery format for next week. Any additional updates affecting university operations will be communicated promptly through official AUS channels.

We remain focused on supporting the safety and well-being of our community and thank you for your continued cooperation.

Matthias Ruth, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost
American University of Sharjah

Sun, Mar 1, 12:01 a.m.
Sender: Safety and Crisis Management
Audience: staff | faculty | students

Subject: Advisory Update (2)– Official Guidance and Campus Status, Transition to Distance Learning – 2 to 4 March 2026

Dear AUS Community,

In alignment with the announcement issued by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, studies will shift to distance learning and remote working from Monday, 2 March 2026, until Wednesday, 4 March 2026, for students, teaching staff, and administrative staff across all public and private schools and universities nationwide.

Accordingly, the American University of Sharjah will transition to distance learning and remote working during this period.

Faculty members are requested to deliver their classes through approved online platforms. Students are expected to attend classes remotely as scheduled. Administrative staff will receive guidance from their respective supervisors regarding remote work arrangements and essential campus operations.

The situation will be continuously assessed throughout the week by the relevant authorities, and the distance learning period may be extended if required depending on developments.

Any further updates affecting university operations will be communicated promptly through official AUS channels.

The safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority. We appreciate your cooperation and flexibility during this period.

Regards,
Office of Safety and Crisis Management
Office of Protocol and Security.

Sat, Feb 28, 11:07 p.m.
Sender: Safety and Crisis Management
Audience: staff | faculty | students

Subject: Advisory Update – Official Guidance and Campus Status

Dear AUS Community,

Further to our earlier communication, we would like to share the latest official advisory issued by The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA)

"The United Arab Emirates places the security and safety of citizens, residents, and visitors as a top priority. We reassure you that the situation is stable and under control. The competent authorities are operating within an integrated national system, with high capability and efficiency".

NCEMA has emphasized the following:

“Your safety is our utmost priority. Please remain in your homes and safe locations, and await official instructions and updates, ensuring that information is obtained from official sources only.”

The University remains in close coordination with the relevant authorities and is fully prepared to respond should circumstances require. Any updates affecting campus operations will be communicated promptly through official AUS channels.

We encourage all members of our community to remain calm, avoid speculation, and rely exclusively on official sources for information.

Your safety and well-being remain our highest priority.

Regards,
Office of Safety and Crisis Management

Sat, Feb 28, 10:05 p.m.
Sender: Provost
Audience: staff | faculty | students

Subject: Online classes and exams on March 1

Dear Students, Staff and Faculty,

Due to the current uncertainty around developments in the region, classes scheduled for March 1 will be fully online and exams will be rescheduled. Further updates related to instruction and examinations are provided by the end of March 1, 2026.

As previously noted in the Chancellor's message to the community, other university operations continue as normal, and response and contingency plans are in place and ready to be activated should circumstances require it.

Please find below the guides and tutorials for remote classes, along with the IT support channels that will be available tomorrow, Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Guides and tutorials for remote classes for faculty and students.

• Remote Instruction IT Hub for Faculty: here
• Remote Learning IT Hub for Students: here

IT Support Channels:

• WhatsApp IT Support: https://wa.me/97165154800
• IT Service Desk Hotline: +971 6 5152121
• IT Support Portal: https://servicenow.aus.edu/sp
• IT Support Email address:  [email protected]

Your safety and well-being are our top priority, and we send you our best wishes.

Matthias

_______________________________________

Matthias Ruth, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost

Sat, Feb 28, 5:23 p.m.
Sender: Chancellor
Audience: staff | faculty | students

Subject: Important message to the AUS Community

Dear AUS Community,

In light of the recent developments in the region, we want to acknowledge that such news may raise concerns among members of our community.

The university is closely monitoring the situation and remains in continuous coordination with the relevant authorities. The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors remain our highest priority.

At this time, university operations continue as normal. Our response and contingency plans are in place and ready to be activated should circumstances require it. If there are any changes affecting campus operations, updates will be communicated promptly through official AUS channels.

We encourage everyone to remain calm and to rely on credible information sources. Should you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,
Tod A. Laursen, Ph.D
Professor and Chancellor