Coronavirus Messages 2020

Dear AUC Community,

As part of our total plan for fighting the spread of COVID-19, we would like to inform you of our updates on testing and the available flu vaccine shots at the AUC clinic.

Voluntary Antibodies Testing Program

All members of the AUC community who come to campus are eligible to participate in voluntary COVID-19 antibody rapid testing. The sample size is 150 participants per week and will be completed on a first-come, first-served basis through an online sign-up. If you want to participate in the testing, sign up online using this link.

Based on the high turnout during our first week of COVID-19 voluntary antibodies rapid testing, the test will be available from Mondays through Thursdays at the New Cairo campus and on Tuesdays at the Tahrir Square campus.

New Cairo Campus

Tests will be performed at Prime Speed Stations, the drive-thru at Gate 2, and the walk-thru at Gate 1 and 4.
Testing is available Monday through Thursday.
A new google sheet will be available every week on Sunday. Testing will begin on Monday, November 30, 2020.

Tahrir Square Campus

A temporary Prime Speed testing unit is available only on Tuesdays in front of the Hill House, from 10 - 4 pm.

Registration

First come, first serve, by signing in a shared Google sheet online reservation; that will be open for registration every Sunday. Only those who have registered online may participate in the voluntary program.

Testing Units

We now have a total of three testing stations operated by Prime Speed in New Cairo.

New Walk-In open to the New Cairo community: It is located inside the campus at Gate 4 in front of the Spot Mall. Operating hours: all days, including Fridays, from 10 am till 10 pm – no appointments required. This location will also offer discounted rates to AUCians, including alumni, similar to the drive-thru and the walk-in at Gate 1.

As a reminder, we also have the following two locations:

The Drive-Thru testing station is located in the service lane between gates 2 and 3. Operating hours: all days, including Fridays, from 10 am to 10 pm
Walk-In station for AUC community: In addition, there is another walk-through station located at the amphitheater and access from Gate 1. Operating hours: all days, including Fridays, from 10 am till 6 pm – no appointments required.

Bring your national ID or valid passport. The analysis of the PCR tests will take place at the Ain Shams and Cairo University laboratories, and results are available within 48 hours. The Antibodies IgM/IgG rapid test is done onsite, and the results are available within 15-20 minutes. Note that the PCR test is valid for traveling purposes and has the necessary GOE/foreign affairs stamps. The certificates will be available upon your request at all three testing units.

Flu Vaccine

The seasonal flu vaccine is now available at the AUC clinic on both the New Cairo and Tahrir campuses as part of our prevention and wellness program. Any member of the AUC community wishing to take the flu vaccine is welcome to schedule an appointment from 9 am to 3 pm, Sunday to Thursday. The cost of the vaccine is EGP 175. To schedule an appointment on the New Cairo campus, send an email to [email protected]. For the New Cairo campus clinic, call t: +20.2.2615.3916. For Tahrir Square campus clinic, call extension t: +20.2.2615.6100.

We are noticing an increase in campus cases. To help prevent further spread, we ask you to adhere to safety measures, including social distancing, wearing masks, using outdoor and well-ventilated areas, washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded areas.

Stay Informed

Continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit the Coronavirus Updates page. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers, and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources, including the FAQ section from our community.

Dear AUC Community,

I hope this finds you all in good health. As we approach the end of the fall 2020 semester, we know you are all eagerly awaiting updates regarding our modes of instruction for spring 2021. When we shifted to remote instruction in the middle of spring 2020, none of us anticipated that the COVID-19 pandemic would be with us for this long. We are all saddened and frustrated by the fact that we cannot plan to return fully to campus for spring 2021. While we still have to plan for a hybrid model of online and face-to-face classes, the many lessons we have learned over the past eight months have enabled us to plan for a higher density than we currently have for fall, with significantly more classes being partially face-to-face in spring 2021.

Winter and Spring 2021 Modalities

Our priorities continue to be the health and safety of all AUC students, faculty and staff and the quality of the learning experience. As such, many of the courses which will meet on campus include lab, studios and performance-based courses, as was the case in the fall. Our higher-density plans allow us to add additional courses, including some freshman classes and some pre-declaration, senior and graduate courses.

To help put this into perspective, I’d like to show how our spring 2021 plans compare to what we’ve been doing this fall. Currently, we have 150 sections that are partially face-to-face in the fall. For spring 2021, we are planning to have approximately 400 sections on campus. This higher density is allowing us to increase our campus presence while still adhering to the needed safety precautions, including a two-meter distance in any classroom being utilized.

In addition to the partial face-to-face classes, we have identified some courses where, even if the course is being taught remotely, the mid-term and final exams will be held on campus. This is being done to protect the academic integrity of the exam process.

For winter 2021, which is a condensed semester, most classes offered will be taught remotely, with approximately 10% of courses offered as partial face-to-face.

Classes that will be partially face-to-face or that will have exams on campus are clearly marked in the winter and spring 2021 course schedules.

Advising and Registration

Advising for winter and spring 2021 begins on Sunday, November 22, and the course schedules for both terms will be available on the Registrar’s webpage.

As you are thinking about your courses and discussing these with your advisor, we ask you to keep the following points in mind.

If you are not in Cairo and do not plan to be here when the semester begins, you should not register for any classes that have a face-to-face component, either class sessions or exams.
Pay careful attention to your course load. Many students are finding that even with comparable coursework, participating in online learning takes more time than traditional face-to-face classes. Consider taking a reduced load if you have been finding this to be the case.

Key dates for Winter and Spring Advising and Registration

Advising for both winter and spring begins on November 22, 2020.
Winter registration beings on December 6, 2020.
Spring registration begins on January 10, 2021.

All key dates can be found on AUC’s Academic Calendar. Advising appointments should be scheduled through your department and for undeclared students through the Academic Advising Center. The Academic Advising Center can be reached at [email protected], and the Registrar can be reached at [email protected].

Discuss any questions you have with your advisor, and refer to our FAQs for further details on the upcoming semester.

Continuing to Monitor the Situation

As we have all learned, it is impossible to predict the trajectory of COVID-19. We continue to monitor the situation carefully, both within our community and in Egypt. You may have seen AUC’s recently published Coronavirus Community Dashboard, where we are tracking immediate and longer-term trends. The plans that I’ve described above assume a relatively stable situation as it currently stands. However, if the situation changes, so might our plans. An increase in cases may lead us to shift back to a lower-density model or even to go fully online. And should there be a dramatic improvement, we will consider a fuller return to campus.

Take Care of Yourselves

I know that the stress of this ongoing situation continues to impact each and every one of us. I would like to remind you of some resources available to help you manage these stresses. The entire AUC community can make use of the resources in our Keep Calm and Stay Strong stress-management toolkit. And any AUC student who feels they need additional support should reach out to our Center for Student Well-being.

Wishing you all the best, and we look forward to seeing you all back on campus as soon as we are safely able to do so.

Sincerely,

Ehab Abdel-Rahman
Provost

In order to effectively manage our continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed our own AUC COVID-19 dashboard to allow us to track trends essential to understanding our response and guiding decision-making. We used benchmarks and best practices from other universities in the United States and around the world to apply the data in ways that provide meaningful trends and serve as guideposts for key decisions relating to opening up the campus or tightening measures, as needed.

The dashboard, which refreshes each day automatically, may be viewed online.

A key indicator to watch is the seven day rolling average number of AUC cases and the currently hospitalized AUC cases that are being reported to the clinic. These two indicators give us a direction of how pervasive the virus is among faculty, staff and students. Other important measures in the dashboard are Egypt’s national daily figures.

We are observing an increase in cases among members of the AUC community and ask you to remain vigilant in adhering to all safety measures, including social distancing, wearing masks, using outdoor or well-ventilated areas, washing hands frequently and avoiding crowds.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

The seasonal flu vaccine is now available at the AUC clinic on both the New Cairo and Tahrir Square campuses as part of our prevention and wellness program.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when you get a flu shot, you are up to 60% less likely to get the flu. Studies show that even if you do get sick, your flu symptoms will be less severe, and you are less likely to need hospital care to recover. Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions, women during and after pregnancy, and can be lifesaving in children.

While the flu vaccine does not prevent COVID-19, it can help impede the seasonal flu and give you some peace of mind.

Any member of the AUC community wishing to take the flu vaccine is welcome to schedule an appointment from 9 am to 3 pm, Sunday to Thursday. The cost of the vaccine is EGP 175. To schedule an appointment, call t: +2.02.2615.3916, or send an email to [email protected].

Stay Informed

Dr. Hussam Aldine Hassan
Acting Chief Health and Safety Officer

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of exposure, all AUC community members are expected to regularly monitor their personal health status and report to the medical office any exposure. Along with contact tracing, testing is a key component of keeping our community healthy and safe. To help us detect COVID-19 as early as possible and gather better data about our community, we are building capacity through two key testing programs.

Mandatory PCR Tests

COVID-19 qualitative PCR tests are required for the following AUC community members:

Athletes representing AUC in official contests before and after the competition
Symptomatic cases as referred by AUC’s medical office
Student residents in both on and off-campus housing who travel during the weekends without prior approval, in violation of the student residence’s policy prohibiting travel

Voluntary Antibody Rapid Test

COVID-19 voluntary rapid test for antibodies will be implemented in two phases:

Phase 1: Effective Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Students and faculty in residences both on and off-campus will be eligible for testing at specialized Prime Speed units set up for them.
Prime Speed will set up a testing unit for CASA students and other members of the AUC community on the Tahrir Square Campus.
Working hours: from 10 am – 6 pm.

Phase 2: Effective Wednesday, November 18, 2020

All members of the AUC community who come to campus are eligible to participate in voluntary COVID-19 antibody rapid testing. The sample size is 100 participants and will be completed on a first-come, first-served basis through an online sign-up. To volunteer to participate in the testing, sign up online using this link.

The tests will be conducted twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays at the Prime Speed walk-thru facility at Gate 1. Only those who have registered online may participate in the voluntary study.

Other members of the community may still take either PCR or antibody testing, as previously announced. The analysis of the tests will take place at Ain Shams and Cairo University labs. The sample collection, analysis, and results are managed entirely by Prime Speed Medical. AUC is not involved in any way in the administration of the test or the results, which are communicated directly from the lab to individuals.

Stay Informed

Continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and the Coronavirus Updates page. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers, and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources, including the FAQ section from our community.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

The Office of Medical Services and AUC Clinic will continue working on an emergency basis only (Emergency Response Unit) until further notice. We are working actively within the pharmacy system to serve the needs of faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Seif pharmacy on the New Cairo campus has been permanently closed due to a licensing issue. Therefore, we are introducing the alternative branch of Seif pharmacy near Dusit Thani plus a wider geographical network of pharmacies to serve you. The New Cairo Dusit branch remains the preferred one and the one we recommend as it guarantees the highest level of service amongst the proposed options (fastest delivery, pre-prepared per ID, dedicated to AUC service)

Pharmacy System

The following applies to Cigna subscribers

a. Having a hard copy prescription in your hand

If you have a prescription for medication that you received from your doctor, you can get your medications from any of the branches of Seif pharmacies:

In order to receive your medication:

You have to show the pharmacist your AUC ID, Cigna ID, and a valid stamped prescription
The valid stamped prescription should include your name, date, the signature of the doctor, and duration of treatment

b. Requesting monthly medication for chronic cases

If you have a chronic condition(s) and you need to refill your monthly medication, send an email three days prior to the needed date to [email protected]. Include your name, AUC ID, and which of the below-listed branches of Seif pharmacy you want to collect your medication from. A copy of your monthly prescription will be sent to the requested branch of Seif pharmacy. Once you have received a reply, you can collect your medicine from the chosen branch after three working days except for New Cairo, where you can collect your medicine on the same day.

The following branches are available to choose from:

New Cairo branch by Dusit Thani (AUC partner branch)*
Obour Branch (Obour City)
Heliopolis (Merghany) branch
Zamalek branch (Om Kalthom Tower)
Mohandeseen Branch (Ahmed Abdel Aziz)
Kasr El-Eini branch
Maadi Branch (Zahraa El-Maadi)
Zayed branch (Medi-point branch)

*Important Note: The New Cairo branch offers delivery services that cover New Cairo and Rehab areas, including delivery directly to AUC’s New Cairo Campus, where you can collect your medicine from the AUC clinic on the same day. This is the main pharmacy we recommend as it holds the AUC account and can dispense the medicine on the same day. This branch is managed by Dr. Ghada Maher, who had been managing the AUC account for the past several years through the Seif pharmacy on campus.

For collecting your monthly medication when delivered to the AUC clinic:

Submit your request for monthly medications to [email protected] before 1 pm, stating that you want to receive your medicine from the AUC clinic front desk.
Once you receive a confirmation email from [email protected], call t: +2.02.2615.3916 to confirm that your medication is already at the clinic.
Pass by the clinic from 2:30 - 3:30 pm to collect your medication from the front desk.

For collecting monthly medications from branches other than the New Cairo (Dusit branch), Make sure to submit your request three days earlier than the due date.

It is important to know that a prescription or monthly medication has to be collected from one branch; it is not possible to collect part of the prescription from one branch and the rest of the prescription from another.

For inquiries and assistance, contact Dr. Ghada Maher at [email protected] copying [email protected], or call t: +2.012.1056.1111.

Remote Working/Sick Leaves

Employees who are not eligible for remote working and had been granted sick leave for being at increased risk for complications from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, tumors, receiving corticosteroids, immunodeficiency disorders, and pregnancy are required to update their medical files with recent lab results, imaging reports and a medical report from their treating doctor or a hospital authorized by medical insurance by November 10, 2020, in order to extend their sick leave otherwise they have to report back to their offices.

For any inquiries, call the clinic at t: +2.012.8000.1039 or send your inquiry to [email protected].

Stay Informed

Continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and Coronavirus Updates page. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers, and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources, including the FAQ section from our community.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Community,

For the past several months, the Office of Medical Services has been conducting contact tracing of all highly suspect or confirmed cases of COVID-19 to help determine who else on campus may have been exposed. Once those exposed have been identified, the medical services staff notifies them of their possible exposure without identifying the individual. To enhance the current tracing system, the University will be adding WiFi data to help the clinic identify contacts of cases with the assistance of technology, in addition to the current interview process.

Effective September 14, we will be using your mobile phone’s connection to AUC WiFi when you are on campus to improve our contact tracing program. This will improve the accuracy of the current system and save time in identifying contacts. Note that the data collected using WiFi will not provide access to the specific location of the device, private data, microphone or camera. The WiFi connection will help locate general proximity to assist in the manual interview process. Furthermore, data will be treated in a confidential manner by the medical services staff and used solely for the purpose of identifying and informing those who were exposed to the virus.

The use of AUC Wifi is part of a holistic approach that includes the daily online health checks, COVID-19 testing protocol with testing facilities on campus and the mitigation efforts outlined in the Return to Campus Guidelines booklet designed to ensure we are well prepared for the resumption of operations on campus and any unexpected surges in COVID-19 numbers.

Help keep our AUC community stays healthy and safe by logging your mobile device onto AUC WiFi for the tracing system to work. If your phone is not logged onto WiFi, your device will not be detected, and you will not be included in the WiFi tracing solution. This may limit the medical office’s ability to alert you in the event you were exposed to the virus.

Medical Services

For full information regarding the medical services offered and appropriate procedures for handling COVID cases, click here. For medical emergencies, call t: +2.02.2615.4000.

Stay Informed

Continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit the Coronavirus Update page. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers, and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources, including the FAQ section from our community.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Community Members,

This is a reminder that you will need to complete the online health check before you come to campus to be granted access. You will need to show a green face result to the security guard at the gate to be allowed on campus. A red face result means that you should not come to campus and stay home, and you will be contacted by the medical team for follow-up. You are requested to do the self-check within three hours or less of your arrival on campus.

The link to the health check is now available on the AUC website here.

We will be having an IPad by the security turnstiles as a backup solution in case you do not have a device to show the self-check result on. Still, there could be queues, so we highly recommend doing it on your device prior to arrival.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Community,

Below are updated on our response to the global outbreak of COVID-19 and further campus plans to make sure health risks are mitigated as much as possible as we start the fall semester.

Mandatory Online Health Self-Check

For Those Who Are Coming to Campus:

Effective September 1, all members of the community must perform a health self-check and answer a 30-second questionnaire on each day they plan to come to campus, New Cairo and Tahrir Square. You will not be admitted from the gate unless you present the results of the self-check to the security at the gates. The result of this self-check will either be a green face, Safe to come to campus or a red face Do not come to campus. You will need to show the result dated the same day and performed within two to three hours prior to arrival to campus to security before the turnstiles at the pedestrian gates. If the result of the survey produces a red face, the clinic will call you back to go over your case with you and give you medical advice as needed. The result may be a seven-day quarantine period and/or a request for a PCR test. The self-check is only for faculty, staff, or students with plans to come to campus on a given day.

Self-Reporting

All members of the community are required to report to the clinic a positive COVID-19 test result at [email protected] or at mobile number t: +2.012.8000.1039. Inform the clinic even if you are not coming to campus.

Contact Tracing

The AUC clinic will communicate directly with those who are COVID-19 confirmed or highly suspected to help identify others who may have been exposed to the virus.

The clinic will notify any known close contacts at the University of their potential exposure to COVID-19. Notifications will be on a need-to-know basis, and the clinic will protect the confidentiality of individuals’ health status. The clinic will also provide close contacts with public health recommendations to limit the spread of the virus, including information about quarantine requirements. The University’s tracing protocol follows CDC guidelines.

Travel PCR Requirements

The Egyptian government requires all travelers to present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before flight departure time. For further information, email AUC‘s travel office at [email protected].

Campus Access

Students

Only students who meet one of the below conditions have access to campus via the access control system at the gates (unless otherwise specified below). Make sure to carefully check which days you are allowed to come to campus based on face-to-face classes or authorizations.

Only students who meet one of the below conditions have access to campus:

Registered in a class that is meeting face to face on specified days.
Graduate students enrolled in Thesis guideline credits.
Residing in AUC student residences.
A graduate student in the School of Sciences & Engineering (SSE) who is conducting research and has received permission to access a laboratory from his/her chair.
Scheduled for a meeting with a faculty member, a staff member at a specific office, or a librarian (via Portal or Pepsi gate only).
Authorized by the Office of Student Life to attend student organization planning meetings (via Portal or Pepsi gate only).

Visitors

All campus visitors must be pre-registered before arriving on-campus to allow the University to monitor and control the visitor’s presence on-campus. The host (faculty or staff only) must submit the visitor’s information 24 hours prior to the visit by filling in the visitor’s registration form.

Visitors to the New Cairo campus can only enter via Gate 1 (Portal) or Gate 4 (Pepsi).
Visitors to the Tahrir campus can only enter via the Mohamed Mahmoud entrance or the Falaki main entrance.
Visitors’ access is allowed to both campuses until 4:00 pm only.
Contractors are allowed to access campus only via Gate 3.

For more information, contact [email protected].

Parking Services

AUC will launch the Parking Access System (PAS) on all AUC gates starting September 3. Faculty, students, and staff are required to swipe their ID to automatically open the barrier, no charges will be applied.

The parking subscription and daily ticket process will be communicated later once the automated payment system is completed. No paper tickets will be collected.

For more information on PAS, check the FAQ or contact us at [email protected].

Services on Campus

CIB bank will start operations on September 1.
Tsebo main cafeteria will start Operations on September 5.
L’aroma by the library and Seoudi have already commenced operations.

The Library

Effective September 3, the library will only be opening the plaza level for users granted campus access as per the University guidelines. For Fall 2020 full guidelines, click here. For the Main Library's general inquiries, research questions, and appointments, send an email to [email protected]. For Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSCL) Library inquiries and appointments, email [email protected].

Medical Services

The Office of Medical Services is working on an emergency basis only. For full information regarding the medical services offered and appropriate procedures for handling COVID cases, click here. For medical emergencies, call t: +2.02.2615.4000.

Stay Informed

We would like to remind you if you are coming to campus to read the Return carefully to Campus Guidelines booklet for fall 2020 and we wish you all a safe and prosperous semester.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Staff,

As the start of the fall 2020 semester approaches, preparations are well underway for the resumption of instruction primarily online, in addition to a small number of face-to-face classes. The University places the health and safety of members of our community as our top priority. It has provided a detailed return to Campus Guidelines booklet with full information on how the campus will operate and the safety measures in place.

Effective September 1, we will continue under our current remote work guidelines for staff as outlined for July and August. However, in light of the need to support an increased level of campus activity, the guidelines will be relaxed to permit more access to campus for staff, provided that all safety measures are fully enforced. Each unit manager and area head will implement the appropriate staff attendance in campus plans to meet the operational needs of their unit while allowing as much flexibility as possible for individual staff members. For inquiries about fall 2020 work guidelines and remote work arrangements, click here.

Each staff member should discuss with his or her supervisor the appropriate balance of remote work versus the required physical presence to meet the job requirements.

While we expect these operational guidelines for staff to remain in place for fall 2020, they are subject to modification at any time, depending on the situation on campus and the most updated public health guidance from the Egyptian government, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Best Regards,

Sarah Refaat
Senior AVP for Human Resources

Dear AUC Staff and Faculty Members,

Last week, the Egyptian Cabinet approved a new law to address the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 virus. This law no. 170 states that all organizations are required to contribute to the country’s economy by deducting and remitting 1% of the salaries of all employees, effective August 1, 2020, for a 12-month period. Net salaries of less than EGP 2,000 are exempt from this requirement.

In compliance with the law, the University will begin withholding and remitting 1% from the August payroll through July 2021 for all those who work in Egypt.

Stay safe and continue to monitor the latest updates from AUC through emails or the website.

Best Regards,

Sarah Refaat
Senior AVP for HR

Dear AUC Community,

According to the instructions from the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation, effective August 15, 2020, all non-Egyptian passengers are required to provide a negative PCR test certificate for Covid-19 issued not more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Egypt.

This requirement is not applied to foreign passengers traveling directly or transiting to Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Taba, Marsa Alam or Marsa Matrouh Airports.

We will be sending out further updates should this process change.

For further information, email AUC‘s travel office at [email protected].

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Community,

We are happy to share with you the Return to Campus Guidelines booklet for fall 2020. Our main objective is to ensure the health and safety of our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines are aligned with the fall 2020 academic plan and in support of a low-density campus as previously announced. This is a comprehensive guide that outlines how our campuses will operate, what services will be running and to ensure we mitigate the spread of the virus.

This is one of the key outcomes of the Management and Operations Committee formed under the President's Operational Excellence Initiative. As President Francis Ricciardone mentions in the booklet's cover letter, we will continuously assess results and amend the guidelines as necessary in response to changes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all committee members for their time and effort in producing this extensive booklet.

We want to take this chance to wish you a happy Eid. Stay safe.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Community,

Due to the long queues at the drive-thru testing station on the outer perimeter of the campus, AUC has agreed with Prime Speed Medical to set up a separate walk-in station for the AUC community only (students, faculty, staff, and alumni). It will be located inside the campus at the amphitheater, and the access will be from Gate 1.

The testing unit will provide the COVID-19 qualitative PCR and the rapid test for antibodies. The analysis of the PCR tests will take place at the Ain Shams and Cairo University laboratories. The sample collection, analysis, and results are managed entirely by Prime Speed Medical. AUC is not involved in any way in the administration of the test nor the results, which will be communicated directly from the lab to the individuals only.

Prime Speed Medical accepts cash or credit, and the service is available to all students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Starting from July 21, AUC community members will receive a discounted price of EGP 1,500 for the PCR test and EGP 350 for the rapid antibodies test, available at the on-campus testing facilities. Show your AUC ID and receive the discount.

For alumni who do not have an AUC ID and need to do the test, they can get in touch with the alumni office at [email protected] email ahead of time so they can be verified and authorized to receive the discount.

The Antibodies IgM/IgG Rapid Test is produced by Cellex and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rapid test will be performed on-site, and the results are available within 15-20 minutes.

Note that the PCR and the antibodies tests are valid for traveling purposes and have the necessary GOE/foreign affairs stamps. The certificates will be available at both stations (drive-thru and the walk-in).

Operating hours are from 10 am - 4 pm. No appointments are required.

Note that MetLife and Cigna subscribers may file for a reimbursement using the regular process, provided they have a referral from a specialized physician.

On July 21, the testing unit will commence at 11 am.

Dear AUC Community,

This is to confirm, as previously communicated, that starting on July 8, members of the AUC community (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) who wish to be tested at the drive-through testing station outside the AUC New Cairo campus will receive a discounted price. The tests will cost EGP 2,000 for the PCR and EGP 400 for the antibodies test. Members of the AUC community will receive a discounted price of EGP 1,500 for the PCR test and EGP 350 for the antibodies test. Show an AUC ID and receive the discount.

The Antibodies IgM/IgG Rapid Test is produced by Cellex and approved by FDA-CE-TUV. The rapid test is done onsite, and the results are available within 15-20 minutes.

As a reminder, AUC is not involved in any way in the administration of the test or the results, which are communicated directly from the Prime Speed lab to individuals.

Operating hours are from 10 am till 10 pm. No appointments are required.

Stay Informed

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Community,

The University has entered into an agreement with Prime Speed Medical, a licensed medical testing provider in Egypt, in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, to set up a drive-through testing station outside the AUC New Cairo campus.

The testing station, located in the service lane between gates two and three, will provide Covid-19 qualitative PCR and Covid-19 rapid test for antibodies. The analysis of the tests will take place at Ain Shams and Cairo University labs. The sample collection, analysis and results are managed entirely by Prime Speed Medical. AUC is not involved in any way in the administration of the test or the results, which are communicated directly from the lab to individuals.

Prime Speed Medical accepts cash or credit, and the service is available to anyone who wishes to visit the drive-through station.

The tests will cost EGP 2,000 for the PCR and EGP 400 for the antibodies test. Starting on July 8, members of the AUC community who wish to be tested will receive a discounted price of EGP 1,500 for the PCR test and EGP 350 for the antibodies test. Show an AUC ID and receive the discount.

Note that MetLife and Cigna subscribers may file for a reimbursement using the regular process, provided they have a referral from a specialized physician.

Stay Informed

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Community,

Taking steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections or any other spread of disease at AUC is a shared responsibility. Every member of our community must do his or her part. This means adhering to national and international health guidelines and requirements and to those measures that the University deems safe and appropriate for our campus. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of exposure, all AUC community members are expected to regularly monitor their personal health status. Community members should not come to the campus if they are showing symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Social/Physical Distancing: Increasing the physical distance between individuals can reduce transmission of the virus, and everyone on campus must consistently follow social distancing practices. In all shared spaces, you are requested to keep at least one meter of space between you and other individuals, in accordance with WHO guidelines.

COVID-19 Cases: We have a number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the AUC community. If you test positive for COVID-19 and when you provide notice of the diagnosis to us, provide a list of any members of the AUC community that you recall being in direct contact with and close proximity to during the last 14 days so that we may take steps to notify those individuals for their own safety.

Wearing Masks: Face masks can reduce transmission of the virus if used properly. All community members are required to wear face masks in all shared environments on campus (e.g., elevators, common rooms, hallways), including AUC-provided transportation in buses and cars.

Transportation: Make sure that only one passenger rides in a car with a driver in order to ensure adequate social distancing. While riding AUC buses, do not sit on the same row with another individual. Wear face masks at all times while using AUC transportation.

Campus Disinfecting and Cleaning Measures: We are continuing our deep cleaning and disinfecting efforts by fumigating the campus, including AUC's entire transportation fleet (carts, cars and buses) on a daily basis. For cleaning concerns or questions, email [email protected].

Medical Services: The Office of Medical Services is working on an emergency basis only. For full information regarding the medical services offered and appropriate procedures for handling COVID cases, click here. For medical emergencies, call t: +2.02.2615.4000.

We again remind all members of our community that in the event anyone feels any of the well-publicized flu-like symptoms, do not come to campus and consult your doctor. Meanwhile, always observe social distancing, wash hands frequently, and wear face masks whenever you expect to come into close proximity to others, especially in enclosed spaces such as public transportation.

Stay Informed

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Community,

Today, we learned that the first member of the AUC community has tested positive for COVID-19 on our Tahrir Square campus. The individual was transferred to a quarantine facility yesterday. We have traced the individual's recent contacts and whereabouts while on campus and have informed those we could identify as likely to have been in close proximity to the affected individual in recent days. We also have thoroughly cleaned the affected areas on our campus. The individual is receiving medical treatment, and we wish the individual a full and speedy recovery.

We remind all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to our campuses: in the event anyone feels any of the well-publicized flu-like symptoms, to stay away from work and consult your doctor. Meanwhile, always observe social distancing, wash hands frequently, and wear face masks wherever and whenever you may expect to come into close proximity to others, especially in enclosed spaces such as public transportation.

Stay Informed

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear AUC Community,

Over the past six weeks, our community has demonstrated AUC’s characteristic resilience, determination, agility and spirit of collaboration in the face of the global pandemic. We can take pride in having achieved the twin goals we defined at the outset of protecting the health and safety of our community and saving the spring term for our students. Thanks to effective crisis management by the COVID-19 Response Task Force and the swift shift to online learning and remote working, a heroic effort by our faculty, staff, and students, we have successfully navigated the first phase of this public health emergency.

Confronting the persistent operational and economic effects of COVID-19 will continue to challenge our former assumptions about how we work, study, teach, and conduct research. It will require us urgently to address long-standing structural resource management sustainability issues that we can no longer defer. Our ambition is not to merely navigate the challenges of the next phase but to use them to propel AUC’s continued pursuit of excellence.

Hence, at Thursday’s Campus Conversation, I announced the establishment of the President’s Operational Excellence Initiative. Seven interdisciplinary committees will replace the COVID-19 Response Task Force, working within AUC’s standing strategic plan, coordinated by the Office of Strategy, Management Information, and Evaluation. Each committee needs and warmly invites expertise, ideas, concerns, and focused effort from anyone outside their immediate offices and disciplines. Reach out to them if you wish to share in the responsibility and opportunity to turn our confrontation of the pandemic into fresh energy for AUC’s renewal at this historic start of our second century. Click here to watch the video of the last Campus Conversation with each of the committee chairs. Click here for a list of the committees and their mandates.

The committees will steer the planning for our physical return to campus and alternative scenarios for the fall 2020 academic program. They will aim to optimize all operations and streamline our bureaucracy. They will address the financial impacts of the global economic crisis on our faculty and staff, our student's families, and hence on AUC’s budget. Like most organizations and universities, AUC faces a budget deficit in the current and next fiscal year and possibly beyond. We project drops in fundraising, some revenues, international students and our endowment returns, as well as an increased need for student financial aid. Nevertheless, we remain confident and resolute in our commitment to preserving the finest educational experience available in Egypt and the region at the certified global standards necessary also to continue to attract students from around the world.

To sustain AUC’s continuous drive for excellence in the face of increasing resource constraints, we have instituted a hiring freeze on staff positions; suspended salary increases and merit bonus payments for the next fiscal year; eliminated overtime assignments; frozen travel, hospitality and another discretionary spending; and reviewed all pending capital expenses for deferrals. The committees will welcome all proposals for other measures to cut costs, increase revenues, and improve the delivery of our services, including still higher standards for a clean and hygienic environment. I have also urged all senior faculty and staff to follow the example of the many who quietly have made AUC a primary focus of their own personal charitable giving over the years.

The coming months will bring more challenges as we tackle the budget deficit and the operational uncertainties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The best universities relish problem-solving as the portal to discovery, creativity and the most impactful education. We must seize this moment to accelerate and sharpen our focus on the reforms already underway in our relentless pursuit of sustainability and excellence in everything we do. I am confident that AUC will emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger, more agile and even more widely recognized for setting the highest standards in our educational mission.

Francis J. Ricciardone
President

Dear International Faculty and Staff,

As always, AUC remains an institution with internationalization at the core of our mission. As such, you, our international faculty and staff, play a unique role in the life of AUC. Many of us, myself included, have made Cairo our home away from home and live here while most of our families continue to live in the US or whichever other country you may be from. In the best of times, this can be challenging to navigate and a source of stress and sadness. And these are clearly not the best of times. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc with the world, many of our plans have been thrown into limbo.

Some of you have already traveled back to your home countries and now wonder when you might be able to return to Cairo. Many others of you remain in Cairo, separated from your families and loved ones and uncertain as to when you may see them next. While the whole world is in turmoil, we have a unique additional set of issues to grapple with.

Through it, all AUC is here to support you however we can. The Provost, Counselor Ashraf Hatem, and I are pleased to host our second conversation with AUC’s international faculty and staff. I am delighted to note that Consul General Lisa Vickers of the US Embassy will also be joining us. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 5 at 1 pm Cairo time via this zoom meeting link. This is not a meeting with a formal agenda. Rather, we welcome this opportunity to hear your thoughts and concerns and to respond to your questions.

We look forward to seeing you (even if only virtually for now) and speaking with you next week.

Francis J. Ricciardone
President

Dear AUC Community,

I am pleased to announce that the Office of the Associate Provost for Research, Innovation and Creativity received 26 proposals of exceptional quality and relevance to our recent call for Proposals for AUC’s Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Research and Innovation initiative. I am especially appreciative of the interdisciplinary nature of many of the proposals and the dedication demonstrated by those faculty who submitted proposals in the midst of a busy and stressful time of the semester. I want to thank all my colleagues who articulated and proposed those great ideas for dealing with the situation. I am confident even those we cannot fund at this time will find their way to other initiatives and succeed in establishing fine research work.

The ten awarded proposals are:

Social Protection in Egypt: Mitigating the Socio-Economic Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Vulnerable Employment. This research highlights interventions in four main areas, which are mostly oriented to Egypt but could be applicable in countries of the Global South: Employment Security, Social Assistance, Health Insurance and Gendered Protection. PI: Dina Makram Ebeid (Sociology) CO-PI: Amr Adly (Political Science), Hania Sholkamy (Social Research Center), Samer Atallah (Economics).
Coping in Egypt During the COVID-19 Crisis. This study examines how Egyptians are coping with the COVID-19 crisis and the consequences on their well-being to provide immediate culturally-sensitive public health-related recommendations. PI: Lameese Eldessouky (Psychology ) CO-PI: Kate Ellis (Psychology), Zeinab Khadr (Social Research Center).
Transitioning From 6 Feet Apart to Working 6 Feet Together: An In-depth Analysis and Roadmap to Business Growth in the Realm of COVID-19. Create a model that defines the various forces that affect businesses in times of crisis. One goal of this project is to develop a roadmap as a business solution for survival and growth with a long-term objective of sustainability rather than a limited, timely analysis of resilience under COVID-19. PI: Mohab Anis (Electronics and Communications Engineering) CO-PI: Sherawat Ibrahim (Management), Nouri Sakr (Computer Science and Engineering).
Localizing Health Behavior Communications in the Face of a Global Pandemic: Culture and COVID-19. The objective of this research is to Identify cultural influences on the endorsement of, adherence to, and trust in different sources of COVID-19 health behavior guidelines. It also aims to train diverse specialists on behavioral communication strategies for COVID-19 in Egypt while integrating cultural influences that were previously identified. PI: Mona Amer (Psychology). CO-PI: Germine Awad (Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin), Chris Dickey (Global Health, NYU School of Global Public Health).
Evaluating the current global pandemic Projection and epidemiological models for Covid-19 incidence. The objective of this research is to evaluate existing models used for forecasting the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in order to achieve better evidence-based policymaking. PI: Nesreen Nasser (Public Policy and Administration).
ACE-2 and TMPRSS2: the Achilles heel(s) of the SARS-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): This research studies enzyme that impacts the virus' ability to enter the lungs in an attempt to explain the different prevalence and mortality of the pandemic between both sexes, and in Egyptians compared to other countries. It also aims to design amino acid sequences that may prevent the entry of the virus into the lungs. PI: Anwar Abdelnasser (Global Health and Human Ecology). CO-PI: Hassan Elfawal (Global Health and Human Ecology), Ahmad Mostafa (Biology), Mohamed Salama (Global Health and Human Ecology), and Mostafa Yousef (Mechanical Engineering).
A Data-Driven Recommendation System for Embedding Technology in Engineering and Science Education. The goals are to build a data-driven, web-based, interactive and dynamic recommendation system that provides educators with a personalized list of tech-based teaching techniques that are suitable for enhancing the classroom experience PI: Nouri Sakr (Computer Science and Engineering).
A multi-modal technology-based approach to alternative assessment in education. Providing a multi-modal approach for online assessment that mitigates issues raised with respect to authenticity, security, privacy and connectivity while remaining equivalent in function to assessments conducted in in-person settings. PI: Sherif Ali (Computer Science and Engineering). CO-PI: Nouri Sakr (Computer Science and Engineering).
Report-for-Change: A People-centric Urban Management Tool. This research will develop a tool that provides real-time mapping of the status of services and networks within the city through integrating service providers (government or private sector), intermediate users and end users on a single platform. PI: Amr Abdel Kawi (Architecture).
Novel composite nanofibers for Face Mask: Cost-effective biomaterials for healthcare workers and public. Our proposed solution is to make three nanofibrous layers that act as filters for face masks. In the end, all polymers will be easy to handle, and the fabrication techniques proposed are Electrospinning and Electrochemical anodization for nanofibers and nanotubes, respectively. PI: Nageh Allam (Physics). CO-PI: Suher Zadah (Biology).

I look forward to seeing the outputs of these initiatives and to contributing to the global pool of knowledge that will help shape the post-pandemic world. Thank you all for helping AUC to rise to its responsibilities as a higher education institution serving the national and global community at this critical time.

Stay home. Stay safe. Stay strong.

Ehab Abdel-Rahman
Provost

Dear AUC Community,

While we are all eager to return to campus, the University continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will announce plans to do so as soon as that becomes possible.

Meanwhile, early registration for summer 2020 is fast approaching on May 10. In order to allow faculty who are teaching summer courses time to fully prepare and to give students the opportunity to make informed decisions about their course selection, we have decided to announce now that the summer 2020 term will be delivered through online instruction.

All summer courses will run for the full six-week summer term. We will not be offering three-week summer A or summer B courses due to their intensive nature. As always, students should consult with their advisor or with the registrar to ensure that they are taking the right courses to keep them on track toward graduation.

Stay Informed

Ehab Abdel Rahman
Provost

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the continuing spread of COVID-19 infection across the world, AUC has focused significant efforts on sustaining our academic mission and ensuring the safety of students, faculty and staff.

We understand the concern and uncertainty among employees across both campuses during these challenging times. Your health and well-being are a priority for the University.

While we are all eager to return to campus as soon as it is safe to do so, we have developed the following guidelines to cover policies until the end of the fiscal year:

We are happy to announce that the University will not deduct leave days from the staff until April 30. Effective May 1, check this link for different options that will support staff in managing their leave balances through the end of the fiscal year on June 30
To allow for the extension of remote work past April 30, see the Remote Work Guidelines Documentation process

We also encourage all staff and managers to be in constant open dialogue. Because every employee’s life situation is different, employees should feel comfortable speaking with their managers and organization leaders about concerns and questions. Feel free to consult with the HR office.

While we don’t have all of the answers for what will happen with COVID-19, many people across our University are working diligently to plan for multiple scenarios and keep our entire community informed. Continue to visit the University’s website for the latest University information and updates.

Thank you for your continued hard work and commitment to ensuring the success of AUC’s educational mission.

Sarah Refaat
Senior Associate Vice President for Human Resources

الزملاء الأعزاء،

نظرًا للانتشار المستمر لعدوى COVID-19 في جميع أنحاء العالم، فقد بذلت الجامعة الأمريكية جهودًا كبيرة لدعم رسالتنا الأكاديمية وضمان سلامة الطلاب وأعضاء هيئة التدريس والموظفين

نحن نتفهم القلق بين الموظفين في كلا الحرمين الجامعيين خلال هذه الأوقات الصعبة. صحتك ورفاهيتك هي أولوية بالنسبة للجامعة

في حين أننا جميعًا حريصون على العودة إلى الحرم الجامعي بمجرد أن يكون ذلك آمنًا، فقد وضعنا الإرشادات التالية المتعلقة بالسياسات حتى نهاية السنة المالية

·يسعدنا أن نعلن أن الجامعة لن تخصم أيام الإجازة من الموظفين حتى 30 أبريل. واعتبارًا من 1 مايو، يرجى التحقق من الرابط للتعرف على الخيارات المختلفة التي ستدعم الموظفين في إدارة أرصدة إجازاتهم حتى نهاية السنة المالية في 30 يونيو

·السماح بتمديد العمل عن بعد فيما بعد 30 أبريل، يرجى استخدام الرابط الخاص بإرشادات إجراءات طلب العمل عن بعد

كما نشجع جميع الموظفين والمديرين على أن يكونوا في حوار مفتوح مستمر. نظرًا لاختلاف حالة حياة كل موظف، يجب أن يشعر الموظفون بالراحة عند التحدث مع مديريهم وقادة القطاعات حول الأسئلة التي تشغلهم. وكذلك لا تترددوا في استشارة مكتب الموارد البشرية

على الرغم من أننا لا نمتلك جميع الإجابات لما سيحدث مع COVID-19 ، فإن العديد من الأشخاص في جامعتنا يعملون بجد للتخطيط لسيناريوهات متعددة وإبقاء مجتمعنا بأكمله على اطلاع. تابعوا زيارة موقع الجامعة ، للحصول على أحدث معلومات الجامعة وتحديثاتها

نشكركم على عملكم الجاد المستمر والتزامكم بضمان نجاح المهمة التعليمية للجامعة.
تحياتي

سارة رفعت

نائب أول الرئيس المشارك للموارد البشري

Dear AUC Community,

Giza authorities announced a quarantine for residents of Al Moatamadeyah village in Giza. Members of the AUC community who reside in this area should stay home for 14 days and report to the nearest medical facility if they experience flu-like systems. Employees should notify their direct supervisor.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

أعزائى مجتمع الجامعة الأمريكية بالقاهرة

يرجى الافادة بان سلطات محافظة الجيزة قد أعلنت عن العزل الصحى لسكان قرية المعتمدية بالجيزة . ولهذا يجب على السادة المقيمين فى هذه المنطقة البقاء فى المنزل لمدة ۱٤ يوما وإبلاغ أقرب مركز طبي إذا واجهوا أعراض شبيهة بالآنفلوانزا

وكذلك يجب على الموظفين إخطار مشرفهم المباشر

مع تمنياتنا لكم بالسلامة.

Dear AUC Community,

I know that many of you, in particular students, have been eagerly awaiting an announcement on updated grading and attendance policies for the Spring 2020 semester that addresses the uniqueness of the current situation. Thank you again for your patience as we researched, considered and discussed a number of different options and their implications.

Grading Policy

After widespread consultation with stakeholders across AUC, today I am announcing that we are implementing an optional Credit/Fail (CR/F) as part of our grading scheme for spring 2020 (where CR is equivalent to Pass). For each course, the faculty member will submit standard grades to the Registrar as usual at the end of the semester. After these grades are posted, each student will then have the option to change any grade for any course to CR. A course that is changed to CR will not factor into the GPA.

CR may be selected instead of any grade of D or above for undergraduate students or a grade of C or above for graduate students. The choice is left to each student, after seeing the standard letter grade for each class, to either keep the grade or change it to a CR, with no impact on GPA. Details and FAQs on this policy will be posted shortly on the AUC Registrar’s website.

In addition, for students who are concerned about not passing a course, remember the Course Drop deadline has been extended to May 7. This gives ample opportunity to discuss your situation with your instructors and also with an advisor and/or the Registrar to fully understand your options and their implications. The spring semester Withdrawal deadline has also been extended to May 7.

I urge you to speak to the Registrar or to an Academic Advisor before making your decision. A special email has been set up in the Office of the Registrar for this purpose.

You can contact the Academic Advising Center at [email protected].

We have done extensive research and analysis to identify an option that best suits AUC. It is my hope and belief that this new policy will allow students to continue the semester and maximize learning without adding unnecessary worry to an already stressful situation.

In addition to the FAQs, we will be releasing a video later this week where members of the academic administration will further explain what the different options mean in relation to GPA, declaration of major, graduation requirements and so on.

Attendance Policy

We are implementing a “relaxed attendance” policy for spring 2020. This means that faculty should not be failing any student due to missing six or more classes. Faculty members will be able to evaluate “participation” and include it as part of their grading system (if applicable).

Stay Informed

Ehab Abdel Rahman
Provost

Dear Colleagues,

I know I don’t need to tell you that we are in a situation where things change daily. For this reason, I want to update you on a few recent developments to ensure that we are all working with the same information and understanding. Keeping up-to-date in this ever-changing situation is of critical importance. I thank you for reading through my frequent emails and following all of AUC’s communications channels.

Grading Policy

After extensive consultation with stakeholders across AUC, today I am announcing that we are implementing an optional Credit/Fail policy to our grading scheme for the Spring 2020 semester (Credit being equivalent to Pass). As faculty, you will submit standard grades as usual at the end of the semester. Once these grades are posted, students will then have the option to change any grade (of D or above for undergraduates or C or above for graduates) to CR. The CR will not factor into their GPA. Details on this policy will be posted shortly on the AUC Registrar’s website.

We did extensive research and analysis to identify an option that best suits AUC. I firmly believe that this new policy will give students the motivation to continue focusing on their learning while simultaneously reducing their current stress.

I heartily thank all who were involved in the extensive discussions and shaping up this policy.

Attendance

We are implementing a relaxed attendance policy for spring 2020. This means that faculty should not be failing any student due to missing six or more classes. Faculty members will be able to evaluate students’ participation and include it as part of their grading system (if applicable), as students may be following up on the missed classes and showing seriousness in the courses despite failing to attend the classes regularly due to technical difficulties.

Assessments

I would like to remind you that the availability of Respondus Monitor is in no way a suggestion that all or even most of you should be using it. It is my hope that the Respondus Monitor will be used in the most limited sense for the rare number of classes where monitored exams are truly the only way to assess students’ learning and comprehension. As faculty, these changed circumstances afford us a challenge and an opportunity to think creatively about ways in which we can better assess our students. In many classes, asynchronous non-monitored assessments, such as those included on the CLT alternative assessment strategies page, are excellent options. Whenever possible, we urge you to use these.

Class Timings

We understand that most online classes are based on a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities. Be reminded that any synchronous activity should be taking place only during your regularly scheduled class time. Many students are reporting conflicts whereby they have two online classes meeting at the same time. This is understandably causing them undue added stress. Sticking to the original class times will avoid any such conflicts for our students.

Stay Flexible and Agile

Inherent in the shift to online learning is the fact that everyone is working more – you as well as students. Many students are sharing that their workload has increased considerably since the shift to remote learning, and this is causing a lot of stress. Keep this in mind, and remember to remain flexible and agile as you continue to adjust your syllabi, assessments and expectations.

As teachers and educators, I know we all share deep care for our students and can see the tremendous strain they are under. Like all of us, they are anxious about the pandemic and what it means for the health of their family members, struggling with adapting to learning online, worrying about the impact on grades and uncertain about the future. I appreciate very much the effort you are making in reaching out to them and helping them through these unprecedented times, especially as young adults.

Stay Informed

Ehab Abdel Rahman
Provost

Dear AUC Community, As a reminder, the University will be closed on the following occasions:

Palm Sunday and Western Easter - Sunday, April 12
Holy Thursday - Thursday, April 16
Eastern Easter - Sunday, April 19
Sham El Nessim - Monday, April 20
Sinai Liberation Day - Saturday, April 25

Due to the shift of spring break in March and an additional class session originally needed for the spring 2020 semester, each course will be required to arrange for make-up sessions according to the following table:

Undergraduate Courses	Sunday/Wednesday	Two make-up classes needed
Undergraduate Courses	Monday/Thursday	Two make-up classes needed
Graduate Courses	Sunday	Two make-up classes needed
Graduate Courses	Monday	One make-up class needed
Graduate Courses	Thursday	One make-up class needed

Stay Informed

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear Colleagues,

As you know, we have acquired the Respondus Monitor system in order for those classes where monitored exams are the only option to have a feasible assessment option. Thank you for this opportunity to provide a few additional updates, based in large part on concerns being raised by students.

I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that many of our students are facing connectivity challenges. This is based on the Egyptian infrastructure, which affects us all, and in many cases, on extremely limited access in students’ home environments. Be extremely sensitive to this as you plan the configuration of your monitored exams. The LearnHub FAQs for faculty are being updated regularly. They include details on the setting options which will allow students to reconnect to complete their exams and for you to allow additional time in such cases where the disconnection extended beyond the duration of the test.

The availability of the Respondus Monitor option is in no way a suggestion that all or even most of you should be using it. There are classes where monitored exams are truly the only way to assess students’ learning and comprehension. This is intended for use in these classes. Many of you, however, can administer asynchronous non-monitored assessments, such as those included on the CLT alternative assessment strategies page. Whenever possible, we urge you to use these options.

Thank you for your continued focus on quality education while recognizing the challenges and concerns our students are expressing.

Ehab Abdel Rahman
Provost

Dear Students,

We in the academic administration recognize that this is the most challenging experience you’ve faced in your educational – and personal – journeys. And you remain, without any question, the number one priority in our decision-making process. After my email last night regarding the new assessment tools, I received many replies from students expressing concern, worry and frustration. Thank you for this opportunity to share further information on a number of key points:

Grading

We fully understand that our standard grading policy may not be the best option for everyone under the current circumstances. For this reason, AUC will be adding a new grading option that will be better suited to this unique learning situation. I trust that you understand that any such change requires serious evaluation, consideration and input from key stakeholders across the University. Thank you for your patience as we complete this process. I plan to announce an updated grading policy shortly.

Attendance

This is another area where we recognize the need to adapt our approaches. In recognition of the connectivity challenges being faced by many of you, we are also discussing an updated attendance policy, which minimizes the emphasis on physical presence. Again, I plan to announce an updated attendance policy in the coming days.

Assessments

The two concerns about Respondus Monitor that have been shared repeatedly by students are in regard to connectivity and privacy issues. I will respond briefly here and ask you to check the LearnHub FAQs as well as the Student Guidelines Document for more detailed information. Additionally, this tool is reserved for those classes where no other types of assessments are feasible, subject to the instructor’s judgment.

Connectivity: There are settings within Respondus Monitor that the instructor can choose whereby students who are disconnected will be able to resume the test once a connection is re-established. Additionally, there are settings within Blackboard where the instructor can allocate additional time for exams that were set to a fixed duration.
Privacy: Respondus Monitor cannot access the content of your computer. Exam-related data is available only to the instructor. The Respondus Monitor's terms of use and data privacy policy have been reviewed and approved by AUC’s Chief Information Security and Risk Officer.

Thank you for continuing to share your concerns with us and for your continued trust that we are doing everything possible to address them.

Ehab Abdel Rahman
Provost

Dear AUC Community,

We are fortunate that no AUCian has yet tested positive for COVID-19. Nevertheless, we must continue to do our full part to mitigate its relentless spread.

Provost Abdel-Rahman announced the decision to continue online instruction through the spring semester to give our faculty and students the security of knowing the plan. Our experience with online instruction and remote work gives us all confidence that we will accomplish our critical mission not only this spring but also through the summer term and the new academic year, whatever turn the pandemic may take.

Now it remains our duty to further reduce the physical presence of people on both campuses to the barest minimum necessary and to deploy any additional effective measures to protect them from contracting or spreading the contagion. We sharply reduced the number of our student residents last month. In the coming days, we will find solutions for the remaining handful of student residents, some with special needs, to continue their studies off-campus. Further: all of us in the administration and faculty will conduct business from locations other than our two campuses, with the briefest exceptions for essential purposes. These are: conducting and supporting communication and online instruction; and supervising and executing other tasks critically necessary to preserve campus health, safety, security and infrastructure. Explicitly included in meeting these essential needs are individual faculty and staff at all ranks, who may need to access their workplaces for periods limited strictly to accomplish those purposes while rigorously observing all protective protocols.

None of us can predict when we can safely and responsibly begin to resume normal operations. We must continue to prepare for the worst while we all hope and pray for the best. As we decide how best to protect the health of our people and our student's academic progress, we will continue to rely on the guidelines of the scientists and officials of the World Health Organization and the Governments of Egypt and the other home countries of our AUCians.

Francis Ricciardone
President

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to share with you that, thanks to the amazing work of our colleagues in IT, a monitoring assessment tool, Respondus Monitor, has now been integrated into our LMS and has been successfully tested. This tool uses the proprietary Respondus LockDown Browser.

You will find detailed instructions for creating online quizzes and exams that will be monitored by Respondus Monitor in the Good Practice for Monitored Online Assessments and Respondus Guidelines, which will be updated regularly. This document includes links to introductory training webinars by the Respondus team. In addition to learning to use this tool yourself, you will also need to support your students. Guidelines for this support are included in the document.

Guidelines for Designing Multiple Choice Questions and a preliminary guidelines section for Academic Integrity and Online Assessments are included in the same Good Practice document.

Assessments that need monitoring may only be conducted through Respondus Monitor. No other assessments that need monitoring are allowed, including proctored assessments via Zoom.

Until you are fully familiar with and comfortable deploying Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor, continue to use alternative assessments such as those mentioned in this interactive presentation.

An essential step to ensure that your first exam using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor runs smoothly is to provide your students with a practice test. The university requires that all faculty using this software provide an ungraded practice test using the Lockdown browser and Monitor for students. This helps ensure that students’ computers/webcams are correctly set up before taking a graded assessment. The steps to creating and administering a practice test can be found in the same Good Practice document mentioned above.

If you are planning on giving monitored assessments, we ask that you give a practice test as soon as possible. This is so that the IT team may be made aware of the kind of questions faculty bring up, and they will then add them to the FAQ page they are currently developing.

Thank you in advance for immediately accessing the documents and training, and running an ungraded practice test, if you intend to administer monitored assessments. And thank you as always for your flexibility and resilience as we continue to improve our tools and resources in support of online and remote learning.

Ehab Abdel Rahman
Provost

Dear Students,

As we enter our third week of online instruction, I’d like to once again thank you all for your continued resilience in these unprecedented times. I know that this transition has not been easy for anyone. There are still challenges to be resolved, and teams across the university are working to identify and implement solutions. I want to remind you all that with every challenge, there are so many opportunities. I encourage you to be creative, look for those opportunities, and use them to help the community.

As you are aware, so far, we have not been allowing exams or quizzes that needed proctoring or monitoring.

To address this matter, AUC has now acquired a license to a system called Respondus Monitor, which uses a specialized browser for automated monitoring of online exams. It has been deployed, and faculty have been given guidelines on how to use the software as well as how to support their students. While Zoom-proctored assessments are still not allowed, your instructors may be administering exams through this new system. This will enable them to give the best types of assessments aligned with individual course needs.

We have prepared Guidelines that will help you understand what to expect when you are given an online exam that will be monitored using RespondusMonitor. It will go over how to prepare for the test, how to get support and a few valuable tips. These Guidelines will be regularly updated, and we encourage you to look them up often.

We have asked each faculty member who will be using this system to run an ungraded practice test to ensure that you can use it before engaging in an actual graded exam or quiz.

Last but not least, we have a section on how to survive the remote instruction environment with integrity. Thank you in advance for reviewing the guidelines carefully. AUC takes Academic Integrity seriously, and we expect you to do so, as well. We have zero tolerance for any violation of the principles of academic integrity.

As always, thank you for your patience and your flexibility as we navigate this situation together.

Stay Informed

Sincerely,
Ehab Abdel Rahman, Provost

Dear AUC Community,

We are fortunate that no AUCian has yet tested positive for COVID-19. Nevertheless, we must continue to do our full part to mitigate its relentless spread.

Francis Ricciardone
President

Dear Colleagues,

You will find detailed instructions for creating online quizzes and exams that will be monitored by Respondus Monitor in the “Good Practice for Monitored Online Assessments and Respondus Guidelines, which will be updated regularly. This document includes links to introductory training webinars by the Respondus team. In addition to learning to use this tool yourself, you will also need to support your students. Guidelines for this support are included in the document.

Guidelines for Designing Multiple Choice Questions and a preliminary guidelines section for Academic Integrity and Online Assessments are included in the same “Good Practice” document.

Assessments that need monitoring may only be conducted through Respondus Monitor. No other assessments that need monitoring are allowed, including proctored assessments via Zoom.

Until you are fully familiar with and comfortable deploying Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor, please continue to use alternative assessments such as those mentioned in this interactive presentation.

Ehab Abdel Rahman
Provost

Dear Students,

As we enter our third week of online instruction, I’d like to once again thank you all for your continued resilience in these unprecedented times. I know that this transition has not been easy for anyone. There are still challenges to be resolved, and teams across the university are working to identify and implement solutions.I want to remind you all that with every challenge there are so many opportunities. I encourage you to be creative, to look for those opportunities, and use them to help the community.

As you are aware, so far, we have not been allowing exams or quizzes that needed proctoring or monitoring.

To address this matter, AUC has now acquired a license to a system called “Respondus Monitor” which uses a specialized browser for automated monitoring of online exams. It has been deployed and faculty have been given guidelines on how to use the software and as well as how to support their students. While Zoom-proctored assessments are still not allowed, your instructors may be administering exams through this new system. This will enable them to give the best types of assessments aligned with individual course needs.

We have prepared Guidelines that will help you understand what to expect when you will be given an online exam that will be monitored using RespondusMonitor. It will go over how to prepare for the test, how to get support and a few valuable tips. These Guidelines will be regularly updated and we encourage you to look them up often.

We have asked each faculty member who will be using this system to run an ungraded practice test, to make sure that you are able to use it before engaging in an actual graded exam or quiz.

Last but not least, we have a section on how to survive the remote instruction environment with integrity. Thank you in advance for reviewing the guidelines carefully. AUC takes the Academic Integrity seriously and we expect you to do so, as well. We have zero tolerance for any violation of the principles of academic integrity.

As always, thank you for your patience and your flexibility as we navigate this situation together.

Stay Informed

Please continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources including the FAQ section from our community.

Sincerely,

Ehab Abdel Rahman, Provost

Dear AUC Community,

Over the past few weeks since the move to emergency remote instruction, the question of what comes next has been on everyone’s mind, especially our students. After consultation with faculty, chairs and deans, as well as the analysis of survey results, we have come to the decision to complete the spring semester through “online” learning. While no one can predict when we may safely return to campus, the inability to anticipate and plan for the rest of the semester has been a challenge for both faculty and students.

With the semester ending in May, deciding now to complete the term remotely eliminates uncertainty and allows us to focus our undivided attention on delivering the best possible learning outcomes for our students. On a daily basis, we are actively applying new approaches to improve our online experience and responding to the many concerns our students and faculty have raised.

In addition, we have been in discussions about assessments, the attendance policy and the approach to grading for this term. Today, I met with the executive committee of the Senate to discuss these topics and will announce by Monday of this week our approach to each of these important issues.

Beyond this term, we remain confident in having either online or face-to-face instruction available for the summer and fall terms. I will share more details as they become available. Meanwhile, please rest assured that we will continue in our relentless pursuit of the best possible education we can provide our students in these uncertain times. Seeing firsthand the tremendous commitment and agility of our faculty and the heroes among the staff who support them to deliver their courses, I know we will successfully complete the spring term online. I thank every one of you - faculty, staff and students - for your ongoing strength, patience and commitment to our common goals.

Please continue to provide feedback and questions through [email protected]. Please also consult the Academic Questions and Online Instruction section of the FAQs on the website by clicking here for answers to many of the questions you may have.

Stay Informed

Sincerely,
Ehab Abdel Rahman, Provost

Dear Colleagues,

As we approach the end of our second week of online instruction, I’d like to once again thank you all for your continued efforts in these unprecedented times. There are still challenges to be resolved, and teams across the university are working to identify and implement solutions.

Proctored Assessments:

Moving forward, AUC has just acquired a license to “Respondus Monitor” a service that uses a proprietary lockdown browser for automated proctoring of online exams. This will allow faculty to conduct proctored exams.

Our wonderful colleagues in IT are currently in the process of integrating and testing the system. Any of you who intend to give proctored exams later this semester can start examining this video tutorial to train instructors or sign up to participate in a live webinar.

Please understand that this is a new technology that will take some time to implement. Faculty will need training and students will also need to be prepared. As with any new online technology and modality, best practices do not necessarily emulate face-to-face practices. We will be sharing such best practices with you soon.

In the meantime, please remember while the testing and training on Respondus Monitor is ongoing, proctored exams are not allowed. This means that Zoom cannot be used to remotely proctor examinations. You will be able to use Respondus Monitor soon. We will keep you updated.

Alternative Assessments:

One issue that we know many of you are facing is regarding the assessment of student learning in the online environment. To help navigate the options, the CLT has created a simple interactive presentation that gives examples of different types of assessments as well as the tools needed to conduct them online. By clicking on an assessment on the chart, you will be shown examples of the tools you can use. A copy of this interactive presentation can be checked here.

To support departments exploring online assessments, CLT is offering group consultations. We encourage Chairs, Associate Chairs or faculty coordinators who are interested to please contact CLT.

Stay Informed

With thanks again for your flexibility, and for your commitment to saving the semester.

Best regards,

Ehab Abdel Rahman, Provost

Dear AUC Faculty and Staff:

For a century, the Egyptians of AUC have warmly embraced foreign colleagues who have come from around the world to collaborate in the highest human endeavors of learning and teaching. Egyptian students, faculty and staff have offered such strong friendship and support that foreign visitors and long-term residents alike have felt safe, secure, and healthy even during times of national, regional, and now global emergencies.

Today, the Covid-19 pandemic is raising anxiety among even the longest-resident foreigners in Egypt. It has compelled us to weigh our obligations toward our loved ones abroad, as well as our own personal health risks at “home” in Cairo vs. at our countries of origin. Both as an American privileged to live among so many Egyptian friends over many years, and as President of AUC committed to our institutional mission and the care of our people, I am deeply sympathetic. This is not a time of easy answers for anyone, from Cairo to New York, London, Bergamo, Cairo, Tehran, Wuhan, Seoul, or Tokyo.

Let me reassure all that we will fully respect the individual choices of our dedicated international faculty members regarding this global emergency. Because we have coped so well through the transition to online teaching, some will judge that they can fulfill their commitments to our students even from several time zones away, at least in the short term. Nevertheless, I hope that many will continue to share my own judgement that remaining at AUC through the spring term (and for our own various longer-term commitments) is the right decision for our students, for our loved ones abroad, and for ourselves.

We have published the link to the US Embassy American Citizens’ Services Covid-19 page since before the US Government’s worldwide travel warnings of March 11th and 19^th. I have spoken with some international students and colleagues considering whether and when to repatriate. Provost Abdel-Rahman and I will be available tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1 during assembly hour, 1:00 p.m. via this Zoom teleconference link to meet with American and other international faculty and staff members who may be considering whether to take advantage of the emergency repatriation transportation being arranged by the American and other foreign embassies. Of course, Egyptian colleagues interested in this specific question also are welcome to join.

In addition, Dr. Ehab, Dr. Ashraf Hatem, and the full leadership team also will welcome questions and comments on all subjects from the wider community via AUC-TV live stream at assembly hour on the following day, Thursday, April 2.

I am proud to serve with our AUC community which has shown such resilience and dedication in facing the Covid-19 pandemic. I remain confident that in due course, we will emerge all the stronger for having prevailed through this global challenge together.

Francis J. Ricciardone
President

Dear AUC Community,

Below are updates and useful information on our campus-wide efforts to respond and protect the AUC community from the worldwide coronavirus outbreak:

Medical Services

The Office of Medical Services is working on an emergency basis only (Emergency Response Unit) until further notice. Primary healthcare services, Seif Pharmacy and MetLife’s representatives will not be available at either campus. For the full message from medical services and appropriate procedures, click here. As a reminder for the medical services guidelines, click here.

Travel Office

There are limited flights to and from Cairo. EgyptAir is operating a number of flights to Cairo from several destinations, including a flight from London on Tuesday, March 30. For AUC’s travel office updates, click here.

Campus Disinfecting and Cleaning Measures

We are continuing the deep cleaning and disinfecting efforts by fumigating the campus since last week, covering all classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, lounges, corridors, elevators and restrooms. Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting procedures are applied to AUC's entire transportation fleet, including carts, cars and buses on a daily basis. For cleaning concerns or questions, email [email protected].

Online Instruction Resources and Survey

In our second week of online instruction, we remind all faculty and students to respond to the survey sent out last week. Your feedback is essential to improve our online learning experience. For resources, please visit the online instruction webpage.

Stress Management Resources

The Department of Psychology and the Center for Student Well-being developed a collection of resources for the AUC community. Resources available include emotional health and preventing stress, relaxation and meditation, managing stress, anxiety and depression, social distancing or in quarantine, and resources for parents.

FAQ Updates

As a reminder, please visit regularly the Frequency Asked Questions on AUC’s coronavirus webpage for answers to common questions from members of the community. Click here to visit the FAQ webpage.

Coronavirus Virtual Campus Conversation

Mark your calendar for the Coronavirus Virtual Campus Conversation this Thursday, April 2, at 1 pm. Submit your questions to the Coronavirus Response Task Force, click here. For full event details, click here.

Stay Informed

Please continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers, and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources, including the FAQ section from our community.

Shereen Shaker

Vice President for Management and Operations

Dear All,

The Office of Medical Services will be working on an emergency basis only (Emergency Response Unit) until further notice. Primary healthcare services will not be available at either campus. Seif Pharmacy on the New Cairo campus will be closed and MetLife's representative will not be working from either campus until further notice. for MetLife alternative solutions please refer to that attached HR email sent on March 24, 2020

Some employees may be at increased risk for complications from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, tumors, receiving corticosteroids, immunodeficiency disorders, and pregnancy. If you have any of the previously listed health conditions and are not scheduled for remote work by your supervisor, kindly report to the Medical Services Office as follows:

1- Call the clinic number 3924 or 0226153924 from off-campus or send a request via [email protected]u including your name, ID number, phone number, department and supervisor's name, and your health issues which is the basis of your eligibility request.

2- Cases will be assessed immediately, and if eligible, an approval for remote work will be sent to your supervisor copying [email protected] (HR) within three working days.

If you are granted sick leave from an external doctor, you must provide the AUC clinic with health declaration certificate clearing your return to work from your doctor before returning to campus

Prescriptions and medication for chronic cases:

If you are a Cigna subscriber, you can receive your medications through the various branches of Seif Pharmacies from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

In order to receive your medication:

1- You have to show the pharmacist your AUC ID, and Cigna ID, and a valid prescription.

2- The valid prescription should include the name, date, and duration of treatment.

For chronic cases (Cigna), if you need your monthly medication, send an email to [email protected] including your name, ID, and which clinic you used to dispense your medication from (Tahrir or New Cairo) and a copy of your monthly prescription will be sent to Seif Pharmacy. Once you have received a reply you can collect your medicine only from the Concord Plaza branch for New Cairo clinic or Strand Building /El Falaki branch for Tahrir clinic between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

For inquiries and assistance contact Dr. Ghada Maher at [email protected], copying [email protected], or call 01210561111.

If you are an international student you can receive your medications through Concord Plaza branch of Seif Pharmacy from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

In order to receive your medication:

1- You have to show the pharmacist your stamped AUC ID (blue clinic stamp), and a valid prescription.

2- The valid prescription should include the name, date, and duration of treatment.

For inquiries and assistance contact Dr. Ghada Maher at [email protected] copying [email protected] or call 01210561111.

If you are a MetLife subscriber, you can get examined or receive your monthly medication through MetLife's network of providers and pharmacies.

Stay Informed

Office of Medical Services

As we are all using virtual meeting tools extensively, we would like to give you some tips on how to secure your virtual meetings according to US NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) recommendations. Kindly check this video, the below infographic, as well as AUC guidelines with general and Zoom customized recommendations.

Infograph

As a reminder, kindly ensure that you update/verify your emergency phone numbers through myinfo.aucegypt.edu.

Stay Informed

Please continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers, and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources, including the FAQ section from our community.

Wessam Maher
Chief Information Security and Risk Officer

Tomorrow marks the end of our first week of online learning and remote work. Thanks to the heroic efforts of our faculty, the dedicated support of our staff across the University, and the matching resilience and commitment of our students, we have successfully continued our educational mission, while doing our part in the global and local efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. We are exploiting the feedback from students, faculty, and staff this week to make continuing refinements in our online teaching and remote working technology, policies, and procedures.

Consistent with the guidelines of the Government of Egypt and international health organizations, we will extend our online learning and remote work to Thursday, April 16.

Today, this historic global challenge remains far from resolved. The global effort will take much more time ultimately to succeed. We remain dedicated to returning, as soon as responsibly possible, to the full range of on-campus activities. The immediate goal remains to enable our students fully to achieve their spring term milestones in their academic journeys. With our whole community, I remain confident and dedicated to these purposes.

Francis J. Ricciardone
President

While you are handling AUC data and using AUC devices at home, we would like to remind you to protect AUC information and resources that you are entrusted to, accordingly, kindly ensure that you follow the below guidelines:-

You are responsible for keeping the confidentiality of AUC student, faculty, and staff information. Act wisely and stay vigilant.
Ensure Anti-malware, Windows, and Mac updates are enabled, don't postpone security updates' notifications.
Don't visit suspicious sites like illegal movie websites using AUC devices as they pose a risk of ransomware and malware infection.
Don't lend AUC devices to children or other members of the family.
Don't share AUC devices or AUC accounts' passwords with anyone.
Don't store personal data on AUC devices or digital services; accidental usage is understandable.
Use trusted Internet sources, don't use untrusted wireless sources like an unknown open wireless network or a neighbors' one.
Configure your home wireless to be accessible through a password.
Don't download non-authentic/cracked/pirated software on AUC devices. If you need any software for business needs, kindly contact https://itsupport.aucegypt.edu
Don't store AUC information on non-AUC approved clouds.

As a reminder, kindly ensure that you update/verify your emergency phone numbers through myinfo.aucegypt.edu

Stay Informed

Please continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers, and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources, including the FAQ section from our community.

Wessam Maher
Chief Information Security and Risk Officer

Below are updates and useful information:

Two-Week Online Teaching and Remote Work
As previously announced, from Sunday, March 22 to April 2, the University will be utilizing online learning for students, with no face-to-face instruction. At the same time, staff will work remotely.

Campus Access
Campus access is restricted to staff whose physical presence is absolutely necessary to support online operations. We ask all other members of the AUC community, including students, not to come to either campus to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Students who remain in the dormitories (as confirmed by the Dean of Students) have access to the campus for the cafeteria, Seoudi and clinic (in the case of emergencies). They may also access the Plaza level of the library in order to use the computers. Students who do not currently reside in the dormitories are not allowed on campus. In extremely rare circumstances, an exception may be granted for students who need to collect supplies or have essential face-to-face meetings with an instructor. Such an exception requires the permission of the instructor and the approval of the relevant dean.

Remote Work for Staff
The Office of Human Resources has provided guidelines for staff for the next two weeks. To read the message from HR, click here.

Events and Meetings
All public events are canceled or postponed until further notice. All meetings are expected to take place online.

Sports Complex
All indoor facilities at the sports complex are closed. The main entrance to the facility will remain open for users to access the outdoor track, tennis courts and Seoudi.

Buses
In support of reduced campus access, the bus service will operate a minimal schedule to accommodate the limited number of staff who must be physically present on campus.

AUC Library
The library hours have been reduced. Click here for details.

Food Outlets
All found outlets on campus will be closed for the next two weeks. To accommodate a limited number of students in the dorms, the main cafeteria will operate from 9 am to 11 pm and Seoudi will open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Stay Informed
Please continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources including the FAQ section from our community.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Starting Sunday, March 22, the University will move to online instruction and all AUC staff will work remotely, except when the nature of their job is both critical to the operation and can only be done on campus. Only in such situations, and only if the supervisor approves, should the employee come to AUC campuses.

The following guidelines will apply to staff based on the job requirement and job classification.

Only those staff, contractors and business visitors whose physical presence is necessary to performing tasks approved by their area heads as essential to sustain University operations, including online instruction, should be present on either campus.
Facilities and management staff whose job requires a physical presence on campus will be working on a shift basis.
Area heads, in consultation with unit managers, will reduce to the minimum number of duty hours and days of physical presence required of individual staff providing essential services. To accomplish this, they will adopt measures including eliminating overtime assignments not approved in writing in advance by area heads and allocating duties over reduced shifts.
Staff who are able to perform their duties remotely and in alignment with their manager will perform their tasks and responsibilities from remote locations. Each employee will be required to be extra diligent and deliberate in keeping records of his or her deliverables and communicating often and clearly with the line manager.
If a job cannot be done remotely, and with prior alignment with the manager, the staff member may be asked to take this as time off, but it will not be counted against annual leave. This policy will be in effect through April 15 when it will be revisited and new directions may be given in accordance with the circumstances at that time.
In the meantime, the Office of Human Resources is putting policies in place to formally activate remote work requests after April 15 to ensure that written remote agreements are in place for eligible staff to perform their tasks and responsibilities remotely.
HR has assigned online training to all office-based employees to provide tips and techniques for effective remote working. The HR team also encourages all staff to go through this short online training.

Sarah Refaat
Senior AVP for Human Resources

21 مارس، نظام العمل عن بُعد

اعتباراً من الأحد 22 مارس، تنتقل الجامعة إلى التدريس عبر الإنترنت وسيعمل جميع موظفي الجامعة عن بُعد، باستثناء الوظائف التي تكون طبيعتها ذات أهمية قصوى لسير العمل ولا يمكن القيام بها إلا في الحرم الجامعي. ففي مثل هذه الحالات فقط، وبناءً على موافقة المدير المباشر على ذلك، يلزم حضور الموظف إلى حرمي الجامعة.

سيتم تطبيق الإرشادات التالية على الموظفين بناءً على متطلبات الوظيفة وتصنيفها:

يجب فقط حضور الموظفين والمتعاقدين والزوار لأغراض تجارية إلى أي من حرمي الجامعة والذين يكون وجودهم ضرورياً لأداء المهام التي يوافق عليها رؤساء إداراتهم باعتبارها ضرورية لاستمرار سير العمل بالجامعة، بما في ذلك التدريس عبر الإنترنت.
أما بالنسبة لموظفي المرافق والموظفين العاملين بالإدارة والذين تتطلب وظيفتهم التواجد الفعلي بالحرم الجامعي، سيقومون بالعمل على أساس نظام الورديات.
يقلص رؤساء الإدارات، بالتشاور مع مديري الوحدات، عدد ساعات العمل وأيام حضور الموظفين الذين يقدمون خدمات أساسية إلى الحد الأدنى. لتحقيق ذلك، سيعتمدون بعض التدابير بما في ذلك إلغاء مهام العمل الإضافي التي لم تتم الموافقة عليها مسبقاً كتابياً من قبل رؤساء الإدارات وتوزيع المهام للقيام بها في ورديات العمل التي تم تقليصها.
يقوم الموظفون القادرون على أداء مهامهم عن بُعد وبالاتفاق مع مديريهم بأداء مهامهم ومسئولياتهم عن بُعد. ويُطلب من كل موظف أن يكون مجتهداً ومواظباً على تدوين إنجازاته بسجلات وإخطار مديره المباشر بها بوضوح.
في حالة عدم إمكانية الموظف القيام بعمله عن بُعد، وبالاتفاق المسبق مع المدير، فقد يُطلب من الموظف أن يأخذ هذه الفترة كإجازة من العمل، ولكن لن يتم احتسابها من الإجازة السنوية للموظف. تكون هذه السياسة سارية المفعول حتى 15 أبريل حينما يتم إعادة النظر فيها ويمكن إعطاء توجيهات جديدة وفقاً للظروف السائدة في ذلك الوقت.
وفي تلك الأثناء، يقوم مكتب الموارد البشرية بصياغة سياسات لتفعيل طلبات العمل عن بُعد رسمياً بعد 15 أبريل وذلك لكي تتوافر اتفاقيات مكتوبة للعمل عن بُعد للموظفين المؤهلين لأداء مهامهم ومسئولياتهم عن بُعد.
يخصص مكتب الموارد البشرية تدريباً عبر الإنترنت لجميع الموظفين العاملين في مكاتب وذلك لتقديم نصائح وأدوات للعمل عن بُعد بشكل فعال. كما يشجع فريق الموارد البشرية أيضاً جميع الموظفين على تلقي هذا التدريب القصير عبر الإنترنت.

سارة رفعت

نائب اول الرئيس المشارك للموارد البشرية

Click here to read Covid-19 Work Arrangements - FAQs

اضغط هنا للاطلاع على أسئلة متكررة حول نظام العمل عن بُعد

We have just wrapped up a productive week of emergency preparations and planning. Thanks to fine work by the Provost and faculty, we are very well prepared to launch full-scope online learning next week. Thanks also to the work by staff and supervisors across the University operating units, we have leapt forward in our remote working capabilities to accomplish the needed support for our online learning and other critical University functions.

Nevertheless, because the global contagion continues to accelerate, we must now step up our precautionary measures to strictly minimize the daily physical presence of all people -- students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors -- on our two campuses to those whose presence is absolutely essential to the successful conduct of our mission. We will continue to rely on our leaders and managers of each academic and support unit to assess, with the people for whom they are responsible, the mission-essential requirements for their physical presence. Please do check our AUC Coronavirus website for frequent updates.

The adjustments in our work and study modes will inevitably impose some hardships. Fortunately, AUC has proven its institutional and community resilience over a century that has seen the most severe challenges, from war to revolution and economic distress. AUC has the means and the determination to sustain our mission of service to our students and to mitigate the burden on our most vulnerable employees.

I am confident that we will emerge all the stronger for having confronted the novel coronavirus pandemic, and that we will achieve our twin highest goals: to protect the health, safety, and security of all our people; and to save spring term for our students.

Sincerely,
Francis J. Ricciardone

Below are updates and useful information on our campus-wide efforts to respond to the worldwide coronavirus outbreak:

Virtual Campus Conversation: COVID-19 Response

Mark your calendar for AUC’s first virtual campus conversation with the Coronavirus Response Task Force live on Thursday, March 19 at 2 pm. Click here to check the event details.

AUC Events

For internal campus meetings, we encourage limiting participants to 50 people as per new CDC guidelines.

Campus Visitors

Faculty and staff visitors are permitted by appointment only for work needs. The Security Office must be notified of any expected visitors no less than four hours beforehand by emailing [email protected] or calling ext. 4444 or 0226154444. Students may not bring visitors to campus until further notice. Visit the Student Service Center website for information for prospective students and parents.

Medical Services Guidelines

The Office of Medical Services has created guidelines for community members who have traveled abroad to high-risk countries or have flu-like symptoms: Click here to view guidelines.

AUC Library

The library hours have been reduced. Click here for details.

Travel Updates

The Government of Egypt has announced suspending all international flights to and from Egypt from March 19 until March 31, 2020. Please visit carrier websites for updated information. Click here to visit the travel office website.

Stay Informed

Shereen Shaker

Vice President for Management and Operations

AUC places the highest priority on the health, safety, and security of its entire community, while protecting the continuity of academic programs and essential functions. We understand that the closure of schools and child care centers imposes unexpected needs on many of our staff. To mitigate the impact of such emergency measures, the University will adopt three additional measures during the two weeks of online instruction from March 22 to April 2:

The University encourages managers to approve all possible leave requests from staff members.
Managers should approve requests for remote work arrangements as they determine feasible.
Staff may mix annual leave and remote working hours/days with supervisor approval.

The purpose of these guidelines is to create flexibility to allow the University to remain fully functional while accommodating individual staff members. Area heads, in collaboration with HR business partners, will submit their plans for the next two weeks by Thursday, March 19. For more information, click here.

Sarah Refaat
Senior AVP for Human Resources

The Government of Egypt has announced suspending all international flights to and from Egypt from March 19 until March 31, 2020. This covers all Egyptian airports to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Kindly note that AUC’s travel office is ready to assist in issuing any emergency tickets for all AUC community members that need to travel within the coming 48 hours.

In addition, the travel office team has reviewed all of its bookings through March 31 and has advised passengers to change their travel dates to avoid being stuck. Should you have any questions or need special assistance, email [email protected].

Stay Informed

Kindly continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

In light of the current circumstances, AUC Security Office will implement below measures effective tomorrow Tuesday, March 17 until further notice.

Gates Operations:

Gate 2 and Gate 5 will be completely closed
Gate 1 and Gate 4 will operate as usual

Parking Availability:

All parking lots will be available.

Entrances Operations:

The Sports entrance will be closed, alternatively, Pepsi Entrance may be used.
The Arts entrance will be closed, alternatively, Omar Mohsen Entrance may be used.
The Garden entrance will be closed, alternatively, Watson Entrance may be used.
All other entrances will operate as usual.

We recognize these measures may interrupt your usual routine, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Gates		Recommended Parking	Entrance
Closed	Alternative		Closed	Alternative
Gate 2	Gate 1	Visitors, Watson, I, J	Sports Entrance	Pepsi Entrance
			Garden Entrance	Watson Entrance
Gate 5	Gate 4	A, B, C, D, E, F, G	Arts Entrance	Omar Mohsen Entrance

Gen. Mohamed Ebeid
Chief Security Officer (CSO)

Below are the latest updates on our campus-wide response to COVID-19:

Frequently Asked Questions on Move to Online Instruction

After spring break this week, AUC will begin two weeks of online instruction starting Sunday, March 22. The Office of the Provost, school deans and department chairs have received a number of questions on online education. We will be constantly updating and adding responses to questions as they arise. Do not hesitate to email [email protected] with questions related to online instruction. To view FAQs related to online education, click here.

Events and Meetings

Based on the Government of Egypt, CDC and WHO guidelines on limiting large gatherings, AUC is asking event organizers to postpone or cancel all public events until further notice. For internal campus meetings, we encourage limiting participants to 75 people. In addition, the university events office will be providing guidance on capacity in venues, wiping down surfaces, social distancing and use of hand sanitizers.

Staff Guidelines

The University is deeply committed to ensuring the health and safety of all of the members of our staff. To fulfill this priority commitment, while continuing to serve our educational mission, we are working on a fast-track basis to develop staff guidelines. Each area head, in accordance with HR policy guidelines, will be working this week to develop unit-level plans. We fully understand that the closure of schools, universities and daycare centers has left many of our staff members with childcare needs. HR staff guidelines will give additional flexibility to unit leaders in supporting staff, while maintaining operations.

Stay Informed

Continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources including the FAQ section from our community.

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

We want to advise you to stay alert and vigilant as some hackers and scammers use the CoronaVirus/ COVID-19 incidents for malicious reasons. As a real example, currently, some hackers use Coronavirus/COVID-19 maps to infect devices and steal information.

Accordingly, kindly ensure that you do the following:-

Follow trusted sources of news, and don't be tempted by news from unknown sources.
Do not click on unexpected/suspicious email links or download unexpected attachments, even if the sender is known. Verify before clicking.
Take an offline backup for all your critical documents at all times.
Your PC/laptop should be updated to the latest version with the latest patches and updates.
Update and enable your antivirus and firewall.

If you need help, contact the IT Help Desk on https://itsupport.aucegypt.edu ext. 1200, or email [email protected] or contact the IT support unit in your school.

Read more in:

news.un.org: UN health agency warns against coronavirus COVID-19 criminal scams
www.vox.com: Coronavirus email scams are trying to cash in on your fear
www.zdnet.com: Nasty phishing scams aim to exploit coronavirus fears
Forbes.com: Dangerous Coronavirus maps

Wessam Maher
Chief Information Security and Risk Officer

President Ricciardone separately has announced several new measures we are taking to ensure that AUC does its part to protect the health of our own community as well as the wider Egyptian public of which we are apart. This message is to explain in greater detail what we will be doing in our academic operations over the next several weeks.

In consultation with the school Deans, we will move spring break forward by four weeks, to run from Sunday, March 15 through Thursday, March 19. We will use this period to offer further training to faculty to prepare for online instruction. After the end of spring break, we will begin two weeks of online instruction for all classes, starting on Sunday, March 22 until Thursday, April 2.

During this time frame, faculty will deliver all of their courses online with no face-to-face classes (either on or off-campus). This window will allow us to fully test our online teaching capabilities to help us enhance and strengthen our skills in this area. Not only will this test of our system be useful in combating the current COVID-19 outbreak, but it will also position us to better respond to any future conditions that may necessitate the utilization of online instruction. During this period faculty will conduct all office hours online. Faculty need to coordinate with their Teaching Assistants so they can also deliver their part of the teaching online as well.

Along with these shifts, we also have extended the undergraduate Course Drop Deadline and Withdrawal Deadline until May 7.

Faculty and staff will have full access to campus and their offices. When on campus, everyone is expected to follow safety measures recommended by the AUC medical services office, in accordance with the World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control and the Government of Egypt.

The Center for Learning and Teaching has been conducting training for faculty in online instruction and tools and will intensify the available support before and during the shift to online instruction. In addition, students who require technical assistance should contact the IT Helpdesk at [email protected].

I realize that the coming weeks will undoubtedly bring disruption to the spring semester. I am confident, however, in our ability to not only rise to this challenge but to use it as an opportunity to learn and improve. I am thankful for your understanding, your patience, and your cooperation. I also understand your frustrations, but rest assured we are working diligently to address this force majeure.

Continue to follow emails carefully for more detailed information and preparations for the shift to online instruction. For the latest updates on AUC’s response to COVID-19, visit www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus.

Ehab Abdel-Rahman
AUC Provost

The Covid-19 Response Task Force has continued over the rainstorm emergency weekend to assess developments both globally and among our students, faculty, and staff regarding the pandemic. The good news upfront: so far, we have no confirmed cases among our community; the handful of those with flu-like symptoms over the past week quickly left campus, were examined or tested, and have proven uninfected with the novel coronavirus.

Nevertheless, the pandemic is spreading rapidly and globally. We must redouble our efforts both to prevent the spread of the virus and to slow it down if and when it does appear among us on either of our two campuses.

Hence, we are taking three immediate additional steps, beyond those previously announced (including increased cleaning and disinfection of indoor spaces and vehicles; canceling and restricting travel and public events), to comply with the WHO, Government of Egypt, US Government and other authoritative international recommendations to lessen close physical contact among large groups of people:

First, we will move up our regularly scheduled spring break to begin Sunday, March 15, instead of Sunday, April 12.

Second, we will use that week-long academic spring break for two purposes:

o To hone our preparations to shift all possible instruction to online formats,

o And to develop policies, technologies, and procedures to test new remote work arrangements for selected administrative staff.

Third, we will begin a two-week test of online instruction when classes recommence on Sunday, March 22.

Let me emphasize that AUC will remain open and fully operational during these several weeks. Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman will communicate full details of the shift in the academic operation. Meanwhile, next week managers will work in collaboration with HR to develop remote work guidelines for administrative staff, where appropriate.

Many faculty and staff colleagues at all levels are deeply engaged in sustaining our University’s operations at our normal high standards not only for our core mission of research-based teaching and learning, but also for our community health, safety, and security, even under the unfolding circumstances of the global emergency. I’m especially proud to serve with our fine students, faculty, and staff at such challenging moments, and commend all for their commitment and confidence as we race to the finish of our centennial year’s Spring term.

Francis J. Ricciardone
President

Below are updates and useful information on our campus-wide efforts to respond and protect the AUC community from the worldwide coronavirus outbreak:

Events

Based on the CDC, WHO, and government of Egypt guidelines on limiting mass gatherings, AUC is asking event organizers to postpone or cancel all events with public guests and more than 500 attendees until further notice. We will be revising these guidelines regularly. Consider possible efforts to encourage social distancing, promote handwashing or use of sanitizers and other health safety measures. The CDC guidelines for event organizers maybe a helpful resource to consult.

Hand Sanitizers on Buses

Next week, all AUC buses will have hand sanitizers installed on the bus.

Update Your Contact Information

Update/validate your phone number using this link: http://myinfo.aucegypt.edu/ and log in with your email credentials. These contacts will be used for communication purposes in case of emergencies.

Notification of Recent Travel

If you have returned from a high-risk country, as defined by the CDC, remain at home for two weeks and notify the medical office. The medical services number is 012.8000.1039.

AUC Students on Exchange Programs Abroad

The University is working with all students on exchange programs who are currently completing a semester abroad to determine the best solution for each student, depending on the country, university and travel options. All exchange students who were in high-risk countries, as defined by the CDC, have already returned to Cairo. AUC is in close communication with students in lower-risk countries and reviewing the situation regularly. Any student who is unsure or has questions should contact Dahlia El Tayeb at the Office of International Programs and Services at [email protected] or contact the Office of the Dean of Students at [email protected].

FAQ Webpage Launched

Visit regularly the Frequency Asked Questions on AUC’s coronavirus webpage for answers to common questions from members of the community. Click here to visit the FAQ webpage.

Stay Informed

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Yesterday, eight members of the AUC community were advised to self-quarantine when they informed the clinic that they had returned recently from a Nile Cruise to Luxor and Aswan. Although none of the individuals experienced coronavirus-related symptoms, they self-quarantined in their homes as a precautionary measure.

As a reminder, members of the community who are experiencing high fever and flu symptoms should stay home to limit exposure to others and visit the nearest physician or the AUC clinic. Inform the medical office of your condition. The medical services number is 012.8000.1039.

Stay Informed

Continue to monitor email for regular updates from the University and visit www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus. In addition to the latest updates from AUC, important numbers and tips on staying safe, the website also has links to helpful resources.

Dr. Mohamed Amin
Medical Services Director

Below are the updates on our response to the global outbreak of COVID-19 and its possible impact on campus.

Travel

After review of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and WHO guidelines, AUC's Coronavirus Response Taskforce has recommended limiting University-sponsored, international, non-essential travel for students, faculty and staff. The purpose of the recommendation is to mitigate the risk of infection and risk of disturbances during travel, as countries enforce quarantines or deny entry on a rapidly changing basis. The direct supervisor and area head will make decisions on essential staff travel. The vice president of student life will make determinations related to student trips. Each dean will make the decision for faculty members in his or her school. We advise faculty, staff and students to carefully review their personal travel plans.

Events

Following guidance from the WHO and Egypt's Ministry of Health, we are continuing with scheduled events on campus for the time being. Events may be subject to last-minute adjustments as needed.

Campus Readiness

We have installed hand sanitizers across the campus. We are also increasing the frequency of disinfecting surfaces as part of our daily cleaning routine.

Contingency Planning

While we do not anticipate moving to online instruction at this point, we are preparing for that remote possibility. In the event that we need to complete coursework online, the Office of the Provost is conducting training for all faculty on the use of tools that satisfy most faculty teaching and assessment needs.

Stay Informed

Shereen Shaker
Vice President for Management and Operations

Since last month, our Emergency Management Team has been monitoring the unfolding global emergency due to the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, and planning for its potential impacts on our community and AUC’s operations. We have taken and are taking further precautions to mitigate the risks to the health of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We also are planning operational and policy options to respond to foreseeable developments, in accordance with the science-based recommendations of national and global health authorities, and in consideration of best practices by other universities worldwide.

Vice President for Management Operations, Shereen Shaker, leads AUC’s standing Emergency Management Team. The EMT has established a special Coronavirus Taskforce to review daily our readiness and to serve as the focal point both for regular and for eventual emergency communications with regard to AUC’S response to unfolding events regarding Coronavirus. AUC remains in close and immediate contact with Egypt’s Ministry of Health and other concerned Government entities, as well as the Egypt and Middle East Regional Office of the World Health Organization. Our taskforce will serve as the authoritative point of contact for sharing timely, accurate, relevant information with the AUC community and for responding promptly to individual inquiries. It also serves as the central management and policy body to ensure that AUC continually adjusts operations, policies, and planning to deal with any foreseen or actually occurring contingencies.

Visit this webpage for the latest announcements, guidance on travel and events, as well as resources www.aucegypt.edu/coronavirus. We also will continue to broadcast regular updates via email.

Whatever its global health effects ultimately prove to be, COVID-19 already has seriously impacted the behaviors and everyday lives of people, organizations, and governments around the world. Be assured that our University is vigilant against its threat, and preparing diligently and effectively for whatever developments we may face. We have no higher priority than ensuring that our campus continues to operate with the health, safety, and security of our students, faculty, staff and visitors as our highest priority.

Francis J. Ricciardone
President

AUC’s Office of Medical Services is in close contact with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Egypt on the most recent updates relating to the coronavirus COVID-19. The latest update is that there are two reported cases in Egypt, one case has recovered. For updates regarding the virus spread, visit https://infographics.channelnewsasia.com/covid-19/map.html

This week, the WHO raised its coronavirus-related travel advisories for a number of countries. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations: China, parts of South Korea, Iran, and parts of Italy. The University advises travelers to check carefully on the status of COVID-19 alerts and precautions at all destinations, including layovers. If any member of the AUC community is traveling to one of these countries, he or she should inform the medical services office through the emergency line and indicate the travel destination and health condition. In case of experiencing any symptoms, the person should go to the nearest medical physician and inform the medical office of his or her health condition. The Office of Medical Services is closely monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates. If you have any questions, contact the medical services office hotline 01280001039.

Signs and symptoms of infection include fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia. As a reminder, the attached flyers from the WHO provide useful information on appropriate precautions and how to stay safe.

As a precautionary measure, the Office of Medical Services has designated a specific examination room to serve as a flu clinic for any suspected cases of the flu. The examination room is continuously disinfected. All physicians and nurses are trained to follow international protocols in dealing with suspected cases. We will install sanitizers to be available on both campuses by mid this week.

To increase awareness among the AUC community, the Office of Medical Services will hold a lecture presenting facts about the coronavirus:

Venue: Shafik Gabr Hall, P008

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Lecturer: Dr. Irene Sabry (Chest Professor in Kasr el Eni Medical School).

Dr. Mohamed Amin
Medical Services Director

AUC’s Office of Medical Services is in close contact with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Egypt on the most recent updates relating to the Coronavirus. The latest update is that there is one reported case in Egypt, which is now stable.

As a precautionary measure, the medical office has designated a specific examination room to serve as a flu clinic for any suspected cases of the flu. The examination room is continuously disinfected. All physicians and nurses are trained to follow international protocols in dealing with suspected cases.

As a reminder, the attached flyer from the WHO provides useful information on appropriate precautions and how to stay safe. We would also ask members of the community with flu symptoms and fever to stay home and rest in order to limit exposure to others.

The medical office is closely monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Mohamed Amin, E-mail: [email protected], Mobile: 01221005947.

Dr. Mohamed Amin
Medical Services Director