Top 7 Ways We're Keeping Campus Safe During Inauguration

The inauguration of a new president is a historic occasion in the life of a university, representing an opportunity to celebrate the institution and its role in the world. Next week’s inauguration of President Ahmad Dallal is taking place with mindful consideration of the pandemic safety regulations. 

1-    Hall Capacity Limited to 25%

While previous inaugurations saw teeming auditoriums full of guests from inside and outside the AUC community, this time in-person participants are kept well under the capacity recommended in AUC’s COVID-19 guidelines for indoor spaces.  Within the limited number of guests participating in-person, all AUC constituencies — faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, donors and parents are represented.  

2-    Social Distancing in Place 

Social distancing measures will be in full effect with applied two seats vacant between each chair inside the already minimally filled hall. In addition, Student Ambassadors and ushers will ensure adherence to social distancing measures indoors and outdoors throughout the event.

3-    Vaccinations Required 

Vaccinations are required of everybody at the ceremony, including guests, event support services and working staff. 

4-    Outside Guests at a Minimum 

The number of outside guests invited to the event is very limited and also kept to those who are vaccinated. 

5-    Mandatory Masks

In keeping with the AUCMaskUp initiative and the importance of wearing masks as a key safety precaution, all participants will be required to wear masks for the duration of the event.

6-    Contactless Experience 

With dropping the traditional handshaking and the use of QR codes for entry, the event will ensure guests have a touch-fee experience. Also, sanitizers are available inside the hall and throughout campus.

7-    Campus Parade

There won’t be an outdoor campus celebration during assembly hour, as is customary to avoid crowding and large gatherings. Instead, the first-ever campus inauguration parade will feature AUC students and celebrate our diversity, campus activities and student athletes.