Campus Conversation: Updates

Last Thursday's Campus Conversation conveyed several important University updates on COVID-19, anti-harassment training, hybrid instruction and more. You can watch the full conversation here. Below is a recap of the key points discussed:

COVID-19 Updates:

• AUC’s cases in February were significantly higher than November, almost like December, which witnessed one of the highest numbers of cases.
• Since AUC opened its doors for the hybrid instruction mode, a few cases have been reported on Wednesday and Thursday, but the needed measures are being taken.
• There has been an average of 10 COVID-19 cases per day on campus, which is not a low number.

Hybrid Instruction:

• Approximately 550 students returned to campus for partial face-to-face classes.
• 394 students have checked in to student residences, and the number is expected to increase to 438 by today.

• On the days that students have classes, they can access the campus for the full day.
• In terms of athletics, AUC has agreed to allow open-air, safe outdoor sports, including track and field, swimming, football and tennis.
• A number of low-density student events have been approved, but they’re all taking place outdoors.
• The decision for the summer session hasn’t been finalized yet.  

Study Day:

• Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman discussed the one-day study day issue in-depth with the registrar, and the study day can’t be extended. Any extension would negatively affect the whole academic calendar and the following semesters.

Anti-Harassment Training:

• The mandatory anti-harassment training has rolled out to faculty and students (graduate and undergraduate).
• The training can be completed over multiple days. Every section is assessed by a quiz to test participants’ knowledge and completing the four quizzes marks its completion.
• The program will be launched for staff in mid-March, and the Arabic version is expected to be launched on campus during April.
• For questions, comments or suggestions about the training, contact [email protected]  
• AUC’s reporting channels have been updated to now include:
  • Advocate (original reporting system)
  • AUC Ethics Helpline
  • Speaking with someone, through [email protected] or [email protected]