AUIS COVID-19 Task Force
Policies and Procedures for On-Campus Activities
Effective Date: January 9, 2022
This memorandum outlines important considerations and procedures for activities on campus as our AUIS community emerges from the COVID-19 global health crisis. The memorandum is based on requirements issued by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Sulaimani Governorate, and on guidelines published by UNESCO, the World Health Organization, the central government of Iraq, the American College Health Association, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Johns Hopkins University, and other major research universities. This memorandum updates and replaces the memorandum dated September 1, 2021 titled “Policies and Procedures for Essential On-Campus Activities.”
Over the last two years, AUIS has developed new procedures to protect our community against the virus while maintaining the smooth flow of University operations. AUIS is committed to protecting the health of its faculty, staff, and students, and of their families and communities, while continuing to meet its educational goals. With the recent availability of COVID-19 vaccines, the University expects members of its community to take greater individual responsibility for their health and the health of their family members. This balance is reflected in the following policies and procedures that are designed to ensure the safety of employees and students on the AUIS campus. Campus activities are subject to the health requirements described in this memorandum and may be changed by AUIS without notice based on changes in government health requirements or in the public health situation.
Current Status: Most On-Campus Activities Resume
The KRG has approved in-person university instruction and the presence on campus of faculty, staff, and students. In accordance with this approval, AUIS will continue to allow on-campus activities.
In accordance with KRG requirements, all AUIS employees and students are required by law to be vaccinated. Other highly recommended measures to prevent the spread and severity of infectious disease on campus include wearing a facemask, maintaining social distance, washing hands, and using hand sanitizer.
The decision to require facemasks in each classroom continues to be within the discretion of the instructor. Classroom rules must apply to everyone in the room and be enforced by the instructor.
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Vaccination.
AUIS Faculty and Staff. Before the start of the Spring Semester, all AUIS faculty and staff are required by law to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Part-time and temporary employees are included in this requirement. Employees who are unable to obtain the first vaccination shot by this time should kindly contact our Human Resources Department to discuss next steps. Employees are highly recommended to obtain booster shots six months after their last vaccination shot.
AUIS Students are also required by law to obtain their COVID-19 vaccination. Students should contact Student Services at [email protected] for AUIS assistance should they have questions about scheduling an appointment for free vaccination, or to discuss next steps if they are unable to obtain at least the first shot by the start of Spring Semester.
- Who can come, when, and where. The AUIS campus remains open to AUIS employees, students, and visitors. Normal hours of operation will be maintained and posted.
- Employee check-in and check-out. Employees on campus should continue to follow standard “clock in and out” procedures using their ID cards.
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Transportation.
- Taxis, and cars without University parking permits, are not allowed on campus.
- The Pak City shuttle will operate on a normal schedule to be posted by FMD.
Additional Procedures for Academic Classes
All courses will be taught by faculty in campus classrooms. All classes will be recorded to offer online instruction for students who cannot, or who do not wish to, attend classes in person. Students will only be permitted in classrooms if they are following all required safety procedures.
Mid-term and final examinations will be conducted only in classrooms. The VPAA Office and course instructors will distribute additional information about the schedule, location and procedures for examinations, for which use of facemasks may be required.
Other Areas and Activities
All common areas, including the cafeteria and gym, are open for use. Student dormitories continue normal operations. All student clubs and other student gatherings may resume normal operations.
Should you experience any flu-like symptoms, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately and stay home until test results permit return to campus. AUIS students will be able to view all their classes online. In Sulaimani, kindly call the KRG Ministry of Health COVID-19 hotline at 122 to seek medical assistance for yourself or others.