COVID-19 Pandemic
Resumption of All On-Campus Activities
Effective Date: August 21, 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 international health authorities. This memorandum updates and replaces the memorandum dated January 9, 2022 titled “Policies and Procedures for On-Campus Activities.”
During the pandemic, 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, and reduction in the number of deaths and hospitalizations worldwide, the University expects members of its community to take greater individual responsibility for their health and the health of their family members. 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: All On-Campus Activities Are Supported
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, including but not limited to COVID-19, 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.
- Vaccination.
AUIS Faculty and Staff. 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 are highly recommended to obtain booster shots six months after their last vaccination or booster shot.
AUIS Students are also required by law to obtain their COVID-19 vaccination. Students should contact Student Services at student.services [at] auis.edu.krd 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 before their arrival on campus.
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.
Transportation.
- Taxis, and cars without University parking permits, are not allowed on campus.
- The Pak City shuttle will continue to operate on a normal schedule to be posted by FMD.
Additional Procedures for Academic Classes
All courses will be taught, and all exams will be administered, by faculty in campus classrooms. Classes will be recorded to offer online instruction for students with excused absences.
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 continue normal operations.
What to Do If You Develop Symptoms or Test Positive
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fatigue, coughing, or fever), you should test for COVID-19, either by using a self-test kit or by going to a hospital or clinic for a test.
- Wear a high-quality facemask whenever you have symptoms of COVID-19. o If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate immediately for at least five days or until you test negative.
- Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, such as unvaccinated or ill elderly people, until at least day 11.