Message from the Provost to Students, Faculty, Staff, Parents and Friends of AUB Regarding the Present Situation

July 14, 2006

Obviously, the current situation in Lebanon is of great concern to all members of the AUB community. AUB's first priority is the safety of students, faculty and staff. I wish to assure everyone, especially parents, family, and friends of international students now studying at AUB, that the campus is safe and unharmed. I met with international students, including those attending the CAMES Summer Arabic program and the AANA summer program on Thursday July 13, to advise them to stay on or very close to campus. Those living off-campus are strongly urged to move temporarily to on-campus dormitories. International students and faculty visiting for the summer must leave updated contact information with the Office of Student Affairs and should register with their respective embassies.

The AUBMC hospital is fully functioning, as are all essential university services, such as electricity and water. The university is making all possible contingency plans. We are in contact with appropriate Lebanese security forces and with embassy staffs as necessary.

At this point AUB is continuing its summer programs. Faculty and staff who cannot reach campus to continue work should contact their departmental chairs and directors. The workdays of staff who cannot come to work will be considered as forced vacation.

Students who cannot attend classes should inform their instructors and if possible arrange make-up sessions.

It is unclear how this situation is going to develop. At this point we will try to maintain all university operations as planned, but we will review the situation constantly and will inform all concerned of any changes or new decisions by the university.

This message will be up-dated as needed.

Peter Heath

Acting President