Information for community

July 17, 2006
 

Dear AUB community,

The university community, both hospital and campus, with Lebanon as a whole, faces an unexpected, complex, and challenging situation. AUB has faced and overcome such situations in the past and I have no doubt that it will do so again. I would like to clarify a number of issues that are of concern to various groups on campus.

Until the current crisis is resolved, the university's greatest priority is to maintain operations as fully as possible while trying to ensure the safety of all. Continuing essential operations is important in regard to the hospital and all basic service functions. We are continuously assessing our stocks of supplies, such as medical supplies, food for the hospital and fuel. All are currently at satisfactory levels. Contingency plans at the hospital have been reviewed and are in place.

Regarding the campus, we expect to resume summer session classes as soon as feasible. Information regarding regular summer courses will be provided as decisions are made. There are a number of special international summer study programs, such as the CAMES summer Arabic programs, that will be cancelled.

It is essential that all international students and faculty who are considering leaving Lebanon provide their names and contact information either with Ms. Caroline Chalouhi, Director for International students in the Office of the Dean of Students (if students), or with the offices of their respective dean or AUB's Office of Human Resources (if faculty or staff).

A number of embassies have announced that they are developing plans to evacuate particular groups of international students. AUB will keep in contact with them and work to coordinate operations as needed. I want especially to ensure international students and faculty from countries not currently organizing evacuations that the university is equally concerned with their safety and well-being. As we collect the necessary lists and better understand the magnitude of the need, AUB will work with these students and faculty to see if safe travel outside of the country can be arranged. The advice that the university is getting from all embassies with which it is in contact is that remaining in a place regarded as safe is preferable to attempting individual travel that may be dangerous.

Absences of non-academic personnel are currently being considered as days of forced vacation. Several faculty members have requested to move onto campus or to allow other family members to do so. The supply of on-campus apartments is very limited. We are currently assessing the needs of essential personnel required to maintain basic university operations. It is unlikely that we can fulfill the requests of others for on-campus lodging.

I hope that the above information addresses some of the questions AUB community members may have. The AUB administration appreciates the wonderful work that faculty and staff have been doing under difficult circumstances the last during the last few days, as well as the fortitude of students who have found themselves thrust into a completely unexpected set of circumstance. As I said above, AUB has successfully faced troubled times before, and will do so again.

Peter Heath

Acting President