Update on actions within AUB

July 19, 2006

Dear AUB community,

Events are moving quickly in the country. This brief message is only intended to bring you up to date on developments within AUB.

Groups of international students have been evacuated; others will soon depart. We are compiling lists of AUB faculty and staff who wish to leave, and we are working with the U.S. and other embassies to coordinate this evacuation. These individuals should depart in the few days.

We continue efforts to move staff members who are essential for operating the university and who live at a distance onto campus. These are in general staff members who work in the hospital, in the power plant, members of the Protection Office, and others necessary to maintain essential services. A committee has been established to coordinate this effort.

Essential university records are backed-up on a daily basis, but we are ensuring that all records will be secure and safe from any possible disruption.

Essential supplies, such as fuel and food, are a concern, but so far the university is coping.

It is clear that Lebanon is facing an enormous refugee relief challenge. I met today with a small group of physicians, faculty members and staff to explore how AUB could help with this problem. Medical students, residents, nurses, and members of the Faculty of Health Science are already volunteering on a personal basis. Many local independent NGO.s are already working very hard on relief efforts. There was consensus that it was best for AUB faculty and staff to support these NGO.s and help them in their efforts, especially those working with refuges housed in public schools in West Beirut neighborhoods. We will also explore ways that AUB can help fundraise with alumni and other donors to help support volunteer relief efforts.

AUB will soon create a web-page that provides essential contact details and answers to frequently asked questions in order to ease communication with students, staff, faculty, and alumni.

Yesterday I visited staff in administrative offices on campus. Today I toured several areas in the hospital and learned more in person about the wonderful efforts that physicians, nurses, and support staff are making each day. Both visits were intended to express the great appreciation of President Waterbury, the Board of Trustees, and members of the senior administration for the tremendous work that all are doing. I wish to repeat this word of thanks to all with whom I was not able to talk directly. It is very impressive and gratifying to witness how AUB has mobilized itself to face this crisis. Please keep up the excellent work.
 

Peter Heath

Acting President