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Illustration by Insiya Motiwala.

Return to Campus Updates

A quick recap of newest RTC updates as laid out by recent administrative communication.

Sep 19, 2021

The Return to Campus Committee shared a memorandum with updates on NYU Abu Dhabi policies with the community on Sept. 16, detailing changes in all areas of campus life.
Academics
Classes are slowly transitioning to in-person formats as of Sept. 18th. Professors require approval from the registrar to make the transition, but once they have received clearance from the registrar are allowed to start in-person instruction immediately. In some cases, despite plans to conduct in-person sessions, courses may need to remain online due to various restrictions and difficulties.
Those attending in-person classes are expected to follow social distancing guidelines and respect assigned seating arrangements.
Campus operation
Accessing campus requires an entry pass on Alhosn to access campus spaces, either a “green pass” is required on the Alhosn app or a valid Campus Access app result. In addition to Alhosn and the Campus Access app, students may also have to present their NYU ID.
In the case where a student is unable to present either the Alhosn or the Campus Access app, students must present their vaccination records and PCR test results in paper form to access campus spaces and dormitories.
Staff work rotation
Staff members are required to work in line with the “fully blended rotation model,” where they alternate between working from the office two days in the first week and three days in the next week. On all other days, staff members are expected to work remotely.
All private offices may be utilized. For open workstations, staff members cannot utilize a desk directly adjacent to or across from another staff member.
In-person events For those wishing to organize a public event in-person, they must register in advance using this form. Requests made through this form are reviewed by the Return to Campus Committee, and must be approved before anyone can proceed with the event. Approvals are anticipated to be granted only after Oct. 15.
Covid-19 Testing advice
A member on campus may have to take a PCR test in intervals of 30 days for those who are fully vaccinated or 7 days for those who are not fully vaccinated. Testing should be done 2 to 3 days before expiration to allow time for test results. The “green pass” on Alhosn will turn gray after the last day of this interval.
Public health
Alhosn status explained
If “COVID-19 Vaccinated” is displayed in a yellow font on the Alhosn app, this indicates that one’s vaccine status is recognized as “fully vaccinated” and need only be tested on a 30 day cycle. Otherwise, your test cycle is 7-day —unless you have received a vaccine exemption quote on Alhosn. During your cycle, your pass will be shown in green, and when it ends, it will turn gray.
You may also receive an “E” status for 7 days after testing. This status allows you to cross the Abu Dhabi border.
Sinopharm Vaccination Drive
The Sinopharm vaccination drive will continue to take place every Monday and Thursday, between 10 am and 5 pm, until Sept. 30. After registering using this form, students can visit the West Forum in C2 to receive their dose.
Pfizer/BioNTech Drive
Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccination drives are taking place this month at Khalifa Hospital. In order to be eligible for the vaccine, you must already have an Emirates ID.
Groups of up to 20 people may register for the “fast-track” process on Mondays and Wednesdays, until Oct. 6. The form to register for the drive can be found here.
Reminders for students
  • Classrooms are reserved for vaccinated students only.
  • Unvaccinated students may only access essential community areas, which includes dormitories, dining facilities, computer labs, the library, convenience store and all outdoor facilities.
  • Unvaccinated commuting students are not able to access campus at this time.
  • Students with only one dose of vaccine must undergo 7-week cycle testing.
  • Student activity rooms are opened on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted only in common spaces and for vaccinated students.
  • You may only remove your mask while actively eating or drinking. Do not remain unmasked with a drink at your side for long periods of time.
Nghĩa Trí Nìm is Deputy News Editor. Email him at feedback@thegazelle.org
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