Coronavirus News
Check out all news about pandemic and AUC's actions.
Corona News
Campus Conversation: Welcome Fall 2022
The first Campus Conversation of Fall 2022 took place last Thursday, September 22. Here are the main takeaways:
Bridging the Gap: Ahmed Moustafa to Lead Coronavirus Genome Research in Egypt, MENA
Ahmed Moustafa, professor and chair of AUC's Department of Biology, has been awarded $2.1 million from Wellcome Trust for a project that will establish molecular surveillance of the coronavirus genomes in the MENA region, bridging research disparities and leading to better health outcomes.
Omicron: Where We Are Now
With Omicron cases on the rise, News@AUC spoke to Hassan Azzazy, distinguished University professor, chair of the chemistry department and head of AUC’s Scientific Advisory Committee, to learn about the new variant, what can be done to mitigate its transmission and how this affects the University.
Demystifying the Coronavirus Community Dashboard
As part of AUC’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and provide a safe campus community, the University developed the Coronavirus Community Dashboard to provide useful data for the community.
Campus Conversation: An Overview of the President’s Agenda and COVID-19 Updates
During last week’s Campus Conversation, President Ahmad Dallal explained parts of his vision and agenda for the University. Administration members also provided updates and answered questions on AUC’s COVID-19 situation and response. Here's what you need to know:
Campus Conversation: COVID-19 Updates, Scientific Advice and What to Expect
Last week’s Campus Conversation focused on the epidemiological situation at AUC and in Egypt, as well as the University’s COVID-19 safety measures. Here’s what you need to know: AUC
Promoting Well-Being In and Out of the Classroom
When AUC went fully online almost 18 months ago, Hanan Kholoussy, associate professor of history, panicked. After teaching face-to-face classes at AUC for more than a decade, she was unsure if she could quickly master the new technology and, more importantly, maintain a connection with her students. Little did she know, this sudden change would propel her to discover new things about herself, her students and the importance of well-being.
Managing AUC's Pandemic Response, One Study at a Time: Meet the Scientific Advisory Committee
Led by Hassan Azzazy, distinguished University professor and chair of the chemistry department, AUC’s Scientific Advisory Committee is guiding the University’s COVID-19 response. The committee is made up of biomedical researchers and health experts, as well as administration members.
Campus Conversation: Managing Your Mental Health and Well-Being
From joy and excitement, to anxiety and loss — three weeks into being back on campus, many of us are feeling a range of emotions. If you can relate, rest assured, you are not alone. Last Thursday’s Campus Conversation highlighted resources and tips everyone can use to cope during this tumultuous time. Here are some of the key takeaways:
Be Kind to Your Mind: Mental Health Services and Tips for Returning to Campus
"Coming back to campus may be exciting, especially at first, but it may also involve feelings of anxiety and stress," said Carie Forden, professor and chair of AUC's Psychology Department. News@AUC asked Forden to describe the different mental health services AUC is offering its community members as everyone returns to campus.
Campus Conversation: Welcome Back to Campus
Last Thursday’s Campus Conversation, Welcome Back to Campus, provided important updates on returning safely back to campus, detailing AUC’s Back to Campus plan and discussing measures taken to ensure a productive academic semester and a safe working environment for the AUC community. Below are the session’s key takeaways:
Campus Conversation: Fall Semester and COVID19 Updates
Last week's Campus Conversation covered everything you need to know about the return to campus and the status of COVID-19 nationwide. You can watch the full conversation here. Here are some key takeaways: Those who are not vaccinated will be required to take weekly antigen tests at their own expense until they receive a vaccine.
HR Interview on Work in Fall 2021
In an interview with Senior AVP for HR Sarah Refaat, we learn the policy and plans for how to help staff transition back to work on campus in the fall.
Reconfiguring Classrooms
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a task force led by Ahmed Tolba ’97, ’01, associate professor of marketing and chair of the Department of Management, has worked to facilitate the best and safest mode of study for the past four semesters. So far, there has been a mix of full online and partial face-to-face instruction.
Is this Normal?
A year into the pandemic, we’re looking forward to the day when we finally say, “It’s over.” With our lives being changed in profound ways we couldn’t possibly expect, including online learning, remote work, e-commerce, cashless payments, connecting via Facetime and Zoom, keeping a distance, avoiding handshakes and more — it’s time to pause and consider how we live now and how we will live in the future. Have our lives changed for good, or is there a return to “normality” coming soon?
Campus Conversation Welcome Fall 2022
September 25, Campus Conversation discussed priority areas to serve main mission of educating students and creating knowledge; AUC is participating in COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh; the Mental Health and Well-being Initiative task force is soliciting AUC community feedback and reviewing current practices; a new competency-based performance management system was launched.
Campus Conversation: End of Year Updates
June 3, Learn about the latest University news and updates from President Ahmad Dallal, Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman, Interim Dean of Students Michelle Henry, VP for Management and Operations Shereen Shaker ’91 and AVP for Finance and CFO Amir Habib. The talk is moderated by Professor and Chair Carie Forden.
Campus Conversation COVID Response Updates
February 3, First Spring 2022 Campus Conversation discussing how the University is updating its response to COVID-19 to better reflect the current situation with the Omicron variant and CDC/WHO protocol changes.
Campus Conversation: Spring 2022 Updates
January 13, This Campus conversation discusses general University news, COVID-19 updates and preparations for the spring semester.
Campus Conversation: COVID-19 Dashboard Decoded
December 9, In this Campus conversation the experts explain AUC's COVID-19 dashboard, the science behind it and what each of the indicators means. Experts from AUC's Scientific Advisory Committee, SMIE and the medical services team will give an overview of the dashboard, the latest enhancements.
Campus Conversation: An Overview of the President's Agenda and COVID 19 Updates
November 18, Campus conversation with President Ahmad Dallal discussing AUC's upcoming plans and priorities. The conversation included updates on the University's ongoing management of the pandemic.
Campus Conversation: COVID Updates, Science Advice and What to Expect
October 14, The latest on AUC's ongoing pandemic response management. Distinguished University Professor Hassan Azzazy, chair of AUC's Scientific Advisory Committee for COVID-19, will share the group's work. In addition, panelists will give updates.
Campus Conversation: Managing Mental Health and Well Being
September 26, AUC faculty and students lead the conversation on about the mental health challenges some of us may experience as we re-enter the world of face-to-face learning, highlighting University-wide initiatives to protect the well-being of our community.
Campus Conversation: Welcome Back to Campus
September 5, The last Campus Conversation before school starts this semester for important University updates on returning safely back to campus.
Campus Conversation: Fall Semester and COVID19 Updates
August 19, In this week’s campus Campus Conversation we discuss the return to campus in the fall, highlight everything the AUC community needs to know and do before coming back, and look at the latest COVID-19 updates.
Campus Conversation: Back to Campus Fall 2021
June 10, This campus conversation discusses all details on returning to face-to-face instruction for Fall 2021 and the required vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff who will access the AUC campus and University housing.
AUC Campus Conversation: Looking Ahead to Summer and Fall
April 24, A campus conversation focusing on the Summer and Fall modes of instruction, COVID-19 updates and other general University updates.
Campus Conversation: Updates
March 7, This Campus Conversation discusses University updates on COVID-19, anti-harassement training, hybrid instruction and more.
Virtual Campus Conversation: Start of Spring Semester
February 4, This virtual campus conversation discusses the updated COVID-19 guidance from University leadership as well as Spring 2021 semester plans, from academics and campus life to general updates on what to expect.
Virtual Campus Conversation: What to Expect for Spring 2021
November 23, AUC virtual Campus Conversation: What to Expect for Spring 2021 moderated by Jillian Campana, professor of theatre and associate dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The conversation will cover the Spring 2021 mode of instruction, updates on remote work policies and AUC's continuing COVID-19 management measures.
Virtual Campus Conversation: COVID-19 Planning
October 18, This campus conversation looks at our continuing COVID-19 planning.
Virtual Campus Conversation - Welcome to the New Academic Year 2020-2021
September 10, In this virtual campus conversation, we welcome students, faculty, and staff to the new academic year as well as discuss plans to have a productive semester within the safe environment of work and learning.
Virtual Campus Conversation - #AUCSpeakUp
July 17, In this virtual campus conversation, we have a candid discussion on sexual harassment, what measures AUC is taking to combat it and how community members can report any incidents.
Virtual Campus Conversation, Returning to Campus: When and How
June 11, In this campus conversation, Returning to Campus: When and How, covered some of the community's most pressing questions about what Fall 2020 will look like, tuition fees, remote work, international students and more.
Third Virtual Conversation with AUC International Faculty and Staff
May 17, Watch the third virtual conversation with AUC's international faculty and staff, hosted by President Francis Ricciardone, Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman, and Counselor Ashraf Hatem. Joining the call was Acting Consul General Benjamin Naseman of the U.S. Embassy in Egypt.
Virtual Campus Conversation: Managing Sustainability
May 14, Watch virtual Campus Conversation: Managing Sustainability, with President Francis Ricciardone, Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman, Senior Associate Vice President for Human Resources Sarah Refaat and Associate Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer Amir Habib. The conversation was moderated by Samer Atallah '97, associate professor in AUC's Department of Economics.
Campus Conversation: President's Operational Excellence Initiative
April 30, Looking beyond COVID-19 and its impact on AUC, this week's Campus Conversation introduces the President's Operational Excellence Initiative, which establishes seven committees spanning the academic mission, digital optimization, HR, finance, student services, operations and fundraising. Watch this Campus Conversation for more details from each committee chair.
Virtual Campus Conversation
April 23, Watch virtual campus conversation with updates from the Coronavirus Response Task Force. The discussion will be moderated by Nagla Samir, associate professor of practice in the Department of the Arts.
Weekly Virtual Campus Conversation
April 9, Watch the latest updates from AUC's Coronavirus Response Task Force. The discussion was moderated by Firas Al-Atraqchi '94, '97, associate professor of practice, chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, and faculty adviser for The Caravan student newspaper.
Virtual Campus Conversation: Updates
April 2, Watch the weekly virtual campus conversation, with updates on admission for next semester, student and faculty feedback, online instruction updates, travel concerns and more. The conversation hosted President Francis Ricciardone, Counselor Ashraf Hatem, and Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman, and was moderated by Mervat Abou Oaf '88, '02, professor of practice in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Virtual Campus Conversation: Online Instruction
March, 26, Watch part two of last Thursday's Virtual Campus Conversation discussing online instruction. Moderator: Rasha Allam, assistant professor and associate chair at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Virtual Campus Conversation: Updates from AUC's Coronavirus Response Task Force
March 26, Watch part one of last Thursday's Virtual Campus Conversation, with updates from AUC's Coronavirus Response Task Force. Moderator: Rasha Allam, assistant professor and associate chair at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Virtual Campus Conversation: COVID - 19 Full Response
March 21, Panel discussion with AUC's Coronavirus response task force.
Watch Videos
Why Do You Mask Up?
November 7, AUC students share why they choose to wear a mask during a Student Union stunt on campus aimed at promoting mask wearing in October, during which students designed their own masks and the SU distributed masks and eye decoration.
Managing Mental Health; De-Stress, Bounce Back, and Take care of Yourself
September 28, Carie Forden, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Ola Morsy, chief clinical counselor at AUC's center for student Well-Being, share tips on how to deal with stress and anxiety as we continue our lives in the midst of the pandemic.
Keep AUC Safe
September 26, Help keep the AUC community and our families protected by joining the Keep AUC Safe initiative, established by Associate Professors Hanan Sabea '85, '87 and Helen Rizzo. Sign up to volunteer to remind people on campus to wear their masks and adhere to safety measures.
Student Life and Activities in Fall 2021
August 18, Vice President for Student Life Deena Boraie '78, '82, '88 talks about the changes we will be seeing in everyday campus life starting Fall 2021, from events, activities and athletics to on-campus residences and commencement.
What to Expect in Fall 2021
August 11, Vice President for Management and Operations Shereen Shaker '91 talks about campus preparations and guidelines for the fall, wearing masks, AUC-facilitated vaccinations, who can ride University buses and more.
Getting Campus Ready for the Fall
August 11, Our maintenance and facilities staff have been hard at work preparing for the return to campus in Fall 2021, from soundproofed and outdoor classrooms to social distancing, dorm maintenance and AUC-facilitated vaccinations.
Staff Returning to Campus in Fall 2021 and the Remote Work Policy
August 5, In an interview with Senior Associate Vice President for Human Resources Sarah Refaat, we learn the policy and plans for how staff will transition back to work on campus in the fall and how the University will handle remote work.
University Counselor, and New Cairo Clinic Director Talk About Getting vaccinated - English Version
July 28, Dr. Ashraf Hatem, University counselor, and Dr. Bassem Gamil, director of the AUC New Cairo clinic, answer questions about getting vaccinated and talk about the importance of vaccination to return to campus in the fall and to keep yourself and those around you safe.
AUCTV interview with Ahmed Tolba on different modes of instruction for Fall 2020
June 2, AUCTV's interview with Ahmed Tolba '97, '01, associate provost for strategic enrollment management and head of the Fall 2020 Plans Task Force — part of the President's Operational Excellence Initiative — talk about the task force's work during the past month to help make a decision about how classes will take place next fall.
The effect of Coronavirus quarantine on Psychology
May 21, AUCTV spoke to Hani Henry, associate professor of psychology and associate dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and a psychology graduate student about the psychological effects of the quarantine.
Businesses and Business education during the corona virus pandemic
May 13, AUCTV's interview with Sherif Kamel '88, '90, '13, dean of the School of Business, and Ahmed Abdel Meguid, associate dean for undergraduate studies and administration at the school, about the effects of the pandemic on businesses and business education.
Challenges facing Migration and refugees during the Coronavirus Pandemic
May 14, AUCTV spoke to Ibrahim Awad, professor of practice of global affairs and director of AUC's Center for Migration and Refugee Studies, and a Yemeni citizen living in Egypt about challenges facing migrants and refugees amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.
AUCTV's interviews about the recent Playwrighting Bake-Off challenge
May 5, AUCTV's interviews featuring Jillian Campana, professor in the Department of the Arts and director of the theatre program, and Yasmine Haggag, a student studying political science and theatre and who was on the bake-off committee. The challenge garnered 40 submissions from the AUC community, including students, alumni, faculty and staff.
AUCTV's interview with Maha El Moslemany, associate director of employee relations
April 30, The Career Center is fully operating online. AUCTV's interview with Maha El Moslemany, associate director of employee relations, discussing what services are offered to students and alumni.
Busting COVID-19 Myths
April 16, You can't believe everything you read about COVID-19. That's why Reem Al Olaby (MSc '11, PhD '14), assistant professor of biology and biotechnology at California Northstate University, busts some myths and shares facts about treatment.
Use of Hydroxychloroquine (HQ) in treating COVID19 patients- part 1
April 12, Do chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (HQ) treat corona virus? Watch the opinion of experts.
Use of Hydroxychloroquine (HQ) in treating COVID19 patients- part 2
April 12, Do chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (HQ) treat corona virus? Watch the opinion of experts.
Interview with Associate Provost for Admissions and Financial Support
April 25, Randa Kamel, associate provost for admissions and financial support and chief enrollment officer, talks to AUCTV about the admission for next fall, applying for scholarships and financial aid, and more.
Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman on AUC's Scientific Research on Corona
April 23, Watch provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman's interview on DMC as he discusses the impact of AUC's scientific research in Egypt and the University's pandemic and post-pandemic research and innovation initiative.
First Virtual Media Discussion with Hani Henry
April 14, Watch AUC's first virtual media discussion with Hani Henry, associate professor of psychology and associate dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, discussing mental wellness during COVID-19. The session is in Arabic.
Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman's interview with Sabah El Kheir Ya Masr (Good Morning Egypt)
April 14, Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman discusses the University's response to COVID-19.
AUC Today Interviews Ayman Ismail, founding director of the AUC Venture Lab
April 10, Ayman Ismail '95, '97, Abdul Latif Jameel Chair in Entrepreneurship, founding director of the AUC Venture Lab and associate professor in the Department of Management, spoke to AUCTV about the effects of COVID-19 on small businesses and young entrepreneurs, how the V-Lab has gone virtual and more.
Message on Grades, Assessment and Attendance
April 9, Watch AUCTV's interview with Associate Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management Ahmed Tolba '97, '01, University Registrar Rasha Mahmoud and Senior Director of the Academic Advising Center Noha Saada '05, '09 as they explain the new grading, assessment and attendance policies, including the meaning of Credit/Fail (CR/F) and how this affects declaration and students on probation.
AUCTV Talks to Students About Their Online Learning Experience
April 5, Haidy Badreldin, graduating senior talks about her online learning experience to AUCTV.
Provost Ehab Abdel Rahman’s Interview with MBC Masr
April 3, Provost Ehab Abdel Rahman’s Interview with MBC Masr, where he discusses AUC's COVID-19 response, the shift to online instruction and more.
Firas Al-Atraqchi Speaks to AUCTV on Caravan
March 31,2020, Firas Al-Atraqchi Speaks to AUCTV on Caravan Initiative to Call for Submissions
Interview with AUC President Francis J. Ricciardone.
March 25, 2020, Watch President Francis Ricciardone's interview with TV host Mona Elshazly '96 on CBC's Maakom Mona Elshazly.
Interview with Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman
March 24 ,2020, Watch Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman's interview with TV host Tamer Amin on Al Nahar's program, Akher Al Nahar.
AUC Associate Provost for Transformative Learning and Teaching Aziza Ellozy
March 17, 2020, AUC Associate Provost for Transformative Learning and Teaching Message to AUC Community
Interview with Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman on the next two weeks of online classes
March 17, 2020, Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman on preparations of the next two weeks of online classes, including assessments, student attendance policies, campus facilities that will be operating, how the University will assess the efficiency of online instruction and more.
AUC Vice President for Digital Transformation Message to AUC Community
March 18, 2020, With online classes starting Sunday, AUCTV interviewed Vice President for Digital Transformation Ayman Abdellatif on how his team has been working hard to make sure the process runs smoothly and how students and faculty members should utilize the IT Help Desk when running into challenges.
Interview with President Frank Ricciardone
March 17, President Francis Ricciardone's interview on University's priority to make sure the Spring 2020 semester is completed and also reduce the number of staff members on campus as much as possible through remote work arrangements.
Vice President for Management and Operations
March 16, AUC Vice President for Management and Operations Shereen Shaker '91 on campus plans for the next few weeks and what the University is doing to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.
AUC Vice President for Student Life Message To AUC Community
March 16, 2020, The American University in Cairo Vice President for Student Life, Deena Boraie
AUC Provost Message To AUCTV On CoronaVirus - COVID 19
March 15, 2020, AUC Provost, Dr. Ehab Abdel-Rahman's Message To AUCTV On CoronaVirus - COVID 19.
AUC President On Coronavirus
March 11, 2020, AUC President Francis J. Ricciardone's message to AUCTV on coronavirus and how AUC is responding to it.
AUC Counselor on Coronavirus
March 11, 2020, Watch the interview with University Counselor and Former Minister of Health Dr. Ashraf Hatem, who specializes in pulmonology, on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and preventative measures each individual can take.
Listen to the Podcasts
