The Return to Campus Committee shared an updated memorandum on NYU Abu Dhabi policies with the community on Oct. 14 and Oct. 20 detailing changes in all areas of campus life. Here is a summary of these announcements.

The Health Center has begun administering free flu immunizations to NYUAD students, teachers, staff, contract personnel and campus residents aged eight and above as of Tuesday, Oct. 19. The flu vaccine clinic will be open to the public and will be held in the West Forum. The hours are 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.

The Return to Campus team would like interested members to keep in mind that flu vaccinations can be taken two weeks before or after obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine. Residents are highly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves from the flu throughout the winter months.

Community members should print, complete and bring this form with them for quick and easy service.

Through the FABS booking system, nonresident NYUAD students, teachers and staff can now visit athletics facilities on days they are scheduled and approved to be working on campus. To maintain a high level of safety for participants, space is nevertheless limited and monitored. All members of the NYUAD community are encouraged to make use of all of the sporting facilities and programs available on campus. Please see the Student Portal's Athletics pages to view the variety of activities available on campus. Nonresidents can book the Fitness Center only during off-peak hours (10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Activities and events are permitted under certain standards defined by the Ministry of Education, in coordination with NCEMA and the Department of Culture and Tourism's health and safety requirements. Members of the community are asked to reflect on the aim of events, as they should primarily be aligned with the university’s mission, focusing on academic, research, student co-curricular, community involvement or enrichment purposes. They should decide whether an in-person component would improve this event and whether it is essential.

If this is the case, they should refer to the Events Requirements Guide on the Student Portal. Otherwise, the Ministry of Education advises that events be held virtually if at all possible.

Students who reached the UAE this semester on an entry permit or visit visa should have submitted their passports to the NYUAD immigration staff for student residency visa processing by now. Students whose visas are due to expire before February 2022 should be renewing their visas currently. If they haven't already done so, they must go to the Immigration Office (Campus Center, C2, Room N-201) as soon as possible with their passport and a copy of their health insurance card. Their office is open for document collecting Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If they have already given the Immigration team their passport, they should keep an eye on their email for information on their medical test and other critical next steps in the visa procedure. The Immigration Office predicts that visas will, in most cases, take eight to 10 weeks to process. More information is available on the Student Portal.