Return to Campus:
American University is anticipating a full operational return to campus for the fall 2021 semester. Modifications will be made in anticipation of the return to campus for the health and safety of the community in wake of the ongoing pandemic.
In April, the University announced that all students with an on-campus presence are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In late May, the University announced that staff and faculty with an on-campus presence will also be required to be vaccinated as well. To anticipate the need for the AU community to be fully vaccinated before the semester begins, the University opened an on-campus vaccine clinic where members of the community can receive their vaccine, if they have not received it already.
On June 22, The University announced the Fall 2021 “Health and Safety Plan” that will go into effect on Aug. 1. Starting on Aug. 1, mask wearing for fully vaccinated individuals will not be required in most situations, including in-person classes. However, masks will be required in situations necessary to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines — on the shuttle buses, at the Student Health Center or wherever signs are posted.
If an individual chooses to remain unvaccinated as part of a religious or health-related exemption, the University said they will be subject to weekly COVID-19 tests, and are required to wear a face covering at all times. There will also be isolation housing made available for students who test positive for COVID-19.
Classes with more than 50 students will continue to be held online throughout the fall semester, and it is up to the discretion of instructors to hold modalities online if the class will not be held virtually.
After a year-long suspension of the U-Pass program due to the pandemic, the program has been renewed for students, making local travel through the D.C. metro area more accessible for those that rely on public transportation. Also, starting Aug. 14, the University’s travel moratorium will end. University-sponsored travel for faculty and staff will resume through the end of the year.
