American University of Sharjah highlights its approach to student wellbeing, academic flexibility and campus continuity for its international community.

American University of Sharjah has outlined the measures it introduced to support students, faculty and staff during a recent period of regional uncertainty, focusing on wellbeing, academic flexibility and campus safety across its international university community.

With students and employees representing more than 100 nationalities, the university said its response centred on maintaining stability while ensuring members of the campus community continued to feel informed, supported and connected.

For many students living away from home, universities often become a key source of structure, reassurance and day-to-day support. According to AUS, this shaped the institution’s approach as it worked to balance academic continuity with emotional wellbeing and operational safety.

“Our response has been guided by a simple principle: people come first. AUS is a highly international community, and we know that uncertainty can affect students, families, faculty and staff in deeply personal ways. As a university, we have a responsibility to provide clear direction, protect well-being and preserve the sense of belonging that makes AUS a home for so many,” said Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS.

The university said it implemented flexible academic arrangements where required, including support for online learning, accommodations for students facing travel or personal disruptions, and a one-time Pass/No Pass grading option designed to help students manage exceptional circumstances without interrupting their academic progress.

“Our academic response was guided by a clear balance: supporting students through exceptional circumstances while maintaining the integrity of the AUS academic experience. By using advanced digital tools, facilitating assessments and providing timely academic guidance, we helped students make informed decisions and remain on track without compromising the standards expected of an AUS education,” said Matthias Ruth.

Alongside academic support, AUS expanded its focus on student wellbeing through counselling services and peer-support platforms. Through the message “You Are Not Alone,” the university encouraged students, faculty and staff to access confidential support resources and check in on one another during challenging periods.

“When students are away from their families, the university becomes a place of care, reassurance and belonging. Through ‘You Are Not Alone,’ our university counseling services, TalkCampus, TalkLife and our wider support network, we wanted every member of the AUS community to know that help is close, confidential and accessible. Care at AUS is part of the way our community looks after one another,” said Shaima Bin Taliah.

Students also highlighted the impact of these support systems on their academic and personal experience during the period.

“Faculty members stayed connected with us, explained expectations clearly and showed real understanding when students needed flexibility. At the same time, the Office of Student Experience made support feel close and accessible, whether through well-being guidance, counseling resources or simple reminders that we were part of a community that cared. This combination helped us stay focused and move forward with confidence,” said Zyad Elmosalamy, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics student at AUS.

The university also maintained essential campus operations through coordination between its safety, security and protocol teams, while continuing engagement with relevant authorities to ensure access to services and safe campus activity where needed.

“In an evolving situation, safety and security depend on preparation, coordination and clear communication. Our focus has been to ensure that campus operations remain structured, responsive and aligned with the university’s safety protocols. Whether students are accessing essential services or seeking health or emergency support, the priority is to maintain a safe, secure and well-managed environment where every member of the AUS community feels supported and reassured,” said Saeed Al Shamsi.

Established in 1997, American University of Sharjah is one of the UAE’s leading higher education institutions, offering an American-style liberal arts education and serving a diverse student population from around the world.