As the US State Department urges Americans in the Gulf region to leave immediately, US universities with campuses in the region have adjusted their operations.
American universities with outposts in Doha, Qatar’s Education City — a research hub located roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Al Udeid Air Base — as well as other US schools with campuses in the United Arab Emirates, have transitioned to remote instruction until further notice. Here’s a look at how some universities are handling the ongoing conflict:
- Texas A&M University in Doha: More than two dozen Texas A&M University students were headed to Doha from Texas when the war began and were diverted to Istanbul, Turkey, a university spokesperson told CNN. The university’s building is currently locked down with no access for employees, students or visitors.
- Georgetown University in Doha: Georgetown University’s campus in Qatar has shifted to online instruction until further notice, according to an update posted on its website. The university’s interim president also said a group of graduate business students were set to begin a program in Dubai on March 1, but Georgetown has suspended the course and is working to bring students back home as soon as possible.
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Doha: VCU Arts Qatar’s dean said in a letter that faculty and staff can leave Qatar and teach remotely — a decision made “in the interest of flexibility and personal safety.” The letter said this option is available to all faculty and staff, not just US citizens, and will not affect their employment status. A university spokesperson told CNN there have been no reports of injuries among VCU Arts Qatar students, faculty or staff.
- New York University in Abu Dhabi: NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus is “assisting with the departure of any students seeking to leave the area by identifying and securing travel arrangements, though air travel remains challenging,” a university spokesperson told CNN, adding: “The safety of our students, staff and visitors is our utmost priority.”
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