Updated July 30, 2021

For fall 2021, American University is looking forward to offering a robust and in-person experience. Extensive planning is underway to ensure that we continue to protect the health and safety of our community as faculty, staff and students return to campus. We also continue to monitor the fundamental indicators of the pandemic and evolving public health conditions and guidance.

• Health and Safety – The health and safety of the AU community is our top priority. AU released the new Fall 2021 AU Forward Health and Safety Guide and has expanded COVID-19 testing availability for students, faculty, and staff living on campus or regularly coming to campus. Most faculty and staff will continue to telework this summer, with new hybrid and on campus work environments beginning in mid-August. All university buildings, including the Child Development Center, the WCL Tenley campus, 3200 Wisconsin Avenue, 4401 Connecticut Avenue (WAMU), and the Spring Valley Building have updated airflow systems that meet all CDC requirements.
• Class Modality (Curricular) – For fall 2021, we are currently on track to conduct in-person classes. The intended modality for each fall 2021 course is noted on the schedule of classes. However, please note that these modalities may shift due to classroom space and/or required faculty accommodations. There will be no tuition increase for the 2021-2022 academic year.
• The Student Experience (Co-Curricular) – We plan for a full campus experience for students this fall, with updated health and safety protocols in place. Facilities such as the Hall of Science, Don Myers Building, and Media Innovation Lab can be utilized for select in-person classes in compliance with health and safety guidelines. Students in the DC area can access study spaces, with all visitors required to complete a daily self-screening questionnaire and following health and safety protocols.
• Residential Opportunities - We are excited to welcome back our student to the residence halls this fall.  The full range of residential options will be available for fall, and we look forward to students having the opportunity to share spaces with peers again. Residential space will continue to be set aside for any residential students who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate, and a comprehensive suite of health and safety measures will remain in place. Please see Key Questions for Fall 2021.

For fall 2021, AU will require vaccines for all students who reside on campus or come to campus for any reason. This will enable us to expand activities and interactions that enrich the educational, research, and social experiences that are fundamental to AU. Students will be able to request exceptions for medical or religious reasons following existing protocols. We are also working to support international students who may require access to vaccines when they arrive in the United States.  Please see Vaccine Requirement FAQs.

AU community members will continue to follow Self Screening and Self Reporting Procedures, AU COVID-19 Testing Procedures, and Affiliate Notification processes. A safe and successful campus experience depends on all of us following these procedures and supporting our community of care.

Our approach fall operations continues to be based upon the values that have guided us throughout the pandemic— protecting the health and safety of our community, advancing our education and research mission, and supporting the broader COVID-19 response in the Washington, DC, region.

Please refer to frequently asked questions (FAQs) for updates.