NYU Abu Dhabi has had to adapt to the changes that Covid-19 has brought. To prevent further spread of the virus, some campus spaces that were once open to all students have had their policies revised. The News Desk talked to space managers about how restrictions have changed programming and the culture of the spaces. Read below what spaces are open to you and what tools you have at your disposal.

The Arts Center in C3 remains largely closed except for capstone students, music classes that require instruments and blended classes that have begun to utilize staggered seating to comply with current guidelines. Certain spaces have started to implement new programming and equipment lending to compensate for the loss of access.

The costume shop remains closed to general student use, although the option to borrow a costume is still available. Instructor Judi Olson is available through email for costume and prop requests, which will then be left in the Welcome Center or C2 for students to collect. Although some of the programming such as workshops have been cancelled, Olson has managed to move some workshops online to provide certain kits to students interested in learning sewing and costume design.

Access to the Scene Shop is limited to capstone students and the Arts Center’s technical crew. Although online workshops are being offered, most of the programs available to students have been suspended. The hands-on work and training for heavy equipment that was usually provided is no longer available as per public health guidelines.

“I enjoy working with students. So ... the online workshops and stuff are to help capture a little bit of that need ... [but] the restrictions in this building are pretty pretty high now,” shared Visual Arts & Theatre Instructor Jonathan Bonner, adding, “We’re missing students around, missing just having people drop in to talk about whatever they're working on.”

The Interactive Media Lab has also closed access to the student body. The department was able to convert most of its classes to the online format. Although IM Lab Manager Ume Hussain misses the environment the lab provided, she hopes that we are all able to improve within the confines of coronavirus restrictions.

The Athletics department has 13 spaces open that are available to community members including students, faculty, staff, researchers and their families that reside on campus. The department follows procedures from both the Ministry of Education and the university, to ensure spaces remain open.

Community members wishing to use a space must book in advance using the Fitness and Athletics Booking System (FABS). Registrations open 48 hours in advance and a member can only book one 60 minute slot in one facility per day, with a limit of use of two facilities per day.

All community members wishing to use an athletics facility must bring their own water and gloves and maintain social distancing.

There has been some resistance from community members on the opening times for registration, although some staff see this as a positive decision.

“We are looking at it as a long-term thing whereby when you graduate and you're in the world of work, post-grad school or further studying, you'll be up and around at 7 a.m. depending on what type of job you do. So we think that's a good long-term skill to start developing,” explained Scott Cannie, Assistant Director of Athletics.

The facilities on level 1 are open for 60-minute intervals with prior registration. Community members are required to wear a mask at all times when using the facilities and to bring their own masks and gloves.

Members who use the Fitness Center are asked to wipe down equipment before and after use. If a member should feel the need to catch their breath, they can lower their masks briefly.

The 400 meter track is open for community use and has a capacity of 15 people. Tennis Courts 1 and 2 are available and members must bring their own equipment. Also available are the Falcon Field and Practice Pitch, but only for individual practice. To access the North Site, community members must enter through level 1 at C2 and meet a Public Safety Officer at the entrance of the site.

All community members wishing to use the pool in C2 must bring bathing suits and go through a check-in process including a temperature check prior to entering. A box will be provided to place belongings in and masks are required until you’ve entered the designated pool lane.

The Engineering Design Studio remains open for engineering students who need to work on capstone projects or are actively involved in competitions with international partners. Professor Matthew Karau, Senior Lecturer of Engineering Design and manager of EDS, is in the studio every day and made it clear that only a few people are allowed in everyday. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis and help will always be available to those who want to use specific equipment.

“We miss the students being there and we miss the atmosphere it brings ... We really don't want to go to a phased opening where we sort of have access lists and the door is only available to certain people. We would prefer it stays closed until the time that everyone can come back again because it kind of kills the spirit if it's a private access only,” shared Karau.

The Library works on a first come first serve basis, with limited seating inside and outside. Opening hours are now 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. More information on library services can be found here.

“The current adjusted evening hours reflect student feedback, which is a critical piece of our decision making. We heard that students are often in class until after 5 p.m. and adjusted the timings to best suit their needs,” said Lily Burns-Hernandez, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of Campus Services and Safety.

Students are encouraged to reach out to the Center for Academic Technology for support in special technology needs at nyuad.academictech@nyu.edu.

“Overall, the support from students has been positive. We have seen it in their responses and interactions with many of our team members who are working tirelessly to implement the changes and it’s a reminder of the caring and compassionate nature of our community,” shared Burns-Hernandez. “It is never easy to tell a group of people that access to the place that they call home is changing. But these changes will not be in place forever. The more that the current guidelines are followed and as more people are getting the vaccination, the more our situation will ease. Patience and understanding [are] paramount during this time.”