Security

December Transit Strike Update (1)

THIS POST IS A REPUBLISHED VERSION OF AN EMAIL COMMUNICATION SENT BY AUP PRESIDENT CELESTE SCHENCK TO STUDENTS, PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS ON NOVEMBER 28, 2019, ABOUT THE EXPECTED TRANSIT STRIKE IN PARIS. IT IS PART OF OUR SAFETY & SECURITY BLOG THAT ROUNDS UP ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

As we approach the December 5th date for the launch of the transit strikes, AUP’s leadership team is taking further precautions and organizing support for our students. We want to share them with you in this letter and invite your cooperation with our efforts. Please read this whole letter carefully and take note of the resources available to you during the strike. 
 
When we first began working with our security advisors to anticipate the strike’s likely impact on our community, and when we first instructed our faculty to modify final exam schedules, the strike’s full breadth was not known. We asked faculty members to work with their students to determine how best to adjust, offering wherever appropriate electronic or remote means to fulfill final assignments. Students have worked hard this semester and the final exam schedule must allow each of them a chance to finish their work within the constraints that face us. AUP will remain open during the strike and we will maintain the exam schedule so that all courses can use it if needed and appropriate.
 
Overall, 67% of the faculty have made no changes to their schedule but many have adjusted the way they are offering final exams. Any adjustments have been designed to reduce the amount of travel students and faculty will need to do within Paris during the strikes. Students will be able to complete many of their assignments remotely. Our Academic Affairs team has been working directly with faculty and any students who feel they may be adversely affected.
 
In a very few cases, the ability to complete work remotely may mean that some students can go home early. It is important to note that this does not mean that their semester is complete – they will still have assignments to finish. We know from experience that once students leave campus without completing their final assignments, their work is often completed late or not as well. In the best possible scenario students will remain in Paris until their semester’s work is complete.
 
Since we determined this week that the strike’s breadth will be broader, and its impact likely longer than we anticipated according to the facts we had at the time, a number of new dispositions are being put in place. All of our teams are working together to triage inquiries, troubleshoot and provide solutions:
  

  1. Students should use the security app we make available free to them – SOS International – for hourly updates on the strikes in English, and should set their app to push notifications to them.
  2. The Student Government Association is mobilizing students who live close to campus to offer to students living further away a bed for the night before or after exams. If you need such assistance to take an exam, please contact studentdevelopmentataup.edu.
  3. Our Student Affairs team is mobilizing for extended-hour strike assistance to students, and can be contacted at studentdevelopmentataup.edu.
  4. Student Affairs will also be organizing accompaniment to the airport for students who anticipate difficulty. Students should immediately complete and submit this webform so that we can anticipate properly your need for travel support.
  5. Our Academic Affairs team will facilitate contact with faculty, and can be contacted at provostataup.edu.
  6. Our University Library reference staff can support students via telephone or email and make available much reference material online. Contact a reference librarian at 01 40 62 05 61 or researchhelpataup.edu.
  7. Parents can follow security updates here and can also contact our Parent Liaison Dana Callaghan at dcallaghanataup.edu.

 
While the strikes are likely to disturb movement across the city and annoy residents, they are generally peaceful. We recommend that students keep their city travel to an absolute minimum, using their time to attend final classes, finish papers, and study for exams rather than circulating in the city more than necessary. Plan to walk a lot more than you likely do and wear comfortable shoes. Strikes of this order in France produce a lot of community spirit and will offer many unexpected chances to speak French, accept help, and experience the new. 
 
Calling upon the grit and resilience of our global explorer community to get through this with our usual aplomb.