Dear NDU Community,
It is with sadness and deep concern that we follow the alarming news in the southern part of the country, and we are fully aware of the impact such accounts might have on the wellbeing of our community: faculty, staff, alumni, students, and their families alike. I would like to assure you that your safety and welfare are top priorities at NDU, and we will keep monitoring the situation and adapt accordingly.
We have undergone arduous times in the past, and it is thanks to the commitment of each and every one of you that we were able to endure all challenges and experience brighter days. Surviving our past troubles gave us the strength, resolution, and resilience necessary to overcome any obstacle. The current crisis is yet another challenge on our path and I am adamant that we will overcome it and carry on providing the greatest possible service to our community, the focal point of our mission.
The Council of Deans (COD), in its meeting on October 25, 2023, reaffirmed the previous academic emergency response plans and identified three levels of emergency corresponding to different escalation levels. We will keep all communication channels open, as is customary, and will inform you of any changes that might happen. The University has all the pre-requisites to switch to remote delivery of classes and maintain full online operations should the situation worsen. All Faculties and Offices possess the expertise in this respect, with technological resources continuously being upgraded.
In the meantime, we will be operating under the first emergency level, and I invite you all to take into consideration the special circumstances we are all facing, especially in the case of our international students. Please be sensible when handling unique instances, bearing in mind our Catholic values, which guide us to exercise our faith, compassion, and prudence. All situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the Office of Student Affairs (SAO) is ready to provide the necessary assistance in terms of validation when needed. All technical details can be checked with the concerned Department(s) and Office(s).
NDU, guided by a robust mission, is committed to offering higher education services in line with the relevant laws and regulations.
I keep every one of you as well as your families in my prayers.
Fr. Bechara Khoury, President