AIT Campus Bulletin

In this issue:

A. Announcements 

B. Workshops/ Conferences

C. Visitors/ MoU/ Agreement Signing 

D. Faculty & Staff Travel

E. Classified (Job)

 

A. Announcement

 

 

1) New Director of Language Center is now On Board

 

Email from Prof. Pai-Chi Li, AIT President on 3 February 2025

 

 

 

Dear AIT family,

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kathy O’Sullivan as the new Director of Language Center effective 1 February 2025.

 

Dr. Sullivan earned her Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. She completed her master’s degree in English Language Teaching at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, and holds a bachelor’s degree in European Studies from the University of Limerick, Ireland.

 

Dr. Sullivan most recently served as the Dean of General Education at the Canadian University Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and previously held the role of Dean of University Advancement. Her prior experiences include serving as Consultant & Manager of Student Registration and Recruitment Services at Niagara College, Saudi Arabia; President of Global Partnerships at United Business Institutes; and Founding Director of the Center for Language Education at the Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China. She has extensive experience as an educator, teacher, and administrator in international settings.

 

Dr. Sullivan will be working closely with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. I am confident that Dr. Sullivan can strengthen our Language Center by bringing in innovative ideas from her experiences and will be able to serve the AIT Community particularly our students, working with our faculty.

 

She can be reached by email at kathyos@ait.asia or by her office phone number, 5887. 

 

Please join me in welcoming the newest member of the AIT family and give her our support and utmost cooperation!

 

 

 

2) Join a seminar on " We Don't All Breathe the Same Air" by Prof. Allen L. Robinson

 

 

Email from AIT President 

Dear AIT Community, 

I regret to inform you that the PM2.5 levels on the AIT campus have reached an unhealthy level. This poses potential health risks, especially for kids (AITIS) and individuals with respiratory conditions or other underlying health issues. The bad air quality situation is predicted to happen for the whole week, especially during January 22-25, 2025.

Action Required:

Limit Outdoor Activities: We strongly advise everyone to limit outdoor activities, particularly strenuous exercises, during this period.

Stay Indoors: If possible, stay indoors to reduce exposure to the polluted air. Ensure that windows and doors are closed to minimize the influx of outdoor air.

Use Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers in enclosed spaces to help reduce indoor air pollution. Ensure that the purifiers are properly maintained and filters are clean.

Wear Masks: If you need to go outside, wearing a mask (preferably N95 or equivalent) can provide additional protection against inhaling particulate matter.

Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the current air quality levels by checking local air quality monitoring stations near AIT 

Thai PCD: http://air4thai.pcd.go.th/webV3/#/StationDetail

IQAir: https://www.iqair.com/th-en/air-quality-map/thailand/bangkok

 

 

5) AIA Insurance Cards Now Available

Dear AIT Employees

We are pleased to inform you that the AIA insurance cards are now ready for collection. Please visit the HR Office located in Room 223 on the 2nd Floor of the Administration Building to pick up your card. 

We also encourage all employees to make the most of your Social Security (SS) benefits by visiting the hospital where you are registered under SS. Outpatient Department (OPD) services are covered (no payment required). Visit the Social Security website for more details. 

 

 

6) Health Awareness: Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)

 

Email from the Medical Clinic on 15 January 2025

 

Dear AIT Community,

 

This email aims to inform you about Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), a common respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms and is most active during the cold season.

 

Recently, hMPV has been spreading in several countries, however, the Thai government confirmed that there is no cluster of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in Thailand.

 

Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of this disease. 

 

What is hMPV?

 

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages, but it is most common in young children. 

 

How it spreads: 

 

Like any virus, hMPV is contagious, which means it spreads easily from person to person. You can be exposed to the virus if you :

 

Have close contact with an infected person, such as handshakes or touching the person's face

 

Come in contact with droplets from an infected person through sneezing, spitting, or coughing

 

Touched infected surfaces then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. 

 

Once Human Metapneumovirus enters your body, the incubation period is typically three to six days. Symptoms usually last for two to seven days. 

 

Symptoms: 

 

Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath. Clinical symptoms of hMPV infection may progress

 

to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections. 

 

Prevention:

 

Prevent the spread of hMPV and other respiratory viruses by following these steps:

 

Frequent handwashing: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. 

 

Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of the tissue properly. 

 

Clean and disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and toys. 

 

Stay home when sick: If you are experiencing cold-like symptoms, stay home from work, school, or social gatherings to prevent the spread of illness. 

 

Fortify your body's immune system: Eat a balanced diet, hydrate yourself, exercise and get enough sleep.   

 

When to seek medical attention:

 

Immediately seek medical attention if you experience difficulty in breathing, wheezing and fever that doesn't improve. 

 

We encourage you to practice good hygiene and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections. 

 

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and awareness only and does not constitute medical advice.

 

References :

 

https://www.webmd.com/lung/what-is-human-metapneumovirus

 

https://www.cdc.gov/human-metapneumovirus/about/index.html

 

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/human-meta...

 

https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON550

 

 

7) AIT MEDICAL CENTER SERVICES

Email from the Office of Human Resources Services on 14 January 2025

Dear AIT Community, 

Please note that the AIT Medical Center does not provide full-scale emergency room services. For serious medical emergencies such as a suspected heart attack, stroke, or poisoning, immediate treatment at the nearest hospital emergency room is crucial.

 

We are glad  to welcome the newest members of the AIT family! Let's all wish them a successful journey with us. Welcome aboard!