AUC veteran is one of its hidden treasures

BY AISHA YOUSSEF

Most students on campus have seen her, even though they may not recall her name.

Nevertheless, everyone facing regis­tration problems during drop-and-add week has been to her office where they receive much needed assistance, and when they leave she often wishes them a stern “good luck.”

Ihsan Abdelkhalek, current AUC Registrar Consultant, has been part of the AUC family for about 40 years. A period of time she dedicated to helping thousands of AUC students.

Usually a student’s first encounter with her would be during their first semester at university. One student had a problem with her courses, and being completely oblivious to the sys­tem, was directed to Abdelkhalek. The student’s parents who are AUC gradu­ates encouraged the idea because they knew her from when they were them­selves students.

Abdelkhalek solved the problem in an instant, impressing the two new students.

Her approach is to deal with stu­dents in a firm yet motherly manner.

When The Caravan was able to sit her down for an interview, her attitude was completely different, and her read­ing glasses were not on as they usually are when she is absorbed in work. She was sweet and warm during our con­versation.

She wore a black sweater and a black calf-length skirt. When I inquired about her all black attire, she replied, “Because my brother passed away a while ago.” There was a new dimension to this iron lady, who never shows emo­tion while working.

Despite her not being your typical talkative person; after our interview I truly understood why AUC has trea­sured her as part of its staff for almost half a century.

When did you begin working at AUC?

Some 38 years ago. If you do the math, that’s since 1975.

Why did you choose to work at AUC?

I completed my studies and I com­pleted my BA in Economics at AUC but I felt like I couldn’t leave because I loved the university so much that I felt like it was my second home and I couldn’t leave it so I applied for a job as an office assistant and got it.

What’s a timeline of your job titles at AUC?

First I was an Office Assistant, then a Graduation Manager, then a Registra­tion and Schedule Assistant Registrar, then Associate Registrar, then Regis­trar, then starting 2010 until today I have been a consultant.

Did you ever get the feeling that you wanted to quit?

Never! I always loved AUC I always felt like it was my second home I en­joy working in the registrar’s office and I love working with young students, I am passionate about my job.

What’s the best thing about working at AUC?

It could be many things, but to me it’s the people I work with. I always loved the group I was working with in terms of staff. I also loved working with young people like students.

What’s the worst thing about work­ing at AUC?

The worst thing is that being in the registrar you’re the one who sets all the deadlines for things such as dropping courses, declaration so you try follow up that all policies are being followed and that everything is being done in a very correct manner. But students sometimes don’t accept this and they try not to abide by the rules and that was a difficult part of my job; to ex­plain and convince students that rules are rules.

How did you feel when AUC moved to the new campus?

I love the new campus … we have amaz­ing facilities and a wide variety of plac­es to eat and so on, and in Tahrir the campus was very small it would’ve nev­er been enough for all the students that are currently enrolled at AUC. Howev­er, there was a lovely atmosphere at Tahrir; all the offices were close to each other, so you saw everyone everyday and we were very close but now we only see each other if we have meetings. So it was definitely cozier at Tahrir.

What do you do during your free time?

Now as a consultant I go to the uni­versity three times a week, the rest of the week I go to the club, I enjoy read­ing and watching soaps on TV and spending time with my family.

How many children do you have?

I have two boys and five grandchil­dren.

Are any of the grandchildren at AUC?

My granddaughter was accepted into AUC in 2012 and she is currently enrolled in the school of engineering.

When do you plan on retiring?

I am planning on retiring by this summer, July 2013.

Why?

Because I feel now it’s enough, I need to spend the rest of the time I have left with my children and grand­children. I feel I’ve reached my maxi­mum in terms of career, and want to devote more time to my family. But I will always love AUC and won’t stop visiting because as I said I feel like it’s my second home.