New Student Orientation: Fall 2022
Welcome to the AUS community. You are now officially a #Proud_AUSer!
We are delighted to welcome the newest members of the AUS community to the Fall 2022 New Student Orientation for undergraduate students.
This page is full of resources to help you get started as an AUSer and make sure you have the best start to your first semester. This page will be updated often, so please keep checking regularly for any schedule changes or important updates.
Orientation will be held in a hybrid format, with some sessions held online and some hosted in-person on campus. Orientation will officially begin on Saturday, August 20 at 16:00, however, we will be launching our pre-orientation portal prior to the official start of orientation on Monday, August 8 to provide you with additional time to complete some important tasks and connect with others in the AUS community.
Orientation is extremely important in ensuring all new AUS students receive the best start to university life possible and is therefore mandatory. We are also inviting parents and other family members along to selected sessions to let them know what their sons and daughters can expect over their first few months at AUS, and showing them how they can best support them at this time.
Information on how to register for orientation and login to the online sessions will be shared with all new students and their parents via email.
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If you are attending orientation for graduate students, visit www.aus.edu/gradorientation
What to expect
Get ready | Pre-Orientation
There are a number of things you need to do before you join us for orientation. In addition to participating in scheduled training and information sessions, you will need to complete a series of mandatory tasks listed in the Pre-orientation Checklist at your convenience during the pre-orientation period starting from August 8.
Student Admin
Read our health insurance requirements and fee payment guide, apply for a student ID card, plan your move to campus, book placement tests and complete your file with support from the admissions team.
IT Training
A series of mandatory training sessions on AUS learning platforms will be hosted online throughout pre-orientation. Check the schedule below for full details.
First Year Essentials
Get tips on how to survive your first year on our First Year Experience Podcast, attend information sessions with our admissions team.
Register for classes
On August 15, CEN and SBA students will have the opportunity to register early for Fall 2022 classes. You will get the chance to meet your academic advisor who will walk you through the process. CAAD and CAS students will complete this task during orientation week.
Schedules
Click on the arrows below to expand the pre-orientation and orientation schedules.
- PRE-ORIENTATION | From August 8
Notes
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The majority of the pre-orientation sessions will be delivered online via our dedicated orientation portal or AUS remote learning platforms.
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Sessions held on campus are marked in italics.
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Sessions marked in red are optional.
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All IT training is mandatory. We have scheduled multiple sessions of each of the IT training programs for you to take at your convenience. Please ensure you attend at least one session of each mandatory training program in the schedule.
- Mandatory Student Admin and First Year Essentials tasks can be completed at any time throughout the pre-orientation period.
This schedule is subject to change.
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- ORIENTATION | August 20 to 28
Note
- All social events are indicated in red.
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From Sunday, August 21 to Thursday August 25, all new students will attend orientation on campus. Any sessions marked "online" will be streamed live as they meet together in their orientation groups with their Peer Leader.
This schedule is subject to change.
Accessing the Orientation Portal
Accessing our dedicated orientation portal is quick and simple. Admitted students will receive details on how to register via email.
Once you have registered for pre-orientation, we will send you your Orientation Welcome Pack!
The portal will open for pre-orientation at 08:00 on Monday, August 8. Students will need to log in using the login details received when they register. Once logged in, students can easily join scheduled training and information sessions and complete the mandatory pre-orientation tasks.
If you are having any technical issues trying to register or log in to orientation, you can call or WhatsApp +971 6 515 4800 or email [email protected] during orientation week.
Coming to Campus: What You Need to Know
Please read the following information carefully to ensure you understand the latest government information and requirements in relation to COVID-19 health and safety on campus.
Effective 29 August 2022, anyone entering academic or administrative areas of the AUS campus over the age of 12 years are required to:
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID unless given a medical exemption;
- Have had a negative PCR test within 96 hours of first campus entry;
- Wear a mask at all times while being indoors on campus; and
- Complete the AUS COVID-19 Declaration of Health Status Survey
Effective 5 September 2022, the following will be implemented due to changes in government compliance requirements:
- Campus Security will cease Al Hosn App Green Pass inspection at building entry points;
- Routine PCR testing every 14 days will no longer be required;
- All restricted access points in academic and administrative buildings will be returned to pre-COVID access; and,
- Classrooms, common areas, and event venues will be returned to pre-COVID activity and capacity.
AUS PCR Testing For Faculty, Staff, and Students
AUS will continue to offer free PCR testing for faculty, staff, and students at the AUS PCR Testing Center until further notice. The PCR Testing Center is located near the Plaza between AD 2 and the Student Center (view location map).
Operating hours are 16:00–19:00, Saturday to Thursday.
To make an appointment visit https://auscovid19screening.youcanbook.me/.
Got questions?
For questions concerning this communication, please email [email protected]
Peer Leaders
Here to support you
One of the most important people you will meet at orientation is your Peer Leader.
Peer Leaders are AUS students who are committed to supporting you as you transition to university life.
Your Peer Leader will welcome you at orientation, and assist and guide you throughout the week and beyond. They will also help you to discover all of the resources, activities and organizations available to you as an AUS student.
Support Services
We know this is a brand-new experience for you and you may be feeling anxious, worried or excited (or a mix of all three) about all the things you need to know and do as a first-year AUS student.
We are here to support you with everything you need to have a successful and prosperous university career. Whether you need IT support, want to learn some valuable study and time-management skills or want to speak with a counselor, we have you covered.
Download the AUS Resources brochure or browse the information below.
- First Year Experience (FYE)
The First Year Experience (FYE) program helps first-year students like you discover your potential so that you get the most out of your university experience. We do this by supporting you from the moment you begin your journey as a #Proud_AUSer. Learn more by clicking the button below.
You can also download our free publication How to Survive Your First Year at University: A Practical Guide for New Students here.
- Academic Support Center (ASC)
You may find that although you were academically successful in high school, the way we do things in university is a little different. The Academic Support Center (ASC) is here to help you refine your skills, improve your academic performance by offering a wide range of opportunities and resources to give you the help you need, and perform at your best capacity. Download the AUS Resources brochure to find out what is available.
- Course Textbooks and Materials
The University’s eTextbook Shop is provided by Kortext. Kortext is an ebook platform that enables students to access their books both online and offline, on multiple devices. Kortext provides perpetual access to ebooks once they are downloaded. Access to the AUS eTextbook Shop is through iLearn (the university's learning management system).
Depending on the course, your course text books may be available for purchase through AllPrints - the university bookstore located on campus.
Stationery and course supplies are also available for purchase through AllPrints.
Specific details on which books to purchase for your individual courses will be provided in the course syllabus.
- Support for Students with Disabilities
If you have a documented disability diagnosed by a qualified professional in the field, you may apply for academic accommodations through the Academic Support Center (ASC) in order to have equal access for educational opportunities at AUS.
- IT Service Desk
The IT Support Service Desk is your central point of contact for any IT-related issues you may be facing. We recommend you check this list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) first, and if you still need support call +971 6 515 2121 or email [email protected]. Operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
There will also be opportunities to join drop-in sessions with our IT support staff during specific times throughout orientation. Check the schedule for more details.
- Registration and Your Class Schedule
Once your file is completed you will be contacted by your college or school to be registered for the courses that you will be taking in your first semester at AUS.
Please make sure you attend the Academic Orientation with your college or school as per the orientation schedule. During this session you will find out the process for course registration. By the end of orientation week you will receive your class schedule for this semester.
If you do miss this session, you must email your Associate Dean for further instructions:
College of Architecture, Art and Design
Faysal Tabbara | Associate Dean, CAAD | [email protected]College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Ahmad Al-Issa | Associate Dean, CAS | [email protected]College of Engineering
Dr. Assim Sagahyroon | Associate Dean, CEN | [email protected]School of Business Administration
Dr. Mohsen Saad | Associate Dean, SBA | [email protected]Undeclared Majors
Ms. Rasha Tawfik | Director, ASC | [email protected]Achievement Academy Bridge Program
Ms. Jessica March | Director, Achievement Academy | [email protected]Click on the button below for a list of Registration FAQs to help you as you go through the course advising and registration process.
- Your AUS Student ID Card
More than just a university ID card, your AUS ID card can get you some generous discounts at selected establishments in the UAE. Please click here for a list of participating retailers.
Your AUS student ID card will be issued on the first day of classes. Please send your photo with a white background, your full name in Arabic and AUS ID number to [email protected]. If you are unable to write your name in Arabic, please send a copy of your passport and the Office of Protocol can assist you.
An email with the complete instructions will be sent to all registered students one week before the semester starts.
- Accessing AUS Library Resources and Services
You now have access to one of the premier libraries in the region, with collections of books, e-books, journals and more to support your learning. Our librarians are here to help. Join a library tour from Tuesday to Thursday, between 10:00 and 13:00 (tours will be conducted every half hour, meeting on the ground floor of the library), or drop-in online to chat with a librarian by using the chat function on the Library website.
Follow us on Instagram @auslibrary, Twitter @AUS_Library and Facebook @AUSLibrary to stay up-to-date with our services, learn pro-tips for your research, explore the Library and much more.
In the meantime, browse our 'Welcome to the Library' booklet, or click the button below to visit the Library website.
- University Health Services (UHS)
University Health Services (UHS) provides supportive and consultative health care to the AUS community to make our campus a healthy and safe place to study, work and live. Services include outpatient services for both acute and chronic problems, short-term emergency care, minor surgical procedures, health education programs, counseling and much more.
One of the mandatory tasks you will complete in pre-orientation will be to read and agree to our student health insurance requirements.
- University Counseling Services (UCS)
While university can be a wonderful experience, you may also have times when you are struggling with stressful situations or experiences involving your academics, family, relationships or social life. We offer free and confidential support for your mental health and well-being through our University Counseling Services. If you are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help.
- Get Involved in Our Student Organizations and Clubs
There are so many ways to get plugged in to life at AUS, with our student organizations and clubs topping the list. Covering interest areas ranging from sustainability and photography to cultural and ethnic groups, we’re sure you won’t have any problem staying busy.
- Get Active with AUS Athletics
As an AUSer, you have access to our state-of-the-art athletic facilities and highly trained instructors. We offer a schedule of recreational sports activities as well as the opportunity to represent AUS in our intercollegiate teams. Go Leopards!
- Career Advancement Services
From your first-year until after graduation, the Career Advancement Unit at the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA) can provide you with advice and guidance to help you secure rewarding professional careers and internship opportunities.
- Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
Do you have an idea that you think could really take off but you don’t know where to start? Our friends at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) offer workshops and opportunities to inspire and equip you to bring your idea to life.
- Student Accounts
Student Accounts assists AUS students and their families in understanding:
- tuition and fee charges on the statement of fees
- the various payment and installment methods
- the relevant due dates for payments
We strive to deliver excellent customer service by providing accurate and timely information to students and responding to all financial-related queries.
Reading and agreeing to the AUS payment guide is one of the mandatory tasks that new students must complete during pre-orientation.
Buy AUS Merchandise
Get the AUS team spirit by purchasing some official AUS merchandise!
A great selection of apparel, gifts, accessories and more is available through the online AUS Merchandise Shop. This is a great way to celebrate becoming a one of the newest members of the AUS community!
Your purchase will also help AUSers in financial need, with eight percent of the total price of every purchase donated to the AUS Silver Jubilee Student Scholarship Fund.
The online stop is the only place to get official, licensed merchandise, so check it out today at www.aus.edu/merchandise.
Follow Us
FYE on Instagram
Follow @ausfye for regular updates, podcasts and news for first-year students.
OSA on Instagram
Follow @aus_osa for updates from the Office of Student Affairs and the AUS student community.
AUS on Instagram
Follow @wwwausedu for news and updates on the wider AUS community.
