New Student Orientation Spring 2023
Coming soon: New student Orientation | Fall 2023
Information for new undergraduate students joining AUS in Fall 2023 will be published on this page soon.
New Student Orientation: Spring 2023
We are delighted to welcome the newest members of the AUS community to the Spring 2023 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-person on campus and will officially begin on Sunday, January 15 at 16:00. We will be launching our pre-orientation portal prior to the official start of orientation on Wednesday, January 4 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 invite parents and other family members to join selected sessions to let them know what their sons and daughters can expect over their first few months at AUS, and show them how they can best support them at this time.
Attendance is by invitation to new AUS students and their parents only. More details about how to register for orientation and login to the pre-orientation portal will be shared via email.
If you are joining AUS as a new graduate student, please go to 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 January 4.
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.
RSVP for social events & trips
We have a great line-up of on-campus social events and off-campus sight-seeing trips for new students at orientation. Make sure you RSVP to secure your spot!
Schedules
Click on the arrows below to expand the pre-orientation and orientation schedules.
- PRE-ORIENTATION | From January 4
Notes
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All pre-orientation sessions will be delivered online via our dedicated orientation portal or AUS remote learning platforms.
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All IT training is mandatory. We have scheduled multiple sessions of each of the training programs for you to take at your convenience. Please ensure you attend at least one session of each program in the schedule.
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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 | January 15 to 22
Note
- All social events are indicated in red.
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All orientation events will be held on campus.
This schedule is subject to change.
Accessing the 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 12:00 on Wednesday, January 4. 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.
Need help?
Our technical support team will be available to help if you experience any technical issues trying to log in to the portal from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Call or WhatsApp +971 6 515 4800
Email [email protected]
Getting to Campus
We're thrilled that all orientation sessions will be held on campus this semester, starting on January 15.
The AUS campus is located in University City in Sharjah. If you're coming to campus for the very first time, please read the information below about parking and transport options for students and visitors.
If you have any questions about health and safety on campus, please email [email protected].
- Transportation and bus schedules
AUS students can take advantage of the bus services which run between campus and various locations around Sharjah, from Dubai Metro Stations and weekly to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
For the most recent information about our bus schedules and other important information, please click the button below.
- Parking and drop off areas
Students should arrive on campus 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of their orientation session.
If you are driving or being dropped off at campus, please refer to this map with designated car parking and drop off areas. After leaving the vehicle, follow the signs to the building where the orientation event is taking place. Location details for each event will be shared with students prior to orientation.
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.
Drop in at One Stop during Orientation
The AUS Solution Center, a one-stop shop for all your AUS service needs, will be open throughout orientation to ensure you have the resources and support you need to achieve your goals at AUS.
Whether you want to learn more about residential life or apply for a financial grant or scholarship, the friendly team at the solution center can answer your questions, help fill out forms, and much more. In addition to the team being on hand to answer questions, iPads are available so that students can complete administrative tasks with the assistance of our solution center team members.
During orientation, students and parents may drop in to the AUS Solution Center without an appointment between the following times:
- Sunday, January 15 | 11:00 to 19:00
- Monday, January 16 to Thursday, January 19 | 08:00 to 17:00
The AUS Solution Center is located on the mezzanine level of AUS’ Main Building (M03B).
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 shop is the only place to get official, licensed merchandise, so check it out today at www.aus.edu/merchandise.
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 Tabbarah | 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 Monday to Thursday, between 10:00 and 16:00 (tours will be conducted every 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.
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 @ausharjah for news and updates on the wider AUS community.
Coming Soon: New Student Orientation | Fall 2023
