58 Peer Leaders show the way to incoming freshmen

Peer Leaders from the Office of Student Affairs' Student Leadership Program (SLP) are taking the lead in assisting incoming students as they get ready to start the semester. Everyone knows that being a new student is not easy but freshmen at AUS are being welcomed and taken care of by Peer Leaders who are also acting as their mentors. 

As the new academic year commences, Peer Leaders are in constant touch with their adoptees, meeting with them to ensure that they are settling in smoothly, especially as far as their classes are concerned.  As part of their duties, they are also encouraging students to think about leadership opportunities available at AUS such as the Emerging Leaders Program. Throughout the year, SLP plans to organize a series of events focusing on leadership development for the Emerging Leaders Program with the first one to be held in November, 2012. The Emerging Leaders Program is a freshmen program that introduces new students to the SLP and supports those who are interested in developing their leadership skills.  The program also helps connect freshmen with campus life and encourages them to get involved from the beginning.

"We believe in empowering students to lead.  The highlight of the Peer Leaders Program is that we are seeing students lead by example, influence, educate and make it easier for freshmen to adapt to university life, said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. "This supports their personal and professional growth, helps build confidence and aids in the development of the notion of social responsibility. I have been following the communication between the Peer Leaders and freshmen and I must say that I am impressed with our students and their willingness to assist, answer queries and help freshmen integrate into the AUS community."

For Anam Shahid, a management major, the experience was amazing. "It reminded me of my freshmen days and how I had trouble finding my way around. Reflecting on my own experience and being able to help someone else gives me utmost pleasure. I have made new friends, met with some very eager parents and helped ease someone's transition into university life. With Peer leader's program and helping the new freshmen, I have begun a new chapter in my university life and I am sure it will be a very exciting one."

"I saw my participation in this orientation as another opportunity to serve," said Christian Momah, a Peer Leader and a chemical engineering major. "The students and their parents were attentive and interested; all they needed was someone to listen to them. And since first impression matters, we were there to give them the best of AUS!"

For more information on programs within the Student Leadership Program, please contact [email protected], or visit their office in the Student Center, 1st floor, A 250.