AUS kicks-off orientation week for Spring 2021

American University of Sharjah (AUS) will kick-off its orientation week for Spring Semester 2021 on Friday, January 22, at a virtual event welcoming new students and their families.

The virtual event will include welcome messages from Professor Kevin Mitchell, AUS Chancellor, and key university officials, followed by a Question and Answer session.

The activity-packed week aims to help students transition into university life. Online sessions throughout the week will provide new students with essential information on course registration, university policies and procedures, support services on campus, and social and cultural activities.

A key feature of the orientation program is the support network students build, especially with their Peer Leaders, who are experienced AUS students trained to assist first-year students.  

“When students first join university, they tend to be nervous and overwhelmed about so many things. They do not only need help to resolve some of the issues they face, but they also want someone to be there for them, a friend, and that's what a Peer Leader does. A Peer Leader's job is to make a student feel comfortable when starting their first semester—an experienced friend who can guide, advise and support. Our work is not limited to orientation week, as we continue to provide support throughout the students’ university journey,” said Aisha Dadani, a third-year finance student and Peer Leader.

She noted that the top challenge new students face is time management. She said: “Every student goes through this phase. It is important to create a work-life balance. Do not allocate all your time and energy to your studies alone but branch out because that will help improve your focus and your grades. I was once given this beneficial advice and it has helped me tremendously. Invest the majority of your time in studies, but divide what is remaining to leisure, sports, family, friends and anything else you consider important.”

Incoming students will also be able to benefit from the AUS First Year Experience (FYE) Program, a university-wide collaborative effort that aims to teach first-year students the study and self-care skills they need, educate them on how to balance their studies with other responsibilities, and help them make meaningful connections with the university community. From informative podcasts to online workshops, FYE gives new students easy access to valuable resources that ease their transition from high school to university.

“To have a successful first semester, students should make use of all the wonderful resources AUS has to offer, such as student success workshops, peer supports, tutoring services and counseling. There is no reason for students to struggle alone when resources are available to help them. Additionally, students should expect to adapt their study habits to the new setting. Continuing to study the way they did in high school may not work in university. Flexibility and growth in study habits is invaluable in the first semester,” said Dr. Mehvash Ali, Director of the Academic Support Center and FYE Program at AUS.

New students will also have access to University Counseling Services (UCS), which is designed to help students achieve their educational goals, learn the process of problem solving and decision making, develop the capacity for satisfying relationships, and learn to make full use of their potential for continued growth beyond their educational experience.

Orientation week will also include a variety of fun social activities organized by the various student cultural clubs and the Student Council, such as trivia night, movie night and game night and other activities planned by the cultural clubs.

“These activities give students an opportunity to have fun during orientation week and provide a space where people can meet each other and make friends,” said Marwan Alahmad, President of AUS Student Council.

For more information about orientation, click here.