AUS trains 70 students as Peer Leaders

New students enrolling at AUS for the fall semester will benefit from the guidance of 70 carefully selected Peer Leaders, a group of existing students who have undergone the university's Student Leadership Program.

The main role of the Peer Leaders is to make the transition from high school to university easier for incoming AUS students. The leaders are tasked with providing guidance, mentorship and friendship to freshman, and introducing them to AUS campus life. The program is based on the belief that students benefit from positive role models who demonstrate the attitudes and behaviors necessary for an enjoyable and productive university experience.

The university's Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is responsible for the Student Leadership Program (SLP), training participants in their responsibilities as leaders throughout the 2017-18 academic year. The training took place on August 17, with the Director of the Student Leadership Program Haifa Ismail emphasizing the characteristics the leaders will need to positively influence incoming students. The leaders received a 'Welcome Kit' along with words of advice from former Peer Leaders.

Moutaz Slim, a senior student majoring in civil engineering at AUS who undertook the training, said:

"Attending both the Peer Leaders Training and orientation was fun and useful experience for me. During the orientation, we had the chance to meet with freshmen and their families, talk to them and answer their questions about the university. This program made me feel more responsible and mature. That's why I highly recommend it to everyone."

Uzma Ahmed Din, a senior AUS student majoring in electrical engineering who is also taking part in the Leadership Program, said:

"It was a great experience as it allowed me to exchange my views and some university success tips to freshmen. Also, I explained the different activities at AUS and how those activities and events can benefit them. They were really excited about everything. I feel very satisfied to be working as a Peer Leader as I was able to help freshmen to give them proper tips for a smooth transition from high school to university life."

AUS prides itself on its diverse, welcoming community, built over its 20-year history. The Peer Leaders Program helps to foster the university's sense of community, and build graduates who are not only academic leaders, but who actively contribute to their wider community.

Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, AUS Dean of Students, said of the training:

"The Peer Leaders Training is a vital aspect of the Peer Leaders Program as it highlights students' responsibilities and goals and allows them to understand the importance of their duties for the entire year. I wish the Peer Leaders batch for AY 2017-18 all the best and I am confident that this is a step forward for them in becoming active members of the AUS community."