AUS welcomes new students and faculty for Fall 2024

With a blend of excitement and anticipation, new students at American University of Sharjah (AUS) marked the beginning of a significant milestone in their lives on August 18. 

Taking their first steps on a transformative journey of personal growth and intellectual discovery, more than 1,300 undergraduate students attended an introductory meet-and-greet session, providing them and their parents with an overview of academic and student life at AUS and setting the stage for a dynamic Orientation Week from August 19-25. 

During Orientation Week, new students have the chance to explore the campus, attend engaging information sessions, register for classes, connect with their peer leaders and enjoy festivities organized by the AUS Student Council.

“Our orientation program is designed not only to outline university policies but also to serve as a gateway to a wealth of services, extracurricular opportunities and the dynamic spirit of student life. Guided by our AUS Peer Leaders, you'll explore various student organizations and clubs while engaging with a diverse community representing over 90 nationalities. At AUS, we celebrate diversity, encourage tolerance and promote mutual respect. Our aim is to offer you a world-class education and an enriching, lifelong experience,” said Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of Enrollment Management at AUS. 

To ensure a smooth transition and provide ongoing support during orientation week, new students can also benefit from the services offered by the One Stop AUS Solution Center for all their administrative needs. They can meet with representatives from various university offices, including those handling transportation, student accounts, residential halls, financial grants and scholarships and more. They can take advantage of support programs such as the First Year Experience (FYE) program, the AUS Academic Support Center and the AUS Peer Leaders program.

“The role of peer leaders is to assist new students as they transition from high school to university life. Each new student is assigned a peer leader to help with their needs. We are here to support you. We cannot wait for you to join us,” said Fatima Afghan, a civil engineering student and AUS Peer Leader.

AUS is also organizing a special on-campus orientation day for its new graduate students on August 21. During this event, they will have the chance to meet with representatives from their respective colleges, connect with classmates and learn about the various support services available to them. They will also attend informational sessions designed to help them make the most of their academic journey.

As part of its commitment to fostering a dynamic academic community, AUS also welcomed its new cohort of educators this Fall. During a two-day orientation organized by the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL), 32 visiting and newly appointed faculty members were introduced to various aspects of AUS life, including research, student and faculty engagement, sustainability, work-life balance and more.

"We were thrilled to welcome 32 talented new faculty members to AUS. The two-day orientation in the presence of AUS' top leadership underscores our collective commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive academic community. This event marks the beginning of a journey where innovation in teaching and learning will be at the forefront of our shared mission," said Dr. Norita Ahmad, Director of CTIL. 

To learn more about new undergraduate student orientation, visit www.aus.edu/admissions/orientation.

To learn more about new graduate student orientation, visit www.aus.edu/admissions/orientation/graduate.