AUS welcomes new students at Spring 2019 Orientation

American University of Sharjah (AUS) held a welcome session for new students who will be joining the university as freshmen this semester. The event, which was held today, January 18, in the university’s Main Auditorium, provides incoming freshmen with a comprehensive understanding of academic and other aspects of life at AUS, and precedes an orientation week. The students, who comprise the top 20 percent of their high school classes, will begin attending classes when the Spring semester commences on January 27.

Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS, welcomed the distinguished students to the university and apprised them of the opportunities, facilities and resources that awaited them at AUS. He wished them the best of luck in this new phase of their academic journey. He said:

“You are on the threshold of an exciting academic journey that will culminate in your graduation, when you will go out into the world, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and degree to achieve a rewarding career, and become a productive member of society.”

In his welcome address, Dr. Juan Miguel Sanchez Mangold, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, congratulated the students on their success and expressed his appreciation for all the support provided to the freshmen by their families. Addressing the parents and family members of the enrollees, he said:

“My colleagues and I know, and fully recognize, that your sons and daughters are here because of all the time, energy, love and, yes, resources that you have invested in their development. You should take full credit for having instilled in them their values, aspirations and abilities that culminated in becoming member of the AUS community which, I must stress, is a major achievement in itself. Thus, on behalf of the entire American University of Sharjah community, I want to thank you for all you have done, and no doubt will continue to do in the future. At the same time, I want to pledge our outmost efforts and dedication to ensure that the young men and women that are joining AUS today, will embark in an intellectually rigorous journey that will transform them into confident and informed global leaders. Leaders who will be prepared, both ethically and intellectually, to shape a better world for the future.”

Speaking about some of the recent achievements of the university that underscored the quality of education and opportunities that AUS has to offer, Dr. Mangold said:

“One of the achievements that really impressed me as I joined the American University of Sharjah, is the fact that the university was among some of the country’s leading organizations to have been honored at the 2018 United Arab Emirates Pioneers Award. At that event, our chancellor received an award that, quite properly, recognizes AUS for its support of the United Arab Emirates science and research endeavors. This recognition is clear evidence of the significant impact that AUS is having in the development of the country. Importantly, it shows that the university is fully engaged, both locally and nationally, and well aligned with the expectations of our constituents and supporters.

“I mention this particular achievement simply because it provides an interesting contrast with another important recognition of the university. As you may know, American University of Sharjah has, once again, topped the Times Higher Education list of universities with the highest percentage of international students globally. This distinction is a good measure of the international presence and impact that AUS has through its students and faculty.”   

The freshmen cohort for the Spring semester comprises 200 gifted young men and women ready to begin their university life. As part of its mandate, AUS is set to provide them with a challenging and stimulating environment along with financial support in the form of grants and scholarships to help them through their academic journey.

The university also welcomes 30 international exchange students from dozens of universities all across the United States of America, The Netherlands, Canada and Bulgaria. Known throughout the region for its multicultural campus environment, AUS has 94 nationalities comprising its student body.

Executive Director for Enrollment Management, Ali Shuhaimy also addressed the welcome session. He congratulated the students on their success and on beginning the next phase of their academic career. He said:

“I congratulate you for graduating from high school and for being accepted in this selective and competitive institution. You represent the top 20 percent scorers of your school’s graduating class. This achievement is proof of your academic competency which provided the basis for being admitted to AUS; this is a feat you should be proud of. To help you build on your accomplishments, AUS promises to provide all possible and needed support to pave the way for you to continue achieving your goals.”

A week-long schedule of on and off campus festivities and events has been organized for the new students, including a dinner reception and library tour, Sharjah and Dubai city tours, games at the Student Center and awareness sessions for parents and students.