More than 250 freshmen enroll at AUS for Spring 2016 semester

American University of Sharjah (AUS) welcomed its Spring 2016 incoming students and their parents at a welcome session held today, Friday, January 22, 2016, on campus. More than 250 new students will be joining the university when classes start for Spring Semester 2016 on January 31.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS, welcomed the parents and new students on behalf of the university's president, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The session marked the start of the university's Orientation Week.

Chancellor Kjerfve also expressed his appreciation at the effort the freshmen had put in to join the university, stating that they are among the top percentile of their high school graduating class. "It gives me great pleasure to meet our new freshman class of 250 young men and women who are joining us this semester. You are among a select group, embarking on an exciting and challenging academic journey that will culminate with your graduation, and you becoming our new alumni, equipped with skills that will bring you success in the workplace and make you productive members of society."

Chancellor Kjerfve also assured the students and their parents that AUS takes the responsibility of its students' education seriously.

"We are committed to providing an enriching campus environment where you can receive the best overall educational experience. All instruction is offered in English, and this will help you become globally competitive in your chosen professions. We welcome you as members of the AUS family."

During the session, new students and parents were briefed about academic opportunities offered at the university. The session also covered the social and cultural life at AUS, as well as students' personal growth prospects.

Interim Provost Kevin Mitchell also welcomed the new students. "You have been selected from a group of highly qualified applicants, and the university is confident in your potential for success," he stated.

"AUS provides a supportive environment, and there are many services intended to assist students, but we do expect students to take responsibility for seeking out assistance when needed," he added.

Mitchell also recognized the nearly 40 undergraduate and graduate exchange students joining AUS from Canada, Germany, Japan, Mauritius, the United Kingdom and the United States. "The diversity of AUS students and faculty is one of our greatest strengths, and I urge you to take advantage of all that a multicultural educational environment can offer to expand your knowledge and make connections to your fellow students through student organizations, sports teams, and informal interactions while walking to class," he said.

AUS Executive Director of Enrollment Management Ali Shuhaimy also welcomed new students and congratulated them for graduating from high school and being accepted in a selective and competitive an institution as AUS. "Our commitment to the success of our students is evidenced by their achieved stature in the community. Our graduates enjoy the advantage of being in the forefront of employers' selection."

Also speaking at the welcome session was Mohammad AlHashimi, President of the Student Council at AUS, who welcomed the audience and encouraged the new students to meet their fellow students and to take part in activities and events on campus.

The welcome session will be followed by a weeklong schedule of events designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the university, from logistics to procedures, which will help them for years to come. It includes on- and off-campus activities, such as city tours around Sharjah and Dubai, open house games at the Student Center, awareness sessions for parents and students, a dinner reception, and a library tour.