OSA orientation activities welcome new students

New students joining American University of Sharjah for Fall 2018 semester had a dynamic introduction to campus life by participating in Orientation Week activities organized by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). Held the week before classes started on September 2, the schedule of activities was designed to help newcomers transition into life at AUS and introduce them to the many extracurricular opportunities offered by the university.

Returning students from various clubs and organizations comprised the New Student Orientation Team that worked with the OSA staff to assist the freshmen. Orientation activities started on August 24 with the New Students and Parents Welcome Session held at the Main Building. OSA set up information tables to answer questions from students and their parents, and to inform them of the extracurricular activities planned for the week.

At the Student Center, new students enjoyed open house activities such as computer games, DJ music, movies, table tennis, foosball, Play Station and table games. City tours to Sharjah and Dubai familiarized new students with the neighboring areas and points of interest. Around 50 students joined the Sharjah tour and more than 80 joined the Dubai trip. The Student Council also held a scavenger hunt to acquaint the new students with the campus. Other activities included the new student athletics orientation and tour of sports facilities, Peer Leaders’ adoption of new students, and the Judicial Affairs Code of Conduct orientation for exchange students and dorm residents.

More than 200 new students attended the special reception dinner, which included fun games and cultural dance performances by the Indian and Palestinian Cultural Clubs. The dinner was attended by Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students; Munketh Taha, Director of Student Development and Organizations Department; and other senior OSA officials.

Addressing the students on the occasion, Dr. Al Shehhi said:

“I welcome you all to AUS. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is here to fulfill your needs for out-of-class learning activities. I encourage you to learn more about OSA and the programs and services that we offer, and to take advantage of these opportunities that will complement your academic learning at AUS. Our staff is here to assist you in every interest that you may have, be it sports, clubs, leadership and many others. The Student Council is here to help you know more about student life at AUS and they are ready to listen to whatever concerns you may have. I wish to thank the staff for their efforts in organizing the orientation activities, along with the New Student Orientation Team who assisted OSA and volunteered even during their vacation time. Special thanks to the Student Council for organizing various activities for our new students and for helping them adjust to life at AUS. Once again, I welcome you to AUS and wish you a successful academic year ahead.”