New Student Orientation: Spring 2022
Welcome to the AUS community. You are now officially a #Proud_AUSer!
We are delighted to welcome the newest members of the AUS community to the Spring 2022 New Student Orientation for undergraduate students.
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The UAE Ministry of Education recently issued a directive recommending educational institutions shift to online operations from January 3 to 16 in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Therefore, AUS Orientation Spring 2022 will now be held exclusively online via our dedicated Orientation Portal. Please see the updated schedule below.
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This page is full of resources to help you get started as an AUSer and make sure you have the best start to your first semester. This page will be updated often, so please keep checking regularly for any schedule changes or important updates.
Orientation will officially begin on January 7 at 16:00. However, we will be launching our pre-orientation portal prior to the official start of orientation on December 19 to provide you with additional time to complete some important tasks and connect with others in the AUS community.
Orientation is extremely important in ensuring all new AUS students receive the best start to university life possible and is therefore mandatory. We are also inviting parents and other family members along to selected sessions to let them know what their sons and daughters can expect over their first few months at AUS, and showing them how they can best support them at this time.
Information on how to register for orientation will be shared with all new students via email.
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If you are attending orientation for graduate students, click here: www.aus.edu/gradorientation
What to expect
Get ready | Pre-Orientation
There are a number of things you need to do before you join us for orientation. In addition to participating in scheduled training and information sessions, you will need to complete a series of mandatory tasks listed in the Pre-orientation Checklist at your convenience during the pre-orientation period from December 19 to January 6.
Student Admin
Read our health insurance requirements and fee payment guide, apply for a student ID card, plan your move to campus, book placement tests and complete your file with support from the admissions team.
IT Training
A series of mandatory training sessions on AUS learning platforms will be hosted online throughout pre-orientation. Check the schedule below for full details.
First Year Essentials
Get tips on how to survive your first year on our First Year Experience Podcast, attend information sessions with our admissions team, and take a virtual library tour and athletics tour.
Schedules
Click on the arrows below to expand the pre-orientation and orientation schedules.
Note: All sessions will be delivered online via our dedicated orientation portal or AUS remote learning platforms.
- PRE-ORIENTATION | December 19 to January 6
Notes
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Sessions marked in red are optional.
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All IT training is mandatory. We have scheduled multiple sessions of each of the IT training programs for you to take at your convenience. Please ensure you attend at least one session of each mandatory training program in the schedule.
- Mandatory Student Admin and First Year Essentials tasks can be completed at any time throughout the pre-orientation period.
This schedule is subject to change.
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- ORIENTATION | January 7 to 15
Note
All social events are indicated in red.
This schedule is subject to change.
Accessing the Orientation Portal
Accessing the orientation portal is quick and simple. Admitted students will receive details on how to register via email.
The sooner your registration is complete, the sooner you will receive the Orientation Welcome Pack!
The portal will open for pre-orientation at 08:00 on Sunday, December 19. Students will need to log in using the login details received when they register. Once logged in, students can easily join scheduled training and information sessions and complete the mandatory pre-orientation tasks.
The official orientation program will begin at 16:00 on Friday, January 7. Only those who register for orientation will be able to attend in the official Welcome Session for new students and their families.
If you are having any technical issues trying to register or log in to orientation, you can call or WhatsApp +971 6 515 4800 or email itservicedesk@aus.edu during orientation week.
Peer Leaders
Here to support you
One of the most important people you will meet at orientation is your Peer Leader.
Peer Leaders are AUS students who are committed to supporting you as you transition to university life.
Your Peer Leader will welcome you at orientation, and assist and guide you throughout the week and beyond. They will also help you to discover all of the resources, activities and organizations available to you as an AUS student.
Support Services
We know this is a brand-new experience for you and you may be feeling anxious, worried or excited (or a mix of all three) about all the things you need to know and do as a first-year AUS student.
We are here to support you with everything you need to have a successful and prosperous university career. Whether you need IT support, want to learn some valuable study and time-management skills or want to speak with a counselor, we have you covered.
Download the AUS Resources brochure or browse the information below.
- First Year Experience (FYE)
The First Year Experience (FYE) program helps first-year students like you discover your potential so that you get the most out of your university experience. We do this by supporting you from the moment you begin your journey as a #Proud_AUSer. Learn more by clicking the button below.
You can also download our free publication How to Survive Your First Year at University: A Practical Guide for New Students here.
- Academic Support Center (ASC)
You may find that although you were academically successful in high school, you may struggle with the transition to the way we do things in university. The Academic Support Center (ASC) is here to help you improve your academic performance by offering a wide range of opportunities and resources to give you the help you need. Download the AUS Resources brochure to find out what is available.
- Course Textbooks and Materials
The University’s eTextbook Shop is provided by Kortext. Kortext is an ebook platform that enables students to access their books both online and offline, on multiple devices. Kortext provides perpetual access to ebooks once they are downloaded. Access to the AUS eTextbook Shop is through iLearn (the university's learning management system).
Depending on the course, your course text books may be available for purchase through AllPrints - the university bookstore located on campus.
Stationery and course supplies are also available for purchase through AllPrints.
Specific details on which books to purchase for your individual courses will be provided in the course syllabus.
- Support for Students with Disabilities
If you have a documented disability diagnosed by a qualified professional in the field, you may apply for academic accommodations through the Academic Support Center (ASC) in order to have equal access for educational opportunities at AUS. For more information, you can download our Faculty Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities.
- IT Service Desk
The IT Support Service Desk is your central point of contact for any IT-related issues you may be facing. We recommend you check this list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) first, and if you still need support call +971 6 515 2121 or email itservicedesk@aus.edu. Operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.
There will also be opportunities to join drop-in sessions with our IT support staff during specific times throughout orientation. Check the schedule for more details.
- Registration and Your Class Schedule
Once your file is completed you will be contacted by your college or school to be registered for the courses that you will be taking in your first semester at AUS.
Please make sure you attend the Academic Orientation with your college or school on Sunday, January 9 from 14:00 to 16:00. During this session you will find out the process for course registration. By the end of orientation week you will receive your class schedule for this semester.
If you do miss this session, you must email your Associate Dean for further instructions:
College of Architecture, Art and Design
Faysal Tabbara | Associate Dean, CAAD | ftabbarah@aus.eduCollege of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Ahmad Al-Issa | Associate Dean, CAS | aissa@aus.eduCollege of Engineering
Dr. Assim Sagahyroon | Associate Dean, CEN | asagahyroon@aus.eduSchool of Business Administration
Dr. Mohsen Saad | Associate Dean, SBA | msaad@aus.eduUndeclared Majors
Ms. Nora Arafa | Director, ASC | narafa@aus.eduAchievement Academy Bridge Program
Ms. Jessica March | Director, Achievement Academy | jmarch@aus.eduCiick on the button below for a list of Registration FAQs to help you as you go through the course advising and registration process.
- Your AUS Student ID Card
More than just a university ID card, your AUS ID card can get you some generous discounts at selected establishments in the UAE. Please click here for a list of participating retailers.
You will be able to request a digital version of your card from the Office of Protocol during pre-orientation.
- Accessing AUS Library Resources and Services
You now have access to one of the premier libraries in the region, with collections of books, e-books, journals and more to support your learning. Our librarians are here to help. Join a library tour Monday to Thursday between 10:00 and 16:00 or drop-in online to chat with a librarian by using the chat function on the Library website.
Follow us on Instagram @auslibrary, Twitter @AUS_Library and Facebook @AUSLibrary to stay up-to-date with our services, learn pro-tips for your research, explore the Library and much more.
In the meantime, browse our 'Welcome to the Library' booklet, or click the button below to visit the Library website.
- University Health Services (UHS)
University Health Services (UHS) provides supportive and consultative health care to the AUS community to make our campus a healthy and safe place to study, work and live. Services include outpatient services for both acute and chronic problems, short-term emergency care, minor surgical procedures, health education programs, counseling and much more.
One of the mandatory tasks you will complete in pre-orientation will be to read and agree to our student health insurance requirements.
- University Counseling Services (UCS)
While university can be a wonderful experience, you may also have times when you are struggling with stressful situations or experiences involving your academics, family, relationships or social life. We offer free and confidential support for your mental health and well-being through our University Counseling Services. If you are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help.
- Get Involved in Our Student Organizations and Clubs
There are so many ways to get plugged in to life at AUS, with our student organizations and clubs topping the list. Covering interest areas ranging from sustainability and photography to cultural and ethnic groups, we’re sure you won’t have any problem staying busy.
- Get Active with AUS Athletics
As an AUSer, you have access to our state-of-the-art athletic facilities and highly trained instructors. We offer a schedule of recreational sports activities as well as the opportunity to represent AUS in our intercollegiate teams. Go Leopards!
- Career Advancement Services
From your first-year until after graduation, the Career Advancement Unit at the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA) can provide you with advice and guidance to help you secure rewarding professional careers and internship opportunities.
- Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
Do you have an idea that you think could really take off but you don’t know where to start? Our friends at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) offer workshops and opportunities to inspire and equip you to bring your idea to life.
- Student Accounts
Student Accounts assists AUS students and their families in understanding:
- tuition and fee charges on the statement of fees
- the various payment and installment methods
- the relevant due dates for payments
We strive to deliver excellent customer service by providing accurate and timely information to students and responding to all financial-related queries.
Reading and agreeing to the AUS payment guide is one of the mandatory tasks that new students must complete during pre-orientation.
Buy AUS Merchandise
Get the AUS team spirit by purchasing some official AUS merchandise!
A great selection of apparel, gifts, accessories and more is available through the online AUS Merchandise Shop. This is a great way to celebrate becoming a one of the newest members of the AUS community!
Your purchase will also help AUSers in financial need, with eight percent of the total price of every purchase donated to the AUS General Student Support Fund.
The online stop is the only place to get official, licensed merchandise, so check it out today at www.aus.edu/merchandise.
Follow Us
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Follow @ausfye for regular updates, podcasts and news for first-year students.
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Follow @aus_osa for updates from the Office of Student Affairs and the AUS student community.
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Follow @wwwausedu for news and updates on the wider AUS community.
