Frequently Asked Questions

Arriving On Campus

What do I need to bring with me?

Your High School Certificate-DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!! You must submit to the Admissions Office all missing documents they have requested from you before you may proceed with the registration process.

Admissions has also sent you a packet of information, bring it with you!!

I have admission to the university, why do I have to take placement tests?

AUS students come from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. Placement tests are given in English, Mathematics, Physics and Computer skills and are used solely for the purpose of placing students in the first-year course for the tested subject or the foundation course if needed. Intensive English Program students that place in Level 5, may take one university level course and should take the appropriate placement test if required.

Academic Advising

So….what about advising?

At the American University of Sharjah, advising is viewed as a four-year process. It is
our goal to provide you with guidance and resources that will enable you to chart a
degree program that is coherent, strategic and tailored to your needs and interests.
You will work with your Associate Dean/ Faculty Advisor to design a program of study
that meets the General University Requirements, the major requirements, and if you
choose, requirements in a second major, a minor or concentration.

When will I meet my advisor?

During Orientation each student will meet his/her Associate Dean. Your Associate Dean
will guide you through the first year program and may direct you to a Faculty Advisor.
You will find your Associate Dean/Advisor by going to the college/school to which you
were given admission. During registration, you will meet with your Associate
Dean/Advisor to finalize your registration for first-semester classes. They are familiar
with the resources available at AUS and may refer you to other members of the faculty
and staff when you need more specific information or assistance.
You in turn are expected to be aware of the information contained in the AUS Catalog
and the Student Handbookand to be responsible for procedural information and deadlines
that are published by the Registrar.
You are responsible for maintaining regular contact with your advisor. We recommend
two or three visits during a semester, and more if difficulties arise.

The Academic Program

What is a “liberal arts” education?

A liberal arts education integrates liberal studies and professional education to give its
graduates both breadth and specialization. It trains you to think critically and
independently and enables you to communicate effectively in both written and oral
forms. You are encouraged to explore a full range of capacities. It is structured to
develop you as a whole person and offers you a means for acquiring a wider range of
knowledge while as the same time preparing you for a variety of careers.
The organization of the curriculum is designed to meet the two complementary
objectives, breadth and specialization. The General University Requirements give each
student a comprehensive background of knowledge, the common possession of persons
educated in the liberal arts. The second, specialization, provides the opportunity for each
student to major in a field of special interest to the student. This is accomplished through
the Major Requirements and Concentration Requirements.

What exactly are the General Education Requirements?

What exactly are the General Education Requirements?
The General Education Requirements are composed of six areas: Arabic Heritage, English Language, Mathematics and/or Statistics, Computer Literacy and Information Access, Sciences, General Education: Theme courses and Humanites/Social Sciences. All General University Requirements must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

A complete listing of courses which fulfill each area of the General University Requirements and policies governing the fulfillment of requirements are found in the Academic Catalog.

Arabic Heritage- Every student must satisfy the Arabic heritage requirement by completing at least one course that fulfills the Arabic Heritage requirement.

English Language- Every student must be able to write with a level of mastery equal to the demands of the university course work and to use the university library resources and research process. In addition, students need to acquire the critical reading and comprehension skills necessary for all their courses.

Mathematics and/or statistics- All students must have mastery of quantitative reasoning and university level mathematical skills.

Computer Literacy and Information Access- Every student should be computer literate and know how to access information through digital technology. Computer skills are taught within the context of many courses or in specific computer courses depending on the requirements of their college/school.

Science- AUS students should learn university level knowledge of scientific reasoning and the experimental sciences.

General Education Requirement- To satisfy this requirement, students must take five courses (15 credit hours) in the humanities/social sciences curricula.

How long do I have to complete the General University Requirements?

While there is a specific time period in which the English and mathematics requirements must be completed, you have all four years to complete the remainder of the requirements.

What are Major Requirements?

In addition to the General University Requirements, all students must complete the requirements of an academic major. Consult the Academic Catalog for a complete listing of majors. The major requirements are outlined within the section of each college/school.

In addition to course requirements for the Major, are there other standards I must Meet?

Yes, in order to be considered in good standing in a major, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 on a scale of 4.00.

Can I have two majors?

Yes. By meeting requirements for the major in two separate departments, you can complete a double major. Students should consult the Office of the Registrar about the procedure for declaring a second major.

What is a Minor? Do I have to have one?

Students may choose to have a minor. A minor is a secondary field of study requiring at least 18 credit hours in the field. Specific course requirements for minors are listed under programs in each college/school. Students should consult the Office of the Registrar about the procedure for declaring a minor.