New Student Orientation: Fall 2021
Welcome to the AUS community. You are now officially a #Proud_AUSer!
Orientation Fall 2021 is now closed.
This year's New Student Orientation for undergraduate students will be delivered online with opportunities to attend some sessions in-person on campus. We've prepared a schedule that's packed with memorable activities to mark the beginning of your university experience.
For information about orientation for graduate students, please click here.
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.
Orientation will officially begin on August 20 at 16:00. However, we will be launching our orientation portal two weeks prior to the official start of orientation on August 8 to provide you with additional time to complete some orientation activities 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 some of the virtual sessions, letting 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 and sign up for on-campus activities will be shared with all new students via email.
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 August 8–19.
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, take a virtual library tour and athletics tour, and meet the AABP team.
Schedules
View the schedules below for both pre-orientation and orientation. All sessions will be delivered online via AUS remote learning platforms unless otherwise indicated.
- PRE-ORIENTATION | August 8 to 19
Notes
- We have scheduled multiple sessions of each of the IT training program for your convenience. Please ensure you attend at least one session of each mandatory training program in the schedule.
- Sessions marked in red are optional.
- Achievement Academy Bridge Program students are required to attend only one Q&A session.
- 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.
- Sunday, August 8
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour08:00Pre-Orientation portal opens
10:00–11:00IT Training | Meet ICT (AUS technology services)
14:00–15:00IT Training | Using AUS credentials
16:30–17:30IT Training | Introduction to Respondus (online exam tool)
- Monday, August 9
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour10:00–11:00IT Training | Introduction to iLearn (online learning tool)
14:00–14:30IT Training | Demo session: Navigating iLearn
14:30–15:00IT Training | Demo session: Navigating exam tools
17:30–18:30IT Training | Meet ICT (AUS technology services)
- Tuesday, August 10
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour10:00–11:00IT Training | Using AUS credentials
13:00–14:00Information Session: Obtaining the UAE Certificate of Equivalency | Followed by Q&A
14:00–15:00IT Training | Introduction to iLearn (online learning tool)
17:30–18:30IT Training | Introduction to Respondus (online exam tool)
- Wednesday, August 11
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour10:00–10:30IT Training | Demo session: Navigating iLearn
10:30–11:00IT Training | Demo session: Navigating exam tools
16:00–16:30IT Training | Demo session: Navigating iLearn
16:30–17:00IT Training | Demo session: Navigating exam tools
17:30–18:30IT Training | Introduction to iLearn (online learning tool)
- Thursday, August 12
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour10:00–11:00IT Training | AUS video conferencing tools
14:00–15:00IT Training | Introduction to Respondus (online exam tool)
17:30–18:30IT Training | Demo session: How to troubleshoot your browser
- Friday, August 13
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour - Saturday, August 14
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour - Sunday, August 15
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour10:00–11:00IT Training | Meet College IT (AUS Technical Requirements)
College of Architecture, Art and Design
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Engineering
School of Business Administration11:00–12:00Live Q&A for Achievement Academy Bridge Program students only
14:00–14:30IT Training | Demo session: How to take quizzes
14:30–15:00IT Training | Demo session: Apps Anywhere
17:30–18:00IT Training | Demo session: Apps Anywhere
18:00–18:30IT Training | Demo session: How to use G Suite during exams
- Monday, August 16
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour10:00–10:30IT Training | Demo Session: How to use G Suite during Exams
10:30–11:00IT Training | Troubleshooting Online Exams
11:00–12:00Live Q&A for Achievement Academy Bridge Program students only
14:00–15:00IT Training | Using AUS credentials
17:30–18:00IT Training | Demo Session: Navigating iLearn
18:00–18:30IT Training | Demo session: Navigating exam tools
- Tuesday, August 17
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour10:00–11:00IT Training | Demo session: How to troubleshoot your browser
11:00–12:00Live Q&A for Achievement Academy Bridge Program students only
13:00–14:00IT Training | Meet College IT (AUS Technical Requirements)
College of Architecture, Art and Design
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Engineering
School of Business Administration17:30–18:00IT Training | Demo session: How to submit an assignment
18:00–18:30IT Training | Demo Session: How to take quizzes
- Wednesday, August 18
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour10:00-20:00Scheduled calls between Peer Leaders and new students
11:00–12:00Live Q&A for Achievement Academy Bridge Program students
12:00–12:30IT Training | Demo Session: How to take quizzes
12:30–13:00IT Training | Troubleshooting online exams
14:00–14:30IT Training | Demo session: How to use G Suite during exams
14:30–15:00IT Training | Troubleshooting online exams
17:30–18:30IT Training | Meet College IT (AUS technical requirements)
College of Architecture, Art and Design
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Engineering
School of Business Administration - Thursday, August 19
- Any time
Mandatory Student Admin tasks
Mandatory First Year Essentials tasks
Virtual Library Tour
Virtual Athletics Tour08:30-19:30Check-in for Residential Life | Residential Halls
10:00–10:30IT Training | Demo session: How to submit an assignment
10:00-20:00Scheduled calls between Peer Leaders and new students
10:30–11:00IT Training | Demo session: Apps Anywhere
11:00–12:00Live Q&A for Achievement Academy Bridge Program students
14:00–15:00IT Training | AUS collaboration tools
16:30–17:00IT Training | Demo session: How to submit an assignment
17:00–17:30IT Training | Troubleshooting online exams
- ORIENTATION | August 20 to 28
Note
Participation in on-campus activities will be strictly by registration only. Times and locations of these activities will be finalized and the schedule will be updated closer to the date.
Registration for on-campus events is now closed.
All social events are indicated in red.
This schedule is subject to change.
- Friday, August 20
On-campus student activities
08:30–15:00Check-in for Residential Life continues | Residential Hall
Online student activities
16:00–17:00Welcome Session
17:00–19:00Resource Fair
19:00–20:30Trivia Night with Student Council
Online parent activities
16:00–17:00Welcome Session
17:00–19:00Resource Fair
- Saturday, August 21
Online student activities
08:30–09:30Meetup with Peer Leaders
09:30–10:30Academic Policies
11:00–12:00Student Success in the First Year: Academic Services
12:00–13:30Break
13:30–14:15Student Success in the First Year: Technical and Financial
14:15–14:30Break
14:30–15:15Student Success in the First Year: Wellbeing Support
15:15–16:00Student Success in the First Year: Engagement Opportunities
17:00–18:00Mental Health Tips with Psychology Club
18:00–19:30Games Night with Student Council
Online parent activities
09:30–10:30Academic Policies
11:00–12:00Student Success in the First Year: Academic Services
12:00–13:30Break
13:30–14:15Student Success in the First Year: Technical and Financial
14:15–14:30Break
14:30–15:15Student Success in the First Year: Wellbeing Support
15:15–16:00Student Success in the First Year: Engagement Opportunities
- Sunday, August 22
Online student activities
09:30–11:00Meetup with Peer Leaders
10:30–11:00IT Student Drop-In (optional)
11:00–11:30Implications of Social Media use on AUS Campus (positive, negative, ethical, legal)
11:30–12:15Skits on Community Policies
(Followed by discussion with Peer Leaders)12:15–13:15Time-Capsule Letter
17:30–18:00IT Student Drop-In (optional)
On-campus student activities for registered participants
09:30–11:00CAAD Meetup with Peer Leaders (by registration only) | CAAD Building Rotunda
13:15–14:15CAAD First Year Students Lunch (by registration only) | CAAD Breakout Rooms
14:15–17:15CAAD Meet and Greet (by registration only) | CAAD Building
18:00–20:00Movie Night with Student Council (by registration only) | Main Building, Ground Floor, Lecture Hall A
- Monday, August 23
Online student activities
09:00–15:00File Completion (by appointment only)
Placement Tests (by appointment only)
Admissions Inquiries (by appointment only)
Sponsorship Liaison Services Inquiries (by appointment only)10:00–13:00Financial Grants & Scholarships Inquiries (by appointment only)
12:00–13:00Meetup with Peer Leaders
12:30–13:00IT Student Drop-In (optional)
13:00–14:00Library Drop-In—Meet our Librarians
15:30–16:00IT Student Drop-In (optional)
15:30–17:00Academic Orientation with your School/College
Undeclared Students with Academic Support Center17:00–18:00Meetup with Peer Leaders
18:00–19:00Athletics Programming
20:00–21:00Meet the Student Council
- Tuesday, August 24
Online student activities
09:00–15:00File Completion (by appointment only)
Placement Tests (by appointment only)
Admissions Inquiries (by appointment only)
Sponsorship Liaison Services Inquiries (by appointment only)09:00–17:00College/School Course Advising
10:00–13:00Financial Grants & Scholarships Inquiries (by appointment only)
11:00–12:00Meetup with Peer Leaders
13:00–14:00Library Drop-In—Meet our Librarians
14:30–15:00IT Student Drop-In (optional)
17:00–18:00Health and Wellness for Better Grades
17:30–18:00IT Student Drop-In (optional)
18:00–20:00Talent Show—Day 1 (by registration only)
On-campus student activities for registered participants
12:00–13:00CEN Meetup with Peer Leaders (by registration only) | Engineering & Sciences Building (ESB) Entrance, Ground Floor
13:00–14:00CEN First Year Students Lunch (by registration only) | ESB Breakout Rooms
14:15–16:00CEN Meet and Greet (by registration only) | ESB, Ground Floor, ESB Auditorium Room, EB-0037
- Wednesday, August 25
Online student activities
09:00–15:00File Completion (by appointment only)
Placement Tests (by appointment only)
Admissions Inquiries (by appointment only)
Sponsorship Liaison Services Inquiries (by appointment only)10:00–13:00Financial Grants & Scholarships Inquiries (by appointment only)
11:30–12:00IT Student Drop-In (optional)
12:00–13:00Meet-up with Peer Leaders
13:00–14:00Library Drop-In—Meet our Librarians
16:30–17:00IT Student Drop-In (optional)
18:00–20:00Talent Show—Day 2 (by registration only)
On-campus student activities for registered participants
11:00–13:00CAS Meet-up with Peer Leaders and Tour (by registration only) | Physics Building Entrance, Ground Floor
13:00–14:00CAS First Year Students Lunch (by registration only) | Physics Building Breakout Rooms
14:00–15:30CAS Meet and Greet (by registration only) | Main Building, Ground Floor, Lecture Hall A
- Thursday, August 26
Online student activities
09:00–15:00File Completion (by appointment only)
Placement Tests (by appointment only)
Admissions Inquiries (by appointment only)
Sponsorship Liaison Services Inquiries (by appointment only)10:00–13:00Financial Grants & Scholarships Inquiries (by appointment only)
13:00–14:00Library Drop-In—Meet our Librarians
16:00–17:00Achievement Academy Meet and Greet / Tour | Online
16:00–17:00First Generation: Let’s Get to Know You (with Peer Leaders)
On-campus student activities for registered participants
12:00–13:00SBA Meetup with Peer Leaders (by registration only) | SBA Building Entrance
13:00–14:00SBA First Year Students Lunch (by registration only) | SBA Building Breakout Rooms
14:00–16:00SBA Meet and Greet (by registration only) | SBA Building
16:00–17:00Achievement Academy Meet and Greet (by registration only) | Main Building, 3rd Floor, Room M361
17:00–18:00Residential Halls Floor Meetings with RA’s (by registration only) | Residential Halls
19:00Surprise Sweet Treat (for students living on campus only) | Residential Halls
Stay tuned for more details from your Resident Assistant (RA)- Friday, August 27
In-person student activities for registered participants
10:00–14:00Trip to Mirdif City Center
16:00–18:00Tour of Sharjah
- Saturday, August 28
Online student activities
19:00–20:00Meet Your Community With Your RA (for students living on campus only)
In-person student activities for registered participants
10:00–14:00Trip to Mirdif City Center
16:00–18:00Tour of Sharjah
- Sunday, August 29 to Saturday, September 4: Week of Welcome
As we kick off the first day of classes on Sunday, August 29, we also bring you the Week of Welcome (WoW).
We're putting together a full week of activities to celebrate new beginnings with our new and continuing proud AUSers.
Accessing Orientation: The 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, August 8. 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, August 20. Only students who register for orientation will be able to participate in orientation sessions and activities via the portal.
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 [email protected] during orientation week.
On-campus Orientation Events
We are excited to be able to host a series of on-campus activities throughout orientation.
Participation in these activities is strictly by registration only.
Note: Registration for on-campus events is now closed.
Students who have registered for on-campus events will have received an email confirming their registration along with the relevant details for each of the sessions they have been assigned to.
Please note, students can only attend the on-campus orientation event that they have been assigned to. Family and friends will not be permitted to attend.
Coming to campus: What you need to know
Health and safety requirements
- Prior to entering campus for the first time, you will need to:
- complete the health declaration form; and,
- attach documentation of completed COVID vaccination (two doses)
- attach a negative PCR test result dated within 72 hours of campus access for the first time
Note: You will need to use the AUS VPN to access the health declaration form. For instructions on how to use the AUS VPN, please click here. You may contact [email protected] if you are experiencing problems with accessing the form.
- The completed form will be reviewed by University Health Services. Once approved, you will receive a QR code for campus access via your university email address. You will need this QR code to enter the campus on the day of the orientation event for which you are registered. This QR code will be valid for the entire fall semester. Students will not be permitted to enter the campus without the QR code.
- To keep you and the AUS community safe, social distancing of one meter will apply on campus as per UAE Ministry of Education requirements.
- You will also be required to wear a mask at all times while on campus.
Parking and drop off areas
- Students should arrive on campus 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of their orientation session. When entering any of the campus buildings, you will need to show AUS security your QR code.
- If you are driving or being dropped off at campus, please refer to this map with designated car parking and drop off areas. After leaving the vehicle, follow the signs to the building where the orientation event is taking place. Location details for each event will be shared with students prior to orientation.
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.
Download our free guide on How to Survive Your First Year at University: A Practical Guide for New Students.
- 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
Your course may require you to purchase an eTextbook from the AUS eTextbook Shop. 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). Specific details on which books to purchase for your individual courses will be provided in the course syllabus.
A student guide to purchasing texts from the AUS eTextbook Shop can be found at the link below.
- 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 [email protected]. 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
During orientation, you will be registered for the courses you will be taking in your first semester at AUS.
We'll go through the course advising and registration process with you during the academic orientation with your college/school on Monday, August 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please make sure you attend this session. If you do miss this session you must contact the associate dean of your college/school for further instructions.
On Tuesday, August 24, you will be given access to a course advising document prepared by your academic advisor. This document will list the courses that you should be taking in your first semester. You will have the chance to approve this list and may speak with your advisor if you have any questions.
Once you have approved your course list, your college/school will register you in your courses. You will receive your detailed class schedule for the semester once your registration is complete.
Check out this 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 from August 8 to 19.
- 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: meet them 13.00-14.00 Monday to Thursday via the chat function on the Library website. You can also chat with us during pre-orientation using the same chat function.
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.
Follow Us
FYE on Instagram
Follow @ausfye for regular updates, podcasts and news for first-year students.
OSA on Instagram
Follow @aus_osa for updates from the Office of Student Affairs and the AUS student community.
AUS on Instagram
Follow @wwwausedu for news and updates on the wider AUS community.
Orientation Fall 2021 is now closed.
