Orientation Spring 2021: January 22-30
Welcome to the AUS community. You are now officially a #Proud_AUSer!
This semester orientation is coming to you! This New Student Orientation for undergraduate students will be packed with memorable activities to mark the beginning of your university experience.
For information about our graduate student orientation, please click here.
From January 22–30, we’ll introduce you to AUS and your college/school, help you connect with classmates and your Peer Leader, and introduce you to the various support services available to you in your first year and beyond.
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 is extremely important to 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 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.
Keep checking back here for regular updates.
What to Expect
Welcome AUSer!
Orientation kicks off on Friday, January 22 with a virtual welcome session. Meet Chancellor Kevin Mitchell and AUS community leaders, and explore our Resource Fair.
Follow our lead
Your Peer Leader will guide you through a series of virtual activities to familiarize you with all things AUS and introduce you to key faculty, staff and support services.
We’re here for you
Our staff are here to support you as you transition from high school to university. Chat with your Peer Leader about how we can help.
Get connected
Connect with fellow AUSers and make new friends through a series of online social events and activities for first-year students.
IT Training for New Students: January 17–28
Having a good understanding of the IT platforms AUS students use for learning and other purposes is absolutely key to a student’s success during their time at university. We are therefore hosting a series of IT training sessions for new AUS students during January and it is essential that all new AUSers take part. These sessions will be hosted online prior to orientation and throughout orientation week, from Saturday, January 17 to Tuesday, January 28. Check out the schedule below for full details.
The sessions include general AUS IT service and application training, introductions to iLearn (AUS' learning management system) and Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, and more.
Read below to find out how to take part in this IT training:
Tips
- Be sure to enter the training link from a desktop PC/laptop for the best online experience.
- Have a stable internet connection
Step 1
Click on the training link provided for the session you want to attend.
Step 2
Once the page has loaded, you will be asked to provide your name. Please enter your name, then click Join Session.
Step 3
You will now be in your Blackboard Collaborate session. You can send chat messages by clicking on the purple arrow in the bottom right to open the Collaborate Panel. Then select the first tab to open chat messages.
Orientation Schedule
Your orientation sessions will be delivered online via AUS remote learning platforms.
See below for the full orientation schedule for students and parents.
Note
All social events are in red text.
This schedule is subject to change.
- Friday, January 22
Students
16:00–17:00Welcome Session
17:00–19:00Resource Fair
19:00–20:30Trivia Night with Student Council
Parents
16:00–17:00Welcome Session
17:00–19:00Resource Fair
- Saturday, January 23
Students
09:00–10:00Virtual check-in followed by Peer Leader and Orientation Group Meetup
10:00–11:00Academic 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
18:00–19:00Message to Parents and Families
20:00–21:30Games Night with Student Council
Parents
10:00–11:00Academic 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 Supports
15:15–16:00Student Success in the First Year: Engagement Opportunities
18:00–19:00Message to Parents and Families
- Sunday, January 24
Students
10:00–11:00Meet-up with Peer Leaders
11:00–11:30Implications of social media use on AUS Campus (positive, negative, ethical, legal)
11:30–12:30Skits on Community Policies during Peer Leader and Orientation Group Meetup
14:00–15:00Time-Capsule Letter
18:00–20:00Watch and Munch Movie Night with Student Council
- Monday, January 25
Students
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)
13:00–14:00Welcome to the Library
14:00–15:00Virtual Athletic Tour
15:00–17:00Academic Orientation with your School/College
Undeclared students with Academic Support Center17:00–18:00Meet-up with Peer Leaders
18:00–19:00Interview with CrossFit Athlete followed by live Q&A with SARD Director
- Tuesday, January 26
Students
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)
15:00–16:00Meet-up with Peer Leaders
18:00–19:00Health & Wellness for Better Grades. A live presentation by Coach Salem Hassan
- Wednesday, January 27
Students
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)
17:00–18:00Meet-up with Peer Leaders
18:00–20:00First Generation - Let’s Get to Know You with Peer Leaders
- Thursday, January 28
Students
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)10:00–12:00Financial Grants & Scholarships Inquiries (by appointment only)
- Friday, January 29
Students
16:00–17:30BINGO Mania with Peer Leaders
- Saturday, January 30
Students
16:00–17:00Mental Health Tips with Psychology Club
- Sunday, January 31–Saturday, February 6: Week of Welcome
As we kick off the first day of classes on Sunday, January 31, we also bring you the Week of Welcome (WOW).
We've put together a full week of activities to celebrate new beginnings with our new and continuing proud AUSers.
Accessing Orientation
Accessing orientation is quick and simple. All you need to do is register following the instructions in your invitation email. The sooner you register the sooner you will receive your Orientation Welcome Pack!
Then, when orientation begins, you just need to log in using the login details you would have received when you registered.
Once logged in, you will access the orientation portal, where you can easily join scheduled sessions or take part in a number of other activities. Please note, you will not be able to log in to orientation until it begins at 3:45 p.m. on January 22.
If you are having any technical issues trying to log in to orientation, you can call or WhatsApp +971 6 515 4800 or email [email protected] during orientation week.
Your College or School
While you will have the chance to explore the wide range of courses, departments and colleges at AUS over the next four years or more, most of your time will be spent in the department and college/school specifically related to your major. This is where you’ll probably make most of your friends, where the majority of your classes will be held, and where you’ll get to know your faculty the best.
To learn more about your college/school, follow the links below, then make sure you attend your relevant college/school academic orientation on Monday, January 25.
- College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD)
- College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
- College of Engineering (CEN)
- School of Business Administration (SBA)
- Achievement Academy
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
Any e-books, print books or course materials that you need for your Fall 2020 courses will be listed in the syllabus that you receive on the first day of classes. The items can be ordered online through the AUS bookstore, All Prints. To order the items, just contact [email protected]. You can pay online using a credit card. E-book codes will be sent to you. Print books and any physical course materials can be picked up from campus at the service gate or can be couriered directly to your address.
- 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.
- Your AUS Student ID Card
Once we are back on campus, you will be able to collect your AUS ID card. However, if you need to arrange a digital card in the interim, please send an email to Mr. Syed at [email protected] for further assistance.
- 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, January 25 from 3:00 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, January 26, 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.
- 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 on the Orientation Schedule.
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 Learn More 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.
- 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 weekly schedule of recreational sports activities as well as the opportunity to represent AUS in our intercollegiate teams. Go Leopards!
- Career Development Services
From your first-year until after graduation, the Career Development 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? The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), based right here on campus, offers 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.
Meet Your Student Council
The AUS Student Council are your elected student representatives, dedicated to the continuous development and welfare of the AUS community and to giving the student body the opportunity to communicate their views.
Podcast
FYE Chats: An AUS Podcast
FYE Chats is a podcast for first-year AUS students. Hosted by the Academic Support Center and featuring special guests from the AUS community, this podcast talks about everything from what to expect during your virtual orientation, to preparing for your first mid-term exams, and much more!
These episodes will be a helpful way to know what to expect for orientation:
- Living the Life of an AUSer
- Preparing for the First Year: Ace the Placement Tests
- Only at Orientation
- My First Day of College
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 is now closed
