New Graduate Students Orientation | Spring 2024
Welcome to the AUS community.
The New Student Orientation for graduate students joining us in Spring 2024 will provide you with the essential information you need to begin your journey at AUS.
On Wednesday, January 17, we’ll introduce you to AUS and your college/school, help you connect with classmates, and introduce you to the various support services available to you as a graduate student.
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 are well-equipped to begin university life and is therefore mandatory. Attendance is by invitation to new AUS graduate students only. More details about how to register for orientation will be shared via email.
Keep checking back here for regular updates.
Orientation Schedule
See below for the full orientation schedule for graduate students.
Completing your application file is mandatory for enrollment. File completion meetings are booked online with Admissions staff to show the required documents as stated in your Admission Letter.
This schedule is subject to change.
- Wednesday, January 17
- 14:30–15:00
Late Afternoon Refreshments | Main Building Rotunda
15:00–15:30Welcome Session | Hall B, Main Building
Graduate students will be welcomed by members of the AUS community, including:
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor
Dr. Mohamed El-Tarhuni, Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer/Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies
Dr. Lotfi Rhomdhane, Special Assistant to the Interim Provost
Mr. Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director for Enrollment Management
Mr. Faisal Mustafa, President, AUS Graduate Student AssociationCollege Orientation Sessions
15:30–16:30College of Architecture, Art and Design | AD1-209
15:30–17:00College of Arts and Sciences | NAB007
15:30–17:30College of Engineering | ESB 1055 CEN Auditorium, 1st Floor
15:30–17:30School of Business Administration | SBA 2060
- Monday, January 22 to Thursday, January 25
The first week of classes for the Spring 2024 semester will commence on Monday, January 22.
The Office of Research and Graduate Studies, your course advisor and college representatives are all available to support you with any questions or needs you might have. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them personally should you require any support.
Your College or School
To learn more about your program, college or school, select the links below. More information about your relevant college/school academic orientation on Wednesday, January 17 will be shared with you directly via email.
- College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD)
- College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
- College of Engineering (CEN)
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSBME)
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (MSChE)
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)
Master of Science in Computer Engineering (MSCoE)
Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM)
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)
Master of Science in Engineering Systems Management (MSESM)
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Master of Science in Mechatronics Engineering (MSMTR)
PhD in Engineering - Engineering Systems Management (PhD-ESM)
- School of Business Administration (SBA)
Getting to Campus
The AUS campus is located in University City in Sharjah. If you're coming to campus for the first time, please read the information below about parking and transportation options for students and visitors.
If you have any questions about health and safety on campus, please email [email protected].
- Transportation and bus schedules
AUS students can take advantage of the bus services which run between campus and various locations around Sharjah, from Dubai Metro Stations and weekly to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
For the most recent information about our bus schedules and other important information, please click the button below.
- Parking and drop-off areas
Students should arrive on campus 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of their orientation session.
If you are driving or being dropped off at campus, please refer to the map linked below for 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.
Support Services
We are here to support you with everything you need to have a successful and prosperous experience at AUS. 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.
- 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 Wednesday, January 17. Please make sure you attend this session. If you do miss this session you must contact your program coordinator or the associate dean of your college/school for further instructions.
You will need to schedule a meeting with your program coordinator during the registration week to discuss your study plan and select the courses you will take during the first semester. Check with your program coordinator regarding the process for registering in the courses. Please visit https://banner.aus.edu/ for information about class schedules and course descriptions. Once registered, you need to arrange for fee payment (see Student Accounts section).
Please note, if you wish to make changes to your schedule, you may do so only during the add/drop period from January 22 to January 30.
You can view the AUS Graduate Catalog for this academic year at the link below.
- Course Textbooks and Materials
Course textbooks and materials in print or electronic format are available from AllPrints, the on-campus bookstore.
- 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 to 18:00, Monday through Thursday.
- 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.
Your AUS student ID card will be issued on the first day of classes. Please send your photo with a white background, your full name in Arabic and AUS ID number to [email protected]. If you are unable to write your name in Arabic, please send a copy of your UAE residence visa or Emirates ID Card and the Office of Protocol and Security can assist you.
An email with the complete instructions will be sent to all registered students one week before the semester starts.
- 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. Simply visit the library website at library.aus.edu and use the chat function to start a conversation.
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, or watch our informational video for new graduate students.
- 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.
Please click the link below for more information about health insurance requirements for full-time students.
- 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.
- Career Services
From your first day of graduate studies until after graduation, the Career Services 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) offers workshops and opportunities to inspire and equip you to bring your idea to life.
- Student Accounts
Student Accounts assists AUS graduate students 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.
- Graduate Students Association (GSA)
The Graduate Students Association (GSA) is a student-run organization that promotes graduate students' interests and organizes social and professional events throughout the year. You can contact the GSA at [email protected].
- Testing Center
Before you can enroll in classes for your first semester make sure to submit your verified English Language Proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, EmSAT or Linguaskill).
If you have any questions or need our support, please contact us by clicking on the button below.
- Visa and Equalization Services
One of the features that makes AUS admired throughout the region is its multicultural environment. Our student body comprises approximately 90 nationalities from around the world, making our community a beautiful blend of different cultures, ethnicities and religions.
Visa and Equalization Services (VES) assists students with immigration and visa issues. If you have any questions or require our services, please email [email protected].
- Living on Campus
AUS offers on-campus accommodation for full-time graduate students who require it.
All residential halls are equipped with Internet access, computer labs, gyms, TV and entertainment rooms, vending machines and laundry rooms, and male and female students live in separate residential halls on campus.
For more information about whether you are eligible to live on campus this semester, please contact Mr. Issam Zaarob, Senior Manager of Student Residential Life, at [email protected].
