200 new students enroll at AUS for Spring 2017 semester

Two hundred incoming freshmen and their parents were welcomed to American University of Sharjah (AUS) during an orientation session held last night, January 13, 2017. The new students will begin their academic journey at AUS when classes commence on January 22 for the spring semester.

In his remarks during Orientation Week's opening session, AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve welcomed the students and their parents on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS.

"You are among a select group, starting an academic journey that will culminate with your graduation. You are among the top percentiles of your high school graduating class. At AUS, you will find a challenging and stimulating academic experience in a supportive campus environment," said Chancellor Kjerfve.

"We are a young university and we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in the fall," Chancellor Kjerfve continued. "Nevertheless, we have earned an admirable reputation for our academic excellence, the quality of our faculty, and the commitment to our students and alumni. AUS is known throughout the region for its multicultural campus with more than 6,000 students from 100 countries. This diversity is also reflected in the profiles of the 372 full-time faculty members from 47 countries who will be your teachers and mentors. They are renowned for their teaching and mentorship, research, scholarship and service."

Chancellor Kjerfve encouraged the students to take advantage of the facilities available at AUS. He also encouraged them to explore the many academic choices AUS provides, and to challenge themselves by participating in student activities beyond the classroom. He also assured parents that the university would take the responsibility of their children's education seriously.

Also welcoming the students was AUS Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Leland Blank. "The fact that you have been accepted as students into this fine university is an accomplishment to be proud of, and I hope that it is the first of many successes you will experience during your time at AUS," Dr. Blank said.

Dr. Blank offered a special welcome to 24 undergraduate and graduate exchange students joining AUS this semester from 10 countries around the globe. "The diversity of AUS students and faculty is one of our greatest strengths. I urge you to take full advantage of this multicultural educational environment. It will expand your knowledge and help make connections to your fellow students through student organizations, sports teams and informal interactions across campus," he said.

Speaking directly to the parents, Dr. Blank said, "You have entrusted the education of your daughters and sons to AUS. My colleagues and I take this trust very seriously. We are committed to providing a rigorous and rewarding educational and extracurricular experience that makes AUS a leader in higher education in the region."

Students and parents were informed of the Student Academic Integrity Code and all new students had to sign a pledge to agree to the principles set forth in the code. "Academic integrity is one aspect of ethical behavior that is at the core of the AUS community. By signing the pledge, you make a personal commitment that extends to demonstrating concern for the personal dignity, rights and freedoms of all members of the community. In short, you must approach your education at AUS with honesty and integrity," added Dr. Blank.

AUS Executive Director for Enrollment Management Ali Shuhaimy also welcomed new students and their parents. "I congratulate you for graduating from high school and for being accepted in this selective and competitive institution. You represent the top 20 percent scorers of your school graduates. This achievement is proof of your academic competency, which provided the basis for being admitted to AUS; this is a feat you should be proud of. To help you build on your accomplishments, AUS promises to provide support to pave the way for you to continue achieving your goals," Shuhaimy said.

Addressing the parents, Shuhaimy said, "We appreciate the confidence you have shown in our university by choosing to enroll your daughter or son at AUS. I want to assure you that you have made the right choice. AUS is not just another university. We are an institution that prides itself in being recognized as a leading university in the region."

At the end of the session, students and parents were able to meet representatives of the academic and administrative departments, who were available to answer questions.

The welcome session will be followed by a weeklong schedule of events that aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the university and includes activities such as city tours around Sharjah and Dubai, awareness sessions for parents and students, a dinner reception and a library tour.