275 new students enroll at AUS for Spring 2015 semester

American University of Sharjah (AUS) has earned an enviablereputation throughout the Gulf region and the Middle East for its academicexcellence, quality of faculty, and the commitment to its students and alumni,said AUS Chancellor Björn Kjerfve to the 275 new students and theirparents during the Spring Semester 2015 Welcome Session yesterday, Friday,February 6, 2015. 

During his address, Dr. Kjerfve informed the new students that theyhave been selected from a group of highly qualified applicants. "You are amonga select group, embarking on an exciting and challenging academic journey thatwill culminate with you emerging as graduates, becoming our new alumni equippedwith skill sets that will bring you success in the workplace and make youproductive members of society. You are among the top percentiles of your highschool graduating class, and we aim to provide you with challenging andstimulating academic experiences in a supportive campus environment," he said.

Dr. Kjerfve also addressed the parents andassured them that AUS took the responsibility of its students' educationseriously. "We are committed to providing an enriching campus environment whereyour sons and daughters can receive the best overall educational experience.All instruction is offered in English, and this will help your children becomeglobally competitive in their chosen professions. We are truly pleased towelcome your children as members of the AUS family."

Interim Provost Kevin Mitchell then added to the Chancellor'swelcome to new students and their families. "The fact that you have been acceptedinto American University of Sharjah is an accomplishment to be proud of, and Ihope that it is the first of many successes that you will experience duringyour time at AUS."

He also took the opportunity to welcome nearly 50undergraduate and graduate exchange students joining AUS from Canada, Morocco,Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. "All of you will be joiningthe students from over 90 countries who are currently studying at AUS. Thediversity of AUS students and faculty is one of our greatest strengths, and Iurge you to take advantage of all that a multicultural educational environmentcan offer to expand your knowledge and make connections to your fellow studentsthrough student organizations, sports teams, and informal interactions whilewalking to class," he said.

Like Dr. Kjerfve, Mitchellalso said a few words to the parents who have entrusted the education oftheir daughters and sons to AUS. "My colleagues and I take this trust veryseriously and we are committed to providing a rigorous and rewardingeducational and extracurricular experience that makes AUS a leader in highereducation in the region."

Academic integrity is one aspect of ethical behavior that isat the core of the AUS community. Mitchell askedthe new students to agree to the principles set forth in the Academic IntegrityPledge, and to ensure that they understood the responsibilities that come withbeing an AUS student.

AUS Executive Director of Enrollment Management Ali Shuhaimyalso welcomed new students and congratulated them for graduating from highschool and being accepted in as selective and competitive an institution asAUS. "You represent the top 20 percent scorers of your school graduates. Thisachievement is proof of your academic competency, which provided the basis forbeing admitted to AUS; this is a feat you should be proud of. To help you buildon your accomplishments, AUS promises to provide all possible and neededsupport to pave the way for you to continue achieving your goals."

Mina Zuberi, Vice President of the Student Council, alsoaddressed the freshmen and said "I am here to introduce you to an excellentacademic experience provided by our notable faculty, the late nights in thelibrary, the numerous campus events and most simply the beauty of this campusthat surrounds you each time you walk to your respective colleges."

Zuberi shared with students the importance of the StudentCouncil, which serves as a link between students and administration andintroduced her fellow members of the 2014-15 Student Council. She also askedthe new students to familiarize themselves with the Student Handbook, avital resource for them during their campus life.

"Thenext few days are very important for you to get to know us more, and learn yourway around campus. Please attend your college orientation to know more aboutyour major, and take part in some of the activities planned for you this week,"encouraged Zuberi.

Zuberi concluded by asking the first year students to get involved, be engaged,voice their opinion and follow their dreams.

During the orientation, students were also given copies of the AUS eBook Howto Survive Your First Year at University: A Practical Guide for New Students. Theguide features useful tips for freshmen on how to make the most of their newjourney, develop their study skills, be informed and get support from peers andprofessors, manage their time effectively, join extracurricular activities,apply for on-campus jobs and more.

The welcome session will be followed by a weeklong schedule of events that aimto provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the university, fromlogistics to procedures, which will help them for years to come. It includes on-and off-campus activities, such as city tours around Sharjah and Dubai, openhouse games at the Student Center, awareness sessions for parents and students,a dinner reception, and a library tour.