More than 60 students actively engaged in extracurricular activities at a forum held by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) on September 28, 2018.  The panel was headed by Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students, alongside the directors and managers from various OSA departments. Nine students from the Student Council, sports teams, interest-oriented and ethnic clubs, Community Services volunteers, leadership group and residential assistants had a chance to address the students, speaking about their extracurricular involvements at AUS and how it has enriched their university experience. They also shared their experiences of how out-of-class learning has complemented their academic goals.

Dr. Al Shehhi encouraged students to share their thoughts and suggestions and to keep ideas flowing for a productive dialogue. "OSA aims to fulfill your extracurricular endeavors whether in sports, cultural and interest-oriented activities, leadership or community service. We conduct this forum every semester to hear from you so we can improve our programs and services,” said Dr. Al Shehhi.

The students expressed their appreciation for the support and services provided by OSA. They highlighted a few concerns about facilities and services which were noted and clarified by the OSA panel.

"The forum, being a casual one, provided the students with the opportunity to express their personal experience with OSA, and how it has shaped their character for the better. The exchange allowed for a genuine bridge between students and staff of OSA. The forum also provided students with an opportunity to recommend innovative ways to bring the AUS community together," said Maryam Alqasemi, senior international studies student and President of the Student Council.  She also served as a volunteer in Community Services.

“Launching such discussions between students and the OSA management is a very useful way of communicating student concerns to the management. It eventually serves OSA’s vision of continuous improvement and enhancement of student life at AUS,” said Baraa Elgamal, senior chemical engineering student and Vice President of the Student Council.. 

The forum is held by OSA at the beginning of every semester to promote dialogue, enhance communications and to understand first-hand the evolving extracurricular needs of the students.