American University of Sharjah (AUS) signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) yesterday, Tuesday, with Al Mawakeb School and International School of Arts & Sciences at a ceremony held on campus. The partnerships provide a framework of cooperation and facilitate collaboration between AUS and the two educational institutions on a non-exclusive basis, in areas of mutual interest in the United Arab Emirates.

The Sharakah program is a new strategic initiative by the Office of Enrollment Management at AUS in collaboration with selected schools from across the United Arab Emirates that will serve as an important tool to help the university engage with educational institutions at the local as well as national level.

The MoUs were signed by Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS; Omar Hatoum, Director of Al Mawakeb School; and Muheiddine Soubra, Principal of International School of Arts & Sciences.

"The Sharakah agreement aims to enhance the role of AUS in providing the necessary tools for secondary students to prepare for the university journey as well as the right base approach to guarantee success," said Dr. Heath.

"I would like to thank AUS for inviting us to be a part of the Sharakah program, which provides our students with a unique opportunity to avail of activities and workshops that will allow them to prepare for university," said Soubra.

Hatoum remarked, "AUS is regarded as one of the best universities in the Arab region, and it is a privilege to be in partnership with such a prestigious university. We are very pleased to participate in the Sharakah program."

According to the MoUs, AUS will offer workshops to students and teachers of the schools; offer patronage of selected research, cultural, social and sporting activities and events organized by the schools; award partial scholarships to deserving students selected from lists provided by the schools; and offer academic activities that would help the students prepare for university as well as recruitment of outstanding students from varied socio-cultural and economic backgrounds to AUS. The university will also offer SAT and TOEFL preparation courses for the students as required.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, Provost; Ali Shuhaimy, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management; and other senior officials from the two schools and AUS.