Students of American University of Sharjah (AUS) were introduced to wide variety of student clubs and organizations on campus at the AUS Club Fair, which opened today, October 3, at the AUS Student Center. The event is organized by Office of Student Affairs (OSA).

The fair was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Thani, Director of the Office of the AUS President; Dr. Thomas John Hochstettler, AUS Provost; and Dr. Moza Al Sehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. It was also attended by AUS Vice Chancellors Salem Al Qaseer, Public Affairs; Dr. Cleve McDaniel, Finance and Administration; and other senior university officials as well as Luis A. Garcia, President of the AUS Student Council.

One of the university's largest events, the fair showcases how student participation in one or more of the 57 student-led organizations on campus helps them pursue their personal interests outside the classroom, as well as build leadership skills. The two-day fair will end at 4 p.m. tomorrow, October 4.

Dr. Al Shehhi said, "We have more than 57 student clubs participating in this semester's Club Fair. The expanded activity space of our Student Center has made it possible for us to organize the fair even better." She noted that this year the stalls are grouped by interest and region.

She said that Club Fair introduced students to the many ethnic and interest-oriented clubs prevalent on campus and gave them the opportunity to join these clubs. "OSA's departments are also represented in the fair to familiarize students with our services. I hope that our students take advantage of the extracurricular opportunities offered to them," she said. "This important event also serves as a platform for cultural clubs to increase their membership and to plan for the upcoming Global Day, the biggest event at AUS," she added

The Club Fair drew a large audience, comprising students, faculty and staff. Colorful stalls with national flags, posters, multimedia displays and music livened up the Student Center. Many students wore their national dresses and gave samples of their traditional foods, reflecting the vibrant, multicultural environment prevalent on campus.

Some freshman students have described the clubs as having a lot of fun activities. Students get to meet and interact with other people from different majors. You can also add club experience to your CV, they said. They appreciated the skill-building opportunities that clubs provide. Having a leadership role in a club, for instance, teaches one how to handle responsibility.

The numerous clubs at the event included the Asian Cultural Club, Book Club, Math Club, Management Information System (MIS), Finance Club, AUS Marketing Club and Economics Club, among others. A new interest-oriented club called Modern Visual Arts Club was also established this semester.