The Office of Student Affairs' Student Leadership Program (SLP) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) began its third round of training for the Peer Leaders Program 2012-2013 on September 9, with a group of 60 Peer Leaders attending the orientation and training workshop conducted by the SLP. Peer Leaders are selected on the basis of their good conduct and sound academic standing, so that they can exert a positive influence on the incoming students.

An interactive presentation highlighting the characteristics of effective leadership, goals and responsibilities of Peer Leaders was presented to the group during the training. The Peer Leaders were presented with a welcome kit consisting of small symbolic objects that aptly summarized their duties, which will be ongoing for the entire academic year 2012-2013.

"The training gave us new recruits a chance to truly understand that you need to start off by giving back and the best way is by being an adopter/mentor during orientation to freshman. I've already started communicating with my freshman buddy and the training SLP provided with helped us highlight and recognize the kind of common problems that even us more experienced AUS folk shared not too long ago," said Mudassir Idris, an accounting major.

"This program is one of the most important programs at AUS; you graduate from AUS with a degree supported by the skills of being a leader, which gives opportunities for a better future in the real world.  I chose this program because many graduates encouraged me to join it. If anyone hears about the Student Leadership Program do not miss the chance, join the program," said Anas Tanira, a mechanical engineering student.

The Peer Leaders Program is based on the underlying principle that peers strongly influence the development of attitude and behavior of one another. The main role of the Peer Leaders is to ease the transition of new students from high school to university life by being their guides, mentors and friends. The program requires that Peer Leaders adopt 2-5 new students during orientation day and ensure that they adjust comfortably into the university. In addition to benefiting freshmen, this program also provides the participating students with opportunities to develop and enhance their leadership and interpersonal skills. 

"The training is an important aspect of the Peer Leaders Program because it outlines students' responsibilities and goals and allows them to understand the importance of their duties for the entire year. I am pleased with the increase in student numbers within the program year after year; being a Peer Leader requires commitment and patience, so to see our students eager to help and assist freshmen is rewarding. Peer Leaders Program fosters the development of leadership skills by exposing students to opportunities to practice their communication and leadership abilities. I wish the Peer Leaders batch for AY 2012-2013 all the best during this year and I am certain that this is a step forward for them to becoming active and contributing members of the AUS community," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affair.

The event was enjoyed by all, with the students spending an afternoon making friends within the program and sharing their ideas about executing their tasks.