AUS welcomes first group of doctoral students

The first group of students to be enrolled in a PhD program at American University of Sharjah (AUS) joined other new graduate students at a special welcome and orientation session held yesterday, August 27, in the Main Building on campus.

The event provided more than 220 new graduate students with a chance to learn about the registration process and university policies and procedures that will aid them in settling into university life as they begin their classes next week. They also met faculty members and learned about the AUS Graduate Students Association.

Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS, welcomed the students to the university and briefed them about its plans to become one of the region’s premier research universities as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS. “We are excited to have you here to help us achieve that goal,” said the Chancellor.

Professor Mohamed El-Tarhuni, Vice Provost of Graduate Studies, also addressed the new students. He said:

“We are pleased to welcome this cohort of new graduate students to AUS. These students will be involved in advanced studies and engaged in research activities with AUS faculty to develop innovative solutions to meet societal needs. This year’s event is very special as we have our first group of doctoral students joining the AUS PhD in Engineering Systems Management program. As AUS moves to become more research oriented, we plan to introduce other new graduate programs at both the master’s and doctoral levels during the next few years.”

Dr. El-Tarhuni also spoke about the numerous advantages of acquiring a graduate degree, such as opening up new career paths for graduates, learning and acquiring a new range of skills and qualifications, expanding one’s professional network, as well as becoming a knowledge contributor in one’s chosen field.

The welcome event, which was also addressed by Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of Enrollment Management, is part of a week-long intensive orientation program for both undergraduate and graduate students introducing them to various university departments and facilities including the AUS Library, IT, Sports Complex, housing, health center and other campus facilities.

Many senior university officials were present at the event, including Professor Kevin Mitchell, Acting Provost and Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design; Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Richard Schoephoerster, Dean of the College of Engineering; and Dr. Jörg Bley, Dean of the School of Business Administration.