Graduate Student Association board members applauded for enriching graduate student life

American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently hosted an appreciation ceremony to honor the Graduate Student Association (GSA) Executive Board for their contributions during the Academic Year 2024–2025. The ceremony recognized the board’s dedication to supporting the university’s graduate community through a wide range of initiatives, including networking events, academic discussion forums and social activities that promote both personal and professional growth.

The GSA, a student-led body, serves as the voice of all graduate students at AUS and plays a central role in enriching student life across the university. All enrolled graduate students automatically become members of the GSA each semester, and the association remains a driving force for student engagement and advocacy.

“The Graduate Student Association Board has consistently demonstrated what student leadership at AUS is all about: commitment, collaboration and care,” said Dr. Mohamad El-Tarhuni, Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUS. “Their efforts this past year have brought the graduate community together and made a lasting impact. We are proud of what they have accomplished and excited to see how the new board will carry that momentum forward.”

The newly appointed GSA Executive Board in Fall 2024 includes Mohamed Amro Imbabi as President, Habiba Mohamed Atta as Vice President, Anas Mohamed Saber as Treasurer and Joel Nabil Georgeous as Executive Assistant. The GSA is also supported by three active subcommittees. The Communications Committee includes Lara Omar Dhin as Communications Coordinator, Yusur Al-Mnaseer as Media Coordinator and Sara Nezar Al Armouti as Public Relations Coordinator. The Social and Community Engagement Committee features Reza Davoodi Far as Social Affairs Coordinator and Ahmed Sherif Selim as Events Coordinator. The Academic Affairs Committee comprises Mahra Al Marri representing the School of Business Administration, Mohammad Shihab and Dania Dalla representing the College of Arts and Sciences, Karim Diab representing the College of Engineering and Nihla Shirin representing the College of Architecture, Art and Design.

“Serving as the GSA President is an opportunity I take with great pride and enthusiasm,” said Imbabi. “We aim to continue building a strong community for graduate students—one where we can champion academic excellence while nurturing a sense of belonging. Our goal is to ensure that every graduate student at AUS is represented, supported, heard and empowered.”

Also present at the ceremony were Ahmed Sherif Selim and Houssam Hammoud, who will serve as President and Vice President of the GSA during the Academic Year 2025–2026.

AUS currently offers 21 master’s degrees and eight PhD programs, providing students with opportunities for research, graduate assistantships and flexible study arrangements, including part-time options and evening classes. To learn more about graduate study opportunities at AUS, visit aus.edu/academics/graduate-studies.