Hundreds of students attended a week of orientation activities and programs hosted by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) for new students registered for the academic year 2011-2012. The activities, which started on Friday, September 9, were organized to help incoming students transition into life at AUS, become aware of the extracurricular offerings and learn to participate and adapt to life at the university.

Organized activities included information sessions, fun and intellectually stimulating games, educational and entertaining trips, movies and a dinner reception. The week's events started on September 9, with the OSA welcoming new students and their parents and answering their queries. More than 800 orientation packets containing important information on AUS and its services were distributed to the students.

A group of returning students from various student clubs and organizations constituted the orientation team and worked with OSA staff in assisting the newcomers. The team comprised experienced and reputed students with good academic records who eased the transition of the newcome¬rs into university life. 

"This is the start of a new journey in your lives," said Dr. Peter Heath, AUS Chancellor, in his address to the freshmen. "Always remember that we are one big family here at AUS and we are here to work with you and serve you. We have the best extracurricular activities in the region and I will be glad to see you making the best of these opportunities."

The week included open house activities in the Student Center with computer games, DJ music, movies and many other recreational activities. City tours to Sharjah and Dubai familiarized new students with the neighboring areas and points of interest with 200 and 350 students joining the Sharjah and Dubai tours respectively.

Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, also addressed the students said, "Our doors are always open for you so please don't hesitate to approach us; our team is always ready to help you. Student Affairs services and facilities are for you to make your student life at AUS purposeful and exciting. We wish you the best and will work in tandem with the Student Council, your voice at the university, to create a better student life."

A freshman reception dinner was also organized and was attended by around 600 students in the presence of the Dr. Heath, Dr. Moza and other senior university officials where OSA administrators interacted with new students and familiarized them on the non-academic services offered by Student Affairs and wished them success during their time at AUS.