Eager new graduate students joining American University of Sharjah (AUS) this semester attended a welcome and orientation session organized to introduce them to faculty members and the AUS Graduate Students Association. The session was held yesterday, January 23, in the Main Building on campus.

The orientation session provided around 80 new graduate students with a chance to learn about the registration process and university policies and procedures which will aid them in settling into university life as they begin their classes next week.

Addressing the session, AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve welcomed the new students to the university and wished them success on their academic journey. He said:

“I would like to welcome you to AUS. You are here at a very exciting time as we transform into becoming a comprehensive, PhD-granting research institution.”

The gathering was also addressed by Professor Mohamed El-Tarhuni, Vice Provost of Graduate Studies, who said:

“We are pleased to see a growing interest in AUS graduate programs from within and outside the UAE. This reflects on the excellent reputation that AUS has established as an institution of higher education in the UAE. AUS is in the process of offering five new PhD program and four new master’s programs within the next couple of years as part of its transformation strategy to become a leading research university in the region.”

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 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, etc., in addition to a tour of Sharjah city and Dubai  organized as part of that program.

The event was attended by many senior university officials, including Dr. Juan Sanchez, Provost and Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design; Dr. Richard Schoephoerster, Dean of the College of Engineering; and Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of Enrollment Management.