The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently welcomed new students to campus by organizing activities to familiarize them with the extracurricular opportunities offered by the university and to help them transition smoothly to university life. The weeklong orientation was held from August 23 to 28.

The Peer Leaders from OSA’s Student Leadership Program (SLP) comprised the new student orientation team and worked with the staff to assist the newcomers. During the New Students and Parents Welcome Session, OSA set up information tables in the university’s Main Building to answer questions from students and their parents and to provide them with information about student housing, other OSA programs and services and the extracurricular activities planned for the week.

An open house was scheduled the next day at the Student Center where new students enjoyed activities such as DJ music, table tennis, foosball, video games, table games and other fun activities.

More than 400 new students attended the special reception dinner held on Sunday at the Student Center. The dinner was also attended by senior university officials including Professor Kevin Mitchell, Chancellor; Dr. Juan Sanchez Mangold, Provost and Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo, Vice Provost for Student Life; Dr. Jeannette Vinke, Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Varkki George Pallathucheril, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design; Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Acting Dean of the School of Business Administration, as well as other AUS and OSA officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Moscaritolo welcomed the incoming freshmen to AUS and said: “I am so happy to be with such an amazing group of students. We have an exciting year ahead filled with a bundle of opportunities for you through our programs in athletics, community services, clubs and organizations, leadership and much more.  Good luck for an exciting and successful academic year ahead.” 

Abdulrahman AlJanaahi, President of the AUS Student Council, also welcomed the new students to campus. He said: “Our office is right here in the Student Center. I invite you to join us at our upcoming ‘Open House’ where you are welcome to talk about any concerns you might have. If you need any advice, we are here for you and we are here to be your voice.”

The freshmen enjoyed the various fun games, dinner and cultural dance performances by the Egyptian and Indian Cultural Clubs. The gathering provided an opportunity for the Student Affairs staff to interact with the new students and introduce them to the services and extracurricular opportunities offered by the university.

A cultural tour around Sharjah was held the following day in collaboration with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and familiarized new students with the neighboring areas and points of interest. The tour included visits to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Rain Room and Al Qasba. Nearly 100 new students including a group of exchange students from the International Exchange Office (IXO) undertook the tour.

To familiarize students with the university’s facilities and buildings, the Student Council held a treasure hunt around campus that was both fun and informative for the newcomers. The treasure hunt ended at the Sports Complex where the new students had the chance to tour the sports facilities and attend a special orientation organized by the Athletics Department.

To conclude the week of orientation activities, a trip to Dubai Mirdiff City Center was organized for students to unwind and socialize with their peers.