His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS, visited yesterday's American University of Sharjah (AUS) Student Council election at the university's Student Center and observed as students voted to elect a new Student Council Board for 2012-2013.

The Sharjah ruler praised the well-organized elections and the well-structured campaigns for the student elections.

On campus to inaugurate this year's Arab International Women's Forum (AIWF) Annual Conference, Sheikh Dr. Sultan took the time afterwards to observe the student elections. Encouraged by Sheikh Dr. Sultan himself, the elections gave students an opportunity to vote for leaders of their choice who will voice their needs and work directly with the university administration. He toured the elections area and was briefed on how the electronic election was conducted; he then asked to see the actual process and observed students participating in the elections as they voted in voting booths.

He also expressed satisfaction at the level of student participation in the elections and the level of awareness students have of the concept and the objective of the election for the student council as well as the importance of selecting the best candidates to represent them. He said the process is a vital one to ensure that the best candidates are elected, those who are able to convey students' messages to the administration.
He also admired the electronic voting system introduced at the university eight years ago as an efficient system which facilitates speed, accuracy and transparency in the election process.

AUS Chancellor, Dr. Peter Heath thanked His Highness for the visit and the inspection of the election process and stressed that AUS administration is keen to meet the interests of the students and provide the best facilities to improve the students experience at AUS.

"Thank you Your Highness for observing our students' elections. Your presence and support will encourage our student to participate more in such activities which enhances our overall students' activities here at AUS," said Dr. Heath.

"I am very pleased that the Sharjah Ruler visited this year's Student Council elections," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. "This is the first time to have him observe the elections, and we were all very honored that he took some time to come. Our students were very excited."

"The number of candidates vying for different positions and the number of students voting has continued to be impressive with 34 percent of all registered undergraduate students voting to fill council's posts. Some 33 candidates competed to fill the 14 Student Council posts" said Dr. Al Shehhi. "Last year, 30 candidates competed to fill 13 posts. The post of Student Organizations and Campus Services Coordinator was added this year," she said as she applauded the increase in the number of candidates aspiring to take up leadership roles.

Students who aspire to be elected as members of the AUS Student Council Board are required to lead an active campus life as well as have good academic and social standing. Experience in serving on the executive boards of clubs and active participation in extracurricular events and activities is also essential.

"I would like to thank the AUS student body for the trust and the support they have given me and my new leadership team," said Hamdan Mohamed Al Maamari, Student Council President-Elect for 2012-2013. "I want to assure everyone that I will work to the best of my capacity on behalf of the students, and I will encourage my team to do so as well," said the mechanical engineering junior student.

The Student Council aims to initiate programs and projects that cater to the demands of the student body as well as promote leadership and teamwork. The Student Council election was organized by the Student Activities Office of the AUS Office of Student Affairs.

The 14 students elected on the Student Council 2012-2013 board are:

President: Hamdan Mohamed Al Maamari
Vice President: Waleed Mahmoud Hijazi
Vice President for Public Relations: Sina Mohammad Ali Torabi
Executive Secretary and Office Director: Leen Husam Barqawi
Treasurer: Ali Khalid
Events and Activities Coordinator: Juman Ahmad Jijakli
Athletics and Sports Coordinator: Julie Maha Doughan
Communication and Media Coordinator: Suzanne Eyad Mahfouz
Student Organizations and Campus Services Coordinator: Salbi Ohanes Babekian
College of Architecture, Art and Design Representative: Habib Bitar
College of Arts and Sciences Representative: Maram Saleh Dalab
School of Business and Management Representative: Abeer Riyadh Sultan
College of Engineering Representative: Mohammad Said Al-Saghir
Achievement Academy Bridge Program Representative: Mohamed Ali R.H. Al Dhanhani