His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, UAE Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS) stressed on ensuring the continued development of AUS students.

"I would like to assure you that we are fully aware of all the issues pertaining to your overall development and progress, through the Board of Trustees and the university administration," said the Sharjah Ruler in a meeting with members of the AUS Student Council held on campus today, February 28.

He told the members of the Student Council that he saw the university as a mini United Nations, with its 80-plus nationalities living in peace and tolerance on campus. "This university was designed keeping you in mind and to provide you with an environment that was peaceful, secure and one that would help you focus on your studies," said Sheikh Dr. Sultan.

The Sharjah Ruler talked to the students about the university's future plans and development projects, especially the student utilities buildings and linking them with a network of underground tunnels that would allow students to move from parking lots directly to other buildings, based on the design of the entrance at the Louvre in Paris.

On behalf of the students, Louise Abdul Rahman Garcia, President of the AUS Student Council, thanked his Highness for taking the time out to meet with them and giving them the chance to discuss the various university issues that are important to them. "We view ourselves as one family with you as our father," he said.

The students discussed a number of issues with His Highness that included tuition fees, the need for extra car parks, renovation for a few laboratories and buildings, the construction of more sports facilities as well as an increase in sports scholarships.

At the end of the meeting, Sheikh Dr. Sultan expressed his readiness to help and assist the students in solving their pending issues, pointing to the importance of such meetings in helping speed up and resolve problems that might affect the students' academic or extracurricular life.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Salem Yousef Al Qaseer, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs.