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September 17, 2012
The Office of Student Affairs welcomes new students
The Student Development and Organizations Department of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) welcomed new students with a week of activities aimed at assisting them to adjust to university life.
Orientation activities included information sessions, games, trips, movie nights and a dinner reception. The Office of Student Affairs welcomed new students and their parents on the first day of orientation and answered their questions through its main student information desk. More than 800 orientation packets were distributed, providing information on the services offered by AUS.
A group of returning students from various clubs and organizations along with the Student Council members comprised the new student orientation team. The team worked with the staff to assist the newcomers in their transition to university life. The Student Development and Organizations Department hosted a week-long open house and activities in the Student Center included video games, DJ music, movies, table games and many other recreational activities. City tours to Sharjah and Dubai familiarized new students with the neighboring areas and points of interest. Around 250 students joined the Sharjah tour and 300 joined the Dubai trip.
The freshman reception dinner was attended by more than 500 students in the presence of Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor; Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; and other senior officials.
"I am pleased to have you all here and I am happy to welcome you to the AUS family. I encourage you to start thinking of the many things you can do on campus to make your life pleasant at AUS. Do not hesitate to approach Student Affairs should you have any concerns or problems. Our staff is ready to help you any time," said Dr. Al Shehhi in her welcome address.
Dr. Heath expressed his appreciation to the Student Council members and the orientation team for their efforts during the orientation and for the efforts they will be putting in the coming months. He also acknowledged other university departments for making sure that students have the best possible experience at AUS. On a final note, he encouraged the students to take advantage of all the help the university has to offer whenever they have problems or whenever they are confused.
The gathering provided an opportunity for the Office of Student Affairs administrators to interact with new students and introduce them to the non-academic student support services they offer. The dinner reception venue was decorated in a colorful manner that created an ambient and welcoming atmosphere for the new students. Three cultural clubs joined in welcoming the new students. The Emirati Cultural Club and Iraqi Cultural Club shared their traditional food while the Palestinian Cultural Club performed "Dabke". The dinner was followed with fun and entertaining games.
The new students also enjoyed a treasure hunt, which familiarized them with the various locations on campus, including the academic and administrative buildings.
