Sharjah, August 20, 2005, American University of Sharjah (AUS) - The American University of Sharjah (AUS) held a welcome session on Friday, August 19, 2005, introducing new students and their parents to university life. The orientation program continues during this week. During Friday's welcome session, AUS Chancellor Dr. Winfred Thompson welcomes new students and their parents on behalf of AUS Founder and President, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and on behalf of the members of the AUS Board of Trustees and the entire AUS faculty and staff.

Chancellor Thompson expressed his enthusiasm for the university's progress. "We are proud of the fine reputation the American University of Sharjah has earned in the eight years of its existence, we are dedicated to its continuing improvement, and I extend a cordial welcome to all of you as you join our university community as students, family, and friends," he said.

"As you all know, we follow the American model of higher education in organization, administration, and precepts of instruction.  On the other hand, we are an Emirati institution envisioned, established, and generously funded by the Ruler of Sharjah," Chancellor Thompson said..  "It is equally important to note, moreover, that we are very proudly a multi-national community in the composition of our faculty, staff and student body.  Over 70 nationalities live, work, and study here in peace and friendship, guided by the belief that the pursuit of knowledge and its transmission from one generation to the next will make the world a better place for people of all nationalities, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, The Chancellor said.

Dr. Thompson said "As a father myself, I know that seeing your children begin their university studies is not only a time of pride but perhaps of anxiety  for parents and family members.  I assure you that the faculty and staff will do all they can to assist your sons and daughters in their studies and in adjustment to life on campus.  We encourage you to follow your students' progress carefully and to visit our campus when opportunity permits."

Dean of Admissions Mr. Ali Shuhaimy noted that the week-long orientation program is designed to "make our new students' transition into university life a smooth one." he provided new students and their parents with the necessary information required to help them learn more about AUS. "We believe that channels of communication such as this meeting create an excellent opportunity for us in the Office of Admissions, to develop a special relationship with you, which we hope will last many years to come. Of course, the main objective for us was to ensure that your initial experience with AUS is pleasant and informative," he added.

Dr. John Alvin Mosbo, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs told Parents that we realize that your children are highly valued by you and we are honored that you have selected AUS and are entrusting them to us for the next 4 or 5 years. We take this honor very seriously. Your young people have been carefully selected from among many applicants because they possess the kinds of characteristics that we believe will enable them to succeed at AUS. We will do our utmost to help them with their success and thus make both you and AUS proud of them and their future accomplishments following graduation.  

Dr. Mosbo also expressed satisfaction over the new independent US accreditation which the university received last summer from the Middle State Commission on Higher Education in Philadelphia. "We are very proud to be the first to receive such recognition in the UAE and even the region," he said. In addition to pursuing US accreditation AUS has also been seeking accreditation in each of our programs through the UAE Ministry of Education. The Ministry has set up a Commission on Academic Accreditation and charged that group with doing a thorough evaluation of educational programs offered in the UAE. AUS is very proud to have over 20 undergraduate and 6 masters programs which have been recognized by the Ministry. These programs have been thoroughly investigated by the Commission and found to be sound programs of good quality. You have their assurance, in addition to our own, that AUS offers excellent educational opportunities for your students.

Dr. Mosbo said, AUS offers more 243 faculty recruited internationally for their expertise in the various subject areas as well as their individual teaching experience. Most of these faculty members have been educated and have taught in North America. AUS has Modern, technologically up-to-date facilities - including classrooms, laboratories and educational resources. It has an educational environment and programs designed to intellectually challenge the students and enable them to gain the appropriate knowledge and skills of liberally educated professionals in their selected fields. She also pointed to the campus life and extra curricular activities that are unique and that offer our students the opportunity to further develop personally, socially, culturally, and intellectually.

Dr. Mosbo said if students do the best they can to benefit from the marvelous opportunity that AUS and parents are offering they will acquire the unique characteristics of the "AUS graduate".  They will be able to Communicate effectively, Work in teams, Think critically, Solve problems, Use a wide range of resources and techniques to gain new knowledge in different fields and become a life-long learner, Compete effectively for the best jobs locally, regionally, and globally, Contribute to the development of your communities and societies wherever you go, and Compete for acceptance in graduate programs at major American universities should you desire to pursue graduate studies.

AUS is known throughout the region as a quality institution of higher education.  Achieving this very prestigious reputation is not a coincidence.  It required the clear vision and unlimited support of our founder and President His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohamed Al-Qassami and the expertise, dedication and hard work of many people for the last seven years, he said. 

"An equally important aspect of enrolling at AUS is the wealth of the extracurricular activities we have for all of our students.  Participation in these activities gives you an opportunity for personal, social, and cultural development.  You will interact with students from many different countries and cultures, build long lasting friendships, develop your leadership potential, and enhance your skills in sports, music, painting, acting and many other hobbies," he added. 

Student Turki Al-Yahya, President of the Student Council also welcomed the audience on behalf of the Student Council. He briefed the new students on the cultural and sports activities available at AUS and encouraged new students to register for these activities. Orientation will continue through the week. 

-Ends-

© Press Release 2005