AUD's Fall 2007 Orientation

Dubai, September 9, 2007- The American University in Dubai (AUD) hosted the Fall 2007 Orientation for all new students on Saturday, September 8, 2007. The Orientation program 'Bidaya: The Beginning', is aimed at helping new students succeed academically by reducing student anxiety and promoting student involvement in the total university experience.

During the session, new students met with the President, Provost, and the Student Services Team, who welcomed them as part of the AUD community. New students also met with Student Orientation Leaders, who gave a comprehensive overview of AUD's policies, rules and regulations, and serve as a transient link to life at AUD.

Dr. Lance de Masi, AUD's President, welcomed the new students joining the university for the academic year 2007/2008. He stated, "this new group is a reflection of the university itself, in terms of its cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. A university can only aspire to the level of excellence represented by its student body." He went on to describe the principle elements that distinguish life at AUD stating, " Life at AUD is challenging as the university is expected to maintain its standards and hence students will be encouraged not only to achieve but also to overachieve. In addition, students are encouraged to seek education outside the classroom, whether by joining the diverse cultural clubs or in participation in sports activities. " Dr. de Masi gave the students ten pieces of advise necessary for success: assume responsibility, consume consume consume, develop thick skin, seek balance, be open to new ideas, take initiative, respect others, do your best, be humble and have fun. As a conclusion, Dr. De Masi pointed out that the university is a fair place, with its rules and regulation applicable to everyone. In abiding by the rules, all students' rights are preserved.

Mrs Dania Bazzy, Acting Dean of Student Services and Director of External Affairs, welcomed the new students saying, " this day marks the first step towards acquiring your education at AUD. It is the beginning of a new phase in your life ; a phase that I hope would be a challenging and exciting one. " Mrs Bazzy outlined the objectives of the orientation program. She noted ," Bidaya will allow students to understand AUD's mission and core values, help them become aware of AUD's rules and policies, inform new students of who to contact if they have any queries or problems, alleviate students' fears and concerns as they start the new academic year and finally encourage them to become active leaders on campus."

The Orientation provided new students with introductory information about AUD, allowed them to meet other students and become more familiar with the AUD community. A series of presentations and short films were presented during orientation that discussed the departments and services offered at AUD which included Health Services, Housing, Student Activities, Academic Support, Athletics, Counseling, Career Services, Registrar, IT Services, Grievance and Institutional Effectiveness and Library Services. The program also included a student-produced video that features students' experiences and activities throughout their years at AUD.

A Housing Orientation session for new students and their parents took place a week ago on Saturday, September 1, 2007. Students registered for dormitory residence attended presentations by the Housing Manager, Controllers, Resident Assistants, and the Health Director.

Parent's were also give an orientation which gave parents the opportunity to hear from AUD's President, Provost, Deans and Chairs, the Student Services Team, and AUD Alumni. The Parents' Orientation session was designed to help parents gain a better understanding of AUD's environment, get answers to their most pressing questions, and have the opportunity to meet other parents with similar interests and concerns. The session was followed by an informal meet and greet and a light lunch.

It is worth mentioning that the American University in Dubai (AUD) started its new academic year on Sunday, September 2, 2007. 770 new students have enrolled in the academic year 2007/2008, bringing the total number of AUD students to 2850.

-Ends-

The American University in Dubai is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning founded in 1995. It is a branch campus of The American InterContinental University.

AUD is licensed by the Washington DC Education License Commission. It is also licensed and its programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. For more information, please visit www.aud.edu.

For more information, please contact:
Ms Dina Kanan,
External Affairs Coordinator,
Tel (04 3183119),
Fax (04 3008899)
dkanan@aud.edu

Ms Rim Ibrahim,
Administrative Assistant of External Affairs,
Tel (04 3183139),
Fax (04 3998899)
ribrahim@aud.edu