Sharjah, December 18, 2011--American University of Sharjah (AUS) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi's Al Rawafed School, at the university's Faculty Senate Room as part of the Sharakah program, an AUS strategic initiative in collaboration with selected schools from across the United Arab Emirates. The agreement was signed by Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS, and Fadia Jibreel, Principal of Al Rawafed School.

The partnership will provide a framework of cooperation and facilitate collaboration between the two educational institutions on a non-exclusive basis, in areas of mutual interest in the United Arab Emirates as well as enhance the role of AUS in providing the necessary tools for secondary students to prepare for the university journey.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Heath said, "This partnership will set a successful benchmark for future sustainable partnerships between AUS and top schools in the UAE as the university reaches out to the community through strategic partnerships and initiatives."

In her remarks, Jibreel said, "It is a great privilege to be in partnership with such a prestigious university. I'd like to thank AUS for inviting us to be a part of the Sharakah program which, amongst other things, provides our students with a wonderful opportunity to avail of university preparation courses."

As part of the agreement, AUS will offer workshops to Al Rawafed teachers and staff; offer patronage of selected research, cultural, social and sporting activities and events organized by the Sharakah partner school; award partial scholarships to deserving students selected from lists provided by Al Rawafed School; and offer university preparation courses, including SAT and TOEFL preparation courses, as well as recruitment of outstanding students from varied socio-cultural and economic backgrounds to AUS.

Present at the signing ceremony were Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, AUS Provost; Ali Shuhaimy, AUS Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management; Ms. Suha Eid Takieddine, Guidance Counselor at Al Rawafed School and other senior officials from AUS.

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About AUS
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The university was envisaged by His Highness as a leading educational institution in the Gulf region. Located in University City, Sharjah, AUS is a not-for-profit, independent, institution of higher education formed on the American model.

It offers 25 majors and 52 minors at the undergraduate level, and 13 master's degrees through the College of Architecture, Art and Design; the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Engineering; and the School of Business and Management. These programs are designed to meet the challenges of a competitive and dynamic business and industrial environment.

As a provider of quality higher education in the Gulf, AUS has full approval in the United States by the Department of Education of the State of Delaware. It is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. AUS is also accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and all undergraduate and graduate programs are recognized by the ministry. All six of the bachelor's degree programs in the AUS College of Engineering are accredited by ABET, http:/www.abet.org, of the United States. The Bachelor of Architecture program of the College of Architecture, Art and Design is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) of the United States. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) as well as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degrees offered by the School of Business and Management are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). 

For more information, please contact:
Nazzal Yousef
Director of Media Relations
+971 6 515 2157
nyousuf@aus.edu 

© Press Release 2011