By Dalal Awienat
UNIVERSITY CITY, SHARJAH – With campus closed due to the pandemic, American University of Sharjah held its second consecutive orientation program for new students, this one for Spring 2021, entirely online.
Over 300 students participated in the Jan. 22 welcome ceremony. New AUS students from all over the world were able to attend the sessions from the comfort of their home.
The orientation schedule included events such as the Trivia Night arranged by the Student Council. Faculty members including Dr. Suheil Dahdal of the Department of Mass Communication held informative sessions on the implications of social media use on campus.
Parents were encouraged to attend sessions like the academic policies and wellbeing support.
Over 40 peer leader groups were assigned for this semester. Students interacted with their peer leaders daily and were able to ask any questions that they had.
The “Week of Welcome” events included a mental-health tips session hosted by the Psychology Club and others which organizers said were meant to ensure new students continue to feel supported throughout their transition to university.
