The American University in Dubai organized the Spring 2008 Orientation for all new students on Saturday, January 19, 2008. The orientation program focused on 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 Student Orientation Leaders, who welcomed them to the AUD community, giving them a comprehensive overview of AUD’s policies, rules and regulations, and serving as a transient link to life at AUD. A series of presentations and short films were presented during orientation that discussed the departments and services offered at AUD which include Health Services, Housing, Student Activities, Academic Support, Athletics, Counseling, Career Services, Registrar, IT Services, Grievance and Institutional Effectiveness and Library Services.

Dr. Jihad Nader, AUD’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer welcomed the students for the spring semester stating “AUD prides itself on the emphasis it places on developing the whole individual, in addition to providing in-depth knowledge of the student’s chosen field of study. This is an integral part of AUD’s philosophy, which is based on the liberal education model.” Dr. Nader presented several examples of what this philosophy implies both for AUD and for its students. One notable example he used to illustrate the difference between AUD and many other institutions is AUD’s emphasis on teaching students “how to think, not what to think, and how to learn, not what to learn”.

Mrs. Bushra Finaish, Student Support Manager, commented: “Orientation is an opportunity for incoming students to familiarize themselves with the rights and responsibilities of being a college student as well as learning to become part of the AUD community through the various activities planned for the day. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn about the various support services available to students to enable academic success and engagement in campus life. Student Orientation Leaders facilitated various components of the day; the focus on student to student interaction allows the more senior students to share their perspectives and insights with the incoming freshmen class and is of great value to all students”.

The session was followed by lunch and small group sessions during which students learned about AUD’s Honor Code, the Student Handbook and received valuable tips on how to grow both academically and socially at AUD. Students also were given the opportunity to ask questions from experienced AUD students. The day ended with a poolside barbeque and bonfire.

It is worth mentioning that the Spring 2008 term commenced on Sunday, January 13, 2008. 752 new students have enrolled in the academic year 2007/2008, bringing the total number of AUD students to 2858.