The American University in Dubai (AUD) recently marked the start of the new academic year 2010-’11 with its Freshman Fall Orientation, catering to approximately 600 new students.

With the help of the AUD faculty and staff members, freshman students were introduced to the university experience, got acquainted with the campus facilities and environment, and the city of Dubai, and acquired knowledge about the university’s policies and procedures, and the mission of its different departments.

Students were also led by student orientation leaders on an on-campus tour, and then visited their respective schools and faculties.

“Do your best… Be humble… Take initiative… Respect others… Seek balance… Be open to new ideas… Develop thick skin… Assume responsibility… Consume books… Have fun!” said Dr Lance de Masi, AUD’s president, in his welcome speech.

“I hope that AUD helps you achieve your dreams; and should you not have any, help you get a few.”

Dr Jihad Nader, AUD’s provost and chief academic officer, described AUD’s liberal education, stressing that AUD provides the type of education which “emphasises an individual’s whole development in addition to providing an in-depth knowledge of one or more professional fields.”

Unaiza Goplani, student activities coordinator at AUD, described orientation as, “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 live.”

“The SGA - student government association and 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,” she concluded.

The new students had the chance to sign up with several different student clubs, promoting their vital involvement in the activities of the university community at large and allowing them to seek education outside the classroom.

New student residents and their parents also met with the student services team and the resident assistants (RAs) at the parents’ orientation programme. – TradeArabia News Service