 |
| AUS Sharjah |
Sharjah (UAE): Joining an American system of higher education may be a challenge
for some students if they are unfamiliar with the style of education, the
grading system or the unique campus life an American education offers. To help
freshmen adjust to their first year, American University of Sharjah(AUS),
among the world's top 440 universities, has developed and launched a new eBook
today, May 5, on How to Survive Your First Year at an American
University in the MENA Region. As part
of a thought leadership series of eBooks aimed at engaging the community
through various outreach initiatives, the
eBook identifies elements that will help students become acclimated to their
new surroundings and have a successful first year, thereby setting a solid
foundation for the rest of their time at university.
Topics
addressed in the eBook include explanations of the American educational grading
system, an overview of the academic integrity and honor code, and the concept
of academic probation. It encourages students not to take for granted the
importance of attending classes. It also emphasizes that they should manage
their time and take advantage of the academic and support services provided by
their university.
The
eBook also helps students with life outside the classroom, from encouraging
them to participate in extracurricular activities, to stressing the importance
of maintaining their health and staying fit, to helping them manage their
spending. Most American universities have on-campus counselling services and
students are encouraged to use these if they find themselves unable to cope
with their new surroundings.
“It has
always been important for AUS to become a strong and stable bridge between
academia and society,” said Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, Acting Chancellor of AUS.
“This eBook is a tangible part of our university’s strategic mission to play a
significant outreach role in our community as well as beyond our immediate
borders. We are confident that this initiative will help equip our current and
future students with the requisite tools to make their university experience
truly fulfilling and successful,” he added.
"This
eBook speaks to senior high school students and highlights keys areas they will
need to become familiar with in order to successfully complete their first
year. It places emphasis not only on their studies but also on personal, social
and cultural growth during their first semester,” said Ali Shuhaimy, Vice
Chancellor for Enrollment Management at AUS. "We want students to know
what to expect when they join an American
university in the MENA region, and we want to help them prepare and
successfully navigate this life-changing transition.
The
eBook also provides advice on applying for on-campus jobs as well as advice on
the possibility of early internship opportunities available. It encourages
students to understand local traditions and familiarize themselves with their
surroundings, from the new campus to the city they are living in.
As an important part of AUS’s strategic mission, the ultimate objective of the eBook is to help close the gap between secondary and tertiary education by preparing high school students and advising their parents and school counselors on important factors that they may face during their academic journey.
Comments
Post a Comment