On Sunday, August 29th, AUD’s Student Affairs office orchestrated the annual New Student Orientation for students joining the American University in Dubai. This year under the guidance of the recently appointed Dean of Student Affairs, Miss Sara L. Montero, the Orientation invited parents to the university as well in order to familiarize them with the curriculum, rules and regulations of the school, teaching methodologies and the extracurricular student activities that can be conducted on campus.

“At AUD we invite parents to join our NSO ( New Student orientation ) because being a freshman at AUD is a family matter. Being a freshman is a very exciting time for the entire family, is not only starting the new stage in the student’s education but also the beginning of their official “Adult” life, sometimes away from home. Parents need guidance on how to deal with this important step on their children’s life and the NSO, provides the guidance required, as well as helping the parents understand what life at AUD is like and what resources are available for them and their child.” commented Dean Sara L. Montero.

Speaking to the new students and their parents, AUD’s president Dr. David Schmidt said: “Do your best. make every day count. Be open to change. Learn to depend upon yourself and to accept responsibility. Respect and learn from people who are different from you. Be humble. Dream, and don’t forget, ENJOY!” 

The day began with students picking up their 2019 Student Handbooks and entering the Resource Fair held in the Arena where they were greeted by the heads of all faculty and staff. The students learned about the services the university has to offer from student library to the registrar. Students were also able to meet and greet with faculty from their school of choice as they toured their school facilities. The Resource Fair was followed by the Convocation Ceremony in the auditorium where AUD’s President, Provost and Student Government welcomed the students to AUD and wished them a bright future. The students then posed for the annual class picture to mark their entrance into the AUD community.

From there, students and parents split into two groups- the students were given a School and Departmental tour of their chosen academic path and the parents were given an overall Health Services Workshop, held by AUD’s Health Director Nelly Halabi and Personal Counselor Trayle Kulshan.

The students and their parents reconvened for a Student Parent luncheon in the cafeteria accompanied by live music from an AUD student before heading separate ways for the day- the students to a dorms and campus tour and the parents to their homes. The students ended their day with off campus bowling hosted by the SGA students.

The new spin on AUD Orientation Day proved to be not only a success for the students but also a sincere effort made by the university in educating the parents on the struggles if university life.