Fall Semester Begins at AU with an Exciting Welcome to New Students
As the Fall 2023 semester kicked off at Ajman University (AU) after the summer holidays, new students got a warm and exciting welcome at AU through the orientation week organized by the Office of Student Life.
With an exciting array of activities lined up for them during the orientation week, new students were not only familiarized with all that AU has to offer in terms of academics, sports, arts, culture, and other extra-curricular activities, but also learnt more about the rich culture and history of Ajman and the UAE.
On the first day, the Office of Student Life organized the Student Life Open House for the new students.
Dr. Nahla Al Qassimi, Dean of Student Services, expressed her happiness about them joining the AU family. She urged them to work hard and excel in their studies, while encouraging them to participate in various student clubs and activities that can enrich their university lives, refine their personalities, and develop their talents.
The event featured a variety of performances by various student clubs of AU (Music Club, Indian Cultural Club, Sustainability Club). Some students presented on sports activities and the fine arts, which introduced new students to the vibrant culture and arts scene at AU. AU Peer Leaders had fruitful interactions with new students and provided them with valuable tips to ensure a smooth transition to university life.
At the end of the event, the Book Club organized a cultural competition for new students that tested their knowledge about the most important tourist and cultural attractions in the United Arab Emirates and their awareness about Ajman University. It was characterized by great interaction among the students, and prizes were distributed to the winners.
In a virtual workshop titled “Discover the UAE” on August 24, Nouf AL Nuaimi, Lecturer at the College of Humanities and Sciences, introduced new students to UAE’s cultural history, tourist attractions, customs, and traditions, and shared important information that new students ought to know as UAE residents.
A key highlight of the cultural activities was the guided tour of Ajman Museum. The museum is a unique architectural landmark and a major repository of information about the history of the Emirate of Ajman up until the unification of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. The museum inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Ajman, has undergone a series of restorations and is a witness to many historical events in the UAE.
The museum houses a section dedicated to His Highness the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, containing a room full of his personal belongings such as clothes, weapons and notebooks.
The museum stands out as a stunning example of authentic Arab architecture, and bears testimony to the rich Arab cultural heritage and history.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the visit, expressing their delight at being part of the event.
Athletics @AU
The Unit of Athletics at the Office of Student Life held an event on August 25, to introduce new students to sports activities, programs, and facilities at AU. Ms. Asma al-Shamsi, Manager of the Athletics Unit, welcomed new students and invited them to join the sports teams and participate in various sports activities.
A series of sports challenges and competitions organized for the new students encouraged them to stay fit and make new friends. The challenges included fun games such as tug of war, basketball, table tennis, badminton, running, and trapping, which the students thoroughly enjoyed participating in.
New students were also introduced to AU sports facilities and were provided instructions on how to use them. To end the session, the sports supervisors answered the students' inquiries related to sports activities at AU.
Fine Arts and literature @AU
The Fine Arts Center at the Office of Student Life organized the New Students Fine Arts Orientation on August 23, 2023. Freshers gained an insight into the amazing world of fine arts and art activities at AU, through workshops and events.
Ms. Mona Jebali, Officer of Art Activities, provided an overview of the individual and group exhibitions as well as competitions and festivals that creative and talented students could participate in. A workshop was also held during the orientation session in which new students got the opportunity to display their artistic skills by creating beautiful paintings.
