By Shahid Bux
First of all we want to take this opportunity to welcome all our new students to American University of Sharjah (AUS). You have made a great decision to choose AUS and we hope you will have a great experience here. We want to also welcome our returning students back to your beloved university. We hope you had a great summer, a wonderful break and plenty of rest and now you are rejuvenated and ready to go back to class.
Whether you are a student returning to American University of Sharjah or a new student starting fresh, there are things you can do to enhance your chances of success here at AUS. Check out our top ten tips to ensure you deal effectively with the great opportunities ahead.
- SHOW UP
Commit to attending all classes. Attendance is the minimum basis for a successful college life and indicates a seriousness and concern towards your studies. You will be tested primarily on concepts covered in class, so do not allow for gaps to emerge in your understanding.
- PLAN IT OUT
Record important dates from your syllabus on to your planner including quizzes, assignments and exams. This will help you identify which weeks you need to be serious and which weeks you can relax a little.
- STAY UPDATED
Do not forget to check your AUS e-mail and iLearn (also known as Blackboard) regularly for important updates. This is the place where you may learn about an upcoming quiz or homework. Visit the AUS library and get access to new material, help with research and technology, or a convenient space to conduct individual and group work.
- ACCESS IT
Take charge of your learning by utilizing AUS Campus Resources. Visit the Writing Centerto polish and enhance the quality of your written work. If you are struggling in Math classes then visit the Math Learning Center to get those difficult questions answered. Make a commitment to visit instructor office hours for all of your courses and demonstrate your dedication to learning and growth.
- STAY ON BOARD
Speak to your faculty advisor and ensure you know requirements within your college and the courses you will need to take. By becoming familiar with your program you can decide if it matches your initial expectations.
- BALANCE IT OUT
Develop new friendships, re-establish old hobbies, and ignite new interests by joining the various AUS Clubs and Organizations and by attending the AUS Club Fair. Stay active and healthy by visiting the AUS Sports Complex and provide food for mind, body and soul. Regular exercise will help you combat stress and release tension as the workload increases during the semester.
- BE INSPIRED
Learn about the keys to success by speaking to Peer Advisors available at the Academic Support Center. They can provide guidance from a student perspective, helping you enhance your college experience. If you are a freshman student, you can connect with Peer Leaders during orientation who can help ease your transition to AUS and provide useful guidance around activities available on campus.
- SKILL-UP
Attend ASC Workshops and learn about how to improve your study skills and manage your time. Workshop topics cover dimensions of effective study, motivation, health and resources that will help equip you with the tools for success.
- OPEN UP
Expand your horizons and explore the opportunities for studying abroad offered by the International Exchange Office.
- LET IT OUT
Feeling anxious, confused, or stressed? Pay a visit to the University Counseling Services and offload your worries.
For more details on how to do very well at American University of Sharjah, check out available resources AUS provides just for you, to help you do well both inside and outside classrooms. You will have to download it.
Shahid Bux is an Academic Advisor with the Academic Support Center at American University of Sharjah.
