New AUK Students Join the Life-long Learning Community

As the American University of Kuwait (AUK) continues to celebrate its Decade of Accomplishments, all newly enrolled students in the Intensive English Program (IEP) and AUK's Undergraduate program (UG) met before the beginning of the Spring semester, to attend the Student Orientation, a program created to familiarize the students with the AUK community and college life. The Orientation was attended by AUK President Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, who was accompanied by other university officials to welcome the new students.

"I urge you to devise a plan for yourself as a college student," advised President Hamzeh in his opening speech. "The new Student Orientation is designed around you, to help you uncover answers to the questions you have, and provide you with information about campus resources, programs and services. We are all here to support your successes and the completion of your degree requirements," he added. The President also reminded the students that there is a logical and empirical relationship between class attendance, class participation and scholastic performance.

In her welcome note, Dr Rawda Awwad, Interim Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences stimulated the students' desire for learning. "Learning is motivated by a sense of passion for knowledge and a desire to pursue that passion," she explained. Stressing on the importance of understanding academic material, rather than rely on memorizing it, Dr. John Russell, Interim Dean for the College of Business and Economics, encouraged the students to challenge themselves and question answers, and use their critical thinking skills to think of concepts and express their ideas.

Finally, Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Carol Ross, welcomed the students and introduced them to their orientation leaders, who were comprised of staff members from the Division of Student Affairs and IEP. To minimize anxiety of the first day of classes, the students engaged in specially designed group activities with their orientation leaders, which aimed to assist them in settling into this new phase of their lives by familiarizing them with all areas of the campus community and AUK's mission of lifelong learning.

As part of the orientation, the new students had the opportunity to personally meet with AUK officials to learn about the campus and the fundamentals of success. They also had a chance to socialize with their classmates, as well as the representatives of the student-body, Taiba Al-Ibrahim, Finance Club President, and Alaa Al-Chalabi, President of the Student Government Association (SGA). AUK aims to assist its newly registered students in transitioning to the Wolf Pack community.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 16th February 2014

Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014