2007-08 Admission to AUB: Attesting to AUB's role as a leading university

AUB students volunteer to guide newcomers to the university

A recurring phenomenon has distinguished the start of every academic year at AUB for the past few years: a decrease in the function of security in Lebanon as related to student admissions to AUB. Despite all uncertainties in the country, around 1,950 new students have committed to attending AUB for fall 2007-08, thus demonstrating belief in the University and what it will offer them.

Deans' offices, the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Admissions, the Office of the Registrar, and the Office of Information and Public Relations joined efforts to provide a well-organized orientation session for the newcomers. The orientation process was divided into two phases. The first phase was dedicated to sophomore students and took place during July 2007. The second and the bigger part of orientation targeted all new students and took place between September 17 and September 25.

New coming freshman, sophomore, graduate, and transfer students were guided on registration, activation of Imail and internet accounts, use of moodle, time management, avoiding plagiarism and cheating, applying for financial aid, and the like. An overview of the University's structure and rules and regulations was also given in lectures at Assembly Hall, and guides were available to lead the students to their respective faculties.

Upon arrival to the orientation, students were given welcome packets that included a student handbook, new student orientation program booklet, and other publications issued by the University.

Director of Student Activities Wadad Husseini said the "electronic registration for courses was the real challenge," since it would put to test what the students learned during the orientation.

The new students were assisted by over 80 AUB students, who volunteered to take the new comers on campus tours and were available through all the orientation period to answer any questions. Out of the total number of newcomers, around 210 were international students coming from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Most students were extremely satisfied with the orientation programs this year. For example, Fatima Al Thurayshi and her friend Fatima Al Sakhen, both of Saudi nationality, found the process extremely helpful on many levels. "The orientation helped us adjust culturally in Lebanon, which is different in many ways from Saudi culture," said Al Thurayshi. As for Al Sakhen, she thought the orientation addressed all her needs and questions.