American University in Dubai
Spring Orientation
Week 2026
January 6-9, 2026
On-site Orientation
Attendance is required for all new and transfer students
Parents are encouraged to attend
Thursday, January 8 at 9:30 AM
Welcome to the
Spring 2026 On-Campus Orientation!
Orientation Week is designed to help you feel at home at AUD through a variety of workshops, social events, and campus tours throughout the week. While most activities are optional, there is one mandatory Orientation Day on Thursday, January 8, 2026. On this day, both new students and their parents are expected to be on campus.
It’s an important day where you’ll receive all the essential information needed to start your academic journey with confidence. Parents are warmly encouraged to participate in the week’s activities as well; it’s a great opportunity to explore the campus, meet the community, and experience AUD alongside our students.
Who
can join?
New, transfer, visiting students and parents
When
is it happening?
Thursday,
January 8, 2026
Where
is it happening?
At AUD Campus
EMBA115
Getting to Campus
By Dubai Metro
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line toward Al Fardan Exchange Station. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the American University in Dubai.
By Car
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Media City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Get Direction
On-Site Campus
Orientation Schedule
9:30 AM
Registration and Check-in
10:00 AM
Welcome and Convocation
EMBA115
Join us as we officially welcome you to the AUD community
Speakers:
Dr. Sara Montero, Dean of Student Affairs
Dr. Kyle Long, President
Dr. Assaad Farah, Provost and Chief Academic Officer
10:45 AM
Life after AUD
This is a unique opportunity to meet and hear from AUD’s esteemed alumni Mr. Omar Al Busaidy
11:00 AM
Class Picture
by AUD Hashtag
11:15 AM
Peer-Directed Ice Breakers Regarding Life At AUD
This is a valuable opportunity for new students to learn about university policies and procedures and ask questions about the university experience and get to know each other informally in groups
A204, C227, E109 and B200
12:00 PM
School and Departmental Orientation (Parents are welcome to join)
Meet faculty, learn more about your school/major of interest, school/program requirements, courses, and more
| School/Program | Location |
|---|---|
School of Business |
Business Building, Room B200 |
School of Engineering |
Engineering Building, Room E-109 |
Visual Communications |
Architecture Building, Rotunda |
Interior Design |
Architecture Building, Room A-204 |
Architecture |
Architecture Building, Room A-200 |
International Studies |
Student Center, Room C-308 |
Psychology |
Student Center, Room C-227 |
Biology |
Engineering Building, Room E-207 |
Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) |
MBRSC Studio, Room C-304 |
Game Design and Development |
MBRSC Studio, Room C-304 |
ESL & English Bridge Program |
Student Center, Room C-404 |
12:30 PM
Information Fair
Meet key members of the AUD community, learn about student services, and explore campus resources.
Light Lunch
(will be served from 12:00–2:30 PM)
Enjoy a light lunch with fellow AUD Parents, as well as AUD faculty and staff.
Cafeteria Ground Floor
Campus Tours
2:30 PM
Choose between two activities
Bowling Trip
Ceramics Workshop
8:00 AM
Residential Halls open
(Check in for New Students)
AUD Campus Housing
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ikea Trip for Housing Students
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Information Tables
Main Gate
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
File Completion
Office of Admissions, Admin Building
Complete your Required Health History Form with our On-campus Doctor
Health Clinic
Program does not start until 12PM, before then students will only come if they need to do their University Medical form or have any files to complete with admissions, finance etc..
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Workshop 1: AI-Smart Studying: Using Tech to Learn, not to Distract
C227
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Workshop 2: Plug in, Stay Connected - IT Resources Email and Blackboard Access
C227
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Workshop 3: Discover your library, Discover your campus - Scavenger Hunt
AUD Library
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Information Tables
Main Gate
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
File Completion
Office of Admissions, Admin Building
Complete your Required Health History Form with our On-campus Doctor
Health Clinic
Program does not start until 12PM, before then students will only come if they need to do their University Medical form or have any files to complete with admissions, finance etc..
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Workshop 4: UAE Laws, E-Crime and Anti-Drugs
C227
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Workshop 5: How to University: Skills for Thriving, Not Just Surviving
C227
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Spring 2026 On Campus Orientation and Convocation
Attendance is Required for all New and Transfer students
Parents encouraged to attend
For more information, check the Orientation Day Schedule.
For registration, click here
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Choose between two activities
Bowling Trip (Students only)
Wrap up the day with a fun, relaxed outing to connect with your classmates. Transportation provided.
Off Campus
Ceramics Workshop
Discover the art of ceramics in a beginner-friendly session. Limited to 18 participants.
Ceramics Lab A-Ext 126
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Housing Orientation
For Residential Hall students only
C227
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Networking Lunch for Parents and Students
RSVP Required
Cafeteria Ground Floor
* Our clinic offers Health History Form completion for students free of fees.
Housing Orientation
If you’re planning to stay in our amazing AUD dorms, you’re in for a fun and friendly week filled with great vibes, new connections, and unforgettable moments!
Online Housing Webinar
December 19, 2025
Friday, 5:00 PM (GST)
Trip to IKEA
January 3, 2026
Saturday, 1:00 PM
Check-in Period
New Student: January 3 to 11, 2026
Returning Student: January 7 to 11, 2026
New Student Orientation
January 8, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM
Mandatory Housing Orientation
January 9, 2026
Friday, 1:00 PM
Meet our Peer Advisors
Our peer advisors are here to help you tackle school, life, and career challenges with a smile! They’re your go-to for advice, resources, and creating a fun and supportive community.
The Student Center
The Student Center is your hub for student life, housing, athletics, counselling, and study abroad services.
Our team is dedicated to providing the support and resources you need to succeed and make the most of your university experience.
Student Affairs Team
Dr. Sara L. Montero
Hanan El Arigie
Noriecel Mendoza
Michelle Navarro
Nathalie Sawaya
Joseph Nohra
Nehad Hani Metawie
Rona Rivera Quiletorio
Discover all the essential services available to help you thrive at AUD.
SGA Team
The Student Government Association (SGA) supports you throughout your time on campus. If you have any questions or need assistance with university life, policies, or student services, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Hanan Saad
Talal Al Badareen
Michel Akl
Mohammad Imam
Cathlyn Nassif
Shaden Zein
Mohammadmatin Modiramani
Shahd Hodhod
Mariam Abdalla
Rojin Khatibi
Maya Al Khzaee
Qasim Qasim
Jana Elrassy
