American University in Dubai
Fall Orientation
2026
Wednesday, August 26
Monday, August 31
AUD Campus
Thursday, August 27
Attendance is required
AUD Campus
Welcome to the
Fall 2026 Orientation!
Orientation Day is designed to help you feel at home at AUD through a variety of workshops offered on Wednesday August 26th. While most workshops are optional, there is one mandatory Convocation Day on Thursday, August 27, 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; 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?
August 26, 27 & 31
Where
is it happening?
At AUD Campus
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-Campus
Orientation Schedule
9:30 AM
Registration and Check-in (Students and Parents)
Administrative Building
10:00 AM
Welcome and Convocation
Auditorium
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
Also featuring:
Introduction to the Student Government Association (SGA)
Convocation Ceremony for New Students - Presented by Dr. Kyle Long
10:45 AM
Life after AUD
11:00 AM
Class Picture
AUD Knights Arena
11:20 AM - 1:00 PM
Resource Fair and Light Lunch (Students and Parents)
Meet key members of the AUD community, learn about student services, and explore campus resources.
AUD Knights Arena
Campus Tours available upon request
Starting point at AUD Arena Entrance
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Sessions for Students
TBD
First Year Essentials
This is a valuable opportunity for new students to learn about AUD policies and procedures, ask questions about university experience and get to know each other informally in groups.
Facilitators:
Peer Advisors
Sessions for Parents
TBD
Making the Transition – Letting Go and Staying Connected
This session provides parents with insights into the student transition experience and how to offer support while encouraging independence. Topics include accountability, homesickness, independence, when to approach faculty, and an overview of wellness resources such as on-site counseling and medical services.
Facilitators:
Dr. Sara Montero, Dean of Student Affairs
Mrs. Nelly El Halabi, Health Center Director
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
School and Departmental Orientation (Students and Parents)
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 B-104, B-105, B-106, B-107 |
School of Engineering |
Engineering Building, Room E-202, E-203 |
Visual Communications |
Architecture Building, A-Rotunda |
Interior Design |
Architecture Building, Room A-204 |
Architecture |
Architecture Building, CRID |
International Relations |
Student Center, Room C-308 |
Psychology |
Student Center, Room C-311 |
Biology |
Engineering Building, Room E-207 |
Communication and Information Studies (MBRSC) |
MBRSC Studio, Room C-304 |
Game Design and Development (MBRSC) |
MBRSC Studio, Room C-304 |
ESL & English Bridge Program |
Student Center, Room C-309 |
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Choose between two activities
Bowling Trip
Wrap up the day with a fun, relaxed outing to get to know your classmates. Transportation provided.
Ceramics Workshop
Discover the art of ceramics with Prof. Michael Rice in a beginner-friendly session. Limited to 18 participants.
A-Ext 126
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
File Completion
Office of Admissions, Administrative Building
Complete your Mandatory Health History Form with our On-campus Doctor
Health Clinic
9:30 AM
Workshop 1: Navigating Your Path at AUD: Academic Programs, Curricula & Advising
by Mrs. Donia Mamlouk
This workshop guides you through the full range of schools and academic programs offered at AUD. It will explain how curricula are structured across the university covering major requirements, elective options, and developmental courses and review the typical course plan for your major so you can map out your first semesters with confidence. You will also learn about the role of Academic Advisors and the academic support services available to help you make informed decisions, stay on track for graduation, and succeed throughout your university journey.
C-227
10:45 AM
Workshop 2: Academic Integrity & Effective Prompting: Using AI the Right Way in University
by Prof. Marwa Chendeb El Rai
Join our workshop to learn what academic integrity means in the age of AI, master essential prompt‑engineering skills for meaningful AI use and build the critical thinking and confidence to use AI as a reliable mentor and assistant.
C-227
Workshop 3: Level Up @ Your Library: The tools, spaces, and people behind your success
by Mrs. Randa Al Chidiac
Turn "I have no idea where to start" into "I've got this", discover the library’s key spaces, services, and hours; find books, e-books, and academic databases through the AUD Library website; learn how to get research, reference, and technical support; and use the library confidently for studying, collaboration, and academic success.
Library
12:00 PM
Workshop 4: Plug In, Stay Connected, IT Resources, Student Email and Blackboard Access delivered
by your Peer Advisors
Get your ultimate starter kit for digital life on campus, master Blackboard like a pro, set up and manage your student email and student portal access, and discover essential tips and tricks for using AUD’s digital resources.
C-227
Workshop 5: Your Partner in Their Success: an inside look at the AUD Library (Workshop for Parents)
by Mrs. Randa Al Chidiac
Learn how the AUD Library supports your child’s academic journey, from spaces, collections, and technology that promote independent learning, to professional help from subject librarians and research staff. Discover how the library fosters information literacy, academic integrity, and lifelong learning, and how it partners with faculty and the wider university to support student success.
Library
1:00 PM
Workshop 6: Your Journey Beyond AUD: A semester abroad
by Mrs. Nathalie Sawaya
For students considering or preparing for a one-semester exchange or study-abroad experience. Learn about our partner universities, and possibilities of where to go to Study abroad during your studies at AUD.
C-310
Workshop 7: From Idea to Action; Intro to Entrepreneurship
by Prof. Maya Nabih Abou Zahr
For students curious about entrepreneurship, innovation, or turning ideas into real projects this workshop run by the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center is designed to introduce first-year students to the essentials of entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving.
Learn how the Center supports students, and innovators through mentorship, incubation programs, industry partnerships, and experiential learning.
C-309
2:15 PM
Workshop 8: Reading Beyond the Classroom: The Danger of a Single Story
by Prof. Naila Sahar
Explore how stories shape who we are and how we see others in this interactive workshop inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “The Danger of a Single Story.” Through discussion, reflection, and short readings, students will learn to spot single-story thinking, analyze texts from multiple perspectives, and appreciate diverse voices that build empathy, critical thinking, and intercultural competence — skills that will enrich their university experience. Ideal for all incoming students, especially those in the School of Arts and Sciences.
C-310
Workshop 9: Film Production Taster
by Prof. Roozbeh Ali Kafi
C-307
Workshop 10: Game Systems Made Easy: How to Design and Test a Game
by Prof. Iyad Alsabouni
In this workshop, students will be introduced to principles and practices related to emergent design, iterative design, and playtesting. They will then work in small groups to create and test a simple rule-based game to observe how strategies and player behaviors emerge through play.
By the end of the workshop, students will understand how designers can create the conditions for complex outcomes to emerge without determining every detail in advance.
The workshop is open to all students, including those interested in Game Design and Development, as well as students from other programs who are interested in design and interactive systems.
C-311
3:15 PM
Workshop 11: Make the Ad: A hands-on advertising workshop
by Prof. Dina Faour
Most incoming students have never made an ad, but they have watched thousands of them. This session turns that everyday familiarity into a first real taste of the advertising concentration. In one hour, they hear what advertising actually is, then they make something of their own and put it in front of the room.
C-309
Workshop 12: Exploring the Fundamentals of Spatial Design; An Introductory workshop on form, space and composition
by Prof. Edoardo Rizzuti
C-308
4:30 PM
Social Evening: Karaoke, Pizza and Games
C2 Lounge
10:00 AM
Workshop 13: Begin Thinking Like a University Student
by Dr. Kyle Long and Prof. Camille Stallings
What should we do when we don’t know the answer to a question? Join President Kyle Long (PhD Columbia University) and Professor Camille Stallings (PhD Oxford University) for a discussion-based seminar on Plato's Meno, one of the most influential works in the history of philosophy. Participants will read the dialogue in advance and explore together why Socrates argues that the pursuit of knowledge requires courage. Through close reading and thoughtful discussion, students will experience the kind of inquiry that lies at the heart of a university education.
After registration, AUD will supply digital copies of the text in advance. Print copies will be supplied during the seminar. All workshop participants (including parents) should read the dialogue before the seminar.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
Develop strategies for reading and interpreting challenging primary texts.
Practice close textual analysis and evidence-based discussion.
Strengthen habits of intellectual curiosity, careful reasoning, and perseverance in the face of difficult questions.
Target Audience
All incoming undergraduate students. Students may register individually or with one parent or family member. Enrollment is limited to approximately 20 participants to preserve a seminar-style discussion.
C-341
11:30 AM
Workshop 14: Beyond the Classroom: Getting involved, your Leadership Journey at AUD
by Dr. Sara Montero
Discover leadership opportunities at AUD and unlock the benefits of getting involved in campus life. Learn which student organizations and programs match your interests and leave with one personal involvement goal to achieve in your first semester.
C-227
1:00 PM
Mandatory Housing Orientation
by Ms. Michelle Navarro and Resident Assistants
Everything you need to know about AUD Residence Halls.
C-227
1:45 PM
Workshop 15: Your Guide to Life in the UAE: Culture, Laws, and University Success
by Ms. Alreem Almheiri
C-227
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
August 13, 2026
Thursday, 5:00 PM (GST)
Trip to IKEA
Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Monday, August 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Check-in Period
New Student: August 22 to 31, 2026
Returning Student: August 26 to 31, 2026
New Student Convocation
August 27, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM
Mandatory Housing Orientation
August 31, 2026
Monday, 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
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!
Mohammad Imam
Mariam Abdalla
Ndeye Amy Thiam
Shaden Zein
Ritu Alzenati
Mohammadmatin Modiramani
Rokaya Kashkoush
Shirin Malhotra
Jouri Sahrij
Ada Garg
Mahi Vanani
Mohammed Abushawish
Alreem Almheiri
