American University in Dubai
Fall
Orientation Week 2025
August 25-29, 2025
On-site Orientation
Attendance is required for all new and transfer students
Parents are encouraged to attend
Thursday, August 28 at 9:30 AM
Welcome to the
Fall 2025 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, August 28, 2025. 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,
August 28, 2025
Where
is it happening?
At AUD Campus
(Arena)
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 (Students and Parents)
C Building Rotunda
10:00 AM
Welcome and Convocation
AUD Arena
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, Interim Provost
Also featuring:
Introduction to the Student Government Association (SGA)
Convocation Ceremony for New Students - Presented by Dr. Kyle Long
Ceremony for Legacy Students - Presented by Dr. Kyle Long
10:30 AM
Introduction of the Core Curriculum
AUD Arena
Presented by Dr. Micah Robbins, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Associate Professor of English
Moderated by Mrs. Siwar Zein, EMEA Talent Management Director, Microsoft
10:45 AM
Alumni Speech
Graziela Martins, Country Head UAE and VP Merchant Business, MENA, American Express Middle East
11:00 AM
Class Picture
11:15 AM - 12:15 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 the university experience and get to know each other informally in groups. The session includes guidance on how to register for classes, IT training (logging into Blackboard, email, etc.), and a referral to mental health and on-site medical services.
Facilitators:
Peer Advisors
Sessions for Parents
EMBA 115
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, 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
AI Literacy
How AI is Impacting Your Child’s Education and How It Can Serve You as a Parent.
Facilitators:
Prof. Mohammad Obeidat
12:30 PM - 1:30 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 |
AUD Arena |
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-202 |
International Studies |
Student Center, Room C-308 |
Psychology |
Engineering Building, Room E-205 |
Biology |
Engineering Building, Room E-207 |
Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) |
MBRSC Studio, Room C-304 |
Game Design and Development |
Student Center, Room C-307 |
ESL & English Bridge Program |
Student Center, Room C-309 |
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Resource Fair and Light Lunch (Students and Parents)
Meet key members of the AUD community, learn about student services, and explore campus resources.
TBD
Campus Tours available upon request
Starting point at AUD Arena Entrance
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Choose between two activities
Bowling Trip
Wrap up the day with a fun, relaxed outing to connect with 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
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Residential Halls open
(Check in for New Students)
AUD Campus Housing
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Ikea Trip for Housing Students
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Information Tables
Main Gate
10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
File Completion and Placement Test
(Multiple Sessions)
Office of Admissions, Admin Building
Complete your Mandatory Health History Form with our On-campus Doctor
Health Clinic
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Workshop 1: Thriving in College; Unlocking Success, Becoming your Best Self
Dr. Maha Ben Salem
C227
3:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Workshop 2: Creative Thinking, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Tatiana Zalan
C227
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Information Tables
Main Gate
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
File Completion and Placement Test
(Multiple Sessions)
Office of Admissions, Admin Building
Complete your Mandatory Health History Form with our On-campus Doctor
Health Clinic
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Workshop 3: Learning with Purpose: Project-based Community Engagement
Dr. Farah Arkadan
C227
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Workshop 4: Plug in, Stay Connected - IT Resources Email and Blackboard Access
Mr. Nikhil Rao
C227
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Information Tables
Main Gate
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
File Completion and Placement Test
(Multiple Sessions)
Office of Admissions, Admin Building
Complete your Mandatory Health History Form with our On-campus Doctor
Health Clinic
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Workshop 5: Discover Your Library, Discover Your Campus - Scavenger Hunt
Mrs. Randa Al Chidiac
AUD, Library
03:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Workshop 6: Academic Integrity & Effective Prompting: Using AI the Right Way in University
Dr. Marwa Chendeb El Rai
C227
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fall 2025 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 with Prof. Michael Rice in a beginner-friendly session. Limited to 18 participants.
Ceramics Lab A-Ext 126
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Board Games and Music
Clubs and Peer Advisors Led
Student Lounge E421
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop 7: Own Your Time: Effective Study Strategies and Procrastination Solutions
Dr. Maha Ben Salem
C227
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Workshop 8: Your Campus, Your Say; Share Feedback, See Change, Win Big
by Dr. Rawan Ghali
C227
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Athletic Teams Try Out Registration
Cafeteria Ground Floor
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Housing Orientation
For Residential Hall students only
C227
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Networking Lunch: Adapting to College Life
Help Incoming Students and Parents navigate their transition
Canteen 1st Floor
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Social Night - Food, Music, Games
Open to All
Student lounge E421
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 21, 2025
Thursday, 6:00 PM GST
Trip to IKEA
August 23, 2025
Saturday, 1:00 PM
Check-in Period
New Student: August 23 to 31, 2025
Returning Student: August 27 to 31, 2025
New Student Orientation
August 28, 2025
Thursday, 9:30 AM
Mandatory Housing Orientation
August 29, 2025
Friday, 1:00 PM
Fall 2025 Alumni Speaker
Graziela Martins
American Express Middle East Country Head UAE and Vice President Merchant Business MENA
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
Lujain Ammar
Noriecel Mendoza
Michelle Navarro
Nathalie Sawaya
Joseph Nohra
Nehad Hani Metawie
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
Alma Kahoot
Maya Al Khzaee
Qasim Qasim
Jana Elrassy
