AUS First Year Experience program supports success from day one

Adjusting to university life is a pivotal moment for students. Research shows that the first year often determines long-term academic success. At American University of Sharjah (AUS), however, incoming first-year students have an exceptional resource to guide them through these hurdles: the First Year Experience (FYE) programme.

One of the standout features of the AUS FYE programme is its proactive and personalised support structure. Well before their first day at AUS, students are welcomed into a community designed to help them thrive through virtual meetings and email communications. This early connection lays a strong foundation for a successful university experience.

The FYE programme provides new students with robust tools to help them succeed and grow academically, socially and emotionally.

Every year, around 1,500 first year students join different events that fall under the umbrella of FYE, such as FYE Pathway or FYE Connect. Over 90 per cent of participants say these programmes help them feel more connected to campus, a critical factor in students’ success.

FYE Pathway offers students four workshops in essential areas such as time management, study skills, self-care and understanding AUS essentials.

While participation is not mandatory, it boasts an impressive 89 per cent engagement rate, indicating how valuable new students find it. Completing the FYE Pathway programme is also a prerequisite for joining one of AUS’ most prestigious student organisations, Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD), the university’s chapter of an international honour society celebrating excellence among high-achieving first-year students.

As members of ALD, students can access a wide range of resources, scholarships and networks across the globe.

FYE Connect: Learning how to leverage university resources

Students are also invited to participate in mid-semester check-ins, through an event called FYE Connect, during which they learn how to leverage university resources to their advantage by connecting with AUS faculty, staff and a student FYE Ambassador.

Ultimately, the FYE programme and the Academic Support Center at AUS aim to be a warm home for student questions — big or small. With a passionate, expert team behind it, the FYE programme ensures that every new student at AUS is not just prepared for university — they are poised for success in life.

The FYE programme is part of a set of broader programmes led by Rasha Tawfik, the AUS Academic Support Center Director, an internationally recognised leader in academic advising. Tawfik is currently chairing the Global Initiatives Committee at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and has also received the 2024 ALD Advisor of the Year award.

At AUS, Tawfik oversees a wide range of academic support programmes, including AUS’ Academic Thrive program, peer mentorship, one-to-one advising with expert academic advisors, Student Success Workshops, support for students with disabilities and much more.

Rasha Tawfik, Director of the AUS Academic Support Center, said: “I am deeply passionate about academic advising because I believe in the power of diversity and the immense potential that lies within every student. Each student brings unique strengths, and our role in the Academic Support Center is to help nurture those qualities.”

Ayrah Alvi, Alpha Lambda Delta member and AUS alumna, said, “The First Year Experience (FYE) programme at AUS shaped my university experience. Starting my first year amidst uncertainty in a hybrid semester due to the pandemic, I joined FYE aspiring to become part of Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD), the first-year honour society. I completed the programme’s four workshops, which allowed me to gain essential skills, confidence and knowledge, and supported my application for ALD. My connection with FYE and the Academic Support Center did not stop after my first year. FYE provided me with the foundation to succeed and give back, making my experience truly life-changing.”