New Sharjah students readied for challenges, change

The chancellor of American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently welcomed 200 incoming freshmen, telling them that, like them, the school was young but academically at the top of its game.

“You are among a select group starting an academic journey that will culminate with your graduation,” Björn Kjerfve said. “You are among the top percentiles of your high school graduating class. At AUS, you will find a challenging and stimulating academic experience in a supportive campus environment.”


Kjerfve said that the university will be celebrating only its 20th anniversary in the fall, but those two decades have been very productive.

“We have earned an admirable reputation for our academic excellence, the quality of our faculty, and the commitment to our students and alumni,” he said. “AUS is known throughout the region for its multicultural campus with more than 6,000 students from 100 countries."

He also noted the diversity of the academic staff at the school, which boasts 372 full-time faculty members from 47 countries.

"They are renowned for their teaching and mentorship, research, scholarship and service,” Kjerfve said.

Kjerfve said he welcomed the students as well as their parents on behalf of Sheikh Sultan III bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the president of AUS and the ruler of the emirate of Sharjah.