SHARJAH // More than 50 new academics have arrived at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) as the school prepares to add 1,000 students over the next few years. The university plans to build a new business and management centre to help to accommodate the expanded student body, which is projected to grow to 6,000. With 54 new faculty members, the full-time teaching staff will total 354.
The university recently appointed a new chancellor, Dr Peter Heath, a former provost of the American University of Beirut. Dr Heath replaced Dr Winfred Thompson. During a welcome session for new academics this week, Dr Heath said it was the duty of the faculty to "build and develop the university". "We need to uphold the professional standards we represent and enforce the standards of our profession," he said.
The university has begun a week-long orientation programme for 950 new students. The orientation will include presentations on the university's rules, a campus tour, several receptions, film viewings, and field trips to Sharjah and Dubai. The university was founded in 1997 by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, the Ruler of Sharjah, who remains the institution's president. AUS follows an American curriculum, but is an independent institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education of the United States. @Email:dbardsley@thenational.ae
