Course Syllabus

Program: All AU undergraduate programs

Academic Year: 2023-2024
Semester: ☒ Fall ☐ Spring

1. Course Information

Course Title: Introduction to University Life Course Code AUL100

Number of Credit Hours, Contact Hours, and Prerequisites:
Credit Hours: 0 Theory: 1 Lab: 0 Tutorial: 0
Contact Hours: 1 Theory: 1 Lab: 0 Tutorial: 0
Pre-requisite(s) (if any): -
Co-requisite(s) (if any): -

2. Course Coordinator’s Name and Contact Information:

Name: Office No.:
E-mail: Office Tel.:
Class Time and location Office Hours

3. Catalog Course Description:

This zero-credit course aims to assist new students in making a successful transition to Ajman University, both
academically and personally, through engaged learning experiences, to provide them with an understanding of
various academic and non-academic aspects of university life and make them familiar with the important rules
and policies of the University. The course also aims to help new students build relationships, promote engagement
in the curricular and co-curricular experiences, connect to various resources of the University and explore the
career opportunities. The course will also assist students develop and practice skills in emerging topics related to
their disciplines and in areas such as critical thinking, verbal and written communication and employability that
can contribute to their success in the university and beyond.

4. Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

QFE Corresponding
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
(K, S, AR, RC, SD) PLO
1. Identify how and where to access information and services that
K
promote student learning at AU.
2. Describe the university’s internal structure, policies, and procedures
K
that impact student success and on-time graduation.
3. Demonstrate effective study skills, and satisfactory oral
S
communication and written competencies.
4. Acquire preliminary knowledge on discipline-related employability
S
skills and discipline-based emerging topics.
5. Explain the impact of different academic disciplines on community S
6. Demonstrate knowledge of various co-curricular activities offered by
S
AU.
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5. Assessment Strategy:
Link to CLOs
# Assessment Type Week Weight % 1 2 3 4 5 6
1 Class discussions and activities All 50 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
2 Essay 12 20 ✓
3 Assignments 8, 14 30 ✓ ✓
Total 100
6. Week-by-week Course Topics and Contents:

Corresponding Section of
Week Topics and Contents CLOs (#) Textbook/
Reference
1 Introduction to AU campus 1
2 Transitioning from high school to University Learning 1
IT services and communications at AU (Emails, AU Connect, e- 1
3
requests, etc.)
Course registration and drop/add, general education requirements, 1
4 grading policy, academic probation policy, change major,
graduation requirements, AU calendar, academic events, etc.
5 AU’s internal structure, policies and procedures 2
Academic advising and student academic support services (Student 1, 2
6
Success Center, Library, Digital Resources, etc.)
7 Academic integrity 1, 2
8 Health and well-being of AU students 5
9 Personal reflection, goal setting, time management, and team work 3, 6
10 Co-curricular activities and opportunities 3, 6
11 Study skills and habits coaching, note-taking and reading strategies 3
12 Academic writing and communication skills 3
13 College specific requirements (training/internship, portfolio, etc.) 4
14 Career planning and discipline-related employability skills 4, 5
15 Discipline-based emerging topics 4
7. Teaching and learning methodologies, including any use of online instruction:
S.N. Teaching Method(s) PLO
1 Lecturing ✓
2 Inquiry-based learning ✓
3 Presentation, seminars, and discussion ✓

S.N. Teaching Method/Instruction

1 Lecturers ✓
2 Tutorial
3 Assignments ✓
4 Presentation ✓
5 Case analysis ✓
6 Project Report
7 Seminars
8 Class participation / Reading ✓
9 Online Discussion / Instructions ✓
10 Guest Speaker Sessions ✓
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8. Course texts, recommended readings, instructional material and learning resources:
a. Course Textbook
Title: Academic Success: A Student's Guide to Studying at University
Author(s): Jean Brick, Nick Wilson, Deanna Wong, and Maria Herke
Edition: 1st
Publisher: Red Globe Press
Publishing Year: 2018
ISBN: 978-1352002621

b. Reference books or recommended readings:

AU Policies and Procedures Manual; Student Catalogue
c. Instructional material and learning resources:
Instructional materials will be provided through online learning system (Moodle).
9. Assignments:
a. Service Learning Project: Each student is required to do a 10 hours project over the semester, which includes
service to the university community or surrounding community. This will be followed by a reflection paper
relating the experience to the service learning discussion in the text. Assesses Learning Outcomes 5.
b. Professional Event Attendance at one or more professional events on campus is required. A one-page written
reflection paper on each event is to be given to the instructor within the week after the event. Assesses
Learning Outcomes 6.
10. Course Requirements and Policies
a. New undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in this course. Once the student is automatically
enrolled, the course will show up on the student portal in the banner system and timetable.
b. The course must be completed in the 1st or 2nd regular semester. This course is not offered in summer terms.
c. Passing the course is a pre-requisite for course registration in the 3rd regular semester.
d. Student final grade will appear on student' official transcript.
e. The language of instruction will be similar to the student’s program instruction language.

The students are also required to fully understand and observe the following policies of the university:
a. Attendance Policy
The students are required to attend and participate fully in the classes and other sessions scheduled
for their respective course(s). An absence of 25% of the course classes will result in a withdrawal/No
pass in the course. The students must also read and comprehend the “Attendance Policy” which is
published in the Student Handbook.
Link: https://www.ajman.ac.ae/en/admissions/undergraduate/student-handbook.html
b. Academic Integrity Policy
AU is committed to enforcing a strict code of academic integrity in its academic pursuits. The academic
integrity code of the university prohibits all forms of academic dishonesty. This includes cheating and
plagiarism and applies to all courses, assignments, projects reports/dissertations or exams completed
by students. The University does not tolerate any violation of academic misconduct and imposes a
strict system of penalties. For more details, refer to the student handbook.
Link: https://www.ajman.ac.ae/en/admissions/undergraduate/student-handbook.html
c. Grading System
The University uses the relative grading system, which is based on a four-point scale. An overall grade
will be assigned on the following grading scale.
Grades Pass No Pass
Marks % 60-100 <60
The course is graded on a Pass/No Pass system and only the students who pass will receive one academic
credit that will not be included in the GPA calculation nor be counted towards graduation. To Pass the course
and receive the credit, students need to fully complete the Course (including all any quizzes, discussions, and
assignments). Absenteeism rules are strictly applied.

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