AUA New Student Orientation

The American University of Antigua (AUA) held an orientation ceremony at the Precision Centre to celebrate the enrollment of over 95 new students for studies in the Pre-Med, Basic Sciences and Nursing Programs for its May 2009 school term.
 

New AUA Students

In attendance were Dr. Bell, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Executive Dean of AUA,, along with several members of the Faculty, the Honorable John Maginley, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Sergeant Abba Clarke of the Antigua & Barbuda Police Force and other invited guests. Dr. Bell welcomed the students to the University and the Island, informing them that he would be their chief advisor during their tenure in Antigua.

Minister Maginley delivered the feature address. He welcomed the students and remarked at the growth of the student population of the University. Minister Maginley recounted his own experiences as a student studying abroad in the United States and encouraged the students to become part of the community. “Antigua is your home for the next eighteen months,” he said. “See the things that we have in Antigua, experience what it is like to live in Antigua and share, so that when you leave you can say that you were part of our Antiguan community and when you go home, you’ll have good things to say.”

The Honorable John Maginley, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture

“Luck is where preparation and opportunity meet,” he counseled the students. “AUA has provided you with the opportunity to become a doctor but you must have preparation to fulfill the dream.” He implored the students to work hard, prepare, and take their studies seriously from their first semester. “Prepare to not only pass the test but face the challenges that life gives you,” he went on to say.

AUA’s Chief Operating Officer, Corey Greenberg delivered some remarks to ease the students’ transition. He reminded them that they have no special entitlements and must abide by the laws of Antigua and Barbuda. “Get used to the pace of island life and do not try and change it. Go with the flow,” said Greenberg, who encouraged the students to respect and embrace the cultural differences they are sure to face.

Corey Greenberg, AUA Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Greenberg informed the students that they would be part of a new 150,000 sq. ft. campus encompassing 82,000 sq. ft. of library space and 56,000 sq. ft. of classrooms, labs, and an athletic field. He observed that AUA is committed to success and is investing in expanding facilities for both students and faculty.

Dr. Peter Bell, Executive Dean of AUA, also addressed the students. He told them that their success at AUA would be determined by their dedication. “You must go to class, use your faculty to guide you to the end, get involved with the student government and find time to meet other students and get involved in charity projects. This will allow you to become better acquainted with students and the island.” He announced to the students that AUA had secured an agreement with the government of Antigua and Barbuda to use the newly opened Mount Saint Johns Medical Centre, a 185-bed hospital that rivals U.S. hospitals. This affiliation allows AUA College of Medicine and School of Nursing students to participate in hands-on medical training as early as their first semester.

Dr. Peter Bell, AUA Vice President of Academic Affairs and Executive Dean

AUA ‘s Associate Dean of Academic Organization, Dr. Steve Glasser, reminded the audience that the school started with 9 students and now has over 1000.

Sergeant Abba Clarke of the Royal Police Force, who issued safety tips to the students, advised them to take the necessary precautions and use the buddy system. In addition, Dr. Kastul, from AUA Student Emergencies, gave them the student emergency number, reminded them of the 911 emergency services and advised them to have a first-aid kit and emergency plan in place.

Various faculty members, including Mr. Basil Stuart, Director of Administrative Services, broadly outlined the support, services, and facilities available to the students. He beseeched the students to talk to the staff and island residents. “The best ambassador you can meet is an Antiguan,” he said.

About The American University of Antigua
The American University of Antigua (AUA) offers medical and nursing programs designed to make sure students exceed the requirements of medical and nursing licensure in the United States and achieve passing scores on the U.S. Medical Licensing Examinations™ and the National Council Licensure Examination™. A group of world-renowned American physicians and medical education professionals chartered the University to address the shortage of healthcare professionals faced by the United States. The University recently joined with Manipal University of India to offer the Manipal University Program at Kasturba Medical College International Center (KMCIC). On March 30, 2009, the Times of India ranked Manipal University as the number one private medical university out of 150 private schools, and number two out of all the 256 medical universities in India. Together, both campuses afford students the option to complete their coursework at either the AUA or KMCIC campus, and offer hands-on clinical experience the first semester.