The Petroleum institute (PI) held an orientation for students enrolled in the Academic Year 2015-16, and familiarised them with the PI's campus and facilities provided during their time as students.

The orientation purpose is providing information and resources that will allow students to make informed and appropriate academic plans and healthy social choices; creating a welcoming environment that builds a sense of community among the incoming class and connects them to faculty, staff and other students and providing a framework for four years of success through the communication of expectations, norms and standards.

Welcoming the students, Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, PI President, said, "I am very pleased with our new crop of students and wish them great success as they enter into their course of study."

He added, "I have every confidence that they will make their parents and families proud as they engage in their studies and move forward toward their careers. In the course of time, they will join the ranks of alumni from the Petroleum Institute who contribute every day in myriad ways in building the economic and cultural strength of Abu Dhabi and the UAE."

"We take very seriously our mission to provide high quality, relevant education to our students and to ensure that they graduate from the PI prepared mentally, technically, and ethically to take their place as productive members of society," he added.

Many students from across the UAE have joined the PI including a group of elite students who have just completed their military duties. The PI for the 2015-2106 has admitted approximately 500 students, 200 male and 300 female students with UAE national students making up over 98 percent of the incoming class, 86 students among who have joined after completing their national service. In addition, over 100 students were admitted, but deferred their enrolment until after the completion of their national service. The students admitted to the PI had a long way to reach this stage as they needed to fit the admission requirements being the following: a total percentage of 75 percent or above in the scientific stream of high school along with a minimum average of 75 percent in Math, Physics and Chemistry. In addition, students would need to attain English language proficiency prior to being enrolled as freshmen.

The journey to becoming a PI student might have been hectic, nevertheless it paid off at the end of the day. The orientation involved introducing students to the academic support services such as the Library, Registrar's office, and Student Success services responsible for student tutoring and counselling. Being a part of these activities made the students feel like home and ensure that the PI was the right choice for them. Towards the end of the orientation program, students sat for their placement exams and were registered into their appropriate classes. This was a result of a collaborative effort between Academic Affairs and the academic units, both the in Academic Bridge Program and the College of Arts & Science.
Source: WAM