AUC Holds its First Virtual Open Day for Prospective Students

The American University in Cairo (AUC) held its first virtual Open Day last Saturday to allow prospective university students to explore AUC’s 40 majors and 55 minors. Students managed to interact online with AUC faculty from various departments and learn about the University’s campus and facilities. More than 1000 Egyptian, Arab and international students and parents visited the schools’ Zoom booths at the Open Day.

In Zoom breakout rooms, students virtually navigated their way through AUC’s programs with faculty from the different departments to get the insights they need to choose their path. Students also got a chance to meet with admission representatives to answer their questions on admission requirements, application procedures, and other admission-related questions. The virtual Open Day also allowed students to inquire about AUC’s Liberal Arts education approach and learn about AUC’s Freshman Program and explore various fields like humanities, social and natural sciences, and languages through the core curriculum. 

Lotfi Gaafar, professor and associate dean for undergraduate studies at The School of Sciences and Engineering, said, “With more than 1000 guests participating in the virtual Open Day, the event was a big success, reflecting the great teamwork among all schools and supporting offices.”

Visitors had the chance to learn more about the School of Sciences and Engineering programs, which included architectural engineering, actuarial science, biology, chemistry, computer science, computer engineering, construction engineering, data science, electronics and communications engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, petroleum, engineering, and physics.  

Gafaar said that the virtual Open Day served as a good complement this year, given the current COVID-19 restrictions. “Visiting our wonderful campus and facilities leaves a unique impression that cannot possibly be duplicated online, however, the virtual event helped incorporate the considerable number of visitors.”

Statistics showed that prospective students came from a diverse set of high school backgrounds, most of whom are American high school diploma students, followed by thanawiya amma, British diplomas, and various other diplomas.

At the virtual Open Day, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUSS) invited prospective students and their parents to know more about the school’s various programs that include anthropology, Arabic studies, Egyptology, English, comparative literature, film, graphic design, history, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, theater, and visual arts.

 “The Open Day was an enormous success for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences,” said Jillian Campana, professor and associate dean at AUC’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences. “We met with nearly 1000 participants, potential students and their parents, who are interested in our ten departments and 63 different programs.”

Campana also said: “HUSS prides itself in developing critical, independent and creative thinkers who are ready to embrace and make a positive impact in the changing world. Our guests at the Open Day understood that studying Humanities teaches the skills that today’s employers want, leaving graduates ready to embrace numerous career options in multiple fields.”

The School of Business introduced its programs, which included accounting, business and entrepreneurship, economics, finance, management of information technology and communication technology, and marketing.

The School of Global Affairs and Public Policy also showcased its programs, which inlcuded communications and media arts, integrated marketing communication, Middle East studies, and multimedia journalism.