This is a first of its kind newsletter by the Civil Engineering Honor Society (CEHS). In this newsletter you will find all the activities and accomplishments of the CEHS in the American University of Sharjah.

1. Civil TIMES
The AUS-Civil Engineering Honor Society Newsletter
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
JUNE 6, 2018 CIVIL ENGINEERING
HONOR SOCIETY
Message from the President
It is a great honor for me to be elected the first
president of the AUS civil engineering honor society
(AUS-CEH). Starting the AUS-CEHS was not an easy
task, but it was only possible due to the huge efforts
and dedication of the board members and our
advisor, Dr, Sami Tabsh. I hope that in the future this
club will fulfill its original purpose to become the first
Chi Epsilon Chapter outside the US. I urge the
current members to carry on the spirit of honor with
them after graduation and always be pioneers and
leaders in whatever they do. Finally, I would like to
thank all our supporters, in particular the AUS
administration, who have contributed towards the
establishment of this club.
Munir Basmaji
The CEHS president
Inside This Issue
1 Message from the President
1 Message from the Advisor
2 CEHS in Club Fair
2 Hand in Hand project
2 Fun for Charity event
3 Sustainable Building Trends
3 BIM Workshop
3 Dubox Precast Factory Visit
4 Tutoring Initiative
4 FE Preparation Sessions
4 CEHS Library
4 CVE End of Year Dinner
5 Selected pictures showcase
6 2017/2018 Board Members
Message from the Advisor
I have to admit that when I was asked by Dr.
Robert Houghtalen to supervise the efforts in
establishing an Honor Society within the
department that can later become a Chi Epsilon
Chapter I was hesitant. While I knew the students
would be hand-picked based on their scholarship
and character, I had some doubts about their
practicality and sociability. Boy, I was wrong!
Working with the board over a 9-month period was
a wonderful experience. It has taught me about
our students’ strong commitment towards social
causes. This newsletter only shows a glimpse of
what they have achieved over the past nine
months.
Dr. Sami Tabsh
The CEHS Advisor
Munir Basmaji
Dr. Sami Tabsh

2. PAGE 2 CEHS NEWSLETTER
The AUS-CEHS club participated in the Spring club fair that took place in
February 2018. Each of the board members contributed with creative
ideas and efforts to produce a stand that represents the ideas of the club
and what it stands for. The stand attracted several students from civil
engineering and other majors. A mini-game was set up to engage
students in the technical issues in civil engineering. It involved questions
regarding of various difficulty levels in structures, geotechnical,
environmental, transportation and construction. Prizes, such as mugs,
copy-books and pens, were awarded to the students who answered
correctly. The event was an opportunity to publicize the newly-formed
club as well as a chance for the board members to interact with students.
Overall, both the students and the board members enjoyed the
experience and were excited about what was to come from the club.
One of the important values that the club stands for is helping
the needy through raising money and giving back to the
community. This led the club to collaborate with the Community
Services department at AUS in order to create an event where
money can be raised for charity. This money was then given to
those in need through the many outlets and relations of the
Community Services. Along with a bake sale prepared by one of
our board members, several games where set up to encourage
people to donate. Many students were glad to participate in the
games in addition to contributing towards charity. The event also
opened an opportunity for the many members of the club to
volunteer by working in the stands and fulfill their community
work requirements. The proceeds of the event exceeded
expectations and allowed students and members of the club to
contribute and give back to the community.
Fun for Charity
Baked cakes and cookies sale
In line with the club’s character and vision, AUS-CEHS cooperated with
the Community Services Office at AUS to send members as volunteers
to help renovate the house of an underprivileged family. This was done
over a week period at the end of February 2018. The 40 year-old house
was located in the Nouf area in Sharjah and needed improvements
due to its age. Eleven of the club’s members participated by offering
their help in painting the walls, paving the ground, and constructing a
parking lot. In addition to that, the students worked on improving the
interior of the house. This was done to provide help to a family that was
very much in need of it during their dire times. Taking a few hours from
their day, the students were able to draw smiles on all the family
members’ faces when they saw their renewed house.
Student volunteers involved with hand-in-hand initiative
Students gather around the CEHS booth
Spring 2018 Club Fair
Hand in Hand Initiative

3. PAGE 3CEHS NEWSLETTER
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is becoming one of the hottest
trends in civil engineering. In some cases, it has become a
requirement for securing jobs and projects in the competitive market;
therefore, mastering Tekla and Revit has become a must for
individuals planning on joining the construction industry. On April 13,
2018, the CEHS club held a workshop session for Tekla Structures and
Autodesk Revit in collaboration with the ASCE club. Professor Aqeel
Ahmed from AUS introduced the software and provided valuable
tutoring and mentoring on the basics of their operation and use. He
also explained several practical applications of the software that can
be utilized in future work environments. Students who completed the
workshop received certificates of completion. The experience was
enlightening and the knowledge gained was invaluable.
Dubox Precast Factory Visit
CEHS club members and civil engineering students alike enjoyed a
prosperous learning experience on a field visit to the precast
construction company Dubox on 17th of March, 2018. Dubox
specializes in modular design and offsite concrete construction and
manufacturing. It supplies services in several fields such as
residential, commercial, healthcare, and retail in several locations
across the United Arab Emirates and region. The students took the
opportunity to learn about modern advances and technologies in
the civil engineering practice. One of the new technologies that the
students were exposed to was 3-D concrete printing. The company’s
staff were kind to take time from their jobs to explain the works of the
system that they implement. The trip was an opportunity to visualize
academic concepts in a more practical and modern viewpoint. The
club was privileged to provide students with new practical learning
experiences that can also be enjoyable.
Students follow up as they learn the new BIM software.
Mr. Jeffrey Robinson
Students gather for a group picture at Dubox
Sustainable Building Trends
Sustainability is taking a vital role in modern times and will be even more
important in the coming years. As the world’s resources are limited, several
solutions that promote the reuse and recycling of materials are becoming
more relevant. This is the case especially within the construction and civil
engineering industry because of the excessive usage of raw materials. On
February 1, 2018, Mr. Jeffrey Robinson from Aurecon, was invited by CEHS
to discuss these important concepts with students. Several important ideas
were put forth, some applying specifically to this region and its needs. The
event was an interesting opportunity to learn about the new sustainability
trends that can positively impact our industry.
BIM Workshop

4. PAGE 4 CEHS NEWSLETTER
The CEHS started in the Spring 2018 semester a tutoring initiative for civil engineering students that need help in their studies.
Volunteers from within the club offered a helping hand in many courses, such as theory of structures, mechanics of
materials, and fluid mechanics. The volunteers had to meet specific criteria in the subjects they are intend to tutor, such as
high grade in the course. The tutoring subjected and schedule were emailed to all students enrolled in the courses. Not
only did this initiative benefit those who needed an extra push to do well in their courses, but it also provided the tutors and
CEHS members a chance to fulfill their community work hours. The students who contributed to the tutoring activity are
Abdelrahman Sherra, Amjad Alhamad, Kamel Zeitoun, Mohammed El-Afandi, Muhammad Farhan, Munir Youssef Basmaji,
Saif Al-Sadouni, Zain Mraiyan, Alaeddine Saab, Faris Zakieh, Mariam Ibrahim, Mohd Kasouma, Muhammad Siddiqi, Nada
Alsamahy, Yousef Awera, and Zin Mahaini.
Tutoring Initiative
On April 24, 2018, the CEHS together with ASCE held their annual
gathering for the civil engineering students and faculty. The
purpose of this activity was to socialize and have fun. During the
gathering, certificates and trophies were awarded to the
outstanding students to appreciate their efforts. Dr. Robert
Houghtalen and Dr. Sami Tabsh were also acknowledged for
their support of CEHS and ASCE. Fun games involving both
professors and students were carried out and prizes were given
out to the winners of the competitions. The gathering was
concluded by everyone joining each other at dinner.
End of year CVE Dinner
CEHS Library
Starting in January 2018, the CEHS established a small
library of civil engineering books in courses at AUS. The
idea behind it is to make books available to needy
students who cannot afford to buy expensive books
every semester. A total of 62 books were donated by
the civil engineering professors and students. The library
is located in the department office and run by the
department’s Administrative Assistant Ms. Annie Rose
Regio. In just one semester 19 students benefited from
this initiative.
During the second week of March, CEHS sponsored FE
exam sessions to help civil engineering students refresh
their knowledge on the subject prior to taking the FE
exam. Four subjects were chosen for the sessions,
including environmental engineering, mechanics of
materials, fluid mechanics and water resources, and
theory of structures. Many students attended the sessions
and benefited from them. Thanks to Drs. Murtula, Abed,
Atabay and Tabsh for giving the review sessions.
FE Exam Review Sessions for Civil
Engineering
Schedule
Sunday March 11: EnvironmentalEngineering
RoomEB1-115, 5:00-6:30pm
Monday March 12: Mechanics of Materials
Room EB1-115, 5:00-6:30pm
Tuesday March 13: Fluid & Water Resources
Room EB1-119, 5:00-6:30pm
Wednesday March 14: Theory of Structures
Room EB1-115, 5:00-6:30pm
FE Preparation sessions flyer
Faculty and students enjoy dinner during the annual gathering
FE Preparation Sessions
CEHS civil engineering book library in the department office

5. PAGE 5CEHS NEWSLETTER
Pictures Showcase

6. PAGE 6 CEHS NEWSLETTER
For More information or further inquires
Contact:
CEHS Advisor: Dr. Sami Tabsh
Email: stabsh@aus.edu
Tele: +971 6 515 2957
Or contact the CEHS board via Email: CEHSchater@aus.edu
CEHS 2017/2018 Board
President: Munir Basmaji
Vice President: Mariam Ibrahim
Secretary: Amjad Alhmad
Treasurer: Abdalla Ghoneim
Editor: Karim Al Mohtadi
Marshal: Eilin Rachid
Marshal: Ali Mokhtar
The American University of Sharjah
Civil Engineering Department
The Civil Engineering Honor Society (CEHS)
Newsletter Editors: Karim Al Mohtadi
Munir Basmaji
Dr. Sami Tabsh