Does your university as a body provide mentoring/counselling/peer support programs to support students, staff, faculty from underrepresented groups?
1. Supporting Women:
HR Unit celebrates Women’s Day with female staff [1]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2019/hr-unit-celebrates-women%E2%80%99s-day-with-female-staff
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Human Resources Unit at Al Ain University, organized an open day for the AAU female staff at Al Ain campus, including discussion sessions, various competitions and recreational games.
Mrs. Sidra Shaheen, HR Manager, emphasized that Al Ain University represented by the Human Resources Unit is keen to celebrate this day symbolically with the AAU female employees to honor them, appreciate their efforts and their positive and progressive role in AAU and the society. “This day is just to rethink and reenergize our self with what value as an individual we can add to our society, -The sky is the limit”, She added.
In her speech, Dr. Shorouq Al Eter, from the College of Business, said that women have played a prominent role in society since ancient times. She also cited the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, who had the greatest role in empowering and encouraging women.
Through an interesting discussion session between the female employees from the academic and administrative staffs about the challenges they faced in their lives and how they overcame them, they called on all women to challenge their selves to overcome difficulties and to strive to achieve their own aspirations and build a conscious generation for the future
At the end of the open day, the HR Manager thanked all employees and wished them success.
AAU Supports Women In Business at 10th Anniversary Celebration [2]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2011/aau-supports-women-in-business-at-10th-anniversary-celebration
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, the Abu Dhabi Business Women’s Council, supported by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, celebrated their 10th anniversary with the launch of a Cultural Heritage Village at Al Ain Amateurs Club.
Sheikh Hazza Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Undersecretary, Dewan of the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, accompanied by Engineer Fatima Al Jaber, Chairperson of the Executive Board of the ADBWC, inaugurated the event.
The delegation visited various stands including the AAU pavilion and those of UAE businesswomen who hold a Mubdi’a license. Mubdi’a, which means ‘female innovators’ in Arabic, is a business initiative started by the Abu Dhabi Business Women’s Council to encourage Emirati women to run businesses from home.
Sheikh Hazza’ praised AAU’s participation in the event which included two poems and an interactive video show by the students that was very well received by audience members. He also commended the effort that AAU makes to motivate the students to take part in these events and increase their awareness of the social issues.
Other events at the Cultural Heritage Village include a classic cars’ exhibition, traditional Yola dance performances, poetry recitals and an Arabian horses’ display. The Village is open from the 10th to the 15th of December.
Women Empowerment and Decision Making Seminar at AAU [3]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2014/women-empowerment-and-decision-making-seminar-at-aau
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University campus in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the UAE General Women’s Union, held a seminar entitled “Women Empowerment and Their Role in Decision Making”. The seminar was organized in coordination with Dr. Najwa Abu Heiba, associate professor at the AAU College of law.
Ms. Ahlam Al Lamki, Director of Research and Development at the General Women's Union (GWU), explained the role of the GWU and reiterated that it works in accordance with a national strategy aimed at activating the role of women through its various programs, in cooperation with relevant institutions in order to overcome the obstacles that hinder women's active participation in all fields of public life.
She added that the percentage of females currently enrolled in higher education programs is 71.6% of the total students in public universities and 50.1% percent of students in private universities and institutes. In addition, the percentage of women has reached 60 percent in technical jobs, which include medicine, teaching, pharmacy, and nursing as well as women’s involvement in the armed forces, police, and customs.
2. Supporting People of Determination:
“Aman System” a transportation network for people of determination [4]
Students of Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, participated in Future Innovations Exhibition, organized by the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. They showed their innovative projects that serve the people of determination and their engagement with the community, such as the “Helby” application, the “Smart Stick” that alert the blind from any barrier they face, and a swimming pool with a floating floor with special specifications that helps people with disabilities enjoy swimming without fear.
Dr. Nuha Hamada from the College of Engineering, participated in the discussion sessions by presenting her innovation “Aman System” is a safe transportation network that provides people of determination with the opportunity to request a car with specifications that suit the disability case with the possibility of adding a service to complete transactions through the smart application (AMAN). On the other hand, this network provides job opportunities for people of determination as drivers to suit disability. This innovation aims to integrate those of determination in society without restrictions.
The exhibition and discussion sessions had an active role in the exchange and development of creative ideas that aim to serve the people of determination. The innovations also received the approval and admiration of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the participating audience.
Distance learning for people of determination at Al Ain University [5]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/videos/view/288
https://youtu.be/9tnzDmlxyOM
College of Education supports the blind people on the White Cane Day [6]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2020/college-of-education-supports-the-blind-people-on-the-white-cane-day
On the occasion of the International White Cane Day, Ghayathi Center for care and rehabilitation affiliated to Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, hosted, Dr. Salwa Al Majali, Director of Special Education and Applied Psychology Programs at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, to present a virtual lecture entitled Psychosocial support for the families of the blind people.
Student Ali Al Meri, from the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, shared his experience of studying in Al Ain University, the facilities and services provided by the university to him and other blind students and people of determination in order to facilitate education and harness all their needs.
This lecture aimed to give psychological and moral support to the blind people and their families, as Dr. Al Majali confirmed that Al Ain University is keen to support and empower people of determination to help them with social integration, and ensure they obtain all their rights in an easy way.
Education students discuss the psychological importance in artificial intelligence [7]
Student Fatima Al Sraira and student Saeeda Yousef from Arts in Applied Psychology program at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi campus, presented a virtual lecture for the students of Um Al Arab government school about the artificial intelligence and the psychological aspect, in the presence of the parents and teachers.
The lecture discussed several aspects; The importance of applied psychology specialization and its impact on artificial intelligence, the importance of harnessing artificial intelligence for the benefit of the needs of people of determination, such as virtual arms, electronic bracelet and smart facilities.
Sky-news Arabia report about the caring of Al Ain University to People of Determination [8]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/videos/view/237
3. Supporting Low-income Students:
AAU and AMIDEAST offers scholarships for Master’s Degree [9]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2021/aau-and-amideast-offers-scholarships-for-master%E2%80%99s-degree
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University, in cooperation with the U.S Embassy from AMIDEAST Institute organized an orientation session on Fulbright scholarships for Master’s Degree, presented by Mrs. Rima Al Rawsan. Where she provided a detailed explanation of how to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship offered to UAE national students only, as this grant covers full tuition fees, books and study materials fees, travel to and from the United Arab Emirates, housing, a monthly stipend for the student, as well as health and accident insurance. She also added that, the national students can apply for all majors except for clinical content such as medicine and dentistry. During the session, she clarified the conditions that must be met by applicants for the grant and the deadline for submitting applications.
A Seminar about Abu Dhabi Fund for Development [10]
https://www.aau.ac.ae/en/news/2019/a-seminar-about-abu-dhabi-fund-for-development
In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi campus, organized an introductory seminar about the fund role and activities, presented by Mrs. Fatima Al Bloushi, Media Advisor.
The seminar included an explanation about the UAE's efforts to provide grants and humanitarian assistance to developing countries through the Abu Dhabi Fund. Where the UAE is the largest humanitarian donor between 2013-2017. Al Balushi reviewed the success stories of the most important projects financed by the Fund. She also highlighted the most important activities supported by the Fund, the most recent supporting students in scientific research.
MOU between Al Ain University and IMA [11]
https://aau.ac.ae/en/news/2021/mou-between-al-ain-university-and-ima
Al Ain University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), with the aim of the cooperation between the College of Business and the Institute in terms of research, teaching, and communication with the community.
The agreement enhances the grants provided by the IMA to 20 outstanding students from the College of Business at Al Ain University annually eligible to participate for the CMA exam, which is one of the most prestigious international professional certificates in accounting.
The Certified Management Accountant program is considered one of the advanced assessment programs in the fields of accounting and finance, as it focuses broadly on various areas including financial reporting, planning, performance, control and financial decision-making.
The MOU was signed by Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, AAU President. And, Mrs. Hanadi Khalife, Senior Director, Middle East, IMA.
Prof. El Refae stressed on the importance of this cooperation between the two parties in opening new horizons for students of the College of Business at Al Ain University and providing them with the opportunity to obtain this globally recognized professional certificate, which gives them a great competitive advantage in the labor market after graduation, especially since most institutions, companies and bodies are keen to attract accountants who hold a professional CMA certificate.
Dr. Amer Qasem, AAU Vice President, said: “The College of Business looks forward to the fruitful results from this cooperation with the Institute of Management Accountants, where the two parties agreed to organize specialized workshops and exchange information about the accounting and finance profession”.
Dr. Zafar Hussein, Dean of the College of Business, AAU, pointed out the keenness of Al Ain University to enhance students’ skills and knowledge in enabling them to assume leadership positions after their graduation, and that cooperation will contribute to achieve our common goal of providing a comprehensive educational experience for new generations.
For her part, Hanadi Khalifa said that, we are committed to providing students with all the necessary information that will enable them to become future leaders, as arming them with relevant best practices are the way to move forward in their careers and enhance their future roles.