Rabdan Academy held the Promising Practices Forum to foster the exchange of experiences and knowledge among university students, faculty, professionals and experts in campus life and student affairs sectors.
The forum witnessed a wide participation of national universities and education institutions, including, United Arab Emirates University, New York University Abu Dhabi, Higher Colleges of Technology, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University, Polytechnic, Fatima College of Health sciences, and Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Vocational Education & Training Institute.
The event provided a platform for sharing educational, training, and professional activities among national university students and staff, and it included several panel discussions, covering a wide range of topics relevant to students and staff in the higher education sector. The panel discussions focused on freshman transition and challenges, delivering a world class student experience, supporting senior students and career advising.
Dr. Khadija Farhan Alhumaid, Director of Student Affairs at Rabdan Academy, said: ‘The forum was an opportunity to share experiences and best practices between universities with regard to supporting students' academic, professional and personal growth. We are grateful for the participation of experts, faculty, and student affairs professionals, who helped make the forum a success and achieved its desired goal’.
Dr. Aisha Al Naqbi, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at New York University Abu Dhabi, said: ‘New students bring us new aspirations and expectations that expand every year, and this initiative contributes to bridging the gap to keep abreast of global developments and apply best practices related to student experience in a way that contributes to the success and excellence of our students. As educators we need to be always prepared, although we are dealing with Gen Z, we will soon be making decisions about Gen Alpha's education. We take a look at how universities can start preparing for being ready and planning now, otherwise, you will fall behind’.
The forum brought together experts and practitioners from different universities in the country, creating a collaborative environment where they could exchange ideas and best practices. The discussions covered various aspects of student life, from academic challenges to social and personal development.
‘As the vice president of the student council, I felt that I was contributing to shaping a new experience by presenting my suggestions and engaging in effective discussions with specialists and professionals in the fields of student affairs and student life’ said Hamad Ahmed Abushehab Alsuwaidi, a freshman in the Integrated Emergency Management Program at Rabdan Academy.
In turn, Moza Sultan Alhammady, a graduate student at United Arab Emirates University, stated: ‘The forum allowed us to raise a number of challenges we face in the final stages of study, including the joining to market along with career advising sessions and their importance in enhancing available job opportunities, and I hope they hold this event annually to enrich the reality of student life in national universities across the country’.
The initiative was a resounding success in terms of exchanging ideas, experiences and expertise that contribute to enriching campus life and enhancing students' well-being and success, and the participants expressed their great appreciation for this opportunity.
