AU Newsletter July 2019

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Newsletter | July 2019

The 2020 QS World University Rankings lists Ajman University as having the 4th most international faculty and 6th most international students in the entire world.

Excellence

Latest QS Rankings Name AU 4th for International Faculty and 6th for International Student – in the Entire World!

With the launch of the 2020 QS World University Rankings (QSWUR) on June 19 comes the news that Ajman University now ranks among the top 800 institutions globally. The new position puts AU in the top 2.8% of universities worldwide and among the top 1.7% of institutions in the Arab world. QS also ranked Ajman University 4th for international faculty and 6th for international students in the entire world. The new rankings are a landmark milestone in the 31-year history of AU.

AU Receives Highest Possible QS Stars Ratings for Social Responsibility, Inclusiveness & Facilities

The QS Intelligence Unit has awarded AU with “Five Stars” for Social Responsibility, Inclusiveness, and Facilities, as well as “Four Stars” for Teaching and Internationalization. The QS Stars ratings system evaluates universities across a wide range of important performance indicators as set against pre-established international standards. The evaluation of AU, received on March 27, 2019, commends the institution for “noteworthy improvement” and for performing “exceedingly well.”

Dinner of Hope Brings AU Community Together for Night of Youth Empowerment

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman University’s Board of Trustees, the “Dinner of Hope” on May 1 made a dramatic impact on AU’s aim to empower students through scholarship funding. The event, which featured a unique auction of one-of-a-kind items, also celebrated AU’s increasing success on the global map. In his remarks, Chancellor Karim Seghir commended the Board of Trustees for turning AU into a place where innovation and compassion intersect.

UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation Approves Five New Academic Programs at AU

After rigorous analysis and comprehensive evaluation, AU has been approved by the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) to offer five new academic programs: a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA); a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering; a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; a Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry; and, a Master of Science in Endodontics. AU now offers a total of 24 undergraduate and 12 post-graduate programs. The aim of each program is to develop students’ skills and qualifications, enrich the labor market and expand employability.

Innovation

Iconic Entrepreneur Addresses “Next Digital Transformation” in Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture Series

Mr. Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of the Kanoo Group discussed whether the region was ready for the next digital transformation as part of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture Series in February. In operation for 124 years, the Kanoo Group has continuously expanded into various divisions including shipping, travel, machinery, oil and gas, industrial products, among others. Mr. Mishal was named one o the “Top 100 Powerful Arabs” in 2013 and one of the “15 Wealthiest Arab Businessmen in the World” in 2012.

“Sense7” Project for the Visually Impaired Wins People’s Choice Award at International A.I. Summit

An engineering team from AU – Engineering Lecturer Tazeen Sharif with fellow alumni Sameer Sharif and Shahin Basiratzadeh, emerged from the A.I. Grand Challenge” April 30 – May 1, 2019, in Dubai, with the “People’s Choice Award” in the category of Artificial Intelligence for Social Good. Their project, “Sense7,” features a pair of smart glasses that can interpret visual stimuli as auditory instructions. Sense7 was given high-profile tech internships worth USD $35,000 to have the prototype developed.

AI-Based Detection of Vitamin Deficiencies Earns AU Students Top Honors in UAE Hackathon

In February 2019, the UAE Hackathon’s highest national honors went to a team of three AU students for their concept, “VitaCAM,” a smartphone application that uses artificial intelligence to detect vitamin deficiencies in humans. Through photographic images of the eyes, lips, tongue, VitaCAM evaluates a participant’s condition nails and issues a diagnosis. The three inventors – Ahmed Saif Eldeen Khalil, Mohamed Ait Gacem, and Saifeddin O. S. Alghlayini– earned AED 50,000 in prize money for their potentially lifesaving innovation.

Demo Day Showcases Regional Inventors, Entrepreneurs and Startups at AU

Under the patronage of Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, Ajman University’s Innovation Center (AUIC) hosted the second annual “Demo Day” in February 2019. The event connects the region’s best and brightest entrepreneurs and startups, including student inventions. The same day, AUIC launched its inaugural Advisory Board – chaired by Ms. Ohoud Ali Shehail, Director General, Ajman Digital, and co-chaired by Mr. Wesam Lootah, CEO, Smart Dubai.

INTERNATIONALIZATION

Chancellor Seghir Earns Spot as Sole MENA-Region Speaker at QS EduData Summit

AU took center stage during the EduData Summit (EDS) – the world's premium forum for data-driven educators – organized by the QS Intelligence Unit, June 11-13, at the British Museum in London. A presentation by Chancellor Karim Seghir showcased how AU uses data to promote its distinct identity as a pioneering force in the UAE and beyond. Dr. Seghir was the only presenter from the MENA region to earn a coveted spot in the two-day program. AU has served as a gold-level sponsor of the international event since 2018.

First University-based French Alliance Center in the UAE Opens at AU

Residents of the UAE who want to learn French now have a convenient and accredited option at AU, which opened the “Alliance Française Ajman Center” on May 19, 2019. The Center will offer an array of courses and diplomas for basic, independent, and fluent French speakers. Chancellor Seghir and French Ambassador to the UAE Ludovic Pouille cut the ribbon on the new center after signing a memorandum of understanding. AU is the first university in the UAE – and Ajman is the fourth Emirate – to host a French Alliance Center.

Saveetha University Student Exchange Program Kicks Off in Ajman

This semester, Ajman University hosted a group of students from Saveetha University, in Chennai, India, as part of an exchange program. Throughout the 22-day intensive program, students were exposed to theoretical and practical sessions, simulation-based lab work, hands-on workshops and live observation of surgeries and post-surgical treatments. AU students previously visited Saveetha for a 3-week internship program. Starting in September 2019, AU will host exchange students from Germany and India for an entire semester.

Accounting Program Earns International Accreditation from ACCA

AU’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting Program has been accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). A global professional body issuing highly respected and valued international qualifications in business, the ACCA is recognized by member states of the European Union and the United Nations. Only 13 institutions in the Arab Region have been accredited by the ACCA. AU is the third university in the UAE to earn this prestigious qualification.

Social IMPACT

Scholarship Funding at AU Reaches AED 20 Million Mark

Thanks to increased fundraising efforts and a boost in donations, AU is poised to offer Dh20 million worth of scholarships to help even more students pursue their dreams of a university education. Funding opportunities now include the following: 100 percent for the brightest high school students nationwide; 50 percent on graduate-program tuition for AU alumni; and, 20 percent for employees of local and federal departments within the Emirate of Ajman. More than 60 percent of students receive financial aid at AU.

AU Sends 30 Students to Serve Zanzibar in Honor of 30th Anniversary

Over spring break, a total of 30 students from AU traveled to Zanzibar on a mission to serve some of the island nation’s most vulnerable children. Known as the “Zanzibar 30,” the all-expenses-paid initiative also commemorated AU’s 30th anniversary. AU students worked hand-in-hand with the Creative Education Foundation (CEF) – an organization that provides free education and social services to orphaned children – to construct a stone pathway between classrooms and to offer inspirational learning activities.

Mobile Dental Clinic Has Provided Free Services to 1500 Patients in 8 Months

Designed to provide quality diagnostic and treatment dental services “to go,” AU’s mobile dental clinic has helped more than 1500 indigent patients across five emirates since its debut in October 2018. Inside the start-of-the-art bus, dental students and faculty from the College of Dentistry offer complimentary and quality dental services. The Clinic was jointly funded by the Ajmani Charity Foundation and Human Appeal International. More than 500 patients a day are treated at the dental clinics on AU’s campus.

AU Students Win Poster Competition with Smart Assistive Glasses for Alzheimer’s Patients

A team of electrical engineering students from AU won top prize in the student scientific poster competition during the Advances in Engineering Technology & Sciences Multi-Conferences, hosted by Higher Colleges of Technology, in Dubai on March 26. Their award-winning project, “Smart Assistive Glasses for Alzheimer's Patients,” conceives of an augmented-reality screen that performs basic caregiver functions in an effort to prolong the independence of people with dementia.

INCLUSIVENESS

H.H. Sheikh Humaid Al Nuaimi Presides Over “Year of Tolerance” Graduation Ceremony

H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman and President of the Board of Trustees of Ajman University, and H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, attended the February 2019 graduation ceremony of the 28th batch of AU students. The ceremony conferred degrees on 344 graduates and was held under the “Year of Tolerance” slogan to reinforce the UAE’s national theme for 2019.

Two Named Endowed Scholarship Funds Launched to Support Diverse Range of Students

In recent months, AU has solidified two named endowed funds to provide scholarships for students in need, with a third fund nearing completion. The “Fathy Afana Scholarship Fund” will be used to provide scholarships for students of Palestinian origin who excel academically but face obstacles financially. The “Faizal and Shabana Scholarship Fund” will encourage and empower bright and needy students whose finances preclude them from studying at AU.

AU Celebrates Diversity and Tolerance During 2019 Global Day Activities

Organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs under the theme "Celebrating Diversity and Tolerance," Global Day 2019 at AU featured food and cultural from 30 different countries. One of the most exciting aspects of the annual event is a dynamic fashion show featuring the clothing styles and music of each nation. The day-long occasion also included folkloric performances that represented countries from Asia to Africa and Latin America.

Thirty Alumni Tour Spain in Celebration of AU’s 30th Anniversary

On the occasion of AU’s 30th anniversary, 30 alumni traveled to Spain for a 10-day tour of the country’s legendary culture and cuisine. Stops included sightseeing in the famed cities of Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. The trip marked the inaugural alumni holiday, with more in the works for 2019-2020. Contact alumni@ajman.ac.ae for information on alumni chapters as well as details on inclusive experiences around the world.

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