audreview Fall 2011
a publication by the american university in dubai
The Story of Us... Becoming one of the region’s leading universities
undergraduate programs Architecture (B.Arch.) Business Administration (B.B.A.) General Accounting Economics Finance Management Marketing Marketing Communications
Communication and Information Studies (B.C.I.S.)
The Mission of The American University in Dubai is to fulfill the broad educational needs of a culturally diverse student body by achieving excellence in teaching and learning, ultimately resulting in the intellectual, personal, and professional success of its graduates and the advancement of society.
(Arabic and English Tracks) Digital Production and Storytelling Journalism
Computer Science (B.S.C.S.) Databases Game Design and Development Network Security
Engineering (B.S.) Civil Computer Electrical Mechanical
Interior Design (B.F.A.)
General Integrated Computational Design
International Studies (B.A.I.S.) Visual Communication (B.F.A.) Advertising (Creative) Digital Media Graphic Design Photography Studio Art
graduate programs Business Administration (M.B.A.) General Finance Marketing
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Primary Education Secondary Education
admissions office
Construction Management (M.S.C.M.)
P.O.Box 2828, Dubai - UAE T. +971 4 399 9000 E. admissions@aud.edu
other programs Intensive English Language Program Middle Eastern Studies Certificate
The American University in Dubai is accredited by the Commission on Colleges (COC) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) has licensed the university and accredited all of its programs.
www.aud.edu
Accreditation
Welcome
T
he Fall Semester has always been my favorite time of the year. Faculty, staff and students are back from a relaxing summer, and the university’s hallways are buzzing with life. It is the start of a new academic year, one filled with the promise of growth, discovery and achievement for both our eager freshmen and the seniors who are getting ready for the next stage of their lives. AUD prides itself on nurturing thoughtful, well-informed, articulate individuals, committed to improving the wellbeing of themselves and the community. As an educational institution in one of the most diverse countries in the world, AUD serves as a cultural, social and intellectual center for the community and as a resource and partner for business and industry. Our events calendar bears witness to this. Our educational approach is process-oriented; our emphasis is on bridging theory and practice, and in learning through collaboration and participation. Our focus is on the student, and the successes that our alumni have achieved are evidence of that attention.
There is no better way to experience the American University in Dubai than to visit our beautiful campus. In the meantime, please enjoy our first edition of the AUD Review, as we share with you our success stories, our accomplishments and our news. All the best,
Elias N Bou Saab Executive Vice President
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in this issue... Accreditation
Foreword
I
am given to saying that the Mission of The American University in Dubai tells the story of what the university is all about: the pursuit of excellence in education, a diverse student body, and the personal and professional success of graduates. But mission statements are often lofty, and skeptics abound. I have, therefore, always longed for a vehicle that would show AUD in action. The AUD Review fulfills this objective. At AUD, the emphasis is not on how we look, on how big we are or on how many of “this” or “that” we possess. Education is an experience – one that moulds and transforms, full of discovery for both students and faculty, helping everyone to become all that they can be. And so, the AUD emphasis is on the journey and the milestones – individual and collective – along the way. The AUD Review will record those high points, but it will also report the everyday activities, relationships and efforts that fuel development and encourage achievement. I trust that its pages will reflect those values that support AUD’s institutional environment, without which our educational endeavors could not flourish. Of course, any newsletter is designed to generate publicity; and the AUD Review is no exception. Having been at the helm of this university for nearly 15 years, having taught classes and witnessed alumni build careers and become productive members of society, having engaged with faculty who hail from some of the world’s finest universities and who are significant contributors to scholarship in their disciplines, having successfully endured the scrutiny of various accrediting bodies in the UAE and the US, having seen understanding, broadmindedness and tolerance develop just as impressively as our buildings and programs, I am pleased to provide a view from inside so that the public consciousness of AUD can be based on awareness and knowledge.
I hope that the AUD Review’s presentation of what we do, how we do it and to what we aspire will bring a smile to and warm the hearts of our various constituencies. Each of these is the object of my personal gratitude.
22 Project Manager Reina S. Dib Marketing Commmunications Department
Editorial Editorial Director Philip Fenton Copy Editor Salil Kumar Lance Edward de Masi President
Design
Creative Director Fredrick Dittlau
Cover design by Marketing Commmunications Department at AUD
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38 News 06 12 13 14 19 20 27
Annual CAAD Conference Hillary Clinton Meets AUD Students and Staff Annual Desert Safari Emirati DJ Bliss Meets Students Deal Signed With Unicef Class of 2011 Bids Farewell Journalism Board Meets For First Time
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Connecting the Dots How the new Bachelor of Arts in International Studies creates inter-disciplinary thinkers
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Building a Better Construction Industry The Master of Science in Construction Management gives building experts a step up the ladder
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The Story of Us How AUD came to be one of the region’s premier institutions of higher education
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Making the Most of Globalization A host of programs to encourage students to study abroad helps create cross-cultural understanding
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The Science of Computing The new Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is preparing a new generation of IT experts
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Building a Tradition From music and speeches to elaborate costumes: what AUD’s commencement exercises mean
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The Story of Us How AUD came to be one of the region’s premier institutions of higher education It is widely believed that American education is synonymous with quality. This belief is particularly prevalent with regards to American education at the university level. Several factors explain this excellence: a curriculum that imparts general knowledge but allows for significant specialization; faculty who consistently contribute to scholarship in addition to exercising their classroom duties; teaching methods that develop in students strong skills in critical reasoning and accurate and persuasive selfexpression; the maintenance of high academic standards via clear and consistent policies; and instilling in students an appreciation for life-long learning.
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The beginning With this in mind, and following the Gulf War in 1991, a team led by Elias Bou Saab from the American College in London visited the Gulf to establish relationships with various ministries of higher education as well as the region’s schools. The shortage in quality private education at the university level, coupled with an appreciation of the American model of higher education, led them to conduct a feasibility study on the prospects of establishing an American university in the Gulf. The results confirmed the high level of interest and desire for a campus offering an American-accredited educational curriculum.
It also became quickly apparent that Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, would be an ideal place to locate such an institution. Dubai was found to be a politically stable, cosmopolitan and outward-looking city whose then tiny private sector in higher education was just beginning to draw some attention. The guiding principle underlying the university’s establishment was bringing the American educational system to the region without interfering with or challenging the culture or values of the local community. The institution achieved this goal and sees it as a key to its success. “I moved to Dubai in 1995 in order to officially establish the American University in Dubai,” said Executive Vice President Elias Bou Saab,
our story
“which in turn would not have been possible without the commitment and support from the outset of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. To this day, His Highness continues his unlimited support for higher education in general and for the university in particular.”
Recipe for success The American University in Dubai seeks to duplicate the American recipe for education success. Syllabi and textbooks are often the same as those used in similar courses taught in the United States. In addition, the predominance of American and American-trained faculty further ensures that the university be American in substance as well as in name. Expectations of academic performance either match or exceed those prevailing on a “typical” American campus. But as with any institution of higher learning, The American University in Dubai – although working within an American framework – has developed a character of its own. This is in large
Uncompromising maintenance of high academic standards, an emphasis on innovative and critical thinking and identification of the ‘whole person’ as the target for human and cultural developments are those factors which truly distinguish American education.” part inspired by its sensitivity to the needs of the student populace of the Middle Eastern terrain in which it operates. AUD’s curriculum across all
disciplines is skill-directed and careeroriented. Everything from academic advising to the approach to facultystudent interaction in and outside the classroom, as well as career counseling, is implemented with attention to the needs of the individual student. It is for this reason that all faculty follow an “open door” policy with regard to office hours. Finally, the globalization of business and communications makes it imperative that the university’s educational programs be delivered with an international perspective and that a tolerance for cultural diversity be promoted through both curricular and extra-curricular activities. Dr Lance de Masi, AUD’s President over the last 15 years, said: “The uncompromising maintenance of high academic standards, an emphasis on innovative and critical thinking and identification of the ‘whole person’ as the target for human and cultural developments are those factors which truly distinguish American education. Even at this point in AUD’s young history, these are precisely the values which underpin the university’s identity.”
A culture of excellence The American University in Dubai remains convinced that since its opening in 1995, it has made great strides towards developing a culture of excellence by combining the heritage of traditional American education with those perspectives it has matured locally. The university looks forward to further collaboration with the local community in its continuous search for relevant educational programs delivered to global standards. De Masi said: “AUD is contributing to the accomplishment of the national/ Dubai’s agenda for progress, even at this point in AUD’s young history.”
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NEWS Adobe and AUD discuss future of digital publishing AUD held a discussion on the future of digital publishing in collaboration with Adobe Middle East and North Africa. The panel consisted of Joe Karkour, Adobe MENA Dubai, Graphic Design Professors at AUD Krassen Krestev and Luis Castaneda, and Connor Purcell, Editor of Emirates’ in-flight magazine. Brad Moody, Associate Professor of Digital Media at AUD, moderated the discussions. visitors
Annual CAAD Conference The Departments of Architecture and Interior Design at AUD organized their annual Contemporary Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) Conference. With a selection of internationally and regionally renowned architects, such as Brian Johnson, Lionel Lambourn, Bernd Hagemeister and Floris Smith, this spectacular event benchmarked a solid decade of showcasing excellence and creative visitors
ingenuity within the architecture and interior design industries. On the importance of organizing such a conference, Dr Nabyl Chenaf, Chair and Associate Professor of Architecture and Interior Design at AUD, said: “Having kicked off in 2002, the CAAD Conference has become a platform for innovative, academic and professional exchange and has brought regional attention to Dubai in general and to AUD in particular.”
Fitness app finishes first Three Computer and Information Technology graduates won the UAE Mobile Application Contest with their innovative fitness app. Alexander Fuchs, Jamal Al Bloushi and Ahmad Benmosbah won the contest, organized by the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, with their program, JoyFit. They developed the JoyFit app as part of their ITAD450 Senior Capstone Project course during their last semester at AUD. JoyFit is a BlackBerry app designed for runners, and saw over 1,400 downloads within the first 14 days of its release. Runners compete with friends by earning points as they run. Student
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Tammy Camp speaks at aud Tammy Camp, dubbed the “Lara Croft of the web” by Forbes, came to speak to the Department of Visual Communication, Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication and Department of Marketing and Marketing Communications students at AUD about media and communications. She gave an inspiring talk about her experiences with production, business and trends in communications. She gave examples, such as her recent video Renegade – A Modern Palindrome (check it out on her YouTube Channel), which she wrote, voiced and produced, while working with Grammy Award winner Chris Carmouche, on music and engineering. visitors
Students and faculty asked questions and talked with Tammy about media and communications in the GCC and the melding of this new technology and cultures. Tammy talked about the importance of being passionate about what you do and to always follow your dream.
Financial training for students AUD has partnered with DirectFN to teach students about financial markets. It allows AUD students to receive data on the UAE and New York stock markets, enabling them to get to grips with the analysis and decision-making processes. It also provides students and faculty members with new means to help in their research and business studies; allows faculty to participate in short modules of training in financial markets; and provides internship opportunities to students. DirectFN is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Technology Group, one of the largest ICT companies in the Middle East specializing in providing solutions ranging from desktop information workstations, data feeds, transaction systems and order management systems to total end to end solutions. relations
The agreement was signed between Dr David Van Over, Dean of the School of Business Administration at AUD, and Emmanouil Revmatas, Head of Global Business Development, DirectFN.
This is a very exciting opportunity for us to work with the faculty of AUD and to contribute to their programs and the learning experience of the students”
DirectFN will also conduct a training session each academic year for students to create awareness about financial market technology, along with another session per semester for finance students on financial modeling in the real world. AUD’s expertise will be solicited to develop knowledge among DirectFN’s staff, and there are plans to organize joint events, seminars and workshops for the benefit of the UAE financial community. “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to work with the faculty of AUD and to contribute to their programs and the learning experience of the students,” said David Hann, Head of Sales, DirectFN. “We look forward to providing an insight into how market data acts as a trigger in the decision-making process of financial practitioners.”
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NEWS
First alumni reunion held AUD held its first Alumni Reunion on campus, reuniting graduates from Class of 1998 through Class of 2010, with AUD’s senior management, Deans and Chairs, faculty, staff and AUD friends. The event was organized by AUD’s External Relations Office and included a welcome note by AUD’s External Relations Manager, Peggy Awad, and a special address by AUD’s President, Dr Lance de Masi. During his speech, Dr de Masi said: “You, more than anything and anyone I can think of, you are AUD. Our job is to define AUD from the inside out but your job is to define it from the outside in.” Awad hailed the event, saying: “The AUD Alumni Association can only be successful and sustainable with the full support, commitment and devotion of its graduates. Each play a vital role in shaping the association, and the reunion back home at AUD tonight unfolds the drive and vision of taking the association to even greater heights.” alumni
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During the event, the AUD Alumni Association (AUDAA) recognized its alumni for their accomplishments, both personally and professionally. In addition a number of new appointments were announced. Gautam Goenka (Class of 2006, BBAMarketing) is now President of the association, Basel Yousef (2010, MBA) is Vice President, and Zaid Darawzeh
professional growth for more than seven years. Masarat Daoud (2005, BIT) won the Distinguished Alumni Contribution Award for her voluntary service. AUD also thanked active alumni who worked closely with the association such as Mishaal Al Gergawi (2004, BBA), Bilal Sabouni (2004, BIT), and Omar Al Busaidy (2009, BBA).
The AUD Alumni Association can only be successful and sustainable with the full support, commitment and devotion of its graduates.” (2008, BIT-Network Infrastructure Design and Administration) is Public Relations Officer. Ghassan Khlat (1998, BBA– Marketing/Advertising) won the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award for being in the top tier of the under-35s in the marketing communications industry after notable
On being honored with the award, Khlat said: “It is a privilege being an ambassador of AUD... The AUD community continues to go from strength to strength and I look forward to the new alumni association initiatives to leverage that asset and further reinforce the ties between the university and the job market.”
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Imagine Cup challenges students AUD hosted the regional finals for Microsoft’s premier technology competition, Imagine Cup 2011. Now in its ninth year, Imagine Cup called on students across the UAE to rise to the challenge and “imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems facing us today”. Dr Khalid Khawaja, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Associate Professor of Computer Science, AUD, said: “We are barely scratching the surface of imaginative ways of using technology in ways that will enrich our lives. The question of ‘what’s next?’ intrigues all of us in the field. The interesting part is deep down. We feel most of the answer is likely to come from the young, energetic generation. Our new Computer Science program prides itself in partnering with giants like Microsoft in events like the Imagine Cup, which makes an attempt at answering the question: ‘What’s next?’” As the world’s premier student technology competition, the Imagine Cup is Microsoft’s initiative to encourage young people to apply their imagination and creativity to technology innovations that can make a difference and address real-world issues. visitors
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We are barely scratching the surface of imaginative ways of using technology in ways that will enrich our lives.”
Kitchen contest cooks up a storm AUD students joined 750 others from across the region to develop their visions of the kitchen of the future as part of the LG Conceptualife 2011 Kitchen Design Competition. Nada Yakub, an AUD Interior Design Alumna, who was in her Senior year upon submitting her entry, managed Student
to impress the judges and was named one of the UAE finalists for her ecofriendly Energy Flux kitchen design, comprising a single ribbon shape that wraps itself around the space. She said: “The competition was an amazing opportunity. I have always been environmentally conscious and
LG provided an international platform for designers to broadcast our ideas. Everything from the welcome dinner to the rehearsal to the actual show was very well organized and planned. Also, it was great meeting the students from other countries and seeing what they think about the future of design.”
New team top in debate Student
The newly-formed AUD Debate Club brought home a well deserved winner’s trophy at the SYZITO Intercollegiate Public Speaking Competition held at BITS Pilani – Dubai. The students, including Varunya Venkatesh, Irfan Ghani, Philip Apaza and Hiba Mahmood, competed against eight other universities for the Rolling Championship Trophy.
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NEWS AUD works to boost internal auditing AUD has partnered with the UAE Internal Audit Association (UAE IAA) to further intensify its educational advancement. Dr Lance de Masi, AUD’s President, and Abdulqader Obaid Ali, President of the UAE IAA Chapter, signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the presence of Dr David Van Over, Dean of AUD’s School of Business and Associate Professor of Business Administration, Dr Mohammed Abu Ali, Associate Professor of Economics at AUD, and Peggy Awad, AUD’s External Relations Manager. UAE IAA works to promote internal auditing in the country. The MoU covers conferences and training; placing graduates and interns; joint publications; an Internal Audit faculty to promote internal auditing in the university; recognition programs; and promotes Emiratization. relations
“The signing of the MoU with AUD marks yet another important landmark for the UAE IAA and we look forward to the start of a meaningful co-operation between the two organizations.” Abdulqader Obaid Ali
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Hillary Clinton Meets AUD Students and Staff US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met William Jefferson Clinton Scholars at AUD. She commended the students on their choice to expand their educational and cultural horizons by studying in the Arab world through their participation in the Clinton Scholarship Program at AUD. Executive Vice President Elias Bou Saab said: “Dubai is a symbol of inter-cultural harmony and understanding. “We are extremely honored that Secretary Clinton took the time from her busy schedule to personally meet with the group from AUD.” visitors
Telecoms tie-up sends the right message The School of Engineering at AUD is now the first academic member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in the UAE. To mark the event, the university welcomed Houlin Zhao, Deputy Secretary General of the ITU, in September, along with Bilel Jamoussi, ITU Chief, Study Groups Department, and Nasser Bin Hammad, Senior Manager, International Affairs, UAE Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA). ITU is a United Nations agency covering the fields of information relations
and communication technologies. It is responsible for assigning global radio spectra and satellite orbits, developing international electronics, telecommunication and information exchange standards to ensure interoperability among different countries and agencies, and assisting underserved communities in gaining access to technology. The meeting was also an occasion to discuss prospects for further involvement by the AUD faculty in the ITU’s telecommunication standardization sector and TRA
Students team up with Harvard Eight students from AUD traveled to Harvard University in the US to take part in the Harvard College in Asia Program’s (HCAP’s ) Global Healthcare Systems: A Changing Landscape conference. The students joined peers from Istanbul, Seoul, Honk Kong, Mumbai and Tokyo along with delegates from Harvard University itself. The conferences aim to create unique, global experiences that address the same issues in a variety of different approaches. AUD is the only university from the Middle East participating in these conferences. Later in the year AUD hosted 12 students from Harvard University in the second part of the HCAP. AUD was proud to host Justin Siberell, US Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, as Keynote Speaker during the opening ceremony. He said: “I am impressed and heartened that the leaders of tomorrow are already addressing the critical global challenges of today. As we commemorate 40 years of US-UAE diplomatic relations in 2011, this conference serves as an example of the academic exchange and educational ties that continue to strengthen our bilateral relationship.” relations
Annual desert safari The Student Government Association (SGA) organized the university’s Annual Desert Safari, one of the most deeplyrooted events in the university’s history of extracurricular activities. The event was founded more than a decade ago and has grown each year. Students got a feel for the country’s heritage while enjoying camel rides, sand-surfing and dune bashing, abaya Student
and dishdasha photo-shoots, Henna, falconry, belly dancing, and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. AUD student and SGA President Philip Apaza said: “Students look forward to getting away from the pressures of academics and getting out for a day of fun with 400 friends. A lot of effort goes into organizing such an event, but the outcome is always fun and entertaining.”
activities. TRA encouraged and supported the co-operation between AUD and ITU to promote, develop, and advance the information technology and telecommunication industry in the region. “Membership of the ITU gives AUD a unique opportunity to contribute to a wide range of issues in the telecommunications and information technology sector,” said Dr Wael Bazzi, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and AUD’s focal point with ITU. “Both AUD faculty and students will have access to the various meetings and events organized by ITU and engage in discussions with ITU decision makers and other ITU sector members from around the globe.”
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NEWS Talk held on water pollution visitors
The Civil Engineering Department at AUD hosted a lecture on ‘Uranium Contamination in Water Supply Wells’ by Thomas Christy, an international expert on measurement of geotechnical processes, groundwater contamination and industrial waste treatment. Christy discussed the use of ‘direct push’ methods, such as soil probing, for investigation of uranium groundwater contamination in Clarks, Nebraska. In one of the projects, a variety of techniques were used to perform hydrostratigraphic profiling and groundwater sampling to investigate the occurrence of uranium contaminants in the Platte River aquifer in central America.
“The seminar was a good opportunity for AUD’s Civil Engineering students to get familiar with one of the leadingedge technologies in groundwater quality monitoring.” Jamal Azzeh, an undergraduate student in Civil Engineering and officer with AUD’s Civil Engineering Student Association (CESA), said: “The seminar was a good opportunity for AUD’s Civil Engineering students to get familiar with one of the leading-edge technologies in groundwater quality monitoring. CESA continually works toward organizing similar seminars for Civil Engineering students, which enables students to benefit.”
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Emirati DJ Bliss meets students Marwan Parham, also known as DJ Bliss, spoke with students from AUD about his television projects and well established position at the top of Dubai’s music scene. The event, part of AUD’s Chat Series, which sees entrepreneurs, creators and newsmakers speak to students and faculty about their work, was organized by Bradley Moody, Visual Communications Assistant Professor at AUD. Parham currently has two shows on TV channel Dubai One: Twenty Something, alongside Annah Jacobs, visitors
and the lifestyle show Emirati. Both shows started airing in October 2009. He discussed the power of social networking tools and their role in establishing a successful career as an entertainer and communicator. Prof Moody said DJ Bliss was a great model for students hoping to develop media content in an industry that demands multitasking and flexible areas of expertise. “I chose DJ Bliss to come and speak because he is hooked on everything – TV, radio, and music mixing. He is a young accomplished Emirati representing a great example.”
team top in finance challenge AUD’s finance students won first place in a local investment challenge, flying to Spain to represent the UAE in the regional finals. The students won the UAE round of the Global Investment Research Challenge, a major event organized annually by the CFA Institute and involving top business schools worldwide. They then headed to Madrid, Spain, to represent the UAE in the Europe, Middle-East and Africa regional challenge. Only 20 teams go to Spain from the region and AUD was proudly one of them. The challenge promotes best practices in equity research and company analysis. AUD students researched, analyzed and reported on the National Bank of Abu Dhabi as if they were practicing analysts. Participants were required to follow the bank’s performance during the whole Fall semester and then write a professional report under the guidance of a faculty member and a mentor Student
I am very proud of my students’ performance as this just confirms the quality of our programs.”
from the industry. The report is then presented in front of leading industry experts. The CFA Institute Global Investment Research Challenge offers students the opportunity to learn from leading industry experts and compete with peers from the world’s top finance programs.
use energy-saving light in an indoor environment in an aesthetically pleasing way. Sarah said: “I am so excited and honored to receive this award. Being able to share my work with professionals who appreciate it is what makes it all worth it. This competition also gave me a great opportunity to explore different aspects of lighting design.”
In the Façade Lighting category, students had to create a new way of illuminating external windows to give a building’s façade a new look. In his winning project, Soheil designed animated lights for a Dubai Metro station. Ansari and Kamel won a trip to the Light+Building Show in Frankfurt, Germany, from April 15 to 20, 2012.
aud shines in lighting contest Two AUD students won top honors in a regional lighting design competition. Sara Kamel and Soheil Ansari, from AUD’s Departments of Interior Design and Architecture, won in the Energy Saving Lighting Products and Façade Lighting categories respectively at the General Electric awards held at the Light Middle East 2011 Exhibition The competition was organized by AUD, Mazarii Interiors, and Messe Frankfurt, and supported by the Professional Lighting Design Association with GE as the main sponsor. In the Energy Saving Lighting Products category, students had to Student
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NEWS IT symposium spurs innovation visitors
AUD held its second annual two-day international IT symposium, focusing on database systems and data-mining techniques. Organized by the Department of Computer Science at AUD and sponsored by the International Electric and Electronic Engineering Society, British Computing Society, Oracle, IBM, and Sagner Wellcome Trust, the leading research institute in the field of bioinformatics, the Database Operations and Development Symposium 2011 is a forum for scientists, engineers and practitioners to present their latest research results, ideas and developments in all areas of database operations and development. Several IT giants and research institutes, such as IBM, Oracle and Sagner Wellcome Trust, led special workshops and presentations showcasing their latest solutions in the field of database and data-mining. In addition, many internationally renowned and influential scholars in the IT sector delivered lectures and shared publications.
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Marketing Communications STUDENTS praised Marketing Communications senior students at AUD received praise from one of the world’s leading networks after presenting their final project. The students showed off their work to senior officials from Memac Ogilvy & Mather after spending a term preparing a fully developed marketing strategy and plan for Coca Cola’s 125th Anniversary, together with solutions across a wide variety of communications disciplines. Student
Tanya Dernaika, Group Head of Strategic Planning, Memac Ogilvy & Mather, Dubai, said: “I speak on behalf of the Memac Ogilvy team when I say that we felt so glad to be selected as the agency to collaborate with for the students’ end of term project. The communication industry always expects high standards from AUD students, but the standard of professionalism, rigor and creativity displayed during the presentation far exceeded our expectation.”
Rolling Stone internships claimed Student
Two AUD students won highly coveted internships at the Middle East edition of the iconic American pop-culture magazine, Rolling Stone. The magazine organized a monthlong “I Want To Work For Rolling Stone” internship contest, with 15 UAE-based students shortlisted: five each in the Journalism/Editorial, Photography/Creative, and Marketing/ Social Networking categories. Throughout May, the candidates took part in individual and team challenges, using equipment provided by some of the program’s sponsors: Nokia, Flip Video and MINI. They were encouraged
to blog about their experiences and use social networking to get members of the public to vote for them. The AUD winners were Mohamed Al Moosa in the Journalism/Editorial category, and Vidyut Dhanwantri, in the Photography/Creative category. Both worked at Rolling Stone Middle East throughout the summer.
I wish to learn as much as possible from this internship”
Mohamed Al Moosa, a Communication and Information Studies student in the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at AUD, said: “The competition was amazing! I always dreamt of working for Rolling Stone someday. The fact that I get to do it now at such a young age even though it’s just for a short time is just out of this world.” Vidyut Dhanwantri, majoring in Visual Communication, shared his experience: “I wish to learn as much as possible from this internship and better my skills as a designer. I would like to thank my university and Rolling Stone Middle East for giving us this amazing opportunity”.
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NEWS First Autodesk certification in the Middle East relations AUD is now officially the first academic institution in the Middle East to become an Authorized Certification Center for all Autodesk products and software. Autodesk is a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, and certification is a confirmation of the high level of skills and knowledge taught at AUD. Training leads to accelerated professional development, improved productivity and enhanced credibility for students with potential employers.
“I sincerely think that students at AUD have shown a real hunger for knowledge and seem to have a genuine readiness for embracing cuttingedge technology.” Dr Nabyl Chenaf, Chair and Associate Professor of Architecture and Interior Design at AUD, said: “I sincerely think that students at AUD have shown a real hunger for knowledge and seem to have a genuine readiness for embracing cutting-edge technology. “ Assistant Professor of Architecture and Interior Design, Prof Alex Albani, recently became the first person in the UAE to earn the Professional Certificate for Revit Architecture, and became one of four in the UAE to earn the Associate Certificate for Revit Architecture.
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Sustainability poster earns top spot For the second consecutive year, a student from AUD has won the IAA-Dentsu Global Student Poster Competition. Mohammed Abualqumssan, a Visual Communication major, was selected as the winner of the Middle East and Africa regional competition. The IAA-Dentsu Global Student Poster Competition, organized by the International Advertising Association (IAA), and sponsored by Dentsu, is open to undergraduate students around the world. This year’s theme was sustainability. Abualqumssan said he was thrilled at the win. “I’m very excited and thankful for the selection of my poster as the Middle East and Africa winner in the Student
IAA-Dentsu Student Poster Competition. Sustainability, as a topic, keeps growing in importance with every day that passes; helping to raise awareness and understanding of this topic is a great priority to me as a Visual Communication student. Steps must continue to be taken at a global level to resolve this issue and to provide a safe and livable planet for generations to come. It is our responsibility to get together and understand the impact of our actions on our future.” The competition was launched in support of the United Nations action in the lead up to the 2012 Rio 20 Conference. The winning entries will be exhibited at the 2011 Cannes International Festival of Creativity.
Deal signed with Unicef AUD and Unicef signed an agreement aiming at increasing HIV/Aids awareness, among many other awareness programs, through youth empowerment and education of students and community. Lara Hussein, Unicef Officer in Charge and Chief of Child Protection, and Dr Lance de Masi, AUD President, formalized an already strong relationship between AUD and Unicef. “On days like today, I am reminded of Albert Schweitzer’s comment that in life, service is a requirement for happiness,” said Dr de Masi. “Education, a preparation for a presumably happy life, isn’t education without a sense of service. In this way, this agreement is significant in enhancing AUD’s mission as an educational institution.” The agreement covers awareness programs at AUD, encouraging student involvement, training students, endorsing student activities and planning joint events and conferences on campus. “Unicef is happy to sign this agreement with the American University in Dubai,” said Hussein. “We have already established strong ties relations
On days like today, I am reminded of Albert Schweitzer’s comment that in life, service is a requirement for happiness.” with AUD previously working together on the World Aids Day Event in 2010 and more recently conducting an HIV/ Aids training workshop with a group of students. We now look forward to continuing and further enhancing this joint partnership.”
In addition the AUD Health Center founded a student club, the Peer Health Educators – a group of trained AUD students who help others make healthier choices and work closely with professionals, serving as a resource for guidance, training and referral.
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Class of 2011 bids farewell AUD’s Alumni Office organized a graduation party for the Class of 2011 under the name Grad Bash 2011. Senior students from all disciplines at AUD graduating in May gathered for a Hawaiian-themed evening around the campus pool with a BBQ dinner, dancing, activities by Dubai Drums, games including a tug of war, and entertainment courtesy of Red Bull. This year the Alumni Office put together a Grad Bash committee, led by Ghalia Ballan, External Relations Co-ordinator, and consisting of Disha Pagarani, Bhakti Bahirwani, Manolia Dsouza, Danya Hassan, Tanuj Damani, Heba Abu Yousef, Milad Bejjani and Shivani Moorjani. The committee was put together in Fall 2010, meeting throughout the academic year to contribute to the success of the event. “Being a part of the Grad Bash committee and organizing this event was a great experience – from the first meeting till the last dive into the pool. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life... A great effort by the AUD Alumni Association for alumni
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the Graduating Class of 2011,” said Bahirwani. Peggy Awad, External Relations Manager at AUD, who runs the Alumni Office, said: “The event was also an opportunity for the Alumni Office to network with the senior students, welcoming them to the AUD Alumni Association while transitioning them to young alumni. This is the second
mission. The annual events and programs – such as reunions, sports events, lectures and other activities – strengthen the bond of AUD’s alumni members with both the University and with each other. “Many of our alumni like to keep in touch after they leave AUD for lots of reasons, whether for career, social, or professional purposes, so Grad Bash
Bringing alumni members together is at the heart of the association’s mission.” edition of Grad Bash, which has become an annual ritual for AUD’s Alumni Office. “We are extremely happy that our seniors enjoyed themselves in a laidback atmosphere filled with music, fun and what we hope are great memories of their last year at AUD.” Bringing alumni members together is at the heart of the association’s
was a fantastic way to introduce the association and its benefits, as well as mingle with them while discussing future opportunities,” Awad said. “Grad Bash was a perfect way to celebrate our last couple of weeks with friends, faculty and staff at AUD. It also allowed us to take some time off from our Senior projects and just unwind and de-stress,” said Pagarani.
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NEWS
A cultural feast A massive crowd of students, faculty and staff and AUD’s community-at-large assembled to enjoy the 14th edition of International Night, which celebrates AUD’s rich cultural diversity. Student
AUD chooses its Idol Student
The long-awaited AUD Idol Season 2 Finale presented its quartet of contestants: Fatih Ismail, Sarah Al Shaybani, Malvika Das and Valeria Muzafyarva. The night featured well-known names of Dubai’s music scene, like Hassan Tiny O and Desert Heat, who gave a special performance. The three judges who observed the
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The event was organized by the AUD Student Government Association (SGA) and ‘The Buzz,’ the University’s student-run events management club. AUD’s campus was transformed into a miniature map of the world with
cultural depictions in every section, ranging from poem recitals to live music and dance performances. The cultural booths displayed the heritage and traditional cuisine of the countries represented by the student body.
talents on stage were Hassan Tiny O, Daneesh, from Kilma Studios, and Ramy Makhaly, a student at AUD. The contestants dazzled the crowd and the judges, who concluded every performance with a flourish of compliments and praises. The drum beats rolled as the winners of the night were announced. “I think it was a very successful night,” said Monica Azmy, AUD Idol’s music coach. “I know that we are going to expand next year. I hope everyone enjoyed the event.”
Career Fair gets bigger The annual Career Fair was 54 percent larger than last year, with more than 60 companies taking part. It brought together the AUD community and employers to help meet the needs of the market. Career Services Manager Stella Mandehou commented on the success of the 2011 Career Fair: “The annual Career Fair successfully brought together AUD students and alumni with major multinational, regional and local companies. Despite the economic crisis a record number of jobs for fresh graduates still exist in the Middle East and we are proud to say that participation Student
Clinton Global Initiative University Ten AUD students took part in the fourth edition of the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U). AUD is a regular participant at these meetings and remains the only institution from the Middle East. At this year’s meeting, over 1,000 students from more than 90 countries came together to make a difference in CGI U’s five focus areas: Education, Environment and Climate Change, Peace and Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, and Public Health. Meetings were arranged around plenary sessions, working sessions, Student
and skill sessions, all of which allowed students to interact and formulate plans of action for their commitments. At CGI U, President Clinton brings the next generation of leaders together to help inform, inspire and prepare them to launch and expand their humanitarian work. During the conference, AUD students had the opportunity to network with other students, NGOs, and celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Sean Penn and Mandy Moore, in addition to meeting President Clinton in person.
Model United Nations held in US AUD students traveled to Washington to take part in a Model United Nations (MUN) event. Members of the American University in Dubai MUN Organization represented Haiti at the debating event, which was attended by students from a number of other institutions. The team then went on to take part in the Columbia MUN in New York Conference, held at the campus of the Columbia University. Peggy Awad, AUD’s External Relations Manager and Advisor of the team, said: “Students were assigned to represent countries and had to solve relations
a current issue while also defending the interests of the country. Delegates gained knowledge about foreign relations, politics, and world issues through debating and public speaking.”
Despite the economic crisis a record number of jobs for fresh graduates still exist in the Middle East.” of companies has increased by 54 percent this year, a clear indication of improvement in the Dubai job market after the economic downturn. “With the roaring economies of the MENA region and the emphasis on training and human resources development the demand for fresh talent will continue to grow.” AUD’s students and alumni were offered counseling by the Career Services team ahead of the event. They were advised on making successful career transitions and getting adequately prepared for the employment market.
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NEWS Sports teams come out on top Student The athletics department at AUD organized a series of friendly matches with the American University of Sharjah (AUS). A sense of excitement spread around campus throughout October ahead of the football, basketball and volleyball games. The AUD Knights clinched victory with a 2-1 result in football, although the women’s basketball team slipped to a 30-40 defeat. Pride was restored in volleyball, with both the men’s and the women’s teams coming out on top.
Students ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ Visual Communication students Irfan Ghani and Talal Gergawi won the 2011 INDEX Student Challenge Brand Contest. Organized jointly by DMG, ISG and tasmena, the 2011 INDEX Student Challenge’s theme this year was reuse – as in ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.’ Participants had to identify regional materials that have been written off as waste and propose their reuse within an interior design application. These design solutions were realized onsite at the INDEX Exhibition. Student
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Graduation dinner honors guests AUD hosted a gala dinner in honor of Commencement Keynote Speaker Robert Gibbs, longtime Advisor to US President Barack Obama and 28th White House Press Secretary, and Guest Speaker Erin Burnett, Anchor and Chief Business and Economics Correspondent at CNN. The dinner, attended by AUD Governing Board members and academic leaders, followed the 14th Commencement Exercises of the university earlier that day. Also joining visitors
the dinner were the Advisory Board Members of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at AUD, in Dubai for their first board meeting with the school. Dr Stephen Franklin, Chairman of the AUD Governing Board, welcomed everyone and congratulated the AUD community on another successful graduation ceremony and academic year. Gibbs and Burnett were each presented with a plaque of appreciation.
Student leaders inducted Student Services hosted the Student Government Association (SGA) Induction Ceremony and Leaders Luncheon. Seven newly-elected Student Government executive board members, club leaders from over 40 recognized student-run clubs and organizations, resident assistants and athletes attended the swearing-in ceremony, followed by lunch aimed at fostering communication and co-operation among AUD leaders. Addressing the Student Government and AUD student leaders, President Dr Lance de Masi said: “We are fond of talking about whole person development. Without the SGA, this would suffer. We talk about responsibility. Without the SGA, our students would have fewer examples of model behavior. We talk about the value of diversity. Without the SGA, that value would be diminished. We talk about critical thinking and creativity. Do not the representation and governance provided by the SGA serve to express and cultivate those two attributes? We talk, but the SGA is about action… results.” relations
Awards given at gala dinner AUD held its annual Gala Dinner for the academic year 2010-2011 – an awards ceremony organized by the Office of Student Services in honor of the AUD faculty and staff, graduating students and those students whose performance and contributions have made a difference. An AUD tradition, the evening brought together students, faculty and staff, and commenced with naming and honoring the respective recipients of the President’s Awards for Distinguished Service, for Student Excellence, for Teaching Excellence, and for Institutional Effectiveness, by Dr Lance de Masi, AUD’s President. Philip Apaza, President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Monica Ishak, Co-founder of AUD Idol and AUD Orientation Leader, greeted the audience. Bushra Finaish, Assistant Dean of Student Services and Student Support Manager at AUD, introduced the student awards, which include the Student
AUD goes pink for a day
Student Leadership Award, Student Service Awards, Student Government Association Award, Student Ambassador Awards, Outstanding Student Organization, Outstanding
Student Event, and the Outstanding Male and Female Student Athletes. The awards were presented by the administrative members of the AUD Student Services Office.
Thanks to the organization and planning of Nelly Halabi, AUD’s Health Center Director, the entire campus turned a bright shade of pink. She said: “The AUD Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign has become an
annual humanitarian ritual undertaken by the AUD community to manifest its support for breast cancer patients.” This year, AUD partnered with BurJuman’s Safe & Sound campaign, one of the region’s largest breast cancer awareness campaigns. Fundraising activities included a bake sale, t-shirts, pink ribbons and pins sale, photo shoots, face painting, a book drive, and a Pink Bazaar. Proceeds from fund-raising initiatives are monitored by the Red Crescent and go toward generating further awareness and supporting patient care. “We are proud to be able to help beat breast cancer by effectively spreading the message of early detection among thousands of women and men across the UAE,” said Halabi. The resident assistants at AUD Housing ensured that common areas were decorated and that students wore pink on the day.
Student
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NEWS The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication was established following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to attract the brightest students from across the Arab world. Upon their graduation, these students will contribute to the evolution of media institutions in the Arab world.
Police visit sheds light on media Students of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at AUD visited the relations
Media should be neutral in a way that serves the public, and not only a part of it.” 26
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headquarters of the Dubai Police Department to learn about the importance of communication with the media. “Media is a reflective mirror – the more transparent it is, the better,” said Major General Khamees Mattar Al Mazinah, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. “Media should be neutral in a way that serves the public, and not only a part of it.” Gen Al Mazinah also answered the students’ questions about the security
department’s position on privacy and transparency, and on media and security, as well as other topics. This took place in the presence of General Nasser Al Awr, Head of Social Relations, and Butti Al Falasi, Head of Media in Social Services Department. After the discussion, the students toured the Police HQ, visiting the command and control center, the archival room, the TV and radio studios and the media center, where they were shown Dubai Police’s several publications.
du partners with Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication Telecom company du signed an agreement with the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at AUD to provide a high-speed 100MB internet connection to students. The agreement was signed by du CEO Osman Sultan and Ali M Jaber, Dean of the school. “We are delighted to support the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at AUD, which is emerging as a leading school in the field of mass media and communication,” said Sultan. “Supporting education is at the heart of our CSR strategy, and using our expertise in telecoms we are striving to enhance and improve the development of young people in the UAE. By offering a superior internet connectivity we believe AUD MBRSC students will be able to connect with the world quickly and efficiently.” The connection will be used to support AUD MBRSC’s new multimedia programs, which involve digital editing and production, multimedia streaming, film editing and uploading, broadcasting and online multimedia learning and teaching. An average household in Dubai uses about 1MB. Therefore, the 100MB link will change the way communication is taught and allow the MBRSC students to further their education in Communication and Information Studies with onthe-spot downloads and smooth browsing while in class. relations
Journalism board meets for first time The newly appointed Advisory Board Members of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) met for the first time on May 15, 2011, coinciding with the graduation of its first batch of students at AUD’s 14th Commencement Exercises. The MBRSC Advisory Board advises the School’s administration on matters relevant to the Communication and Information Studies program, and assists in formulating and implementing its strategic priorities. The Board also plays an important role in setting program standards and providing feedback on the progress of MBRSC alumni in the market, while relations
providing an important link to the media community. Ali Jaber, Dean of MBRSC, thanked the Advisory Board Members “for taking part in our first Advisory Board, and I am confident that their experience and knowledge will put the School in a leading position”. Board Member Dawood Al Shirian, General Manager of MBC Group, said: “All the Advisory Board Members and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing of the MBRSC student’s unique outlook on the ever changing media industry. The MBRSC is creating the future generation of media professionals whose skills and ideas will be in tune with the needs of the modern Arabic societies.”
Students discuss social media Students from the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication discussed the role of social networking in the media when they met Maryam Bin Fahad, Executive Director of the Dubai Press Club, during the 10th Arab Media Forum. The discussion was moderated by media personality Nur Al Din Yusuf, who asked the AUD students to share their opinions on modern media. The students were also given the opportunity to be speakers at the Arab Media Forum during special workshops dedicated to young people. Student
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Computer Science offers three tracks: Databases, Game Design and Development, and Network Security. Students will be able to design, develop and maintain databases and computer applications, design operating systems and mobile applications, and develop secure computer networks. The program will educate students to develop algorithms and computer codes, and generate computer graphics as tools to simulate real systems and solve problems. Common applications range from information processing and data mining, to knowledge representation, pattern recognition, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and game design. Upon graduation, Computer Science students can pursue careers as software developers, programmer analysts, applications developers, computer game developers, network architects, database administrators, web services developers, systems analysts, information security specialists, and software test engineers.
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computing
The Science of Computing There are few aspects of life that remain untouched by computing, and this trend shows no signs of abating. Dr Khalid Khawaja is the Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Associate Professor of Computer Science. Here he describes the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, which has just been launched by the American University in Dubai Why did you launch the program? We have a long history of computing of computing at AUD, with our accredited programs by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). To build on this history, we created the four-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. As an idea it had been brewing for some time. Introducing a new program is a lengthy process which requires many different approvals, including the Ministry’s. But now everything is in place. What has been the response so far? We only got the approval in summer and it has been good. But we are still in the early stages and a lot more needs to be done in terms of promotion, etc. There are already efforts in that direction. The beauty of the program is that it is now part of the School of Engineering. This provides a structure for the program as it grows. There is a lot of support for this new program within an
engineering structure that will provide it with more breadth and depth. Who were the consultants on the program? We have an advisory board and it consists of leaders in the field of computing and information technology. Just to give an idea, we have senior people from companies such as IBM, Oracle, SAP and Siemens and institutions such as UAE University and Al Mawakeb school on our board. We also listen to our students and their employers in the region. Various survey tools are utilized before embarking on such a large task. Once students graduate what kind of job opportunities await them? Computer science occupies a good status in the eyes of parents and students in this region. We already have good relations with leading companies such as Microsoft, RIM, IBM etc. RIM has just donated to us seven BlackBerry Torches and Playbooks to use in our classes. We also have the Cisco Academy, with whom we have a good relationship. In terms of degree, we tried to hit on a really niche category.
The program offers three tracks: Game Design and Development; Network Security; and Databases. We have covered various aspects of these areas in our program. It’s a highly technical program and students who graduate with expertise in these areas will have fantastic prospects. They will undertake leadership positions in organizations or institutions and make positive contributions. What are the requirements for admission to this program? Undergraduates in the School of Engineering are required to maintain a minimum program (major) grade point average (MGPA) of 2.0 throughout their enrollment. They should have a certain proficiency in math and science. They need to get special grades in calculus, linear algebra and physics.
For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, please visit www.aud.edu/ soe/CS/programs.asp
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arts & Science
Connecting the Dots In a world where we are bombarded with more information than ever before, the ability to see the links between seemingly unconnected pieces is more important than ever. Here, Dr Gerald Legé, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Associate Professor of Mathematics, shares his thoughts on the University’s new Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Why did you choose to launch this degree? Offering degrees in Arts and Sciences is a worldwide university trend. At AUD, all undergraduate degree programs incorporate core arts and sciences requirements. However, the focus to date has been on offering professional programs such as business administration or engineering. By utilizing the expertise of our School’s existing faculty, we saw an opportunity to introduce AUD’s first arts and sciences degree. So the question then becomes: “Why that particular program?” Seeing the region we live in, Middle Eastern studies was top of mind. However, the debate led us to the launch of an International studies program, the broader subject, one which would allow us to introduce future programs in women’s studies, Middle Eastern studies, cultural studies, etc. This is a new kind of degree for AUD. What’s the biggest difference between this and some of the more professionallyfocused programs you mentioned? Contrary to more professionallyfocused programs, with the BAIS, students have a greater degree of freedom in customizing their
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educational experience, by focusing on politics, history, business and culture. We’re going to produce people who can think, but the way they think is what matters: it’s interdisciplinary. We have to see how powerful that’s going to be. If we do our job right we’re preparing them for a variety of possibilities. What kind of possibilities? The most obvious include working in consulates and embassies, but international studies majors can also end up working for the UN, the CIA, the WHO, to name a few. I think they’re better prepared for working in the international community by having a language background, and by having been situated in the multi-dimensional aspects of the program. Our students can be inspired by the likes of President Bill Clinton, Bandar Bin Sultan, Saudi Arabia’s former Ambassador to the US, and CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer, as they also majored in international studies. And is there also scope for further study? We will prepare them for graduate school if that’s what they want to do. We’ve already identified some schools to make that easier. We are also preparing study abroad programs for them in places like Brussels, Paris,
Washington, DC, so that they can actually see and interact and have possibilities for future jobs. The degree is composed of history, politics, culture and business, as well as a language other than English. How do they fit together? It’s about the level of depth. We offer discrete courses, so how do we get students to start thinking about the links between them? We offer them the opportunities. That’s one of the big skills we’re working on. Some of the courses are related. We don’t just offer courses in “politics”. They will be more focused like history of politics, or cultural politics. Then there’s the kind of projects they have to work on that force all four subject areas. For example, you could look at a Persian carpet as a symbol of cultural identity. We want students to see the historical developments, the economic decision to use women in that particular labor force, the fact that the patterns are identities of certain regions, and anyone who knows Persian carpets can identify that. So when they walk out of here we want them to be able to identify and understand all those different connections.
The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies provides students with an interdisciplinary educational experience combining politics, history, business, and culture. In an era of globalization, people can either watch events unfold from a distance or learn to understand how modern growth and its foundations are related. This world is driven by international banking and finance, telecommunications and information access, and the interactions of geographical regions and peoples. In this world, people encounter historical traditions, political systems that were born under very different conditions, and a diversity of cultures. The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies degree is designed to provide the educational context in which to understand this “big picture�.
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construction
The Master of Science in Construction Management program fills in a regional gap in graduate-level construction management education and research. It consists of a set of core courses covering disciplinespecific topics such as construction scheduling, estimating, equipment and methods, and addressing broader subjects including decision science, finance and accounting, and construction laws. A broad range of electives are offered in areas including construction safety, computer modeling, sustainable engineering, and management of megaprojects. The program is consistent with the construction management standards of practice and body of knowledge set out by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the American Council for Construction Education (ACEE), the Associated School of Construction (ASC), and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
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Building a Better Construction Industry Dr Alaa Ashmawy is Dean of the School of Engineering and Professor of Civil Engineering. Here he describes the recently-launched Master of Science in Construction Management program and the ways in which it will help those wanting to get ahead in the building industry
Why did the university decide to launch this program? Obviously this is Dubai, and it’s a place where construction was booming and still is booming. Compared to a couple of years ago, of course, it’s down, but it’s still happening. But construction is not just about buildings... It also includes infrastructure projects such as roadways and bridges, power plants, factories etc. That was our main thrust: there was a lot of demand for such a program in the region, and there weren’t any universities in the region that offered it. You may see a lot of generic engineering project management programs, but nothing geared toward the construction industry. So how does the Construction Management program differ from a more generic project management degree? Project management courses usually focus on the processes of managing a project. That’s important, but there are specifics in the construction industry that are also required. For example one of the things our program covers is construction equipment: what equipment is used for which projects. For example, if you’re building a tower it’s different than if you’re building a bridge. Then there are construction methods that a construction manager needs to be aware of that are not taught on a
regular project management course. Another difference is the research aspect. Students have to visit certain sites, collecting data from actual construction projects. The research element is lacking in the courses that are offered around the region. In designing the program, how much did you draw on what’s available elsewhere and how much did you create from scratch? We wanted the technical content to be solid, and we have 10 benchmarking institutions in the US, so we looked at their programs and saw what they’re doing. Now, construction in the US is very different to here, so we looked at some institutions in this region and in Europe, Australia and Asia as well. We had a lot of feedback from our advisory board and the construction industry in terms of what skills are needed. And Dubai is a great place for construction, so we’re aiming at getting students from other countries to come and study here. Where else can you both learn about an amazing project like Burj Khalifa and actually be able to visit the site, than in Dubai? and there are many more examples.
For more information on the course please visit www.aud.edu/soe/CE/ MScConstrMgmtOverview.asp
Who should consider taking this program? It’s mostly for people who have some experience in the construction industry: engineers, but also architects, quantity surveyors, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers. It’s for people who work in one way or another with the construction industry who are interested in furthering their education to get ahead in their career. So basically you can become a construction manager by climbing up the experience ladder, or by furthering your education through a program such as this. We recommend a minimum of two or three years experience in the construction industry and this is one of the admissions criteria. If you have an outstanding applicant who has less experience then, of course, we’ll consider it. And people can choose either full or part time? That’s right. If you study full time and you really work hard you could complete it in a year and four months. Part time, it’s between two and three years. Because we have individual modules people can work at their own pace, so people can take a heavy load at one point or skip a semester at another. At a minimum it’s three hours a week for a 15-week course, with another three to six hours a week for assignments.
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Study abroad
Making the Most of Globalization AUD offers a variety of programs to enable students to travel abroad and for foreign students to spend some time in Dubai. The result is a mingling of cultures and ideas that enriches both the students and their communities 34
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study abroad
The benefits are clear, said Peggy Awad, AUD’s External Relations Manager. “Studying abroad enhances academic development and it expands students’ horizons in terms of career and personal growth.” Currently there are three programs: The William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship Program, Study Abroad and exchanges. The Clinton Scholarship is a partnership between AUD and the William J Clinton Foundation, which offers tuition and accommodation in Dubai to 10 students from universities in the US each semester. The partnership with the Foundation began in 2002, when the former president spoke at AUD’s Commencement. “It was decided that there’s great potential here to bridge the gap between East and West,” said Awad.
T
he world may be getting smaller, but with increased closeness comes an increased danger of mutual misunderstanding. Different cultures have an enormous amount to learn from one another, not least the fact that each of us often has far more in common than may be immediately apparent. As an American-accredited
university in the Middle East, AUD is perfectly placed to counter negative stereotypes and enhance cross-cultural understanding, which is what makes the various study abroad programs offered by the university so important. Every year, dozens of students trade places, with foreign students spending a semester at AUD, and AUD students traveling abroad.
Most students will have an interest in the region: priority is typically given to those pursuing Middle Eastern Studies, although it’s not uncommon for a Clinton Scholarship to be the first time a student has traveled abroad. “We try to have a good mix, and that’s beneficial to us,” said Awad. “For those who have never traveled abroad, it’s a great benefit to them. But there are also those who have already traveled abroad and are on a mission to complete a certificate program or to complete their learning process of the region. It all adds to this word of mouth and bridging the gap, so it’s beneficial to have a mixture to both.” Incoming students benefit personally from the experience – in fact for many of them the visit is the beginning of a much longer-lasting affiliation with the region (see boxes on the next page). But in many ways the most important benefit is the ways in which their perception of the region is changed, something that goes on to influence a much larger group of people than just the Clinton Scholars themselves. “It’s important for them to go back and spread the word,” said Awad.
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Study abroad
The exchange student
Computer Engineering student Tanuj Damani spent a semester in Georgia Tech in the US under AUD’s exchange agreement I wanted to do the whole US university experience and obviously I wanted to go to one of the best universities, and Georgia Tech is one of the best engineering universities. I’d been to the US before when I went to drop off my sister at university at Illinois, and I stayed for about a month. She’d praised the education aspect of it, but other than that my expectations came mostly from movies. I benefitted in more ways than I can count. My mentality before going to Georgia Tech was that I can only do certain things, I can’t go out of the box. But when I went over there, seeing the things my friends were doing, the research they were into, the ideas they were portraying, it showed me that I can do whatever I want, try a lot of things, and it opened up my mind to a lot of things and opportunities. My way of thinking changed drastically. I have a lot of relatives in America so I do know what America is about, but being in a university atmosphere, I did expect something different and it brought me back to reality: things aren’t how they’re always portrayed in the media. It really opened my eyes to other cultures. For example I’m Hindu and my roommate there was Christian, so I learned a lot about another religion and the fact that we have a lot in common. Even when it came to things like playing games they would modify their equipment, whereas I would probably just buy it and use that, so it was very different to the kind of upbringing I’ve had here, which teaches you to stay within your limits, so to speak. My advice to anyone wondering if this is for them is: go for it, don’t think twice. I think I became more sociable and better at studies, so I’m having more fun and studying harder.”
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“To explain to people that many of the stereotypes we’re exposed to are simply not accurate.” Of course, with Dubai being so multicultural, most AUD students are used to being around a wide variety of nationalities, and typically don’t possess some of the misconceptions about others that may be held by those who have never traveled abroad. But that’s not to say that incoming students have nothing to offer to the existing student body. “They bring a lot of ideas,” said Awad. “Through them we’ve created new clubs, for example. So the cultures are mixed and everybody benefits.” Clinton Scholarships are only for US students wishing to come to AUD, but the other two schemes – Study Abroad and the exchange programs – operate in both directions, with AUD students also going abroad. Exchange programs are partnerships between AUD and selected universities around the world which allow straight ‘swaps’ of students for a semester,
while Study Abroad works on a similar basis with the exception that there is no pre-existing agreement between the institutions. Assuming that students pick a course that’s relevant to their degree program, they can typically transfer credits with no impact on their studies. Some of the many exchange partners include Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi in Milan, Italy; University of St Gallen in Switzerland; and the Georgia Institute of Technology in the US. Traveling is an area that Awad is keen to encourage. Currently AUD receives around 30 to 50 students from foreign institutions per semester across all three programs, a figure the university hopes to ultimately increase to 200. So far AUD has received students from more than 100 institutions worldwide. Outgoing numbers are slightly smaller, something that Awad believes is a reflection of AUD’s strengths. “AUD has 92 nationalities, she said. “So many of them feel that they are already on a study abroad experience.”
We provide as much support as we can but we need students to do their homework before they come. But on the whole they got a lot out of it. I just received an email from a former Clinton Scholar who liked it so much he’s moving back here to take up a job.”
That may be true, but Awad nevertheless feels that even students in as international environment as the UAE can still enjoy significant benefits from studying abroad. “I think the importance of studying abroad has several elements. You can study other languages. For example, in Milan they do a three-week intensive Italian course. Of course, they’re not going to master it, but to become familiar is a plus. “It promotes international awareness, whereby two cultures comes together and realize they can get along with each other. It enhances academic development and enhances their careers because many of them go to work in the countries in which they’ve studied. So it’s extremely beneficial.” AUD works hard to ensure that incoming foreign students settle in as quickly as possible. That process begins two to three months before they arrive when they are sent an information pack, including details on AUD, life in Dubai and local culture.
They are also put in touch with their student mentor – a fellow student who will spend time with them to make them feel at home. “We find that students speak better with other students, so they work together until they arrive,” said Awad. Foreign students are also given priority for space in the on-site dormitories, something the vast majority of them take advantage of. Once on campus they are checked on regularly, but otherwise are treated like regular students. Students have traveled from all over the world to study at AUD. Although many come from US universities, others include the University of Toronto; the American University of Nigeria; and the University Of Passau in Germany. So how do they find the experience? “Of course, it’s not for everyone,” said Awad. “We provide as much support as we can but we need students to do their homework before they come. But on the whole they got a lot out of it. “They can continue their formal education while getting a unique chance to learn about new cultures, exchange ideas and gain international experience, something that will influence their worldview for the better. “I just received an email from a former Clinton Scholar who liked it so much he’s moving back here to take up a job.” And, in many ways, that’s precisely the point.
The Clinton Scholar
Brian Pellot studied at AUD on a scholarship for one semester. He liked it so much he stayed on for another semester and is now completing a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford University in the UK I applied back in 2007 when I was studying Journalism and International Studies at the University of Missouri. I’d heard so many things about Dubai, and I had a real interest in other parts of the region, but I didn’t know a lot about the Gulf. I knew what I’d seen in the media, but I wanted to come here, see what it was like and experience the strange but wonderful city that is Dubai and the international culture that you find here. There are negative impressions about Dubai in the media in the US, but when I got to AUD I got involved with several clubs. I was in the international aid club, I founded one of the Rotary clubs in the city, and I was surrounded by this incredible group of international friends, and everyone brings their own perspective, their own culture, but everyone gets along really well. That’s what I find so fascinating about Dubai, that it’s people from all over the world but they’re getting along and exchanging ideas. I ended up staying for an entire year. I did a lot of traveling to Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Bahrain. But then we also traveled for speeches to Cyprus, Armenia, Georgia. Since then I have lived in Morocco and Oman for two months each, learning Arabic. I arrived at the beginning of Ramadan and fasted, although I drank water, to see what it was like. Being here is the reason that I decided to go on to Oxford and do a Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies. I’m there on a scholarship that I don’t think I’d have gotten had it not been for the experiences that I’d had here.”
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Commencement
Building a Tradition
AUD’s annual Commencement Exercises mark the end of a student’s university life, but it is also an opportunity for the institution to present itself to the broader community. Here, AUD Review explains what happens at a typical graduation ceremony and why it’s important Issue 1
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Commencement
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or the students the hard work of attending lectures, completing coursework and sitting for exams may be over, but in many ways the Commencement Exercises are the most important part of AUD’s academic year. Not only will hundreds of degrees be conferred on students who will go on to enjoy careers in multiple disciplines, both in the region and beyond, but for a few short hours the eyes of the entire community are on the university. “It is a day of celebration of graduate achievement over and above everything else,” said Dr Lance de Masi, the university’s President. “But it is also a day in which the university presents
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It’s quite a bit more formal than the average American ceremony is today, and we have written a protocol that governs just about every second of that ceremony.”
itself to the public, and helps to define what exactly it is.” To a point all American graduation ceremonies are the same: the students, faculty and staff walk in, degrees are handed out, and typically one or more speakers will address the audience of family, friends and other members of the university community. But within that framework each institution has latitude to tailor the ceremony to its own needs, creating a unique tradition. When AUD’s Graduation Committee first met almost 15 years ago to decide on its own procedures, weight had to be given to the fact that universities in the UAE were a relatively new phenomenon: the first national institution, the United
Arab Emirates University, was only established in 1978. Whereas the trend in the much older institutions of the West tends to be toward less formal ceremonies, it was quickly realized that the opposite approach would be better suited to this environment. “The AUD ceremony is a very choreographed, very produced ceremony,” said Dr de Masi. “It’s quite a bit more formal than the average American ceremony is today, and we have written a protocol that governs just about every second.” That includes everything from what to wear under the gown to when to sit and when to stand, and with which hand the degree should be received. “It’s more formal because we believe that that’s what this geography appreciates and what it expects from a day like that day and a ceremony like this ceremony,” said Dr de Masi. The ceremony begins with the Processional, in which the students and various members of staff and faculty walk onto the stage to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance No 1 in D by English composer Edward Elgar. The national anthems of the UAE and the US are then played before the Executive Vice President introduces the keynote speaker. Past speakers have included President Bill Clinton, broadcaster Lou Dobbs, advisor to Barack Obama Robert Gibbs, and current and former US Secretaries of State including Colin Powell and Madeleine Albright. While most speakers have been American there have been exceptions, such as then British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s wife Cheri Booth
We do some student canvassing, and the senior administration takes into account the conversations that happen on campus regarding who the speaker will be, and we begin to invite people.” in 2006, and Dr de Masi is keen to point out that speakers can be of any nationality. “We want people who one, have something to say, and two, we believe have a reasonable chance of saying it with impact,” he said. “We do some student canvassing, and the senior administration takes into account the conversations that happen on campus regarding who the speaker will be, and we begin to invite people.” Although there are sometimes calls from students for speakers from the world of cinema or television, Dr de Masi insisted that excitement over the speakers is largely universal. “Let’s say this: student disappointment has never been an issue. And if there was some skepticism on a couple of occasions prior to the ceremony, once they’ve heard the speech it was never an issue.” After the keynote address the students
receive their degrees, typically from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Undergraduate students then have the tassel on their cap moved from the right to the left by the university’s President before shaking hands with him – Masters students already wear the tassel on the left so simply shake hands. Honors students are then recognized by the Provost. There follows a short address from the Valedictorian – the highest ranking student of the year – after which the President delivers a personal and institutional “farewell” before leading the onstage party out of the hall in the Recessional to the tune of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The piece itself depicts Napoleon’s unsuccessful invasion of Russia, but that is not the reason it was selected. “It was chosen not because of its title but because we found it to be one of the most triumphal pieces of music that we have ever heard. When people hear it they believe that it’s a powerful way to end,” said Dr de Masi. Since the first Commencement was held – AUD has since conducted 14 in total – the tradition has barely been altered, something that Dr de Masi believes demonstrates just how effective it is in both celebrating the students’ achievements and in presenting the university to the wider community. “We wanted to do something that we believed would be in good taste, and something that we believed would also have the greatest impact on the local environment, and I think we’ve achieved that.”
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Commencement What they wear On May 16, 1895, a group of American colleges and universities met to agree on a standard for academic dress. More than 100 years later hundreds of institutions still follow, in full or in part, the standards set down by that original conference. Bachelor’s degree candidates wear a black cap and gown with a mantel worn over the shoulders, colored differently to denote the school or department. Master’s candidates wear a longer mantle and have wider sleeves. Administrators, faculty and staff can wear either AUD academic dress or that from which they earned their highest degree. Undergraduates who have earned honors wear honor cords around the neck, which are colored according to their status: gold/red for Cum Laude (GPA 3.50 or above), silver for Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.70 or above), and gold for Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.90 or above).
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4 New Programs
International Studies (B.A.I.S.) Computer Science (B.S.C.S.) Education (M.Ed.) Construction Management (M.S.C.M.) For further information on the admissions requirements and how to apply, please contact the Admissions Office
admissions@aud.edu T. +971 4 399 9000
www.aud.edu The American University in Dubai is accredited by the Commission on Colleges (COC) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has licensed the university and accredited all of its programs.
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MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES 18 Credit Program History, Culture, Religion, and Politics of the Region
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