In pursuit of excellence: UAEU receives international accreditation

As universities across the United Arab Emirates open for another academic year, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is hoping to further cement its reputation as the country’s leading research-intensive institution after becoming the first state university in the world to receive international institutional accreditation from WSCUC.

Earlier this year, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC), one of the United States’ most recognized and respected accreditors, granted UAEU full accreditation for a six-year period. After an intense review period, which culminated in full accreditation until 2021, UAEU says the accreditation supports its ongoing strategy to position UAEU as a front-runner in the region’s education sector.

“The United Arab Emirates University is at the forefront of higher education in the UAE,” explained Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of UAEU. “Institutional accreditation is only one of the many steps being undertaken by the university in its attempts to pursue excellence on an international level.”

UAEU was commended by WSCUC for its ongoing commitment to educating Emiratis, especially females, who make up around 80 percent of the total student population, which totals more than 13,800. Furthermore, WSCUC applauded the UAEU’s role in supporting the nation as it transitions from an oil-based to a knowledge-based economy, and noted its “Superb preparation” for the WSCUC visit. 

Beyond the classroom, UAEU was praised for the investment it has so far made in the construction and design of its state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms, laboratories and collaborative learning spaces. “The physical campus is simply remarkable,” concluded WSCUC’s official letter. 

Here, UAEU Advisor to the Vice Chancellor's Office and WSCUC Accreditation Liaison Officer, Essam Abdel-Hafiz, reveals why the university selected WSCUC over other U.S accreditors, and explains why accreditation is fundamental to the education process.  

 

When you sought accreditation back in 2013, why did you apply to WSCUC?

“We decided to apply for WSCUC accreditation for a number of reasons, such as its approach to the whole accreditation process. We liked their developmental approach – they work with you at all stages, at all levels, making it more collaborative.”

Why is accreditation important?

“Accreditation gives students and parents greater confidence in the university they are considering because this is a sign of quality control. The WSCUC accreditation process is like an audit of all our services and facilities, which helps UAEU improve its systems. Moreover, it is an assurance for students, families and international universities as it allows students to transfer credits, which opens up the opportunity for overseas study and travel. And in a world of internationalization, where students can travel easily and frequently, this encourages students to consider UAEU since they know that this is a competent university and their credits will be counted. Similarly, for students from UAE it opens up so many new opportunities for them.”

What next steps were recommended by WSCUC?

“In fact, even before the visit of the evaluation team, feedback from the whole review process, including the candidacy evaluation and the eligibility assessment, as well as the University’s analysis of our self-study has been used as catalyst for improvement. It has generated on-campus discussions and has given the senior leadership additional leverage to accelerate many actions that were already under development in important areas such as: the University governance, library development, and students’ proficiency in English.  These areas are identified as areas of higher priority, and we have allocated the resources for its development.

“Looking ahead, we will prepare for the special WSCUC visit in 2018, a mid-cycle review in 2019 and then a full accreditation visit in fall 2021. Between then and now, however, we can’t just rest on our laurels. We will continue to work on the areas that need further improvement.”

Education in the UAE is relatively new when compared to the rest of the world. How does accreditation help enhance the country’s reputation in the sector?

“When you say this university is accredited by WSCUC – or ABET, AACSB and the like – it makes a difference. It shows prospective students in around the world that UAEU is following and using the same standards as the universities in their countries.  It places greater emphasis on studying in the UAE, and at UAEU specifically.”