UAEU Launches the “Academic Dialogues” Initiative to Enhance Education Quality

In line with its continuous efforts to advance the educational process and enhance the university environment, the United Arab Emirates University has launched the “Academic Dialogues” initiative. This initiative aims to organize a series of constructive academic dialogues to improve work mechanisms, enhance outcomes, and develop the skills and capabilities of both students and academic staff.

The initiative held its first session, which focused on academic advising and practical training, in the presence of H.E. Prof. Ahmed Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, along with senior management officials, college deans, faculty members, and students.

H.E.Prof. Ahmed Al Raeesi, affirmed that this initiative is part of a series of qualitative initiatives organized by the university with the aim of enhancing the quality of university life and improving the educational environment. He added: The first session focused on the challenges of academic advising due to its pivotal role in the academic success of students and in achieving integration between educational and administrative aspects. This stems from the importance of adopting innovative solutions and enhancing shared responsibility in the advising process between the student and the advisor. It is also crucial to establish clear and simplified plans that help students build their academic journey with confidence and support the building of trust and cooperation between students and academic advising units across the university’s colleges.

For his part, Prof. Mohsen Sherif, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, pointed out that academic advising and practical training are two essential elements in university student life, especially in light of challenges related to academic planning.

Dr. Suad Mohammed AlMarzooqi, Associate Provost for Students’ Affairs, emphasized the importance of unifying the mechanisms for creating academic plans to ensure a clear academic path for students.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rami Beiram, Associate Provost for Research highlighted the importance of starting practical training early in the university journey rather than restricting it to the final semesters. This approach would enable students to gain effective and comprehensive training that enhances their readiness for the job market.

The session also included interventions from several college deans and their assistants, who discussed the roles of academic advisors, the need to strengthen communication between students and advisors, and the evaluation of the current advising system. They also stressed the importance of leveraging modern technologies—especially artificial intelligence—to develop, streamline, and expedite advising mechanisms, as well as improve the quality of services provided. Additionally, the session provided students with the opportunity to share their experiences and the challenges they face in order to formulate effective solutions.