MA MESSAGE APRIL2025

Summary

In this final video update of the academic year, the speaker reflects on the progress made and highlights key developments at Zayed University. Topics covered include the upcoming May 6th town hall, new initiatives like the CAFO cafe sessions, and the importance of communication. The speaker also celebrates notable achievements such as ZU students' research featured in national newspapers and Aza Abu Alam's participation in the Venice Biennale. Additionally, the first-ever summer camp for high school students and the redesign of the university website are introduced. The speaker concludes by thanking colleagues for their hard work and looking forward to next year's endeavors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eid and Spring Break have come to an end, and it's time to focus on the final stretch of the academic year.
• 😀 This is the last video update for the academic year, but there will be another town hall next month (May 6th) for strategic updates.
• 😀 These video updates were introduced to keep everyone informed as the university adapted to new programs and reopening efforts.
• 😀 Moving forward, communication will be a team effort, with town halls and coffee meetings continuing next year.
• 😀 Ian Matthews, the new CAFO, will be restarting the CAFO cafe sessions for better interaction and communication.
• 😀 Katherine Nickerson will take a more prominent role in ensuring information reaches all staff and faculty.
• 😀 ZU has been making great strides in recognizing and sharing achievements, such as the student research on Ramadan’s lost traditions being featured in national newspapers.
• 😀 Her Excellency has been promoting ZU’s faculty and student achievements via social media, which has a broad reach.
• 😀 Aza Abu Alam, Assistant Professor in CASE, will curate the UAE Pavilion at the Venice Biennale with an exhibition on architecture and food sustainability.
• 😀 The first-ever ZU summer camp for high school students will take place from June 30th to July 17th, focusing on leadership, creativity, and health.
• 😀 ZU is in the process of redesigning its website, and contributions from staff will be required to make the project a success.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video update?

The main purpose of the video update is to provide colleagues with important end-of-year updates, highlight successes, and share information about upcoming initiatives and events, such as the final town hall next month and the university's first-ever summer camp for high school students.

What key event is mentioned for May 6th?

A town hall meeting scheduled for May 6th is mentioned, during which strategic updates for the next academic year will be shared.

What role do these video updates play for the staff?

These video updates were introduced to provide regular communication and keep staff informed about changes at the university, especially as new programs were introduced and the college reopened.

How is ZU using feedback to improve communication?

ZU is using feedback from the trust and climate survey, as well as input from the Middle States process, to improve communication. The speaker emphasizes the importance of two-way communication and teamwork.

What new initiatives are being launched at ZU?

A new initiative involves the CAFO cafe sessions being restarted by Ian Matthews, and Katherine Nickerson will take on a more prominent role in ensuring staff are well-informed. These initiatives are designed to improve communication and engagement across the university.

What recognition was given to ZU's student research during Ramadan?

ZU’s student research on the lost traditions of Ramadan was featured in two national newspapers, highlighting the valuable contributions of ZU students to cultural understanding.

What is the significance of Aza Abu Alam's participation in the Venice Biennale?

Aza Abu Alam, an assistant professor at ZU, is the first-ever female Emirati to curate the UAE National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Her exhibition, 'Pressure Cooker,' explores innovative solutions for sustainable food systems in the UAE, showcasing ZU's international academic presence.

What upcoming event will ZU host for high school students?

ZU will host its first-ever summer camp for high school students between June 30 and July 17, focusing on leadership development, creativity, cultural awareness, and promoting physical and mental health.

What major project is ZU undertaking related to its website?

ZU is in the process of redesigning its website, a complex task requiring collaboration across departments. The new website will enhance communication, aid in recruitment, and provide better access to program information.

How will the new website benefit ZU?

The redesigned website will serve as ZU’s face to the world, improving communication, recruiting new students and faculty, and providing information about programs to existing students, all of which will enhance the university's effectiveness and outreach.