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Accreditation team to visit Zayed University

He was addressing the 10^th annual Convocation of Zayed University in Dubai yesterday. “There are several major issues I want to address this year and the first is accreditation. In the spring semester, an accreditation team represent to ing the Middle States Commission on Higher Education will visit the University,” Shaikh Nahyan said.

Stressing that this was the time for reviewing and updating the university’s plan, the minister strongly disagreed with an independent study report which suggested last year that the university might be over- funded for the activities and programmes it offers.

“ We obviously disagree with this. A budget request based on a sound strategic plan will help the University make its case to the government and the country for more appropriate funding,” he added.

The university recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE Armed Forces to provide degree programmes to its cadets. The first class will enrol in the second semester of this year, he pointed out. “The University will open a new campus for men in Abu Dhabi to meet this demand and it will partner with prominent colleges and universities around the world,” the minister added.

He emphasised that the educational institution should become a national leader, where graduate and continuing education would grow significantly. Besides, the institution also plans to start more Masters and certificate programmes in the future. He noted that the university would continue to establish partnerships with government, industry and public schools.

Shaikh Nahyan also announced that an endowment for the university would be established in a few months. “ We will be raising funds to support ten endowed professorships to be named Zayed Distinguished Professors,” he added.

Dr Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice-President of Zayed University, indicated that the Tenth Convocation stresses on achieving higher level of excellence. The Convocation, which will be dissolved today, will evaluate last year’s accomplishments and achievements including developing academic programmes and supporting scientific research activities.

Dr Stephen Portch, Chancellor Emeritus, University System of Georgia, USA, who was also present on the occasion, spoke on the qualities needed to build a great university. Great universities should know to measure preparation. They should also have a dynamic curriculum, which has vigour, creativity and is responsive,” he said.

• UAE