Orientation Day for 776 new students at Dubai Women's College

The orientation day introduced new students to College departments, services, and UAE national management and staff members.

In his welcoming speech, Dr. Howard Reed, Senior Director at the Higher Colleges of Technology and DWC Director, encouraged students to take education seriously and become active players in their country's development.

"The opportunity for you to create your own future starts today," he noted. Dr. Reed also reviewed DWC's successes and asked students to follow the footsteps of previous graduates who are currently making a difference in their industries. He mentioned Moora M. Juma, who graduated from DWC back in 1992 and is currently the Director of Business Registration at the Department of Economic Development; Mona Al Marri, a 1995 DWC graduate, who is the Director for Dubai Press Club; and Nayla Al Khaja, a 1998 graduate who established her own company D7 Motion Pictures and directed and produced two films 'Unveiling Dubai' and 'Arabana'.

Last year, DWC won several awards including the Dubai Quality Appreciation Program Award; second Grand Prize and first Merit Award from DUPHAT 2007; first Photography Prize at Emirates Film Competition; Best Student Film at Emirates Film Competition 6th Session 2007; fourth prize at Scintilla Monaco Poetry Competition; 3rd prize for the paper collection campaign from Emirates Environmental Group; and 'Saving Resources' prize from DEWA.

Students were also encouraged to participate in DWC's International Study Trips. Last year, 148 students had participated in a total of 15 trips to Australia, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and USA.

Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Career Center Supervisor, asked students to build professional attitudes, become proactive members of their community, and understand that productivity is power. With 73% DWC graduates being currently employed, the Career Center provides a wide range of services including career counseling, employment opportunities, career related workshops and programs, spotlight days, and work experience opportunities. Members of DWC's Students Parliament attended the orientation day and provided a review of the services the Parliament offers for all DWC students.