Zayed University achieves international accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

    Dumped value of 'ID':
'162048';

Dumped value of 'images_loop':
[
    {
        'caption' => 'Zayed University.',
        'col' => 'picture',
        'name' => 'zu.jpg',
        'url' => '/8/60298-zu.jpg'
    }
];

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan said during a press conference held at his palace in Al Khazna area: 'This is a very significant and important achievement for Zayed University especially as we have just celebrated it's 10th anniversary. This international accreditation was the result of more than 5 years of hard and intensive work and cooperation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, during which the commission studied, reviewed and assessed the university's institutional and administrative efficiency as a higher educational institution, the suitability of the curriculum in both baccalaureate and masters programs, as well as faculty and staff quality, consistent standards for student admissions, and appropriate orientation and placement systems.

I would also like to clarify that acquiring this prestigious accreditation was not an easy process, as it had specific, strict requirements and obligations, especially since Zayed University is not registered within the United States, which required achieving high quality standards in all aspect of the university's work.'

His Excellency added:

'This international accreditation confirms to us very clearly, what everyone knows about the quality of education at Zayed University, and proves that we are not only interested in developing academic competence, we are also interested in developing critical thinking, independence, global awareness, and the ability to deal with a world without borders. In all of Zayed University's work, the goal is top quality, and meeting world-class standards for all programs and activities, and achieving the international accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education demonstrates clearly our success in meeting those international standards.

This international accreditation expresses confidence in the international standards of Zayed University, and it's ability in providing high quality education and training programs, conducting scientific research, and establishing strong links with the community, as the University is committed to maintaining excellence and world standards as it continues to serve its students and respond to the needs of the United Arab Emirates.'

Sheikh Nahayan added: 'In this important occasion in the history of Zayed University, we feel proud and honored, that this university bears the name of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, the late President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and it gives me great pride as well, to offer this international and prestigious accreditation to acknowledge the strong support of the president, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahayan. We are also grateful to His Highness the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces. Under their guidance and leadership, Zayed University has achieved a very important step in helping the United Arab Emirates compete successfully in the modern world.'

On his part Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University, stressed the importance of this accreditation to the University as it emphasizes Zayed University's position as a leading university in the region, embodying the same rigorous standards and intellectual elements found in major universities throughout the world.

He added that Zayed University was keen on achieving the highest standards of academic excellence as it seeks to prepare Emirati students for meaningful and successful twenty-first century personal and professional lives; to graduate students who will help shape the future of the UAE; to support the economic and social advancement of the UAE; to lead innovation in higher education in the UAE through teaching, learning, research, and outreach; and to do so in a culturally diverse, humane, technologically advanced, and increasingly global environment.

He explained that the vision of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of Zayed University does not stop at obtaining international accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as testimony to the university as an educational institution and to the programs offered to our students. His Excellency considers this international accreditation as an important step in the university's process of assessing its academic and administrative performance and maintaining an international level of teaching, research and community service.

Dr. Al Jassim added that The Middle States Commission's Evaluation Team held open forums with groups of Zayed University's faculty and staff during their visit to the University in March, discussing the self- study report the university submitted to the commission; Zayed University's vision in educating students to meet the growing needs of the Emirati society and preparing national cadres specialized in keeping with the times and interacting with new challenges in various areas; the strategic planning processes for the development of strategic plans for 2003 to 2005, 2006 to 2008, and 2009-2011; administration and faculty ranks; and major learning outcomes and assessment in the majors the university offers in its five colleges :Arts and Sciences, Business Sciences, Communication and Media Sciences, Education and Information Technology.

Dr. Al Jassim explained that the primary language of instruction in Zayed University is English, as the University expects its graduates to be fully bilingual in English and Arabic, proficient in the use of computing technology, and strong in quantitative and research skills. It expects them to achieve significant intellectual and social development. He added: 'We also expect our graduates to be well-prepared professionals ready to become leaders in government, business, civil society, and family life. The graduates of Zayed University will help shape the future of the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Al Jassim said: 'Since it opened in 1998, the University has progressed remarkably. It has graduated 1760 students. It has instituted and continues to develop a broad undergraduate program. It has established an efficient administrative structure and effective academic and operating policies and procedures. It has also instituted a unique Academic Program Model which focuses on learning outcomes and incorporates them throughout the curriculum.'

He added that the University and its prestigious international partner universities are launching new uniquely innovative graduate programs in October 2008, these programs prepare experienced managers for senior leadership roles in their organizations, they include: the Master of Science in Finance in partnership with the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, the Master of Science in International Business program in partnership with Thunderbird School of Global Management, the Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program in partnership with Northeastern University, in addition to the Master of Arts in Tourism Communication program in partnership with Florida University, the Master of Education in Special Education program in partnership with the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington and the University of Connecticut, and the Master of Science in Information Technology (Specialization in Cyber Security), Graduate Certificate in High Technology Crime Investigation, Graduate Certificate in Information Security in partnership with The George Washington University.