16.2 Student Services
The Department of Students Services (DSS) provides undergraduate and graduate students with innovative extracurricular programs promoting health, wellness, leadership, ethics, and values, and prepares them for their responsibilities as progressive and engaged global citizens. The DSS also recognizes those who show extraordinary commitment and dedication through their outstanding academic performance and through their volunteerism and exemplary leadership roles in various activities, programs and events. Some of the programs organized/supported by the DSS include the following, inter alia:
- Orientation Day - Bidayaat
At the beginning of each semester/term, the Department of Students Services (DSS) organizes an Orientation program for students called “Bidayaat.” Bidayaat aims to provide a smooth and successful start for new UD students by creating activities and sessions to welcome and help them familiarize with the university’s faculty, staff, departments, services and facilities. Activities include a campus tour, presentations and even games and surprises. Printed material covering course requirements, registration procedures and club bylaws are distributed to new students.
- Social and Cultural Programs
DSS organizes social and cultural events to further its goal of promoting relations between UD and the community. DSS conducts vibrant and extensive social and cultural programs that ensure the students’ participation, thereby enhancing ones’ understanding and appreciation of the various cultures and social impact to the community.
- Sports and Recreational Programs
To promote sportsmanship, camaraderie and a healthy lifestyle, intra-mural activities are organized by the DSS in a friendly yet competitive environment. Tournaments are held for sports activities such as football, basketball, bowling, billiards and foosball. UD sports clubs compete against higher education institutions as part of the Higher Education Sports Federation, which consists of colleges and universities in Dubai and other Emirates in the UAE.
- Students Union
The University of Dubai’s Student Union (UDSU) was established to develop a sense of belonging, foster an independent, pro-active and responsible student body, and to provide a range of social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities in which students can participate. The UDSU election is held in the beginning of the academic year (September/October).
- Students Organizations/clubs
Student organizations/clubs are an integral part of the learning process at UD as they allow students to pursue personal interests and hobbies outside the classroom, learn leadership skills by handling responsibilities and meet/interact with other people. Clubs cover a wide range of activities like sports, music and recreation, as well as cultural and social interests.
- Volunteer/Outreach Programs
UD provides opportunities for UD students to participate in several volunteer programs and events that promote a positive impact on the community, and improve the quality of life for others. These programs also help raise awareness and promote learning from a different perspective.
- Events
DSS in collaboration with the UDSU and other UD groups organize a variety of activities throughout the year with the objective of breaking down barriers between cultures and celebrate diversity in different ways. These events provide students with the opportunity to meet other members of the UD community, learn something new, and at the same time have fun. Some of the events organized annually include:
- UAE National Day celebration
- Ramadan Iftar gathering
- Barbeque trips
- Desert safari
- Beach parties
- Talent night
- UD Bazaar
- International Day Festival
- Awards Programs
In recognition of the students’ outstanding academic achievement and support to UD’s various events and activities, the DSS holds two awards programs throughout the academic year. These are:
- Honor Students Awards:
Held in the month of October, the Honor Students event is organized to recognize the high academic performance of undergraduate students with GPA of at least 3.2/4 and graduate students with 3.6/4 and above. Students’ parents are also invited to share their children’s academic achievement.
- Student Life Awards Ceremony (SLAC):
At the end of the academic year, the University holds a presentation ceremony to honor, recognize and appreciate students whose contributions towards the university’s various activities, programs and events showed exemplary dedication and commitment. These include organizers of successful events and individuals who took leadership positions in all aspects of students’ lives such as the Student Union, student groups and sports teams. In addition, the companies which sponsor Student Services events are also recognized for their contribution to students’ functions.
The purpose behind these events is threefold: break down barriers between cultures and celebrate diversity in different ways; provide students with an opportunity to meet classmates, staff, and faculty and make new friends; learn something new and have fun.