Notes in Brief

BUiD launches new scholarships

Dubai: The British University in Dubai (BUiD) has this year offered the largest number of scholarships since its inception in 2003. Approximately 60 per cent of the September 2009 intake were provided scholarships from the university and its partners, Emirates Foundation and Atkins. In addition, for the first time the university introduced a new scholarship programme that covers 25 per cent of the course fee. BUiD is now accepting scholarship applicants for all programmes ahead of the January 2010 intake. The deadline for applications is January 2, 2010.

AUS hosts Awareness Day

Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah (AUS) held its second Awareness Day last week aimed at informing students about health and safety issues. Organisations such as the Sharjah Police conducted presentations and distributed handouts about safe driving. Al Wasl Hospital organised a blood donation camp while the Royal Hospital set up a stall to check blood pressure and blood sugar. Friends of Cancer Patients provided information on breast cancer while Sharjah Charity International set up a display promoting Emirati culture. The AUS Sports Division and Learning and Counselling Centre provided students with tips on general health and tackling daily stress.

AUST to offer more student scholarships

The Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) will provide 21 Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi scholarships, and 6 Ajman Municipality and Planning Department scholarships. The scholarships are being provided through the social solidarity fund, supported by His Highness Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuami, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the university, and Dr Saeed Salman, the university supreme president. Funding is also provided by Ajman Human Appeal, which supports more than 30 students at the university. The total amount given for the various scholarships, excellence, sibling and employee dependent discounts since 2004 has amounted to Dh71,784,546.

Lecture on environmental issues

Sharjah: Shaikh Dr Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Al Ihsan Charity Centre and chairman of Green-Base Environmental Services, recently delivered a lecture to students of the American University of Sharjah. Titled ‘Cradle to Grave’, it touched on the history of the UAE and the values of Emiratis before focusing on environmental issues, a field Al Nuaimi holds a doctoral degree in. “When you think negative you will never prosper. You have to always think positive, and be forgiving,” he said.

530 students graduate from Manipal University

 Dubai: Manipal University-Dubai Campus held its fourth annual convocation ceremony at a Dubai hotel last week. This year, 530 students received their degrees — the university’s largest graduating batch. Dr Vinod Bhatt, registrar and executive director, and Dr G.K. Prabhu, registrar, Manipal University India, and Syed Salah Al Deen, managing director, and Arif B. Raham, director, finance, ETA-ASCON Group were the chief guests. Students received undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates in media and communication, fashion design and technology, management studies, information technology, interior design, biotechnology and bioinformatics. Special awards were also presented for academic performance and outstanding contribution. Dr B. Ramjee, university director, addressed the students.

Etihad teams up with Institute of Applied Technology

Dubai: Etihad Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) at the Dubai Air Show. The MOU addresses the development of training schemes, on-the-job training, joint marketing initiatives and the development of academic curriculums. Ultimately, it is hoped that students will develop careers within Etihad, including as cadet pilots or engineers. A signing ceremony took place at the Dubai Air Show last week between IAT director general Dr Abdul Latif Al Shamsi and Etihad Airways chief executive James Hogan.

Mall launches student loyalty programme

Ajman: Ajman City Centre has launched a loyalty programme for university students in the UAE offering instant prizes and a chance to win weekly rewards. Students who show their university ID will be given ‘Stamp and Win’ cards, which will be marked once for each Dh50 purchase at any of the mall’s 65 plus stores. Four stamps give the student a chance to win free laptops, iPhones and Playstations. The campaign will run until December 31 and is being promoted via roadshows at universities in Sharjah and Ajman and through blogs, Facebook and Twitter.

166 students graduate from ALHOSN University

Abu Dhabi: ALHOSN University held its Second Commencement Exercises last week under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Bachelor and masters degrees were conferred on 166 students at a ceremony at the Emirates Palace auditorium. Professor Abdul Rahim Sabouni, university vice-chancellor and CEO, recounted the institution’s achievements in 2009 in his address.

UAE Minister of Social Affairs conferred with honourary doctorate

Dubai: UAE Minister of Social Affairs Maryam Mohammad Khalfan Al Roumi has been conferred with the title of Honourary Doctor of Middlesex University Dubai in recognition of her dedication, commitment and excellence towards the social development of the UAE and the Arab world and her inspiring community leadership. This is the second honorary doctorate that the university has awarded in the UAE, the first being presented to Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, in 2008. Al Roumi was presented with the doctorate at the university’s fourth annual graduation ceremony held recently. The minister holds a BA in English Literature from UAE University. Before joining the government, she served in many educational, academic and societal roles.