Varsity unveils first digital diploma

Zayed University is the first in the region and probably the world to replace the traditional paper diploma with a digital version.

The diploma certificate, with a university electronic stamp on a CD-ROM, was first presented to the June 2002 and EMBA graduates, the university told the press yesterday.

"This idea was developed by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of Zayed University," Tarek Darwesh, designer of the certificate, told Gulf News. An eye-catching memento, it consists of a holder with a visualised CD-ROM which a graduate can proudly showcase.

Once placed into a computer the screen opens to an Arabic diploma certifying the student's graduation from the university.

It also links to the 'online graduate verification' on the official website of the university. Graduates can access all their transcripts including all the courses and grades they took through their identification number and personal password.

"Not only does it propel the varsity to the leading concepts of the 21st century but it also gives information control to graduates." These ID numbers and passwords can be shared with prospective employers for verifying their statements or transcripts.

David Keymer, Dean of Student Services, said this will hasten employment procedures. "Emp-loyers will simply log onto the website where a graduate's complete details be available – further verifiable by contacting the varsity," as this information cannot be altered or tampered with.

Each CD has a hologram that has the federal mark and the signature of Sheikh Nahyan. An e-portfolio will also be added to the website. Potential employers, with the applicant's permission only, will view their achievements.

Elaborating on the new system, Dr Hanif Hassan, Vice President of the university said: "Pioneering in new innovations withdraws us from the traditional educational practices."

The Online Graduate Verification Services contains a section where interested employers will submit their details, regularly followed by the varsity's Career Service.