Student Council Governance Minutes

Minutes of meeting – Tuition Adjustments and Financial Aid Enhancement
21st July 2025 | 04:30 PM

In Attendance

1. Mr. Ibrahim Charles – Finance Director
2. Mr. Bassam Murra – Registrar
3. Dr. Chakib Farhat – Dean of Student Affairs
4. Ms. Roula Al Qasem – Senior Manager of Student Engagement Office
5. Ms. Nadeen Nael – Student Engagement Assistant
6. Seif Elsayed – President (Al Ain Campus Council)
7. Mohammad Shehadeh – Member
8. Shamilah Sajid – Member
9. Syed Muhammad Noman – Member
10. Mohamed Idris – Member
11. Ebrahim Mohamed Alzaabi – Member
12. Cizar Alsankari – President (Abu Dhabi Campus Council)
13. Hadi Alnader – Member
14. Adam Soman – Member
15. Noor Jouhar – Member
16. Fares Alabed – Member
17. Murada Eldandaci – Member

1. Agenda & Opening

• Dr. Chakib introduced the leadership team and outlined the meeting structure: addressing student concerns, university responses, and an open Q&A session.

2. Student Concerns Presentation

• Survey Results: Over 600 student responses collected, highlighting concerns that the tuition fee increase may cause students to drop out or transfer.
• Affordability Concern: Students emphasized that affordability is a primary reason for choosing ADU.
• Reputation Concerns: Negative impact if complaints go public.
• Student Request: Apply the new fee structure only to new students, or delay implementation.

3. University Response

• Fee Adjustment: Justified due to inflation and operational costs.
• Decision Approval: Already approved and cannot be reversed.
• Financial Support: Scholarships and aid are available.
• Competitive Positioning maintained.

4. Student Feedback & Discussion

• Financial challenges shared by students.
• Concerns about quality versus cost.
• Suggestions: more scholarships, transparency, advance notice of fee changes.

5. Action Items & Next Steps

• Issue official communication to students regarding the fee adjustment and available aid.
• Review existing scholarships for possible expansion.
• Encourage students to apply for financial aid.

Minutes of Meeting – Strategic Infrastructure Development and Student Facility Enhancement
Date: Wednesday, 5 March 2025 | Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Blue Meeting Room & Online

In Attendance

1. Mohammed Abdul Hai – Director of Sustainability Advancement and Integrated Facilities
2. Maritso Saluta – Administrative Assistant
3. Roula Al Qasem – Senior Manager of Student Engagement Office
4. Shadi Jamal – Senior Manager of Sustainability Advancement and Integrated Facilities
5. Nadeen Nael Quzah – Student Engagement Assistant
6. Cizar Nadim Alsankari – President, Student Council
7. Shamilah Sajid – Member, Student Council
8. Mohamed Ibrahim Idris – Member, Student Council
9. Murada Aktham Eldandachi – Member, Student Council
10. Sara Hesham Abdelradi – Member, Student Council

Agenda

• Discussion on long-term university infrastructure plans
• Enhancements to common spaces and facilities
• Budget allocation and utilization
• Student suggestions and survey results
• Maintenance and safety concerns
• University policies and future improvements

Meeting Notes

1. Long-term Infrastructure Plans

• Mr. Mohammed Abdul Hai stated that the university is working on a five-year plan aimed at improving common spaces and infrastructure.
• The plan includes the development of new buildings and enhancements to existing common areas to better accommodate students' needs.

2. Enhancements to Common Spaces and Facilities

• Cizar shared his experience with the University Cultural Day and events, highlighting how well the university was arranged during those days.
• He emphasized the need for better seating (benches) and improved facilities to maintain the welcoming atmosphere seen during event days.
• Nadeen presented a PowerPoint based on student survey results, outlining key student suggestions for improvement.
  • One proposal was to convert part of the university’s green area into a calisthenics workout space to promote outdoor fitness activities.

3. Budget Allocation and Utilization

• Mr. Mohammed Abdul Hai discussed previous budget allocations, noting that funds were fully spent on sports facilities (football and cricket grounds), which are currently underutilized.
• He also mentioned plans to create a shaded outdoor dining area near the university cafeteria, which will be well‑lit and air‑conditioned. This extension aims to increase dining capacity and improve student experience.

4. Maintenance and Safety Concerns

• The team stressed the importance of not just creating new facilities but also maintaining existing ones to support the growing student population.
• Cizar raised concerns about potential hazards due to a lack of careful maintenance, citing previous incidents as examples of the risks involved.

5. University Rankings and Policies

• The team discussed the importance of keeping facilities modern and well‑maintained to ensure the university remains competitive in rankings.
• The discussion also touched on segregation policies and the need for inclusive spaces that accommodate all students effectively.

Minutes of Meeting – Student Council Proposals and University Leadership Review
Date: 23rd October 2024 | Time: 01:00 PM
Location: Chancellor’s Office

In Attendance

1. Prof. Ghassan Aouad – Chancellor
2. Ms. Khulud Abdallah – Office Manager (Chancellor’s Office)
3. Nadeen Nael Quzah – Student Engagement Assistant
4. Cizar Nadim Alsankari – President, Student Council
5. Shamilah Sajid – Member, Student Council
6. Mohamed Ibrahim Idris – Member, Student Council
7. Fatima Bakheet Alremeithi – Member, Student Council
8. Murada Aktham Eldandachi – Member, Student Council
9. Sara Hesham Abdelradi – Member, Student Council

Meeting Notes

1. Introduction

• The Chancellor welcomed the Student Council and highlighted the university’s rank and recent reaccreditation by EQUIS, emphasizing its value.
• Council members introduced themselves (name, major, position) as requested by the Chancellor.

2. Presentation of Student Council Initiatives (PPT)

Opening by Nadeen:

• Expressed the Council’s desire to showcase a new perspective of the university.
• Addressed challenges faced by students, particularly walking in the heat, and possible solutions.
• Mentioned the goal of being the first university in the UAE to host a Student Council Conference, inviting other councils to collaborate and build a network.

Environmental and Sustainability Efforts by Cizar:

• Discussed the university’s commitment to fight pollution and climate change through a sustainability drive, including water bottle recycling initiatives.
• Plan to collaborate with the BSF to distribute eco‑friendly water bottles and organize a sustainability event.
• Proposed a machine where students recycle bottles to earn points, integrated with ADU Connect and redeemable for campus vouchers.

Academic Support Initiatives by Nadeen:

• Proposed enhancing academic support by having the Mass Communication Department produce high‑quality educational videos (chapter explanations, revision materials) provided by the Academic Success Center.

Themed Weekly Events by Cizar:

• Proposed themed weeks (e.g., Week of Sustainability, Week of Tolerance), inspired by UAE initiatives, to increase student engagement and community involvement.

3. Human Genome Project – Presented by Fatima

Community Service and Educational Value:

• Outlined the Emirati Genome Project’s potential benefits, including 15 community service hours for participating students, aiding graduation requirements.
• The project offers educational opportunities in healthcare and genetic research, strengthening ADU’s engagement with national initiatives.

Awareness Session:

• Proposed holding an awareness session on campus to introduce the project and encourage student involvement.

4. Chancellor’s Feedback

• The Chancellor expressed enthusiasm for the initiatives, especially the Student Council Conference and sustainability projects, recognizing their alignment with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
• Suggested a “No Lights in Office Day” as an additional environmental measure and encouraged the Council to involve the Provost.
• Praised the presentation, offered full support, and recommended engaging with senior leadership for further collaboration.

5. Townhall Preparations

Survey Results Discussion:

• Nadeen will present findings from student surveys during the town hall.

Q&A Management:

• Agreed to allocate the last 10 minutes of the event for Q&A, with microphones handed out only during this time to manage discussions effectively.

Minutes of Meeting – Meet and Greet
Date: Monday, September 8, 2025 | Time: 2:00 – 2:40 PM
Location: Chancellor’s Office, Abu Dhabi University

In Attendance

• Professor Ghassan Aouad – Chancellor
• Dr. Hamad Odhabi – Vice Chancellor of AI and Operational Efficiency
• Wesam Adel Alsatli – President, Student Council
• Mariam Alhamidan – Student Council Member
• Hadi Abed Al Wali Naim – Student Council Member
• Ebrahim Mohamed Alzaabi – Student Council Member
• Murada El Dandachi – Student Council Member
• Zaineb Rtal Bennani – Student Council Member

Agenda

1. Greeting and introduction of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor with the Abu Dhabi University Student Council.
2. Opening presentation by the Student Council President (Wesam).
3. Review of the 1‑slide presentation:
   • Constitution and Bylaws
   • Student Pulse Survey
   • Student Council Initiatives
4. Coeducation initiative and segregation discussion.
5. Inclusivity for Students of Determination.
6. MoHESR Outcome‑Based Evaluation Framework (OBEF).
7. Enhancing campus facilities (transportation, parking, cafeteria, lounges, seating, outdoor enhancements, especially green areas).
8. Building networks and aligning with UAE Vision 2030.
9. AI integration in academic and student life.
10. Establishing regular meetings with the Chancellor.
11. Increasing academic advisors for colleges (e.g., only one advisor for Health and Science – Miss Rawan) and the Vice Chancellor’s initiative for an advisor hub.
12. Next steps and follow‑up actions.

Discussion Points & Decisions

Opening Presentation:

• The Student Council President delivered a simple and time‑efficient presentation outlining the council’s goals.
• The Chancellor pointed out the professionalism, clarity, and up‑to‑date outlook of the presentation.

Student Pulse Survey:

• Conducted to listen to students, support ADU’s vision, enhance student representation, and gather feedback.
• Findings will be used to strengthen connections between the council and students and ensure student voices are heard and acted upon.

Students of Determination:

• The Chancellor emphasized ADU’s strong commitment to inclusivity.
• Council members proposed new initiatives to ensure students of determination feel welcomed and supported.

Campus Facilities & Infrastructure:

• Transportation & Parking: Enhancements and expansion requested to ease student accessibility and comfort.
• Cafeteria: Suggestions to enlarge the cafeteria, extend into the outdoor area, and add walls/shades.
• Lounges & Seating: More seating and resting lounges to create additional student spaces.
• Public Transport Benches: More benches requested for students waiting for buses.
• (Chancellor confirmed awareness of these issues and expressed commitment to resolving them.)

Building Networks & UAE Vision 2030:

• The council emphasized the importance of building stronger student and alumni networks.
• Discussions tied back to UAE Vision 2030, highlighting innovation, inclusivity, and student growth.

Artificial Intelligence Integration:

• The Vice Chancellor encouraged greater adoption of AI in academics and campus services.
• The council expressed readiness to explore AI‑driven initiatives.

Increasing Academic Advisors:

• The council emphasized increasing advisors for colleges, especially Health and Science (only one advisor, Miss Rawan), to reduce pressure on advisors.
• The Vice Chancellor expressed an initiative to create an Advisor Hub for all college advisors, allowing easier and more subtle access for students.

Regular Meetings with the Chancellor:

• The student council proposed monthly meetings with the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor to ensure ongoing communication and collaboration.
• The Chancellor welcomed this idea and supported frequent interactions.

Action Items

Next Meeting

• Date: To be confirmed
• Time: To be confirmed
• Location: Chancellor’s Office, ADU

Minutes of Meeting – Student Council Introductory Meeting
Abu Dhabi University – Al Ain Campus
Date: August 18, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Attendees:

• Dr. Mohamed Fteiha (Al Ain Campus Director)
• Dr. Chakib Farhat (Dean of Student Affairs)
• Juman Kaddoura (Student Affairs Coordinator)
• Mohamed Abuebaid (Student Affairs Officer)
• Student Council Members (AY 25-26): Yusuf Amr Ahmed (President), Asil Salah Hassan (VP), Amro Kamal Jalad (Marketing Coordinator), Moamen Ahmed Elalfy (Community Service Coordinator), Nabiha Tanvir (Events & Clubs Coordinator), Awatif Assad Ali (Academic Representative)

Agenda & Key Discussion Points

1. ADU Strategy (Vision 2027) – Overview of mission, pillars, themes, and objectives.
2. Roles & Responsibilities – Description of each student council position.
3. ADU Expectations – Act as student voice, propose wellbeing initiatives, support campus events, collaborate with Student Affairs.
4. Office & Communication Guidelines
   o Office location: Block B, First Floor (Male Side).
   o Official email: aamstudentcouncil@adu.ac.ae (shared responsibility, professional tone).
5. Initiatives & Activities – At least 4 major SC activities per year (2/semester); early proposal submission; diversity in events; measure outcomes.
6. ADU Connect & Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT) – Promote platform features and CCT as employability tool.
7. Community Service – Encourage volunteering, track hours, recognize active volunteers.
8. Sustainability & Environmental Clubs – Support green initiatives and link to global sustainability goals.
9. Code of Conduct – Professionalism, inclusivity, confidentiality.
10. Student Council Constitution & Bylaws – Shared with members.
11. Open Floor – Discussion on planned initiatives and preparations for the upcoming Chancellor Townhall meeting.

Student Council Concerns

Members raised concerns regarding participation in student governance and decision-making. The management team acknowledged and took these into consideration.

Meeting Closure

The meeting ended at 1:00 PM. Next steps include finalizing the office email access and beginning work on the first semester’s initiatives.

The publication of the above minutes reflects Abu Dhabi University’s commitment to:

• Transparency in governance
• Accountability in decision-making
• Meaningful student engagement

Through structured participation and documented outcomes, Student Councils at ADU contribute directly to shaping the University’s future.