Doha, Qatar – A new partnership between Qatar Foundation (QF) and the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) aims to bolster student affairs and services across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. The collaboration, announced during the WISE 12 Summit, will establish a regional association dedicated to improving the support networks vital to the university experience. This initiative comes as institutions increasingly recognize the importance of holistic student support in fostering academic success and well-being.
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will see QF manage the new regional association. IASAS will contribute to the development of a Certificate in Student Affairs Leadership and Practice, designed to enhance the skills of professionals providing crucial services to students. These services encompass academic advising, career guidance, mental health support, and extracurricular activities.
Strengthening Student Affairs in the MENA Region
The partnership addresses a growing need for specialized support within higher education, particularly in regions experiencing rapid development and evolving student demographics. According to QF officials, the goal is to create a more connected and robust community of student affairs professionals. This will enable them to better address the unique challenges faced by students in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
QF and IASAS will jointly organize workshops and promote knowledge-sharing through research projects and symposiums. These efforts will focus on best practices in student support, with a particular emphasis on adapting global models to the local context. The collaboration also seeks to amplify the voices of regional institutions in the global conversation surrounding higher education.
Focus on Holistic Student Well-being
Discussions at the WISE 12 Summit, which preceded the MoU signing, highlighted the evolving needs of students in a turbulent world. Dr. Fanta Aw, President of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, emphasized that simply offering access to education is insufficient. Universities must cultivate inclusive ecosystems that proactively support student success.
Ryan McLawhon, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at Texas A&M University at Qatar, shared insights into the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. He noted the difficulties of transitioning students who began their studies online to traditional campus life, and the necessity for administrators to recognize and address these unique needs. This perspective underscores the evolving complexity of university student life.
The importance of addressing geopolitical factors impacting students was also a key theme. Visa restrictions, regional instability, and conflict can all create significant obstacles for students pursuing higher education, necessitating comprehensive support services to mitigate these challenges.
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with broader discussions about equity and inclusion within higher education. Simply promoting diversity isn’t enough; institutions must prioritize inclusion to ensure that all students have a genuine opportunity to thrive. This entails creating environments where students feel safe, supported, and valued.
The signing of the MoU builds on previous collaborative efforts, including QF hosting IASAS’ Annual Global Student Affairs Association Leaders Meeting at Education City. This meeting brought together leaders from around the world to share insights and strategies for advancing higher education support globally.
Dr. Abdulnassir S. Al Tamimi, Executive Director of Student Services at QF, stated the collaboration will enable institutions to learn from global leaders and amplify the impact of student-centered programs. He emphasized QF’s dedication to providing comprehensive support to students both within Education City and across the wider region.
The next step involves establishing the framework and governance structure for the new regional association. A timeline for the launch of the Certificate in Student Affairs Leadership and Practice has not been announced, but is expected within the next academic year. Observers will be watching to see how effectively the partnership can translate global best practices into regionally relevant solutions and, ultimately, improve the overall student experience.
