15th Annual MENASA NASPA Conference
Regional/Area Virtual Events Career and Workforce Development Supporting the Profession Global Division International Education
March 1 - March 3, 2021 Virtual
In light of the many tumultuous events during 2020, higher education has had to pivot to continue to serve our students through adaptation and innovation. This three-day conference by NASPA and the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) Area, is a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues regionally and abroad. The conference provides space for discussing innovative ideas, adaptive approaches, use of technology, best practices and the future of Student Affairs.
Presented By
About the MENASA Conference
Our annual conference offers a forum for professionals from all over the world to continue conversations about the role of Student Affairs and the adaptability in methods of providing continuous support. As student affairs practitioners we have been constantly adapting and innovating to address these challenges and finding better ways to serve our students' needs and build communities with a sense of belonging in an unpredictable and ever changing environment.
This three-day conference by NASPA and the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) Area, is an opportunity to connect with colleagues regionally and abroad. The conference provides space for discussing innovative ideas, adaptive approaches, use of technology, best practices, lessons learned, and the future of Student Affairs.
Join us as we aim to navigate towards a sustainable and creative new philosophy of experiential learning in student development.
MENASA NASPA Conference HelpDesk (Coming Soon)
Daily: 9:00am - 1:30pm Arabian Standard Time/GMT+3
Recognition of Merit
The NASPA Middle-East, North Africa, South Asia (MENASA) Area was formed to engage and connect student affairs professionals in advancing service to students, campuses, and the student affairs/services field by supporting professionals through a variety of resources and activities.
The purpose of our Recognition of Excellence is to spotlight best practices and initiatives across the MENASA area that align with MENASA-NASPA values. The MENASA NASPA Conference strives to recognize significant contributions by institutions and individuals and thus support sharing of knowledge and good practices and to generate conversations among student affairs professionals about innovative and effective practices. The Recognition of Excellence further inspire awareness, highlight excellent work being conducted by MENASA Area professionals, promote collaboration and idea sharing, and serve as a platform to connect professionals in the region.
Adherence to Recognition Criteria: The nominated party and activity aligns with the specific category description and criteria.
Support or Evidence: Nominations can be supported by assessment/evaluation feedback, recommendations, or some form of evidence of effectiveness/excellence. Demonstrates a model that can be successfully replicated by others.
Promotes engagement: Demonstrates support or ability to engage with others in their institution, community and/or field.
Relevance to professional best practices: Demonstrates use of strong professional activities that align with MENASA-NASPA Competencies.
Relevance to Student Affairs/Services: Demonstrates relevance and significance to the field of Student Affairs/Services.
MENASA-NASPA Area Organization/Professional: The nominated party and or activity operate in a MENASA Area country and support the field of Student Affairs/Services.
*Note: NASPA Affiliation is a requirement. Each nomination must include an organization or individual who is a current NASPA member.
RECOGNITION CATEGORIES
Merit in Collaborative Partnerships
Demonstrates significant interdepartmental collaboration that positively impacts the overall quality of campus life. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit, or program.
Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
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Partners with one or more groups, organizations, campuses, etc. outside of their specific area for the purpose of addressing a challenge.
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Provides evidence of progress or progress towards positive impact(s) on institutional/student/campus life
Merit in Innovative Practices
An innovative practice that develops student engagement and overall student success through campus-based initiatives. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit or program.
Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
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Clearly identifies an innovative practice and how it promoted student success.
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Demonstrates creativity in delivery.
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Positively impacts the student experience with specific achievements and is supported by outcomes.
Dedicated Professional (Commitment to the MENASA-NASPA Area)
Recognizes a MENASA area professional who embodies our values by significantly contributing to supporting professionals, and developing the MENASA region identity and community. This recognition is intended for an individual professional.
Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
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Exemplifies the mission of MENASA through service to the profession and/or professional development to area professionals.
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Contributes to MENASA-NASPA activities, or similar within one's local context.
Works to advance student affairs practices or research in the MENASA area, preferably supporting professional competencies and regional knowledge.
Merit in Student Success
Recognizes practices that have demonstrated, through evidence, a sustained commitment to and a proactive advancement of student success across campus. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit or program.
Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
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Development and/or implementation of a program or resource that significantly contributes to the personal, professional, or academic development of students at the campus.
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Provides strong evidence to support the impact on student outcomes for the intended student population.
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*For the 2021-2022 MENASA-NASPA Conference Recognition of Excellence, NASPA membership of an associated professional or institution is required.
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Recipients will hear back from the conference recognition committee.
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Recognition will be announced at the MENASA Virtual Conference. Attendance to the MENASA Virtual Conference is not required, but highly encouraged
CLICK HERE to submit an application/nomination.
Learning Outcomes
16th Annual MENASA Conference learning outcomes
Engage in critical dialogue around the innovation and adaptation of student affairs.
Exchange insights and lessons learned on best practices and initiatives relative to the development and growing importance of student affairs with scholar-practitioners in the MENASA region and globally
Enhance the learning and growth post-pandemic by sharing best practices of student affairs profession in the region.
Understand how to evolve current student affairs practices and strategies to better support student and community development in an uncertain time.
Connect with an expansive network of international leaders, researchers, and current student affairs professionals.
Identify emerging research and practices in student affairs around current societal changes that have caused the restructuring of higher education and student affairs.
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مخرجات التعلم من المؤتمر:
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1. المشاركة في حوار نقدي حول الابتكار ومدى تكيف شؤون الطلاب.
2. تبادل الأفكار والدروس المستفادة حول أفضل الممارسات والمبادرات المتعلقة بتطوير شؤون الطلبة الطلاب وأهميتها المتزايدة مع الباحثين الممارسين في منطقة مناساوالعالم.
3. تعزيز التعلم والنمو في حقبة ما بعد الوباء من خلال تبادل أفضل ممارسات مهنة شؤون الطلبة في المنطقة.
4. فهم كيفية تطوير ممارسات واستراتيجيات شؤون الطلبة الحالية لدعم تنمية الطلاب والمجتمع بشكل أفضل في فترات الظروف الغير متوقعة.
5. تواصل مع شبكة واسعة من القادة الدوليين والباحثين والمتخصصين الحاليين في شؤون الطلاب.
6. التعرف على البحوث والممارسات الناشئة في شؤون الطلبة الطلاب حول التغيرات المجتمعية الحالية التي تسببت في إعادة هيكلة التعليم العالي وشؤون الطلبةالطلاب.
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Registration for the MENASA Conference
Registration as a member is based on individual membership status. You can join as an individual member at the $75 USD rate. This gives you the conference registration and a year of membership for less than the non-member registration fee. Visit the Membership section of the NASPA website to learn about membership types. NASPA Membership.
REGISTRATION FEES |
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| Early Registration Ends January 23, 2022 |
Regular Registration Ends February 6, 2022 |
Late Registration After February 6, 2022 |
NASPA Member |
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| $49 USD | $69 USD | $79 USD |
Registration & Membership |
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| $124 USD | $144 USD | $154 USD |
Registration Only |
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| $169 USD | $189 USD | $199 USD |
Student Registration |
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| $16 USD | $16 USD | $16 USD |
Seeking professional development funding? Review the NASPA Foundation Professional Development Scholarship!
Registration Policies
Registration Cancellation Policy:
This program may be cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. In this case, your registration fee will be refunded. Any additional refund requests will be granted by NASPA minus a $25.00 administrative fee.
For a comprehensive listing of NASPA registration policies, please visit this page.
Questions?
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NASPA Events |
Janelle Nicole Rahyns |
Tiki Ayiku
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Schedule for the MENASA Conference
The schedule will be designed to provide participants with interactive and engaging programming, opportunities for deeper discussion, and networking. As details are finalized, this schedule will be updated.
2022 MENASA NASPA Conferences Schedule
All times are Arabia Standard Time (GMT+3) and are subject to change
February 14
February 15
February 16
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Welcome, Opening, and Keynote
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| Welcome |
Peter Dicce Director, MENASA Area |
NYUAD |
| Opening |
Amjad Abdo Omneya Badr |
Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar Qatar University |
| Keynote Speaker |
Amelia Parnell, Ph.D. Vice President |
NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education |
| Words from the Global Division |
Mirela Mazalu Director, Global Division |
EucA - European university college Association |
10:35 AM - 10:55 AM
Networking
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Concurrent Sessions I
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| Unpacking Disability Barriers and Microaggressions |
Nada Al Mosallam Alexandra Gazis |
The American University in Cairo |
| Student-Employee Retention: A Case Study at a liberal arts college in Singapore | Andy Loe | Yale-NUS College |
| Shifting Practices and Student Trends in Foundation Program Support Center | Hayat Samad | Qatar University |
11:55 AM - 12:10 PM
Healthy Break
12:15 PM - 1:05 PM
Concurrent Sessions II
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| Innovative Practices for Engagement: Pandemic and Beyond |
Sarah Burshan Sobia Rahman |
Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar |
| Stop Assuming Students are Tech Savvy! Digital Literacy for Digital Natives | Omneya Badr | Qatar University |
| Getting ‘Social’ with Social Distancing: Lessons from Northwestern Qatar’s Outdoor Education Program |
Indeewaree Thotawattage Ahmad Alony Hamed |
Northwestern University-Qatar |
1:05 PM - 1:15 PM
Closing
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM
Welcome
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| Welcome from the 2022 MENASA Conference Co-Chairs |
Amjad Abdo Omneya Badr
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Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar Qatar University |
9:05 AM - 9:35 AM
MENASA Majilis
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| Introduction to the Panel | Peter Dicce | Director, MENASA Area |
| Panelist | Amjad Abdo |
Co-Chair, MENASA Conference |
| Panelist | Wadad El-Husseiny |
Consultant to the Vice President |
9:40 AM - 10:30 AM
Concurrent Sessions III
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| World Cafe Exploration of Campus Mental Health | Robin A. Higgins | University of Central Asia |
| Student Affairs Practices at International Branch Campuses | Amjad Abdo | Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar |
| A Relatable User Experience Inspired Approach to Higher Ed Administrative Communications | Farzan Ahmed Khan | NYUAB - New York University Abu Dhabi |
| استراتيجيات الارشاد الاكاديمي في ضوء معايير الجودة الاكاديمية | Khalid Muftah/خالد مفتاح | Police Academy/اكاديمية الشرطة |
10:35 AM - 10:55 AM
Healthy Break
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Concurrent Sessions IV
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| From Dorm* Room to Board Room |
Abigail Smith Garvin Reid |
American University of Sharjah |
| WhatsApp service as a non-traditional communication tool to enhance students' sense of belonging | Rawan Khir | QFBA-Northumbria Univrersity |
| A Road to Personal and Professional Growth with Self Compassion |
Sarah Burshan Ivana Mrgan |
Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar Al Ahmadani Medical Center |
11:55 AM - 12:10 PM
Healthy Break
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
Professional Development Discussion with Student Affairs Professionals from the Region: Insight into Early-Career Professionals
Details
Professional Development Discussion with Student Affairs Professionals from the Region: Insight into Early-Career Professionals
Panelist |
University/Institution |
| Awad Aljadani |
Residential Life Specialist |
| Ghina Elkasti |
Career and Internships Manager |
| Michael Ttappous | Residential College Director |
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM
Welcome
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| Welcome |
Peter Dicce Director, MENASA Area |
NYUAD (New York University - Abu Dhabi) |
9:05 AM - 9:10 AM
Introduction to Keynote Panelists
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| Introduction to Keynote Panelists |
Peter Dicce Director, MENASA Area |
New York University - Abu Dhabi |
| Panelist |
Dr. Prince Kalyanasundaram |
Directorate of Student Affairs |
| Panelist |
Omneya Badr |
Co-Chair, MENASA Conference |
| Panelist |
Karla Fraser |
Higher Education Global |
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM
Keynote Panel
Details
| Presenter | University/Institution | Website/Contact Information |
| Peter Dicce | NYUAD - New York University Abu Dhabi | |
| Karla Fraser | ||
| Prince Immanuel KalyanasundaramPrince | ||
| Shabana Manji |
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
MENASA Networking Lounge
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
Concurrent Sessions V
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| Revisit SA Professional Development in MENA region |
Wadad El-Husseiny Faten El Ayache |
Qatar University
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| Applied Research Project: Qatar Foundation’s Residence Life | Matthew Nelson | Qatar Foundation |
| Code-Switching on Campus: The Languages of DEI in Global Higher-Ed Contexts |
Annette Wu |
Yale-NUS College |
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Healthy Break
11:35 AM - 12:25 PM
Concurrent Session VI
Details
| Session Title | Presenter(s) | University/Institution |
| Measuring the Quality and Impact of Student Affairs Services |
Chitihira Johnson Noor Al-Nakhala |
Qatar University
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| A Restorative Framework for Community and Interpersonal Accountability |
Fiona Freeman-Grundei Olivia Dure
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Yale-NUS College |
| Mental Well-being at the Workplace - Education Sector | Faten Ramadann | Qatar University |
Call for Programs: Closed
2022 MENASA NASPA Call for Programs - Closed
The 2022 Planning Committee seeks engaging and innovative proposals that examine the lessons learned, the evolution of Student Affairs practices, and their integration into the campus community especially during this pivotal time. In an unprecedented era of change, the conference seeks to explore the ways in which we provide student support, communicate, and apply technology.
This conference invites dialogues and presentations around topics related to:
- virtual learning and student engagement
- leadership during these challenging times
- mental health, well-being and resilience
- support services and collaborations within the campus communities and beyond
- innovation, technology and best practices
- effective communications via different means (virtual, in-person, hybrid)
- developing campus communities in a virtual world
- student affairs competencies
- developing innovative opportunities for professional or career development
- reflecting on the lessons learned
- preparing for future challenges
Speakers
QUESTIONS?
Please contact NASPA if you have any further questions about submitting a program proposal for the 16h Annual MENASA NASPA Conference.
Janelle Rahyns, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Global Initiatives
Email: jrahyns@naspa.org