Speech by the Chairman of the Office of Alumni Affairs
The establishment of the Al-Wasl University Alumni Association meets the urgent need to find a way that organizes the graduates’ efforts. It also motivates their communication to contribute to the mission of the University and achieve its vision and useful objectives. Furthermore, finding a link between the University and its graduates who have gained knowledge from it, learned from the experiences of its academic staff, and benefited from its activities, makes it easy to provide them with everything new to support their scientific and practical careers. This achieves the goals of the country and the nation.
I am sure that our graduates, whenever and wherever they are and whether they take on life’s responsibilities, will continue to hold their hearts in love and gratitude. They will interact with their university and contribute to its growth and development in recognition of their education, knowledge, and culture.
As I am sure of these graduates’ love for their university, I appeal to them and urge them to give more and try to reflect their hopes. They will do this since the Association exists for them and will grow with them.
Layla Aqoun, Office of Alumni Affairs Head
Layla Ahmad Aqoun
0559171022
[email protected]
First: Academic qualifications:
- General Secondary Certificate in Accounting Techniques, 2003.
- Degree in Applied University Studies, Banking and Monetary Technique Department, 2005.
- A. of Management Science, Major: Accounting Techniques, 2007.
- Certificate in Automated Media 2007.
- Cambridge International Diploma in IT Skills, 2010.
- Certificate of participation in the customer service course titled “We are at your service”, 2010.
- Certificate of Attendance and Participation in a workshop titled “Job Description”, 2013.
- Certificate of Attendance and Participation in the Academic Training Program (Multiculturalism and Leadership 2017) in Dundee, Scotland.
- Certificate of Attendance and Participation in the Academic Training Program (Multiculturalism and Leadership 2018) in Dundee, Scotland.
- Certificate of Attendance and Participation in a workshop titled “Six hats”.
- Certificate of Attendance and Participation in a workshop titled “Job Description”.
Second: Languages:
Arabic – French – English.
Third: Professional Experience:
2008-2009: Central Library of the College of Islamic and Arab Studies.
2009-2011: Dean of Postgraduate Studies Assistant, Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies.
2011 – 2019: Registrar of the Department of Admission and Registration at the College of Islamic and Arabic Studies.
2019 – 2020: Registration Specialist in the f Admission and Registration Department at Al-Wasl University in Dubai
2020 _ 2021: Assistant Head of Admission and Registration at Al-Wasl University in Dubai
– Currently Head of the Alumni Affairs Office.
Statistical number of graduates and graduates
- Bachelor’s program:
Bachelor’s Degree
Year | Male Graduates | Female Graduates | ||||
Arabic Language and Literature | Islamic Studies | Number | Arabic Language and Literature | Islamic Studies | Number | |
1990-1991 | 0 | 30 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1991-1992 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 48 | 48 |
1992-1993 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 44 | 44 |
1993-1994 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 51 | 51 |
1994-1995 | 0 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 61 | 61 |
1995-1996 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 50 | 50 |
1996-1997 | 0 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 66 | 66 |
1997-1998 | 0 | 31 | 31 | 0 | 93 | 93 |
1998-1999 | 0 | 33 | 33 | 25 | 208 | 233 |
1999-2000 | 0 | 61 | 61 | 103 | 355 | 458 |
2000-2001 | 0 | 50 | 50 | 85 | 215 | 300 |
2001-2002 | 0 | 70 | 70 | 89 | 250 | 339 |
2002-2003 | 0 | 190 | 190 | 368 | 375 | 743 |
2003-2004 | 0 | 138 | 138 | 183 | 187 | 370 |
2004-2005 | 46 | 97 | 143 | 231 | 215 | 446 |
2005-2006 | 81 | 86 | 167 | 325 | 235 | 560 |
2006-2007 | 58 | 121 | 179 | 242 | 168 | 410 |
2007-2008 | 102 | 131 | 233 | 280 | 155 | 435 |
2008-2009 | 139 | 133 | 272 | 382 | 123 | 505 |
2009-2010 | 142 | 52 | 194 | 323 | 96 | 419 |
2010-2011 | 95 | 41 | 136 | 290 | 103 | 393 |
2011-2012 | 88 | 37 | 125 | 409 | 167 | 576 |
2012-2013 | 80 | 31 | 111 | 234 | 121 | 355 |
2013-2014 | 51 | 34 | 85 | 277 | 123 | 400 |
2014-2015 | 26 | 23 | 49 | 356 | 160 | 516 |
2015-2016 | 24 | 23 | 47 | 358 | 227 | 585 |
2016-2017 | 21 | 27 | 48 | 377 | 260 | 637 |
2017-2018 | 60 | 37 | 97 | 359 | 213 | 572 |
2018-2019 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 51 | 74 | 125 |
2019-2020 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 39 | 54 | 93 |
2020-2021 | 14 | 16 | 30 | 172 | 86 | 258 |
Total | 1043 | 1577 | 2620 | 5558 | 4583 | 10141 |
The total number of both male and female graduates until the academic year 2020-2021 is (12761)
2- M. A. Program
– M. A. Degree
Arabic Language and Literature | Islamic Studies | ||||||||
Year | Males | Females | Males | Females | Number | ||||
Language and Grammar | Literature and Criticism | Language and Grammar | Literature and Criticism | Principles of Jurisprudence | Jurisprudence | Principles of Jurisprudence | Jurisprudence | ||
1999-2000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
2000-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
2001-2002 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
2002-2003 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
2003-2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
2004-2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
2005-2006 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 12 |
2006-2007 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 12 |
2007-2008 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 15 |
2008-2009 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
2009-2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 16 |
2010-2011 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 |
2011-2012 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 |
2012-2013 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 20 |
2013-2014 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 11 |
2014-2015 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 16 |
2015-2016 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
2016-2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
2017-2018 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
2018-2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
2019-2020 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
2020-2021 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | – | 5 | 0 | 16 |
Total | 0 | 1 | 36 | 49 | 6 | – | 104 | – | 196 |
3- PhD Program
– PhD Degree
Arabic Language and Literature | Islamic Studies | ||||||||
Year | Males | Females | Males | Females | Number | ||||
Language and Grammar | Literature and Criticism | Language and Grammar | Literature and Criticism | Principles of Jurisprudence | Jurisprudence | Principles of Jurisprudence | Jurisprudence | ||
2010-2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
2011-2012 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
2012-2013 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
2013-2014 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
2014-2015 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
2015-2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 9 |
2016-2017 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
2017-2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
2018-2019 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 12 |
2019-2020 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 10 |
2020-2021 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 6 | – | 4 | 0 | 20 |
Total | 0 | 0 | 15 | 32 | 6 | – | 35 | – | 88 |
Alumni’s Association
Al-Wasl University is eager to communicate with its graduates, continue the work and build a close relationship with them, and follow up on their new professional careers. Thus, the University Decree of 20/12/2020 established Al-Wasl University Alumni Association as a new initiative in its graduates’ lives. The Association’s tasks include the following:
- Strengthening the ties between the University and its graduates
- Instilling and enshrining the concepts of belonging and loyalty among their ranks
- Urging the graduates to continue in mutual giving
- Cooperating with the University to advance the service of the community and continue caring for the graduate.
- Strengthening the university student’s communication with his/her graduate colleagues and enabling him/her to learn about all new academic, research, and social aspects within and outside the university
- Contributing to and cooperating in the establishment of various university facilities that serve the members of the association and society.
Objectives of the Association
- Providing a platform for graduates to raise their issues, concerns, and aspirations and work together to overcome the difficulties facing them.
- Keeping the graduates in constant contact with the academic and scientific environment to exchange views and update their knowledge by following up on new scientific developments. This happens through the university’s channels of communication with the university community.
- Sensitizing graduates on the importance of their role in the development of the University’s curriculum plans by providing the University with the collection of information gained in various areas of working life. This shall regard the actual needs of labor markets and the requirements for the development of community services.
- Working to achieve the objectives of the Association, especially on general topics of concern to society.
- Strengthening the relationship between the Association and its counterparts in other universities.
Procedures
The membership of the Association shall be open to all graduates who meet the conditions of membership of the Association. Each member of the Association shall be entitled to stand for election to the Executive Committee and to participate in all its activities.
Membership Conditions
- The person wishing to be a member shall have one of the degrees awarded by the University or the academic programs provided by it.
- Not less than 21 years old at the time of membership application.
- The graduate shall be of good conduct, and shall not be convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor prejudicial to honor or trustworthiness.
- Benefits: Once a member joins the association, he/she receives a membership card and several privileges, including:
- Access to employment and training opportunities in cooperation with enterprises in the private and local sectors.
- Participation in events organized by the University, including attending conferences, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, workshops, training courses, and parties.
- The right to stand and vote for election to the Committee of the Alumni Association.
- Allowance to use the University facilities (library, computer laboratories, and other facilities).
- The Association’s members are allowed to represent the University and the Association at conferences and workshops.
Association’s Management
- The Executive Committee of the Alumni Association shall manage and administer the Association. It works under the supervision of the Dean of Student Affairs at the University and in coordination with the Centre of the Alumni Association.
- The term of office of the Committee shall be one year beginning on the date of its election. Any of its members may be re-elected more than once to the membership of subsequent Executive Committees.
Duties of the Association’s members
- Adherence to the regulations and laws of the United Arab Emirates.
- Respect the University’s laws, orders, regulations, and academic and administrative staff.
- Make every effort within the framework of the prevailing legislation to achieve the Association’s goals and objectives.
- Voluntarily contribute to the Association’s activities and the events held by the University.
Alumni Association’s Card
It is a free card, which all graduates of Al-Wasl University are entitled to receive, including many benefits that the graduate can benefit from in different fields.
Association Membership Invitation
- The Chairman of the Association shall, as he/she deems appropriate, invite the graduates of the University to join the Association through an extensive advertising/emailing campaign. He/she does this using all available media, including sending letters to graduates on their postal addresses registered in the database maintained by the University, by email, or by telephone.
- The invitation to membership of the Association shall include the following:
- A comprehensive overview of the Association’s establishing, objectives, conditions of membership and management.
- Filling out the application form approved by the Chairman of the Alumni Association for mobilization and returning it by graduates wishing to join the Association.
- Subscription is free of charge.
Election of the Committee of the Alumni Association
- An “Executive Committee” shall manage and administrate the Association. This committee shall operate under the general supervision of the Chairman of the Association and shall consist of the Chairman and eight members elected by the members of the Association. This takes place in accordance with the procedures set out in these Regulations.
- The voting process shall be conducted to elect the members of the Committee at the time and place specified, and in the presence of voters at the polling station and to vote freely, confidentially, and impartially on the lists of candidates.
- Voters are not allowed to vote electronically unless the necessary technical controls are ascertained; to ascertain the voter’s identity and ensure that he/she cannot cast his/her ballot more than once to one candidate.
- Elections shall be legal regardless of the number of voters.
- Neglect any ballot paper bearing more than one candidate’s name.
- In the event of a tie of votes for a seat, the drawing process is conducted to determine the winner.
- The Dean of Student Affairs oversees the entire election process from receipt, coordination, and counting of applications to the moment of announcement of the result.
- In preparing lists of candidates and electing the Executive Committee, account shall be taken of the diversity of the University’s disciplines and degrees. Consideration shall also be taken of the discrepancy between the numbers of graduates from different faculties.
- The Dean of Students’ Affairs requests that a meeting be held as soon as possible, but not later than five days after the announcement of the names of the winners, to distribute the positions to the members of the Committee in a polling or sponsoring manner.
General Conference of Graduates
- A general conference of all graduates invited to membership of the Association shall be held at least once a year at the headquarters of the Association. It shall be held on the same day as elections to the Executive Committee, provided that the Conference shall take place well in advance of the beginning of the voting process to exchange views, consult and deliberate on the affairs of the Association, and hear the reports of successive Executive Committees.
- The first Thursday of October each year sets the date for the General Conference of Graduates, and the election of the Executive Committee.
- If the conference cannot be held on time for any reason, the existing Executive Committee shall continue to perform its roles provisionally until those reasons have been eliminated. A new date for the conference and elections shall be fixed and announced in advance.
Terms of reference of the Executive Committee
The committee observes the existing legislation and coordinates with the Dean in all the powers necessary to achieve its mission and objectives. The Committee has the following powers in particular:
- Prepare plans, programs, and projects of the Association and follow up on their implementation.
- Implement the Association’s general policy, organize events and activities that achieve the objectives of the Association, and oversee its implementation.
- Establish internal controls, rules, and regulations for the management of the Association.
- Supervise the work of the various committees, monitor their performance, and establish controls over their work.
- Study graduate issues in general and coordinate with the Dean.
- Prepare full reports on the Association’s achievements during the year for presentation to the General Conference of Graduates at the end of its term of office.
Meetings of the Committee
- The Committee shall meet at the invitation of its Chairman at least once a month and may meet further if necessary. Its meetings shall be valid only if it is attended by more than half of the members, provided that the Chairman or Vice-Chairman is among them.
- The Committee shall adopt its decisions by a majority of its members present. In the event of a tie of votes, the Chairman’s side shall be preferred. The Committee’s deliberations and decisions are recorded in records signed by the Chairman of the meeting. The records are kept in books deposited with the Secretary of the Association, and a copy is provided to the Dean.
Mechanisms of Communication
– Clear lines of communication with graduates: The graduates of Al-Wasl University from the programs of B. A. and Postgraduate studies (M. A. and Ph.D.) are contacted by their telephone numbers or their parents (as available in the database) via SMART DUBAI (a text messaging service), or their emails.
Graduate database: The graduates’ database is available on the University Students’ System (CITRIX) and contains the following information:
- Registration Year – Student Number – Name in Arabic and English – Specialization – Cumulative Rate – Date and place of Birth – Passport Number and Validity Date – General Secondary Rate and Certificate Type (Science, Arts…) – The issuance of the secondary school, the Emirate and the region – Identity number and validity date – Graduation year – Graduate’s and parent’s telephone numbers and e-mails – the Emirate of Housing and the region – The graduate’s employer, Emirate and job title.
The right time for employers to develop the graduates’ relationships: Graduates are communicated once in each semester (Usually after receiving an email from the Ministry of Education to fill out the graduate work questionnaire). The data of the last graduate Class are updated. As for the Association, the update is done based on the last 5 Classes (Once during the academic year), during winter or spring vacation. Then, the data is updated on the students’ system. The process is done in cooperation with the institutional liaison department.
Informing students of employment fairs: The Department provides the graduates with as much information as possible on the availability of certain job opportunities and how they can have these jobs. This happens through the Internet to provide them with job sites in the United Arab Emirates. For example, graduates have been provided with some links such as: The link offered in October 2021 regarding the application for employment in Majid Al Futtaim Group for UAE Nationals (Nafis).