Celebrating Service and Collaboration at AURAK

My Philosophy and Accomplishments from Last Year

Service is an integral aspect of academia that significantly contributes to the growth and reputation of a university. At the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), our commitment to service extends beyond the classroom, fostering community engagement, supporting institutional development, and creating meaningful partnerships. This article highlights the various service initiatives and university projects that have enriched my tenure at AURAK and underscored our collective dedication to excellence.

The Value of Service in Academia

Critics often blame university reward systems, which prioritize research achievements over teaching excellence and service. This skewed perception undermines the value of teaching and the close, personal relationships it fosters with students. Unlike research, which gains international recognition, teaching and service to local community remains local and deeply personal, making it inherently challenging to evaluate quantitatively.

Service, similarly, is crucial yet frequently overlooked in academic reward systems. Scholars have long recognized that existing reward structures do not adequately recognize faculty professional service compared to teaching and research. Despite recent efforts to redefine and reward faculty service, many institutions still struggle to integrate service into their promotion and tenure criteria effectively.

For me, service is not about seeking rewards or recognition. While awards and promotions are gratifying, they are not what drive my commitment to service. I am passionate about showcasing the work we do at AURAK and putting our students at the forefront of our initiatives. Our students are our heroes, and my focus is always on providing them with opportunities to shine.

I believe that being part of a university is like falling in love with the system and the brand. As long as I am affiliated with AURAK, I will remain a dedicated ambassador for our university. Even long after I have left Manipal Academy of Higher Education - MAHE, Dubai , I still continue to champion the university's values and work to enhance its reputation, and same goes for the my current university American University of Ras Al Khaimah.

Service is essential for building a strong, engaged community and fostering relationships with stakeholders. It goes beyond the confines of teaching and research, demonstrating our commitment to holistic education and community involvement. By valuing and promoting service, we can create a vibrant academic environment that benefits everyone.

AURAK Academic year 2023-24

At AURAK, service is integral to our mission. Through various initiatives, we strive to engage with our community, support institutional growth, and foster meaningful connections with stakeholders. Here are some highlights of our collaborative efforts:

1. HR Orientation for Induction

In collaboration with the HR department, I developed a comprehensive micro-learning resource for new faculty and staff using Articulate Rise 360. This project involved Mass Communication students, offering them valuable experience and a stipend while ensuring our orientation process was engaging and aligned with university branding guidelines. Thank you, Abba Tahir (HR) and Muhamed Sharul (IT), for supporting and integrating the unit into our existing IT infrastructure.

2. META Cinema Forum Collaboration

Our collaboration with Great Minds LLC provided our students with invaluable industry exposure and volunteer opportunities at the META Cinema Forum 2023. This partnership also included a visit to Dubai Studio City, where students toured major production facilities and engaged in discussions with industry professionals. Additionally, I moderated a panel discussion titled "Expat Connections: Exploring Cultural Intersection in UAE Cinema," featuring esteemed professionals like Mark Hobson, Faisal Hashmi, Abeer Abdullah, and Ivor Gracias. This discussion, attended by our students and the general public, highlighted the significant role of the expat population in the UAE's filmmaking industry, offering our students practical insights and networking opportunities. Leila Masinaei , Let's begin our discussion for the 2024 edition of the event.

3. Show Squad Partnership

We partnered with Show Squad, a performing arts organization, to produce promotional content for their events. This collaboration offered our Broadcast Journalism students hands-on experience and significant visibility, enhancing their skills and portfolios.

Kudos to Siobhan Fanning, for her contribution to the local community.

4. 360 Photo Walkthrough for the School of Engineering

Working with Dr. Uday Kumar, we created an interactive 360-degree photo walkthrough of the chemical engineering lab units utilizing the Wonda VR platform. This project showcased our students' technical skills and integrated innovative learning tools into our curriculum.

5. Commencement Ceremony and QS Middle East Summit

As a committee member for the Commencement Ceremony and the QS Middle East Summit, I coordinated technical requirements, vendor selection, and event coverage. These roles demonstrated our ability to manage large-scale events and provided students with real-world experience in event management and production.

6. Women Leaders in Organizations Podcast

In collaboration with Prof. Linzi Kemp, we recorded a podcast episode discussing our research on women leaders, produced by the Al Qasimi Foundation. This initiative highlighted our multidisciplinary approach and commitment to promoting leadership among women in the UAE.

7. Photowalk in Al Jazeera Al Hamra

Supported by Fujifilm, the Department of Antiquities and Museums, and the Al Qasimi Foundation, we organized a photowalk that provided students with hands-on experience in landscape photography, fostering engagement with local heritage and industry partners. A special thank you to Dr. David A. Schmidt for attending the event and presenting certificates to the students. Additionally, heartfelt thanks to our contacts at Fujifilm and Grand Stores for their invaluable support in making this event a success.

8. RAK Academy Shadow Day

During the RAK Academy Shadow Day, I hosted prospective students, giving them an in-depth look at the TV studio production process. This initiative helped bridge the gap between high school and university education, showcasing the practical aspects of media production.

9. International Student Media Competition, South Korea

Our Mass Communication students showcased their talent on the international stage at the International Student Media Competition in South Korea with their 3D 180VR documentary on climate change. This project not only highlighted their innovative work but also demonstrated their ability to compete globally. Special thanks to Dr. David A. Schmidt for providing us with this incredible opportunity. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Suzana for leading our outstanding students—Maram, Zoha, Azza, and Dana—on this journey and for bringing them back as winners.

10. UNIVER Empower Counselors’ Event

I participated in the UNIVER Empower Counselors’ Event, showcasing our TV studio and Mass Communication program to school counselors. This initiative was pivotal in influencing future recruitment efforts, ensuring that counselors would consider our strong Mass Communication program when advising prospective students.

11. Spring Camp 2024

In collaboration with the AURAK Office of Marketing and Enrollment, we organized the second annual Spring Camp 2024, focusing on storytelling and nonfiction narratives. This camp provided participants with hands-on experience in photography and media production, enhancing their practical skills and industry knowledge. This year, we focused on storytelling and nonfiction narratives, partnering with local filmmaker Ronni Jay Javier from Rolling Productions and Fujifilm’s Jandri Angelo. Special thanks to Grand Stores for providing the latest Fuji mirrorless cameras and Zhiyun lighting solutions lineup. A special shoutout to our friend Ram Manoj for his unwavering support.

12. Launch of VOICE OF AURAK

Very proud to announce that the VOICE OF AURAK, the official university podcast, is live, and it came after working in the background for the last two years. Many thanks to Urita Abdelmasih for working with our mass communication at the nascent stage of this idea. It only crystallized after my discussion with Mr. Rajesh Prema, who ensured we had an integrated approach towards the launch of VOICE OF AURAK. I am excited to see how this initiative brings together more people in the next academic year.

13. COP28 Universities Climate Network

Securing AURAK’s membership in the COP28 Universities Climate Network was a significant achievement. This network opened numerous opportunities for our students and faculty to engage in global climate change discussions, enhancing our contribution to this critical issue.

14. Broadcast Journalism Program with Al Qasimi Foundation

One of the critical high points of my service to AURAK in 2023-24 is undoubtedly the collaboration with the Al Qasimi Foundation, where we developed the Saud bin Saqr Broadcast Journalism and TV Production Scholarship Program together with the RAK Government Media Office. This transformative three-week diploma program focused on multimedia storytelling, television scriptwriting, and on-camera presentation, culminating in a capstone studio show production. This initiative not only prepared our students for internships and careers in the media industry but also fostered strong partnerships with industry stakeholders. Through this collaboration, our students gained invaluable insights and practical skills, positioning them for success in their future endeavors.

15. Setup of the Podcast and TV Studio

From June to October 2023, I led the setup of a state-of-the-art podcast studio and the redesign of our TV studio. This comprehensive upgrade included new furniture for the Mac Lab, significantly enhancing our media labs and facilities. These efforts, supported by the Provost and the School of Engineering and Computing, have positioned us to offer advanced training in media production. See the studio setup. I wanted to extend my appreciation Vineeth Jonathan from Boldovino and the support from the AURAK Purchasing team: Dina Gamal Abdelaziz Abdrabou, Procurement Executive from the Office of Procurement & Auxiliary Services for being so supportive.

16. Program Assessment Report

Between January and April 2024, I completed the Annual Program Assessment Report 2023-24 independently and collaborated with Dr. Suzana and Dr. Alexandria on the comprehensive program self-study for reaccreditation. This meticulous documentation process highlighted our program's strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring continuous growth and excellence.

17. Podcast Series for SACSCOC

In collaboration with Assistant Provost Dr. Kevin Konecny, we created a podcast series titled “Countdown” aimed at enhancing internal communication for the SACSCOC reaffirmation process at AURAK. Despite the podcast studio not being complete, we used portable recording devices to produce the series. These recordings featured leadership from across the university discussing the reaffirmation process, showcasing the capabilities of our Mass Communication students.

18. Industry Talks

I have tirelessly worked to enhance student engagement through industry talks, bridging the gap between industry and academia. These efforts have provided students with valuable insights and real-world connections, enriching their educational experience and preparing them for future careers. Here is a list of the guest lectures I organized:

1. Fashion Portraits - Mahima Manjunath, a freelance fashion photographer, conducted a workshop on fashion portraits. Her recent industry experience and fresh perspective allowed her to closely relate to students, offering practical advice on breaking into the fashion photography field.
2. Arabic for Media - Fagr Kassim Ali, Advisor for the Media Sector Development Department at Sharjah Media City, led a workshop on Arabic competency for media jobs. His session was particularly enlightening, addressing the challenges of Arabic language proficiency in media and inspiring changes in our course curriculum.
3. American Film Showcase - Laura Nix ,Through our connection with the US Consulate in Dubai, we hosted Laura Nix, an Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her session provided students with insights into documentary filmmaking, supported by the US government's cultural exchange initiatives.
4. Workshop with Kim Carlino - In collaboration with the Al Qasimi Foundation, Kim Carlino conducted a workshop on color theory for Architecture students. This event, facilitated by our office assistant Aisha, highlighted our interdisciplinary approach and the importance of color in architectural design.

These industry talks have significantly contributed to our students' professional growth, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers.

Conclusion

Service in academia is vital for fostering community engagement, supporting institutional development, and creating meaningful partnerships. By valuing and promoting faculty service, we enhance our university's reputation and ensure a holistic approach to education that benefits all stakeholders.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our university and the broader community.