The support networks that enrich university life for students across the region are to be strengthened through a partnership between Qatar Foundation (QF) and the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS), announced during the WISE 12 Summit.
The collaboration will see the creation of a new regional association to advance student affairs and services in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia which will be managed by QF. IASAS will also support the establishment of a Certificate in Student Affairs Leadership and Practice – cultivating the capacity to provide learners with elements that are central to their university experience, such as academic advice and support, study skills development, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, sports and cultural programmes, career guidance, and personal counselling.
QF and IASAS will work together to organise workshops that strengthen the field of student affairs and services across the region. They will also promote dialogue and knowledge-sharing in the Global South through joint research projects and symposiums.
Francisco Marmolejo, president of Higher Education and Education Adviser, QF, said: "This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important moment for Qatar Foundation and for our region.
“At QF, we believe that student affairs is a cornerstone of a thriving educational ecosystem, and this partnership with IASAS allows all of us to learn global best practices while sharing Qatar’s knowledge and experiences with the world. Together, we will enhance standards of practice, expand opportunities for student engagement, strengthen student support programs, and elevate the student affairs profession across higher education institutions in Qatar, the Mena region, and beyond.”
Professor Dr Birgit Schreiber, president of IASAS, said: “IASAS is proud to formalise this partnership with Qatar Foundation that reflects our shared commitment to advancing social justice through supporting student affairs and services across the Middle East and the wider region.
“As a global organisation, we place great value on elevating local initiatives and ensuring that regional voices shape our global efforts to support students and institutions. Together, we are building pathways for professional development, research, and leadership that will empower institutions across the Global South and support the next generation of student-centered innovation.”
Dr. Abdulnassir S al-Tamimi, executive director of Student Services within QF’s Higher Education division, said: "The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding reflects Qatar Foundation’s strong commitment to elevating the support and services we provide to all our students in Education City and across the wider region.
“Our collaboration with IASAS creates new opportunities to learn from global leaders, exchange best practices, and amplify the impact of student-centered programs. Our goal from this partnership is to build a stronger, more connected student affairs and services community in Qatar and the wider region that supports students’ growth and well-being in today’s increasingly complex world."
The collaboration will see the creation of a new regional association to advance student affairs and services in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia which will be managed by QF. IASAS will also support the establishment of a Certificate in Student Affairs Leadership and Practice – cultivating the capacity to provide learners with elements that are central to their university experience, such as academic advice and support, study skills development, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, sports and cultural programmes, career guidance, and personal counselling.
QF and IASAS will work together to organise workshops that strengthen the field of student affairs and services across the region. They will also promote dialogue and knowledge-sharing in the Global South through joint research projects and symposiums.
Francisco Marmolejo, president of Higher Education and Education Adviser, QF, said: "This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important moment for Qatar Foundation and for our region.
“At QF, we believe that student affairs is a cornerstone of a thriving educational ecosystem, and this partnership with IASAS allows all of us to learn global best practices while sharing Qatar’s knowledge and experiences with the world. Together, we will enhance standards of practice, expand opportunities for student engagement, strengthen student support programs, and elevate the student affairs profession across higher education institutions in Qatar, the Mena region, and beyond.”
Professor Dr Birgit Schreiber, president of IASAS, said: “IASAS is proud to formalise this partnership with Qatar Foundation that reflects our shared commitment to advancing social justice through supporting student affairs and services across the Middle East and the wider region.
“As a global organisation, we place great value on elevating local initiatives and ensuring that regional voices shape our global efforts to support students and institutions. Together, we are building pathways for professional development, research, and leadership that will empower institutions across the Global South and support the next generation of student-centered innovation.”
Dr. Abdulnassir S al-Tamimi, executive director of Student Services within QF’s Higher Education division, said: "The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding reflects Qatar Foundation’s strong commitment to elevating the support and services we provide to all our students in Education City and across the wider region.
“Our collaboration with IASAS creates new opportunities to learn from global leaders, exchange best practices, and amplify the impact of student-centered programs. Our goal from this partnership is to build a stronger, more connected student affairs and services community in Qatar and the wider region that supports students’ growth and well-being in today’s increasingly complex world."