Celebrating Diversity – the UDST Festival of Cultures Approach - A Multaqa Discussion
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MENASA Multaqas are one-hour member engagement sessions that create a space for student affairs professionals in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia area to engage and connect, and to build a culture of support, collaboration, innovation, research, and professional development.
The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has developed a Festival of Cultures program to celebrate the multiculturalism and diversity of its community. The university has become a leader in cultural inclusivity, tolerance and peace, highlighting the uniqueness of its over 80 different nationalities represented on campus.
Organized by Student Engagement, a division of Student Affairs, the Festival of Cultures program consists of a unique student driven leadership and engagement program, which culminates at the end of the planning phase with a two-day festival. Inaugurated in the presence of ambassadors and other representatives from various embassies alongside UDST’s students, faculty, staff and their families, close to 15,000 members of the public visited the campus courtyard this past March as it was transformed into a lively exhibition of art and culture. Research has consistently shown that a student’s sense of belonging has a significant impact on their student success (Crawford, J. et al, 2023) as well as psychological well-being (Kilgo, C. et al, 2016). The success of the Festival of Cultures program is in its “by students, for students” approach, allowing students to represent their country by being a part of their student-led country team. Students interested in a leadership role became country leaders, working together with fellow students to design their country booth and choreograph their cultural dance performance. Student participants were given the freedom to decorate their booth in a way that best represents their country, its values and traditions. Students were encouraged to invite their families and friends to celebrate their diversity together. Attendees were also encouraged to come dressed in their traditional attire and enjoy various artistic and cultural activities from represented student countries. Multaqa participants will be encouraged to think about ways they can implement similar programs at their campus.
Allison Furlong
Manager – Student Engagement
University of Doha for Science & Technology (UDST)
Allison Furlong is the Manager of Student Engagement at the University of Doha for Science & Technology (UDST) and a 2024 volunteer member of the MENASA NASPA board. With over 15 years of experience in Student Affairs, Allison has extensive knowledge of Student Life and Services as well as International Education, having led service-learning opportunities around the world. Allison also holds a Master of Arts in Global Diplomacy and is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Georges Chedid (Moderator)
Director of the Counseling Center
American University of Kuwait
Dr. Georges Chedid holds a PhD in neuropsychology and cognitive science from the University of Montreal. He is the Director of the Counseling Center at the American University of Kuwait. Dr. Chedid has a wealth of experience leading teams of counselors and art therapists, and training professional therapists. He showed an impact on the mental health, wellbeing, and academic success of students with disabilities and mental health disorders by providing an array of high-quality services at AUK. He plays a key role in Student Affairs by contributing effectively to the organization of events and workshops at the Art Room. Dr. Chedid is a mindful leader who encourages inclusion and diversity and continually strives to enhance the quality of life for students with disabilities and mental health issues. He effectively manages and supervises the counseling center staff, clinical operations, art and music therapy rooms, budgets, and daily operations.
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