MENASA Women Wednesdays: Student Affairs Insights from Women in the Field - Rana Haidar
Includes a Live Web Event on 01/14/2026 at 9:00 AM (EST)
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MENASA Women Wednesdays are monthly one-hour member engagement sessions (in English or Arabic) highlighting the voices of women in student affairs from around the world. Through this online series of discussions, MENASA members will have the opportunity to gain various perspectives of the student affairs profession through the varying lenses of women in the field. Session presenters will share their story of how they have come to hold their current position in higher education, lessons learned along the way, insights they have gained, and a time for participants to ask questions.
Rana Haidar
Head of Student Affairs
Arab Open University
An accomplished higher education leader with over 25 years of experience in student affairs, alumni relations, career counseling, HR and university administration. Rana is known for fostering vibrant student life, strengthening alumni engagement, and developing inclusive support services. Her work centers on strategic program development, cross-departmental collaboration, clear communication, and effective conflict resolution.Throughout this session, I will discuss my journey as a Student Affairs professional, focusing on the challenges I faced and the obstacles I overcame while serving at a newly established university that adopted the “Open Learning System,” the first of its kind in Lebanon. I will also elaborate on the role of Student Affairs in fostering inclusion, shaping students’ experiences, nurturing confidence, responsibility, and innovative thinking, and ultimately witnessing their growth into confident and engaged alumni.
Wadad El Housseini (Moderator)
Consultant to Vice President - Student Affairs, Director - MENASA Area
Qatar University
Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.
Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.
Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.