Shaping International Student Experience from Scratch: the Power of Passion - A Multaqa Discussion
- Registration Closed
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.
This session offers participants to explore strategies to integrate more people-centered and transformative leadership principles into both our professional and personal lives. By fostering compassion and care in our interactions with employees, students, and peers, we can build greater capacity for positive change. Through this, we can transform our workplace and enhance well-being, trust, and empathy in the world around us.
Aray Saniyazova
Head of International Students and Scholars Services
Nazarbayev University
Dr Aray Saniyazova is the Head of International Students and Scholars Services at Nazarbayev University (NU). She joined NU in 2011 as part of the first cohort of NU staff members and held positions of a senior manager of the Office of the President and adviser to the Department of Student Services. From October 1, 2020 till March 31, 2022 she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory of Student Experience of the Institute of Education at Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia and served as a SERU (Student Experience in the Research University) international research associate at the Center for Studies in Higher Education at UC Berkeley, USA.
Aray earned her Ph.D. in Education from NU Graduate School of Education (2017) and MEd. in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University (USA) (2011). Aray is a founding member of the university committee on campus climate and anti-harassment initiatives. She also serves as a NU representative for the Alliance of Universities "Towards the Enabling Academic Environment", a joint initiative with UNDP to work together to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
Aray is passionate about providing students with enriching and transformative experiences and has initiated numerous projects striving to empower students to succeed and inspire a culture of community.
Anshu Paliwal (Moderator)
Associate Director and Head of Student Life
Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence deemed to be University
Dr. Anshu Paliwal has a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology and a Gold Medalist with diplomas in Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Training and Development. With 22 years of diverse experience, her current role emphasizes strong interpersonal skills, team building, and managerial competencies. She brings creativity, innovation, and practical solutions to resolve concerns, leveraging automation and strategic paradigms to drive outcomes. As a primal leader, she influences others through emotional intelligence, analytical, and leadership skills.
Her extensive experience in educational institutions has equipped her with deep insights into stakeholder management. She thrives on enhancing student experiences both academically and in extracurricular engagements. Her background in psychology and behavioral sciences has honed her keen observation skills and understanding of interactive dynamics.
She has held diverse roles, including faculty for Human Development, advisor to the International Model United Nations Conference, convener of various committees, and member secretary of disciplinary and grievance boards. She has drafted numerous SOPs and policies to ensure smooth student affairs operations and improve campus life. She published research spans Developmental Psychology and Strategic Management, underscoring her academic and professional excellence.