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Abu Dhabi/Â WAM
Abu Dhabi-based Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focussed on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, has organised an orientation programme for 172 new local and international students for the fall 2016 semester.
The three-day programme, held from August 22-24, provided the new students an opportunity to learn about the institute’s academic and campus offerings, the institute said in a press release.
The UAE satellite operator Yahsat was also on hand to promote the institute’s Master’s Concentration in Advanced Space Systems and Technology. Yahsat is a sponsor of the concentration and provides expertise for its CubeSat miniature satellite development programme.
This year 172 new students – 118 UAE national and 54 international students representing 23 countries – have accepted the offer to attend the institute. This brings the institute’s expected total enrolment to 468 students, increasing the expected percentage of UAE nationals attending the institute from 43 percent in 2015-2016 to approximately 50 percent in 2016-2017
Interim Provost, Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, welcomed the new students in the institute’s nine master’s and interdisciplinary doctoral programmes.
Acting Dean of Students and Dean of Library, Dr. Abdullah Al Hefeiti, addressed the new students at the event, and said, “By enrolling with the Masdar Institute you are contributing to not only your own bright future, but a brighter and more sustainable future for all. I urge you to make the most of your time with us through studies, research, and community activities.”
Other institute senior management, including Vice President for Research and Interim Associate Provost Dr. Steve Griffiths, and Dean of Academic Programme Dr. Youssef Shatilla, gave the students an insight into the functions and services provided by their various offices.
The Student Affairs Office, which organised the event, discussed campus life, extracurricular activities, a newly-opened athletics office, and other aspects of student life. The Research Development Office and Technology Transfer Office also presented information on invention, innovation and development at the institute.
The Masdar Institute’s orientation programme is held twice a year to welcome and inform new students about their new home and how best they can take advantage of their institute experience.
The three-day programme closed with placement examinations for the students, to determine their classes for the coming year.
The institute offers full scholarships to students who come with high academic credentials. The institution’s academic programmes and research offerings respond to the needs of the UAE, the region and the wider global community.