Counseling Unit Events Newsletter 2022-23
Fall 2022/2023
University and Life Success
On August 22, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Dr. Zehra Edis, assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. This workshop discussed many topics: new challenges faced by university students, how to keep focused, everyday habits that drain students’ energy, the process of Know-Plan-Do-Achieve, time management skills, exams preparation, ways to improve students learning methods, ways to manage stress, how to build good relationships in the university, and keys to succeeding. Many students attended the workshop and showed great enthusiasm in learning about these topics.
Ways to Motivate Yourself to Study
On August 22, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop about the importance of mental health and the services it provides to ensure the same for AU students. The workshop dealt with topics such as how to deal with stress, new initiatives, and ways to participate, motivated for a goal or being a motivated person, and 5 tips for a motivated person. It was presented by Dr. Dalia Bedewy, Manager of the Counseling Unit.
Team Building and Cohesion
On August 24th, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a group meeting of existing and new students of AU, which was moderated by Ms. Doaa Al Salti, Administrative Assistant of the Counseling Unit. Existing students welcomed the new students and shared their experiences. They discussed the definition of team cohesion, ways to improve team cohesion, Ajman University’s contribution to building cohesive teams, key enablers of teamwork, basic skills required for teamwork and collaboration, and the importance of team spirit and teamwork in improving performance. After the presentation, the presenters held a discussion with the audience through zoom chat and answered all questions raised by them.
How to be A Supportive Friend
On September 20, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop about friendships discussing topics such as identifying a real friend, how to be a good friend, how to choose friends at the university, obligations to friends, and the support we expect from our friends. It was presented by Ms. Hala Martini, Assistant Instructor in the College of Humanities and Sciences.
Refocusing in Times of Change
On September 21, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Dr. Zehra Edis, Assistant Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. This workshop presented on themes dealing with change such as new challenges and how to deal with them, warning signs of a mental health issue, time to wake up and change, how to be unique and not follow others, 7 reasons why it is good to ask for help, and different opportunities to succeed. Many students attended and showed great interest.
How to Deal with Presentation Anxiety
On October 3, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Dr. Amal Badr, Assistant Professor in the College of Mass Communication. This workshop introduced the importance of presentation skills, communication methods, dealing with stress, reasons for fear of presentation, how to overcome fear, and tips to give a great presentation. Many students attended the workshop and participated enthusiastically in the discussions.
How to Achieve Your Goals
On October 4, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Ms. Nouf Alnuaimi, Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Sciences. This workshop introduced the definition of mind friction, 9 Secrets of achieving any goal, reasons for not achieving the goals, the importance of positive self-talk, and tips for empowering self-talk. Many students interacted and asked various questions.
World Mental Health Day
On October 10, 2022, the Counseling Unit in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement, organized an event at the Shaikh Zayed Hall on World Mental Health Day. The objective of the event was to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world. The event featured information booths prepared by students from the Psychology Department and the College of Medicine, along with a Yoga Class session. Dr. Lina Almarestani, Chair of the Department of Psychology & Associate Professor of Psychology at the American University in Dubai, joined the event as a guest speaker, presenting a workshop about the importance of prioritizing mental health. Another session on problem-sharing was presented by Dr. Gabriel Andrade & Dr. Jigna Sttot from the College of Medicine, Ajman University. A workshop titled ‘Mental Health for All: Can We Make It a Reality’ was conducted by Dr. Ahmad Alzubi & Dr. Abderrahim Benlahcene from the College of Humanities and Sciences. The event provided an opportunity for guests to discuss ways to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. Many faculty and staff members, students, and guests attended and provided positive feedback.
Positive Thinking & Believing in Yourself
On October 11, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop on positive thinking. Topics such as how to be a positive person, modify your thoughts and beliefs, how to get rid of negative thoughts, and steps to support faith and self-confidence were discussed. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Enaam Youssef, Assistant Professor in the College of Humanities and Sciences.
How to Be a Critical Thinker
On October 12, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Dr. Abderrahim Benlahcene, Assistant Professor in the College of Humanities and Sciences. This workshop introduced students to the meaning of critical thinking, how to use critical thinking skills in the classroom, barriers to critical thinking, characteristics of critical thinkers, and tips to be a critical thinker. Many students attended and showed great interest.
Launching the "Ajman University reaching for the stars" series
On October 31, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a discussion series on the book, "The Old Man and the Sea." In 1953, The Old Man and the Sea was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and it was cited by the Nobel Committee as contributing to their awarding of the Nobel Prize in Literature to author Ernest Hemingway in 1954. The book’s universal theme of never giving up is an inspiration for students worldwide and this discussion reflected on the writer's work and life. The main speakers for the discussion were Dr. Micah Robbins, Acting Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Assistant Professor of English, American University in Dubai; Dr. Mohamed Nasor, Dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology, Ajman University; and Dr. Gabriel Andrade, Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, Ajman University. It was moderated by Dr. Belal Ibrahim, Head of Foreign Languages at Ajman University.
Graduates to Professional Executives -Essential Skills to Bridge the Gap
On November 3, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Dr. Aftab Ahmed, Entrepreneur, and Business Coach. The workshop introduced students to the various industrial revolutions that have occurred in global history, tips to be lucky in professions, business or jobs, importance of investing in learning new skills, tips for developing skills, emerging technologies as career opportunities, skills needed after 2020, top 10 websites for job hunt, 9 Sites for Online Education, top 10 Sites to learn Excel for free, top 10 Sites to review resume for free, top 10 Sites for interview preparation, 21st century talent spotting, samples of important books students must read during University days, and the importance of time management. Many students interacted and asked various questions.
Mental and Physical Self-Care
On November 7, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop that introduced different definitions of self-care, Pillars of Mental and Physical self-care, Mental Self-Care Examples, Physical and Spiritual/Social Self-Care activity examples, the importance of engaging in exercises, healthy eating, and good hygiene. It was presented by Prof. Samir Bloukh, a Professor at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Many students and guests attended and provided positive feedback.
Conflict Management Styles
On November 9, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop about university life challenges, warning signs of mental health issues, causes of conflicts, the process of conflict resolution, different opportunities and solutions, and tips to reach continuous happiness and prosperity. It was presented by Dr. Zehra Edis, Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Making and Maintaining Social Connections
On November 14, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Ms. Sahar Zahran, Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Sciences. This workshop introduced the nature of social relations, the importance of building a successful social relationship, examples of possible mistakes while communicating with others, and tips to help maintain social relationships. Many students attended and showed great interest.
A Dream Come True: Success Journey
On November 15, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Ms. Salwa Jamous, DBA Student at the College of Business Administration Office Coordinator at AU-CEIF and AYM Project, at Ajman University. This workshop highlighted her successful journey from Bachelor to Ph.D., and how all challenges positively affected her. Also, this workshop presented tips to study, the importance of CGPA, ways to overcome difficulties, the importance to support each other, and ways to achieve dreams. Many students interacted and asked various questions.
Effective Communication
On November 23, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop about the concept of communication, the most common ways to communicate, the goal of mastering communication, communication components, rules associated with the art of dealing with others, effective communication skills, listening and its importance in the success of dialogue and understanding, how to attract people to your point of view, rules to be observed when dealing with people, and general tips to communicate with others effectively. It was presented by Dr. Amal Badr, Assistant Professor in the College of Mass Communication.
Anger Management
On November 28, 2022, the Counseling Unit organized a group meeting presented by four of Ajman University’s existing students, moderated by Ms. Ahood Al Rawashdeh, Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Sciences. The students discussed the concept of emotion and anger, how emotion begins, the causes of anger, the effects of anger, ways to control anger, using anger to get rid of stress, anger control exercises, and anger measurement test. The presenters opened a discussion with the audience through zoom chat, and addressed the queries raised by the students.
Spring 2022/2023
Stress Management: Exploring What Works Best for You
On April 11, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Prof. Marei Ahmed, Professor in the College of Humanities and Sciences. This workshop offered a space to discuss and define the concept of positive psychology, stress management, life skills and stress management training. It was an effective and valuable session.
Common Ground for Psychological Adjustment
On April 13, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Prof. Asma Alarab, Professor in the College of Humanities and Sciences. This workshop discussed the definition of psychological adjustment, sources of social support, forms of social support, the relationship between social support and psychological support, and how to measure social support.
Emotions: Biological and Psychological Perspectives
On April 25, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Dr. Jigna Stott, Clinical Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine. This workshop highlighted the definition of emotions, things that happen when we are challenged, the benefits of emotions, dealing with emotions, emotions and biological/psychological perspectives, and also offered some valuable tips to participants. Many students attended and asked various interesting questions.
The Role of the Community Pharmacist in Mental Well-being
On April 26, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop that defined the concept of community pharmacists, definition of mental well-being, warning signs of mental health issues, five ways to wellbeing, essential traits of emotional health, and some solutions and tips. It was presented by Dr. Zehra Edis, Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Be Good to Yourself: The Journey to Self-Love
On April 27, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop to discuss the definition of self-love, reasons and steps to self-love, what if I don't love myself, the difference between selfishness and self-love, how to achieve self-love, indicators of irresponsibility, examples of successful people in life, and tips on how to be kind to yourself. It was presented by Ms. Nouf Alnuaimi, Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Sciences.
Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating Human Interactions
On May 4, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Dr. Amal Badr, Assistant Professor in the College of Mass Communication. This workshop presented the definition of emotional intelligence, domains of emotional intelligence, self-empowerment, characteristics of emotionally intelligent people, best practices for building emotional intelligence, and emotional intelligence activities. Many students attended the workshop and asked various interesting questions.
Bullying Behavior and Psychological Health
On May 8, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop that defined the concept of bullying, impact of bullying on psychological health, and tips on how to avoid this behavior. It was presented by Dr. Gabriel Andrade, Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine, and moderated by Ms. Ahood Al Rawashdeh, Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Sciences.
Good Habits for University Success
On January 9, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Dr. Yehia Mohamed, Associate Professor in the College of Medicine. This workshop discussed many topics including study habits of successful students, different learning styles, learning tools, test-taking strategies, managing anxiety, and tips to follow in their new academic journey. Many students attended and showed great interest.
Study Tips and Note-Taking Strategies
On January 9, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop about how to write down important points, types of note-taking, the importance and benefits of taking notes, and how to calculate cumulative GPA. It was presented by Dr. Saif Musa, Associate Professor at the College of Humanities and Sciences.
Boost Team Creativity & Collaboration
On January 11, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a group meeting between existing and new students of Ajman University, moderated by Ms. Salwa Jamous, a DBA Student at the College of Business Administration. The presenters welcomed the new students and shared their university life experiences with them. They discussed different topics like adaptation to university life, ways to improve team creativity, the importance of time management, some difficulties faced by the team and suggested solutions, skills for teamwork and collaboration, and tips to create a strong team. The presenters opened a discussion with the audience, and they answered all questions.
Manage Your Time Wisely
On January 11, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop about the importance of time management, different concepts of time, time management goals, guidelines to facilitate the process of time management, how to set goals, and tips to manage time wisely. It was presented by Dr. Marei Ahmed, Professor of Positive Psychology at AU College of Humanities and Sciences.
Creative Problem Solving
On February 9, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Ms. Sahar Zahran, Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Sciences. The workshop dealt with topics such as defining a problem, using creativity, and creative thinking. Also, Ms. Sahar highlighted some facts about problems, steps to solve problems, effects and causes, and creative problem-solving techniques. Many students attended the workshop and asked interesting questions.
Mental Health Issues Involving Pregnancy Loss
On February 14, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop on facts and myths about mental health and pregnancy loss. Topics discussed included when to seek help from a doctor, types of pregnancy loss, mental health conditions associated with pregnancy, screening for postnatal depression: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, increased risk of mental health issues among women, providing support after a miscarriage, potential challenges after an intrauterine death or stillbirth, identifying the risk after fetal death, and interventions that might aid psychological recovery. It was presented by Dr. Jigna Stott and Dr. Azmat Riaz, Clinical Assistant Professors in the College of Medicine. The session was moderated by Ms. Salwa Jamous, DBA Student at the College of Business Administration, and Office Coordinator at AU-CEIF and AYM Project.
Workplace Bullying: What If It Happened to You?
On February 15, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop that defined the concept of workplace bullying. Topics discussed included forms of bullying behavior, the differences between workplace bullying, illegal discrimination, and harassment based on protected group status, important reasons to confront and stop workplace bullying, and ways to avoid offensive behavior. It was presented by Dr. Dalia, Manager of the Counseling Unit.
How to Develop Your Personality
On February 16, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop about the definition of personality development, things to enhance your personality, fundamental techniques in handling people, win people to your way of thinking, stop worrying and start living, and tips to develop your personality. It was presented by Dr. Amal Badr, Assistant Professor in the College of Mass Communication.
Premarital Screening and Counseling: What You Need to Know
On February 28, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop on premarital screening and counseling. Topics discussed included definition of premarital screening, the importance of premarital screening and genetic counseling, services offered by the UAE premarital screening and counseling program, and the steps involved in screening and counseling. It was presented by Dr. Nisha Kumari, Senior Lecturer at the College of Medicine, and moderated by Ms. Ahood Al Rawashdeh, Lecturer at the College of Humanities and Sciences.
How to Show Self-confidence in a Job Interview
On February 28, 2023, the Counseling Unit organized a workshop presented by Dr. Sanah Hasan, Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The workshop dealt with various aspects of job hunting such as job application components, interviewing goals, the interview process, keys to self-confidence, types of interviews, questions to ask the interviewer, and interviewing strategies. Many students attended and showed great interest.
Mother’s Day Celebration
On March 21, 2023, the Counseling Unit invited the AU community to honor and celebrate mothers on the special occasion of Mother’s Day. Myriad competitions and activities were organized for students and their mothers, and they received wonderful gifts. Ms. Doaa Al Salti, administrative assistant in the Counseling Unit, and Ms. Sahar Zahran, lecturer in the College of Humanities and Sciences, moderated the event. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, staff and the entire AU community.
