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Middle East, North Africa, South Asia Area
Career and Workforce Development Supporting the Profession Global Division International Education
The Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) area encompasses a diverse range of higher education institutions, languages and cultures. The MENASA area is a vibrant community established in 2015 which continues to be a source of knowledge, development and opportunities offering growth prospects for numerous practitioners from three main areas: The Middle East (including GCC institutions); North Africa and South Asia.
The three subareas are diversified, hence establishing a rich environment for connecting, engaging and supporting student affairs professionals. Additionally, our MENASA teams, a group of leadership volunteers, with the support of our members, organize a wide range of supporting tools, activities and events including but not limited to webinars, conferences, training, mentoring, leadership and networking opportunities.
Message from the Director
It is with no doubt an honor to serve as the Director of the MENASA area. With a blend of strategic vision, leadership expertise, and a passion for driving excellence, I am eager to contribute to the continued success and growth of the MENASA Area. Creating a sustainable MENASA Area legacy is a challenging goal, however, and through empowering teams and individuals within MENASA, we can cultivate a dynamic, energetic, and self-motivated environment of achievements.
A key role of MENASA would be to provide our members with the necessary tools for resilience and adaptability to perceive challenges as engaging learning opportunities for growth and innovation. This role is incremental, especially as we are witnessing numerous changes in the work landscape as well as crises that are impacting our work and our personal life.
Together, I am confident that we can build a progression toward a future defined by particularity, impact, and prosperity.
Keeping connected, open channels of communication and openly share your innovative ideas so that we can thrive collectively. I am confident that together, we can build a future defined by uniqueness, impact, and prosperity.
Looking forward meeting you at our next Multaqa and Annual Conference.
Wadad El Housieni
Director, MENASA NASPA Area
رسالة من مدير عام منطقة ميناس
About the MENASA Area
In addition to promoting the NASPA mission, MENASA facilitates the development of indigenous student affairs practice, research and professional advancement including the generation of regionally based models of student affairs aligned with regional cultural norms and understandings.
Through the MENASA area, NASPA is able to bring its full array of resources, connections, research and insights to the region, and afford both professionals and aspiring professionals the ability to connect. In addition to the above, by establishing the MENASA Area, NASPA seeks to:
• Create more opportunities for regional networking—both online and in-person;
• Provide US-based NASPA members with an enriched understanding of the shared practices of student affairs professionals in the MENASA region as well as the unique culturally specific issues that both practitioners and students face when coming to the United States;
• Establish a global network that affords US student affairs professionals the opportunity to experience, learn and engage in student affairs from a MENASA perspective; and
• Serve as a key resource for understanding and research as it relates to students from the region.
Mission & Vision
MISSION
As a designated NASPA Area, MENASA furthers the NASPA mission and strives to embody its values within a local context to our area membership. The mission of MENASA is to engage and connect student affairs professionals in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia to build a culture of support, collaboration, innovation, research, and professional development.
VISION
Leading and advancing student affairs practices and research in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
Professional Development
At the core of NASPA and the MENASA Area’s mission is to provide professional development for student affairs/student services professionals. The MENASA Area strives to provide such support through an annual area conference, online webinars, and other online and in person learning opportunities. Professional Development opportunities exist through a variety of mediums in the MENASA Area which are outlined on this page and related links. For all NASPA Events & Professional Development opportunities, in addition to the MENASA Area ones listed below, please see the NASPA Events & Professional Development page.
Please note that some opportunities may have a cost or have restricted access to NASPA MENASA Members only (*be marked accordingly).
MULTAQA NASPA (monthly gatherings)
These are presented within three specialty categories and run approximately October thru May.
A. Professional Competencies: ACPA/NASPA professional competency webinars presented by experienced and qualified professionals on each of the various competencies and addressing applications within the MENASA region. Professional Competencies
B. Special Topics/Presentations: Topic or theme driven webinars presented by experienced and qualified professionals on a range of topics relevant to the profession and within the MENASA area.
C. Topical Information (Topical Tuesdays): Field or topic specific discussion forums (sports, counselling, health services, advising, activities, etc.) designed to connect professionals to identify issues being encountered and explore within the MENASA area (each to be guided by a forum facilitator).
Interested in facilitating a Multaqa Webinar? If so please download, complete and submit the following form found here.
Recordings and presentations of past Multaqa Webinars are available on the Resources page.
MENASA Mentorship Program
A need was identified for an e-based mentoring program in the area to support professional growth and in particular that of new professionals and those without any prior graduate education or related experience. The program was founded in September 2017 and is structured so participants can engage (Oct. to April) in a single year experience.
For details see the MENASA Mentorship Program page.
Recordings and presentations of past Multaqa Webinars, which started in 2016, are available on the Resources page. Additional resources may be added to this page to support professionals in our area when available.
Some content may have restricted access to NASPA MENASA Members only. As possible content is provided in English and Arabic.
Other Opportunities
These may include but are not limited to special events for Careers in Student Affairs Month (October), case study competitions, one-day Drive-In Events, and others.
MENASA NASPA Conferences
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MENASA RECOGNITION of MERIT
RECOGNITION of MERIT
The NASPA Middle-East, North Africa, South Asia (MENASA) Area was formed to engage and connect student affairs professionals in advancing service to students, campuses, and the student affairs/services field by supporting professionals through a variety of resources and activities.
The purpose of our Recognition of Excellence is to spotlight best practices and initiatives across the MENASA area that align with MENASA-NASPA values. The MENASA NASPA Conference strives to recognize significant contributions by institutions and individuals and thus support sharing of knowledge and good practices and to generate conversations among student affairs professionals about innovative and effective practices. The Recognition of Excellence further inspire awareness, highlight excellent work being conducted by MENASA Area professionals, promote collaboration and idea sharing, and serve as a platform to connect professionals in the region.
GENERAL CRITERIA & ELIGIBILITY
Adherence to Recognition Criteria: The nominated party and activity aligns with the specific category description and criteria.
Support or Evidence: Nominations can be supported by assessment/evaluation feedback, recommendations, or some form of evidence of effectiveness/excellence. Demonstrates a model that can be successfully replicated by others.
Promotes engagement: Demonstrates support or ability to engage with others in their institution, community and/or field.
Relevance to professional best practices: Demonstrates use of strong professional activities that align with MENASA NASPA Competencies.
Relevance to Student Affairs/Services: Demonstrates relevance and significance to the field of Student Affairs/Services.
MENASA-NASPA Area Organization/Professional: The nominated party and or activity operate in a MENASA Area country and support the field of Student Affairs/Services.
*Note: NASPA Affiliation is a requirement. Each nomination must include an organization or individual who is a current NASPA member.
RECOGNITION CATEGORIES
Merit in Collaborative Partnerships
Demonstrates significant interdepartmental collaboration that positively impacts the overall quality of campus life. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit, or program.
Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
- Nomination is supported by assessment/evaluation feedback, recommendations, or some form of evidence of effectiveness/excellence.
- Demonstrates support or ability to engage with others in their institution, community and/or field.
- Partners with one or more groups, organizations, campuses, etc. outside of their specific area for the purpose of addressing a challenge.
- Provides evidence of progress or progress towards positive impact(s) on institutional/student/campus life
Merit in Innovative Practices
An innovative practice that develops student engagement and overall student success through campus-based initiatives. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit or program.
Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
- Clearly identifies an innovative practice and how it promoted student success.
- Demonstrates creativity in delivery.
- Positively impacts the student experience with specific achievements and is supported by outcomes.
Merit in Student Success
Recognizes practices that have demonstrated, through evidence, a sustained commitment to and a proactive advancement of student success across campus. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit or program.
Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
- Development and/or implementation of a program or resource that significantly contributes to the personal, professional, or academic development of students at the campus.
Provides strong evidence to support the impact on student outcomes for the intended student population
Merit in Research
Recognizes advancement in research related to student affairs and services practice in the region. This award is intended for an individual, campus or group.
Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
- Research has been disseminated to the MENASA NASPA membership (or NASPA at large) via a Multaqa, presentation, journal publication, or similar
- Demonstrates support or ability to engage with others in their institution, community and/or field.
- Creates, expands, adapts, explores, collects, or applies research to the region
- Adheres to ethical standards for research
Dedicated Professional (Commitment to the MENASA-NASPA Area)
Recognizes a MENASA area professional who embodies our values by significantly contributing to supporting professionals, and developing the MENASA region identity and community. This recognition is intended for an individual professional.
Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
- Exemplifies the mission of MENASA through service to the profession and/or professional development to area professionals.
- Contributes to MENASA-NASPA activities, or similar within one's local context.
- Works to advance student affairs practices or research in the MENASA area, preferably supporting professional competencies and regional knowledge.
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS/NOMINATIONS
- For the 2023 MENASA NASPA Recognition of Merit Awards, NASPA membership of an associated professional or institution is encouraged but not required
- Deadline for submissions is 15 December 2023.
- Programs presented in the January 2023 - December 2023 calendar year are eligible.
- Recipients will be announced at the Annual MENASA Conference.
CLICK HERE to submit an application/nomination
MENASA Mentorship Program
OVERVIEW
The MENASA NASPA mentor program has been developed upon the feedback of area professionals to provide a guided mentoring partnership for full-time professionals. Opportunities for mid-level professionals (4-8 years) may also exist as available. Participants will engage through online webinars, mentorship from a mid-level or senior level experienced Student Affairs professional, and a session at the Annual MENASA NASPA regional conference. The majority of mentoring will be via online or distance communication methods (video chat, social media, email, and/or telephone) to overcome issues presented by distance/remote locations, or a lack of accessible local professional peers.
Mentoring is a valuable component for professional growth as it partners less experienced individuals with a more experienced peer who is knowledgeable and interested in developing the skills, capability and confidence of emerging student services professionals. Further, the mentoring process can increase personal effectiveness, explore career development, skill attainment, gain field specific insights and guidance.
Mentors will have at least 5 years of experiences in student affairs and services and Mentees will be new to student affairs and services and have under 5 years of experience:
Specific goals for the MENASA NASPA Mentor Program are to:
- Provide participants with professional growth opportunities, within a regional perspective, that support field specific knowledge, career development, and the attainment of professional qualities.
- Partner mentees with mid or senior level student affairs/services professionals who have significant experience and demonstrated a professional commitment to the field of student affairs/services.
- Promote professional development through mentorship activities which promote personal goal setting, self-reflection, and gaining knowledge of the profession.
- Provide opportunities for new professionals to network within the region with peers.
Topics for exploration in the program may include transitioning, networking, career advancement, developing leadership attributes, accountability, skill attainment, navigating campus politics, supervising personnel, and others.
PROGRAM LOGISTICS
This program will enhance your understanding of issues in our global workplace and is a means for knowledge sharing and skill development by connecting emerging practitioners with established student affairs/services leaders across the MENASA Area.
To accomplish the above the program will operate based on the following:
- The program will operate from October through April, with applications for both Mentees and Mentors accepted October to Mid-November (see below for application details).
- Participants must be available to interact twice a month (minimum of once a month) for the specified period, and work towards a mutual agreeable time, frequency, and method for interactions. Interactions ideally would be once a month via video/audio exchange and once a month via e-mail or other written correspondence.
- Participants must identify goals for each pairing and a means for achieving each goal.
- Participants must maintain regular contact with their paired professional, and with the program administrators.
Applications for the program will be accepted from September 20 – October 26, 2020. Applications for both mentee and mentor roles are available below. Please note that every effort will be made to accommodate all applicants and requests, however there may be a limited number of spaces based on registration. If you have any questions, on being part of this please email the MENASA NASPA Professional Development Coordinator at [email protected].
- For more details and to apply to be a MENTOR: Apply to be a MENTOR
- For more details and to apply to be a MENTEE: Apply to be a MENTEE
Get Involved
NASPA Areas and Regions are run and supported entirely by the continued hard work and contributions of our volunteers. The MENASA Area offers numerous volunteer leadership positions and opportunities for our members to become involved.
Country Representatives
MENASA is currently seeking nominations for country representatives to serve on the MENASA Advisory Board. Through their service Country Representatives ensure that regional and country contexts are taken into account and represent the interests of student affairs professionals in their country.
How to Get Involved…
The MENASA NASPA Advisory Board is seeking talented and dedicated professionals to serve as in country representatives for each of the countries represented in the Area. Positions are typically for a two-year term.
If you are interested in a Board position, or can recommend an area professional who is willing to serve please contact the MENASA Area Director (see contact details on Advisory Board page).
Current or Anticipated* Openings
Please note All Board members must have and maintain membership in NASPA. MENASA Area Board Application
Resources
The Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) Area compiled the following list of resources; however, inclusion on this list does not represent an endorsement of the information, site, or organization by NASPA and any of its entities.
العروض الويبينار (Webinar Presentations)
2016
عنوان البرنامج
Program Title
|
تنسيق المتحدثون
Coordinating Presenters
|
العروض Presentations
|
Multaqa NASPA - خلق خطط وفرص للتنمية المهنية (Creating Professional Development Plans & Opportunities)
|
Amjad Abdo, Courtney Stryker and Tadd Kruse | Webinar |
Multaqa NASPA دعونا نتحدث شؤون الطلاب: التاريخ، والدوافع، والمصطلحات- (Let's Talk Student Affairs: History, Motives, and Terminology) | Courtney Styker, Jamil Karam, and Tadd Kruse | Webinar |
Multaqa NASPA خدمة العملاء في شؤون الطلبة (Customer Service in Student Affairs) | Tadd Kruse, Rama Sabano, and Bader Al Sayed Ahmed | Webinar |
Multaqa NASPA إدارة المجتمعات الطلاب على وسائل الاعلام الاجتماعية (Managing Student Communities on Social Media) | Bisher Al-Homsi | Webinar |
Multaqa NASPA الأعلى المشكلات في شؤون الطلبة (Top Issues in Student Affairs) | NASPA Staff | Webinar |
2017
عنوان البرنامج
Program Title
|
تنسيق المتحدثون
Coordinating Presenters
|
العروض Presentations
|
Multaqa NASPA: Getting them Talking: Quick & Easy Examples from The Discussion Book | Lani San Antonio | Webinar |
2018
عنوان البرنامج
Program Title
|
تنسيق المتحدثون
Coordinating Presenters
|
العروض Presentations
|
Multaqa NASPA - Internationalization of Higher Education and Student Services
|
Tadd Kruse | Webinar |
Multaqa NASPA - International Student Advising Principles: the Foundation of Impactful Work | Lisa Mayorga, Sumaira Akber, and Nicole Adoranti | Webinar |
Multaqa NASPA - Same-Same, but Different: Examining Critical Differences Between Tolerance, Diversity, Equity, Etc. | Alta Mauro | Webinar |
Benefits of Membership in Professional Organizations - How NASPA & MENASA NASPA Helps You! | Tiki Ayiku, Courtney Stryker, and Tadd Kruse | |
Multaqa NASPA: Careers in Student Affairs | Courtney Stryker, Alla Jaber A F Al-Hajri, Amjad Abdo, Wadad El Housseini, Zeinab Said Abusoud | |
Multaqa NASPA: Challenges Facing the Profession in the MENASA Area | Tadd Kruse, Karla Fraser, and George Marquis | |
Multaqa NASPA: Student Disability Services (SDS) at The American University in Cairo | Alexandra Gazis, George Maquis | |
Multaqa NASPA: Managing Change: Student Affairs Opportunities for Innovation and Collaboration |
Naila Sherman |
|
Multaqa NASPA: Context Matters: Designing and Implementing a Residential Curriculum Within a Specific Cultural Setting |
Dr. Mathew Nelson |
2020
عنوان البرنامج
Program Title
|
تنسيق المتحدثون
Coordinating Presenters
|
العروض Presentations
|
Multaqa NASPA- Conscious-ish Eating (English) |
Dr. Remy Shanker | Webinar |
Multaqa NASPA – A Paradigm Shift in Student Affairs: Supporting Ph.D. Students in Career Transition |
Ashique Rafi, Graduate Career Advisor |
Webinar |
2021
عنوان البرنامج
Program Title
|
تنسيق المتحدثون
Coordinating Presenters
|
العروض Presentations
|
Multaqa NASPA - The Art of Leadership (Arabic) |
Aysha Selaibeekh |
Webinar |
Multaqa NASPA - Let's Acknowledge Our Suffering |
Katie Rose Guest Pryal |
Webinar |