Middle East, North Africa, South Asia (MENASA)

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. MENASA NASPA strives to engage and connect student affairs professionals in advancing service to students, campuses, and the student affairs/services field. Professionals are supported through a variety of activities including webinars, conferences, trainings, mentoring, leadership and networking opportunities.

Individuals can participate as presenters, mentors/mentees, board members, and future conference hosts. Explore the associated pages to learn more about our programs and ways you can participate. 

  

                                  

Message from the Director

Welcome to MENASA NASPA, the professional home for Student Affairs professionals in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

Student Affairs and services are a major component of the education experience students receive at our higher education institutions and has a high impact on students’ holistic learning and growth.

As student focused professionals, we always look for ways to learn and grow ourselves. MENASA NASPA aims to be the place where Student Affairs professionals can meet, network, learn, exchange ideas, research findings and best practices.

The MENASA NASPA Advisory Board strives to develop, enhance and expand connections with professionals across the area, with NASPA, and with one another. Our Multaqa webinar offerings, e-mentoring program and annual conference will continue to provide valuableopportunities for networking and learning.

I invite you to follow our LinkedIn account and our Instagram page. If you want to receive our MENASA NASPA e-mails to stay informed on area activities and opportunities, please register here.

Looking forward meeting you at our next Multaqa Webinar and Annual Conference.

Omneya Badr

Director, MENASA NASPA Area

  

رسالة من مدير عام منطقة ميناسا

مرحبا بكم في ميناسا ناسبا الموطن المهني لموظفي قطاع شؤون الطلاب في شمال أفريقيا والشرق الأوسط وجنوب أسيا.

قطاع شؤون الطلاب هو جزء أساسي من التجربة التعليمية التي يتلقاها الطالب في مؤسسات التعليم العالي وله تأثير ملموس في التعلم والنمو الشامل للطالب.

بما أن موظفي شؤون الطلاب دائما يبحثون عن طرق لتنمية وتطوير قدراتهم فان ميناسا ناسبا تهدف الي أن تكون المؤسسة التي من خلالها يتمكن موظفي شؤون الطلاب من تكوين وتوسيع دائرة العلاقات المهنية والتعلم وتبادل الأفكار ونتائج الأبحاث والممارسات الناجحة.

يتطلع المجلس الاستشاري لميناسا ناسبا الي توسيع العلاقات مع العاملين في المجال في المنطقة ومع ناسبا المؤسسة الأم. سوف يستمر برنامج "ملتقى" الافتراضي وبرنامج التوجيه الإلكتروني والمؤتمر السنوي في توفير فرص قيمة للتواصل والتعلم.

 أدعوك الي متابعتنا عبر حسابنا علي لينكدان وانستجرام.  إذا كنت تود البقاء على اطلاع على الأنشطة والفرص المقدمة من خلال استقبال رسائل البريد الإلكتروني فعليكالضغط هنا..

أتطلع الي مقابلتكم قريبا من خلال "ملتقي" والمؤتمر السنوي بإذن الله.

 

About the MENASA Area

Established in 2015, the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) area encompasses over 35 countries and a very diverse range of higher education institutions, languages and cultures. MENASA serves as the key entity to promote the NASPA mission “of leadership, scholarship, professional development, and advocacy for student affairs” in the region.  

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. 

History of MENASA

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 webinars)                                      

    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.4. Resources

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.

 

For more information on professional development opportunities please contact the current MENASA NASPA Professional Development Coordinator.  Contact details can be found on the Advisory Board page.

18th Annual MENASA NASPA Conference

Annual MENASA Area (Regional) Conference

The annual regional conference has taken place since 2007 and typically is a two day conference, in addition to a one day pre-conference event, and usually takes place in the spring between February-April. 

The conference has grown over the years and annually brings together over one-hundred professionals from across the MENASA region and further afield to engage in professional exchanges. The conference structure includes a keynote speaker, concurrent sessions covering a wide spectrum of topics, selected panels, and multiple opportunities for networking and engagement.

               

For information on Recent Conferences click on the corresponding below:

2024 MENASA NASPA Conference

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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:

  1. Nomination is supported by assessment/evaluation feedback, recommendations, or some form of evidence of effectiveness/excellence. 
  2. Demonstrates support or ability to engage with others in their institution, community and/or field.
  3. Partners with one or more groups, organizations, campuses, etc. outside of their specific area for the purpose of addressing a challenge.
  4. 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:

  1. Clearly identifies an innovative practice and how it promoted student success.
  2. Demonstrates creativity in delivery. 
  3. 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:

  1. 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:

  1.     Research has been disseminated to the MENASA NASPA membership (or NASPA at large) via a Multaqa, presentation, journal publication, or similar
  2.     Demonstrates support or ability to engage with others in their institution, community and/or field.
  3.     Creates, expands, adapts, explores, collects, or applies research to the region
  4.     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:

  1. Exemplifies the mission of MENASA through service to the profession and/or professional development to area professionals.
  2. Contributes to MENASA-NASPA activities, or similar within one's local context.
  3. Works to advance student affairs practices or research in the MENASA area, preferably supporting professional competencies and regional knowledge.

SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS/NOMINATIONS

  1. For the 2023 MENASA NASPA Recognition of  Merit Awards, NASPA membership of an associated professional or institution is encouraged but not required
  2. Deadline for submissions is 15 December 2023.
  3. Programs presented in the January 2023 - December 2023 calendar year are eligible.
  4. 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].

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

الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا، وجنوب آسيا منطقة (ميناسا) جمعت القائمة التالية من الموارد؛ ومع ذلك، إدراجها في هذه القائمة لا تمثل إقرارا من المعلومات، الموقع، أو منظمة من قبل NASPA وأي من الشركات التابعة لها.
 
 
 
 

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
                               PPT / PPT
Multaqa NASPA: Careers in Student Affairs Courtney Stryker, Alla Jaber A F Al-Hajri, Amjad Abdo, Wadad El Housseini, Zeinab Said Abusoud
                               Webinar
Multaqa NASPA: Challenges Facing the Profession in the MENASA Area Tadd Kruse, Karla Fraser, and George Marquis
                               Webinar 
Multaqa NASPA: Student Disability Services (SDS) at The American University in Cairo Alexandra Gazis, George Maquis
                               Webinar
Multaqa NASPA: Managing Change: Student Affairs Opportunities for Innovation and Collaboration 

Naila Sherman

                               Webinar
Multaqa NASPA: Context Matters: Designing and Implementing a Residential Curriculum Within a Specific Cultural Setting

Dr. Mathew Nelson

                                Webinar
 
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

 

 

 

 

MENASA Leadership

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. 

Advisory Board

Advisory Board Country Representatives