More than 1,757 undergraduate and postgraduate students who are starting their summer semester classes this Sunday (12th July) are set to witness the launch of several new initiatives that will be implemented at Abu Dhabi University with the start of the upcoming academic year 2015 -2016.

A mobile application, streamlined online student application system, upgraded engineering and computer labs, a mass communication broadcast studio as well as a micro teaching lab for students majoring in special education, are only a few aspects of a comprehensive plan that ADU is undertaking to enhance its facilities on both campuses.

Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim explained that with only 1,757 students opting to skip their summer holidays and focus on their studies enrolling in least one of the 115 courses offered on both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses, the University will utilise this fairly "quiet" time to implement an extensive enhancement plan.

"The past academic year was extremely rewarding. In September, the University achieved a record growth of 54% in total student enrolment of 6,601 students in the first semester of 2014, compared to 4,292 students enrolled in the first semester of 2010. Our College of Business Administration earned an honour enjoyed by less than 5% of the world's business schools, when it received international accreditation from the 100-year-old Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)."

He added that the College of Engineering was also awarded international academic accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET for three of its programs. Additionally, Abu Dhabi University was granted candidacy for a period of 5 years from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which is a boost in ADU's pursuit of international recognition, and we are determined to keep this successful pace going.

Dr. Ibrahim pointed out that to cater to the annual increase in the number of students enrolling at the University; ADU is implementing updates that ensure all its facilities are in top-shape to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff.

"Renovations and maintenance of classrooms, labs, equipment, networks and infrastructure on both of the University's campuses is an annual practice that has been implemented throughout our University's young history. However, this year we're making several new additions to our usual enhancement plan that will benefit both new and continuing students, including a technology driven innovation centre with a base fund of Dh 500,000, as well as the dedication of Dh 6 million to research, in addition to attracting renowned faculty members who hail from world-class universities", concluded Dr. Ibrahim.