Welcome to the 20th edition of KICconnect and I hope that this finds you all healthy and well.

We are about to embark on a new academic year, commencing in September, Khawarizmi International College, like many other Higher Education Institutes, has been working tirelessly in preparation for reopening its doors to receive students again.  In view of the recent situation related to COVID-19 and in preparation for re-opening of HEIs for Fall semester, the Ministry of Education met on Sunday August 16, 2020 with the Education Chiefs to discuss the reopening of universities in September 2020. The virtual meeting was attended by HE Dr Hussain Al Hammadi, Cabinet Member and Minister of Education, Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary for Higher Education Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Yousif Baniyas, Director, Commission for Academic Accreditation, and many representatives of Higher Education Institutions in the UAE to discuss the operational planning for the Academic Year 2020/2021. 

After deliberation, the MoE recommended that a blended learning approach would be the best option for higher education institutions when they reopen for the next academic year. That means a combination of distance and classroom learning.  The preference will be for remote lectures, with campus attendance limited to staff and students taking practical classes and for those taking examinations.  
 
As we have submitted now our plans for the reopening, KIC will implement the necessary precautionary measures, and share feedback and updates with the authorities, staff students and other stakeholders on a regular basis.  The Ministry of Education has issued Operational Guidelines to Higher Education Institutes. You can access the document by clicking here.
 
I would like to take a moment to congratulate everyone on the successful completion of the Summer 2 semester.  Our students are about to complete their final exams, and we wish them every success, and celebrate them for the dedication and resilience in following through on their studies in these challenging times.

As we continue to take extraordinary measures to protect ourselves against the COVID-19 virus, it is possible to become complacent, relax, and take more chances.  I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and keep up the incredible efforts that you have made over the last six months to protect yourselves, your family, and your community.
 
Stay Safe.

Dr Assem Al-Hajj

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KIC President Dr. Assem Al-Hajj, accompanied by Dr Nabil El Kadhi, VP for Academic Affairs, and Ms.Catherine Hogan, Director of Institutional Quality, Effectiveness & Accreditation, attended a virtual meeting with Higher Education Institutions to discuss Academic Year 2020/2021 operational plans.

The meeting aimed to discuss the reopening of educational facilities considering the challenges posed by the pandemic. Plans outlined effective measures that will enable KIC and other higher education institutions to overcome the challenges so the students won't face any academic setbacks and pursue their studies in safe environments. 

Earlier this month KIC management held a meeting to discuss operations that will ensure safety for its students, faculty, and staff, by meeting the standards set by the Ministry of Education in the UAE.

Distance learning has played an integral role in keeping the students educated during the pandemic. Check out the below articles to learn more about KIC success stories.

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Dr Nabil El Kadhi, VP for Academic Affairs at KIC, highlights college's efforts and milestones in preparing and graduating People of Determination, during his interview aired on Sama Dubai channel.

On January 13, 2020 KIC graduated the first batch of people of determination to hold Bachelor's degrees in Information Technology. During the course of their education, they were the ones to achieve and inspire. Students then, and now work-ready professionals, came up with an app that is specifically designed for deaf audience. Their efforts were duly recognized by HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Click here to watch the video.

Click here to watch the interview

KIC also plans on expanding the selection of offered programs to enable People of Determination joining more sectors in the economy, under the guidance of our wise leadership and in partnership with Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and Emirates Red Crescent.

Watch the video below to relive a one-of-a-kind graduation ceremony.

What are you most curious about in life?    
I’m mostly curious about the new technologies and that’s what I’m passionate about in life and career.

What are the failures that you most cherish?  
Well there is nothing specific as I’m very focused while making any decision.

If you could go back five years, what advice would you give your younger self? 
The advice would be to further develop personal skills and achieve a Master's degree in my beloved field.

What do you do outside of the work environment?    
Outside my work I enjoy my time with the family in addition to occasional shopping, watching sports and movies.

What is the most courageous thing you have done in your life? 
The most courageous thing is that I left home country and I came to UAE to start a new life.

What is your favourite film/series and why?  
Sully – Because it’s about saving hundreds of people's lives.

Al-Khwarizmi influenced medieval geography.

Although little is known about his early life, is commonly know that Al-Khwarizmi was a brilliant student. Between 813 to 833, he made most of his discoveries. He was also an excellent translator and has translated numerous books into the Arabic language from other languages, such as Sanskrit and Greek.