UOS launches the 1st Forum for Counselling Psychologists

February 24, 2025 / 3:01 PM

Sharjah24: The Deanship of Student Affairs at the University of Sharjah (UOS) hosted the inaugural forum for counselling psychologists in higher education institutions across the United Arab Emirates under the theme Enhancing Student Life Quality and Well-being. The event was attended by Dr. Amina Al-Marzouqi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Sharjah, Prof. Eid Kanaan, Dean of Student Affairs, alongside representatives from Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Zayed University, Al Qasimia University, and Westford University College, as well as a large number of academics, counselling psychologists, and psychology students.

University Commitment to Student Well-Being

During the opening of the forum, Dr. Amina Al-Marzouqi emphasized the University of Sharjah's commitment to improving the academic and psychological well-being of its students. She noted that psychological counseling is a crucial pillar of modern educational systems, highlighting that studies and practical experiences have proven a strong link between a student's mental health and her academic success. A student with good mental health is better able to focus, be creative, and excel academically. Dr. Al-Marzouqi also underscored the importance of enhancing communication and collaboration among counselling psychologists in higher education institutions across the country and the region, with the goal of developing the counseling system and improving the quality of services provided to students.

Counseling Conference Proposal

In her speech, Dr. Al-Marzouqi proposed the idea of organizing an international conference dedicated to psychological counseling in higher education institutions. This conference would serve as a global platform for knowledge exchange, offer opportunities to share experiences, and help build international partnerships that support this vital field.

Forum Discussions: Best Practices and the Role of AI

The forum featured discussion sessions and interactive workshops that focused on best practices in supporting students' mental health, strategies for developing the professional skills of counselors, and exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing psychological services within academic institutions.