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Student Leadership and Volunteerism

Student Leadership and Volunteerism

At RIT Dubai, student leadership and civic engagement opportunities are critical to the development of our students. Engaging in leadership activities allows students to develop essential skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, while also fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability.

Civic engagement provides students with the opportunity to give back to their communities and make a positive impact on the lives of others. By participating in volunteer activities on and off campus, students not only develop empathy and compassion, but also gain a deeper understanding of social issues and their impact on the world.

Overall, campus student leadership and civic engagement opportunities are instrumental in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically successful but also socially conscious and actively contribute to the betterment of campus and society.

Become a Student Government Leader or Officer

Cultural Mentor applications are now open. Click here to apply!

 Cultural Mentors serve as student peer mentors to new international students arriving each semester. They support international students in their adjustment to RIT Dubai and the community.

Benefits of being a Cultural Mentor

  • Develop cross-cultural communication skills.

  • Gain experience working with populations from different backgrounds.

  • Leadership and professional development opportunities.

  • Strengthen your resume.

  • Have tons of fun getting to know people from around the world!

  • Letter of recommendation from the Office of Student Affairs at the end of your service (1 semester or full academic year).

  • Certificate of Appreciation.

Minimum Requirements

  • Be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at RIT Dubai in good academic standing.

  • Interest in working with diverse populations.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Professionalism, respect, and common courtesy towards students, other Cultural Mentors, and program supervisors.

  • Desire to help incoming international students adjust to life in Dubai.

  • Ability to meet all expectations and attend required events listed below.

  • All students (international and local) are welcome to apply!

Required Participation

  • Communicate regularly with assigned mentees before their arrival, through orientation.

  • Attend the training session.

  • Attend and assist with Fall and Spring orientation programs (the week before classes in August and January).

  • Stay in touch with your mentees and study abroad students through the first month of the semester.

  • Maintain a positive attitude and reflect the model behavior of a campus leader.


Become a Resident Advisor (RA)

Role of a Resident Advisor (RA)

  • Be the first point of contact for student accommodation residents within your scope of responsibility 

  • Be a role model for positive community standards

  • Adhere to the RIT Dubai Student Handbook’s policies and procedures

  • Adhere to the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) Student Accommodation’s policies and procedures 

  • Be a supportive community member and Resolve simple conflicts between residents calmly and escalate any conflicts that require intervention from the DSOA housing team or Student Affairs 

  • Gather RIT student accommodation resident's feedback about all matters related to housing and share it with Student Affairs 

  • Be the one to help share any important information with RIT student residents - from the DSOA University Residence team and or Student Affairs

  • Share any concerns or complaints that RIT housing residents have with Students Affairs and or the DSOA University Residence team 

  • Organize community-building and social activities along with the DSOA University Residence team 

Benefits 

  • Develop essential leadership skills that employers are seeking

  • Learn teamwork skills through event planning and support

  • Learn how to respond to and manage crisis situations

  • Improve communication skills

  • Learn how to mediate conflict effectively 

  • Gain experience working with a diverse group of people

In addition, each RA will be given a letter of recommendation and certificate upon completing one year in the position.

Who can Apply?

All second-year and above students residing in DSOA University Residence can apply. We are looking for one person from each residence block. 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Commit to being a Resident Advisor for the full academic year. 

  • Be a student in good university standing for the full Academic Year.

  • Be available to attend training programs prior to the start of each Academic Semester.

  • Be available for new student check-in weekends (Fall and Spring)

Email Student Affairs for more information: dubaistudentaffairs@rit.edu


Become a Mental Health Ambassador

  • Mental Health Ambassador Program

Role of an MHA

  • Propose mental health campaign initiatives for RIT Dubai students (social media and in person)
  • Support the student counselor with initiatives and events related to mental health and be active in sharing the information with the community
  • Role model for positive community standards
  • Be an active community member and promote a supportive and kind environment around campus
  • Gather feedback from students about future mental health initiatives and events
  • Spread awareness about resources available to students

Benefits

  • Develop essential leadership skills
  • Building teamwork skills through event planning and support
  • Improve interpersonal skills

In addition, each MHA will be given a letter of recommendation and certificate upon completing one year in the position.

who can apply?

All undergraduate students can apply.

  • Being committed to the program
  • Good communication skills
  • be available to attend meetings and support initiatives
  • Leadership skills

Please contact Student Counselor Ms. Hala Bakir for more information: hbcad@rit.edu or apply here

 

Find A Place to Volunteer

The Office of Student Affairs is connected with various organizations that are working to support the local community and international causes. If you are interested in volunteering for a social cause, please contact us by emailing Ms. Maryam Alaraj at mmacad1@rit.edu.

Recognizing Change Makers

We know that many of our RIT Dubai students are already involved in working with various charity organizations and we would like to recognize you. Please reach out to us if you fulfill any of the below criteria at dubaistudentsaffairs@rit.edu 

  • Category for the Certificate of Recognition.
    • Community Support - Minimum of 10 hours of working with an organization.
    • Community Leadership - 20 hours and above of working with an organization.