On March 23, the Student Senator Council passed the first resolution proposed by an NYU Abu Dhabi Senator. The resolution calls on NYU to join the Institute for International Education’s (IIE) Syria Consortium for Higher Education in Crisis in committing to offer specific spaces and funding to Syrian refugee students and scholars by the end of the current academic year. The decision was made public to NYUAD students on March 29 in the Student Life Facebook group by Patrick Sheldon Wee, NYUAD’s Senator in New York. Sheldon Wee noted that the talks are already in progress, and encouraged students who are interested in the matter to contact him.

From March 29 to March 31, literature professors Maurice Pomerantz and Paulo Horta, in collaboration with the Arts and Humanities division, organized a conference entitled Other World Literatures. Academics were invited from various universities including Harvard University, Columbia University, University of Chicago, American University of Beirut, American University of Cairo, City University of Hong Kong and Leeds University. Following opening remarks on March 29, the discussions and talks focused on the transnational history of literature in French, and the entry of African literature into world literature. Madeleine Dobie from Columbia University spoke about the politics and ethics of reviving the notion of world literature. Other topics pertinent to the development of the literature program at NYUAD were concerned with publishing, challenges, opportunities and limitations of world literature. Dean of Arts and Humanities Robert J.C. Young delivered a response to Columbia’s Bruce Robbins’ keynote address titled Atrocity and the Novel.

On March 29, the Student Interest Group Pakistan Students Association organized a vigil to remember the lives lost in the suicide bombing that took place at Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park in Lahore on March 27. Many students gathered in the East Plaza to show solidarity with Pakistani students and the city of Lahore. Some of the students shared their sentiments and experiences of finding out about terror attacks away from home at NYUAD. Candles were lit and a moment of silence was held in remembrance of the deceased. Dean Kyle Farley, along with his family, and Deputy Head of Mission at Pakistan Embassy in the UAE Dr. Faisal Aziz Ahmad also participated in the vigil.

“When we first talked about having the vigil with the people in Student Life, everyone was very quick to express their concern and offer their help,” said sophomore Shehroze Khan. “Suparna Mathur was very helpful in making arrangements for inviting Dr. Faisal Aziz Ahmed from the Pakistan Embassy in the UAE for the vigil. Overall, the university's response was extremely supportive.”

Photo by Firas Ashraf/The Gazelle

The Student Interest Group ADvocacy and the Office of Social Responsibility organized the Staff Appreciation Day on March 30 and March 31 in the Central Plaza and West Forum, respectively. The two-day event is organized every year to show gratitude to the contract staff workers on campus, and to recognize the role they play in the NYUAD community.

The ADvocacy Initiative Leader Firas Ashraf discussed his experience about the event with The Gazelle.

“I am so pleased with the turnout from contract staff over the two days. The event went incredibly well, with a lot of exposure,” said Ashraf. “They are so talented and awesome and I love seeing them come on stage — performing and having a good time in general and they really value the work we do to appreciate them.”