Student Leadership

Student government logo

The Student Government is a body of student representatives that serve as the voice of RIT Dubai Students to the various departments of the university.

A president and Vice-president pair is elected by the student body who then recruit the rest of their cabinet via interview, and in some cases elections. 

Student government standing on a stage holding a bannerStudent government members posing for an outdoor photoCelebratory photo

Student Leadership

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

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

Become a Mental Health Ambassador

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.

Click here to submit your Cultural Mentor application

At RIT Dubai, the SAM (Study Abroad Mentor) Program is designed for students to take on a mentorship role, guiding global scholars during their semester at the Dubai campus. This program aims to develop essential skills such as effective communication, planning, cultural awareness, and fostering a well-rounded, welcoming environment for global scholars.

SAMs will serve as an additional resource for global scholars, providing support in student accommodation, the university, and the UAE. They will share helpful information and guidance on cultural norms, assisting global scholars with their integration into campus life and the UAE. Please note that the role of a SAM is to offer support to the Student Affairs staff in their efforts to assist global scholars.

Role of a SAM

  • Assist new Study Abroad students at the Dubai campus with their daily questions about processes.
  • Address any inquiries they may have regarding student accommodation, and share them with the appropriate Student Affairs staff when necessary.
  • Provide information on navigating Dubai Silicon Oasis and the Emirate of Dubai.
  • Recommend the best means of public transportation.
  • Suggest the best places to eat near student accommodation.
  • Facilitate a fun and positive environment.
  • Collect feedback from students on how we can improve their experience and report it to the Office of Student Affairs.

By becoming a SAM, students will be invited to attend certain global scholar meetings, receive a certificate of service by the end of the semester, and may request a recommendation letter.

Am I eligible to apply?

Interested students should be a sophomore or higher academic standing and preferably have resided in the United Arab Emirates for 7 years or more. Please note that this opportunity is for undergraduate students only. The preferred candidate must have stayed in the Dubai Silicon Oasis Student Accommodation for at least one semester.

The preference is for an Arabic speaker and Emiratis are encouraged to apply.

Interested students must submit their application using the form below and for more information, e-mail dubaistudentaffairs@rit.edu.

Civic Engagement Opportunities

RIT students have the skills and passion to benefit both the UAE and global community. Therefore, Student Affairs encourages both campus and external community volunteering.

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, an official Red Crescent Volunteer at mmacad1@rit.edu.

Current Volunteering Areas of Focus:

  • Inclusion
  • Social Initiatives
  • People of Determination 
  • Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives 
  • Animal Welfare 
  • Wild Life Conservation Initiatives 
  • International Relief Efforts

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.

Website last updated: December 5, 2024