Zayed University (ZU) has been awarded Gold in the Merit in Innovative Practices category at the NASPA MENASA Recognition Awards, marking a major milestone in the University’s efforts to reshape the student experience through its Uniquely ZU initiative.
NASPA is a global professional association dedicated to advancing student success through research, professional development and collaboration among higher education institutions. The award recognises excellence and innovation in student affairs across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
Uniquely ZU is Zayed University’s pioneering approach to student affairs, integrating a development framework and new digital platform to enrich co-curricular learning. By combining a clear capabilities framework with gamification, students can track growth, earn recognition, and showcase achievements through a skills-led co-curricular transcript. Developed with industry input, the framework ensures student development is culturally relevant, future-focused, and supportive of holistic well-being. Uniquely ZU empowers graduates with the skills, confidence, and agility to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The recognition reflects the University’s integrated skills and capabilities framework, which has transformed how student development is delivered across campus. For Zayed University’s Student Affairs team, the award highlights three years of focused work to build a more connected, purposeful and skills-driven student journey.
The programme defines 18 core capabilities across areas such as personal growth, professional readiness, leadership and creativity. Each capability is supported by clear achievement levels and recognition pathways, helping students understand their progress and articulate their development to future employers.
More than 2,500 first-year students have already engaged with the framework through foundational courses and activities, alongside pilot cohorts who tested advanced pathways. Full capability integration and roll-out to all students took place from May 2025. Feedback from students, staff and industry partners helped refine the model further, strengthening its focus on digital agility, cultural expression and wellbeing – areas seen as increasingly important for graduates in the region. As of February 2026, nearly 6,000 students were able to download their unique co-curricular transcript.
Commenting on the achievement, Jane Tatterton, Assistant Provost for Student Affairs, said, “This award is a testament to the passion and commitment of our Student Affairs team. Uniquely ZU reflects our belief that education extends far beyond the classroom. By embedding skill development throughout the student journey, we are preparing graduates who are confident, adaptable and ready to contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Gold Award reinforces Zayed University’s position as a regional leader in student development and highlights its ongoing commitment to delivering a holistic, future-focused education.
