SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is dedicated to promoting and ensuring good health and mental well-being for its students and staff through a comprehensive range of initiatives that are designed to foster a positive, healthy, and supportive environment that prioritizes wellbeing. The University strategic plan has identified key objectives and strategies to support this and align with the university’s commitment to excellence and ensuring that its students and staff thrive academically, emotionally, and personally during their time at SUAD. The university offers access to mental health resources, including counselling services and workshops aimed at building resilience and coping strategies. Regular wellness programs, such as fitness classes and mindfulness sessions, encourage physical activity and stress reduction. Additionally, the campus fosters a supportive community through social events and student organizations, promoting connections and a sense of belonging. By prioritizing holistic well-being, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi creates an environment where individuals can thrive academically and personally.

Initiatives, Activities and Events

Staff Team Building Day

At Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, prioritizing the health and well-being of staff is a top concern. The university’s management demonstrates this commitment through staff gatherings and annual retreats organized by the Human Resources department. These retreats provide employees an opportunity to step away from their daily routine and encourage them to reflect on goals and engage in activities that strengthen relations and improve morale.

Student Success & Wellbeing Section

In recognition of the University’s commitment to student wellness, the Student Affairs Department has established the Student Success and Wellbeing Section. This section is dedicated to supporting all SUAD students by offering bespoke programs and activities that promote their overall wellbeing and academic success. The goal is to help students realize their full potential, work productively, and effectively achieve both academic and personal goals, ultimately contributing to a positive student experience at SUAD.

Key Objectives of the Student Success and Wellbeing Section:

  • Foster an inclusive environment that respects and values the diversity, beliefs, and abilities of each student.
  • Provide tailored support and guidance to assist students in managing emotional, social, academic, and behavioural challenges throughout their SUAD journey.

Services for Students of Determination:

The University is committed to providing accessible and supportive services for Students of Determination. These services include:

  • Specially equipped rooms in both male and female residences.
  • Allocated parking spaces and designated washroom facilities.
  • Elevator access in all buildings and evacuation chairs for emergency situations.

The Success and Wellbeing Section of the Student Affairs Department also is committed to ensuring that all students, especially those with special needs, receive the necessary support to thrive academically and personally. This support includes:

  • Psychological and psychiatric evaluations.
  • Support interventions and behavioral therapy provided by professional counsellors.
  • Comprehensive Support and Reasonable Accommodations: We strive to provide a range of tailored services, including counseling, peer tutoring, mentoring, and appropriate accommodations during examinations and assessments. Our primary objective is to ensure that students can fully participate in both academic and extracurricular activities by offering reasonable adjustments, such as alternative assessment methods, extra time, and separate classrooms during exams and accessible facilities.

Collaboration with Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO)

To ensure that the University’s support services align with best practices, SUAD established a collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO). This partnership resulted in an accessibility evaluation report shared with the University in 2021. The findings of this report were communicated to the General Services Department, ensuring compliance with the Abu Dhabi International Accessibility Standards and international best practices.

By prioritizing student wellness and accessibility, SUAD aims to create an environment where every student can thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Counselling services

In addition to general medical assistance and healthcare, the Counselling office offers consultation services for students to handle non-academic lifestyle and mental health issues such as stress, sleep, or eating disorders, loneliness, depression, etc. The service is provided by professionals specialized in studentโ€™s needs. It aims to help students adjust to new circumstances of university life and relate to the environment in a more productive manner. All counselling information remains private and confidential.

Events and Workshops

Wellbeing Day Event!

The Wellbeing Day event, held annually by the Student Success and Wellbeing section of the Student Affairs department, is dedicated to promoting self-care, mindfulness, and overall wellness within the Sorbonne community. This special day offers students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to explore a variety of practices aimed at cultivating personal well-being and improving the quality of life. With expert guest speakers, wellness fairs, and fun social events, Wellbeing Day offers a holistic approach to well-being, ensuring everyone feels refreshed, empowered, and more connected to themselves and others. Through interactive workshops, activities, and relaxation sessions, attendees can discover new tools for managing stress, enhancing mindfulness, and maintaining balance in their daily lives. This event reflects SUAD Universityโ€™s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy campus environment.

Wellbeing workshops and talks

  • Adaptation to University Life as a New Student.
  • Suicide Prevention Awareness.
  • Smoke-Free Starts Here Awareness session.
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing in University Life.
  • Balanced Living: Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing.
  • Dealing with People of Determination.
  • Mastering Stress, Avoiding Burnout.
  • Residence talks with counsellors.
  • Bullying and harassment awareness session.
  • Time management and exam pressure.

Student Success Support

  • Several peer tutor/Mentor workshops.
  • Peer mentor activity.
  • FLE Mock exam.
  • How to take notes.
  • How to study last minute before exams: Tips and tricks.

Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi hosts an annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day to educate the community about the importance of early detection and prevention. The event includes informative sessions, workshops, and activities led by healthcare professionals, in collaboration with Danat Al Emarat hospital and ADNIC insurance, promoting self-examination techniques and providing resources for support. Through this initiative, the university empowers individuals to take charge of their health and demonstrates its commitment to community well-being.

Mental Health insurance for SUADโ€™s staff

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers comprehensive health insurance for its staff, which includes coverage for psychiatric services and mental well-being support. This provision ensures that employees have access to essential mental health resources, promoting a healthy and supportive workplace environment.

Sports Department role in promoting good health and well-being

The Sports Department offers 116 hours of weekly sports activities designed to enhance the physical, mental, and social well-being of students, staff, their families, Sport classes accessible to the Public (SCAP) members, and People of Determination (PoD). The department emphasizes inclusivity, teamwork, environmental responsibility, and holistic well-being through its range of programs and events, including nutrition education.

  • Team Sports: Regular basketball, football, and volleyball sessions promote teamwork, cardiovascular fitness, and social bonding.
  • Fitness Programs: Cross Training, Pilates, Yoga, and Body Conditioning classes focus on developing strength, flexibility, and reducing stress.
  • Inclusive Sports: Football for Inclusion, Judo, and Climbing sessions provide opportunities for People of Determination (PoD) to engage in sports alongside the wider community, fostering social inclusion and empowerment.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Activities such as kayaking and desert trips combine fitness with sustainability through regular cleanups, encouraging environmental responsibility and eco-consciousness.
  • SCAP and Youth Engagement: Programs like KiddyFoot, Climbing Discovery, Baby Judo, Teens Judo, and adult programs in these sports encourage physical activity and family participation. SCAP members are actively involved in various sports throughout the year.
  • Nutrition Conferences: A series of nutrition conferences are organized throughout the year to educate participants on health, sports performance, and dietary choices. Sessions cover general health, sports nutrition, and awareness of supplements, promoting optimal performance and healthy lifestyles.

The Sports Department at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is dedicated to promoting well-being through a diverse range of activities that cater to the entire community. With a focus on physical fitness, mental health, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and nutrition education, the department ensures that everyone has the opportunity to enhance their overall well-being. Link : https://www.sorbonne.ae/sports/

Staff and student free Yoga sessions

At Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the state-of-the-art sports facilities offer complimentary yoga classes twice a week for staff and students. Led by experienced instructors, these sessions promote physical fitness and mental well-being in a supportive environment. Open to all skill levels, the classes foster a sense of community and highlight the university’s commitment to encouraging a balanced lifestyle and enhancing overall wellness among its community members.

Smoking Designated Areas

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has designated specific areas for smoking to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment for all members of the campus community. These designated smoking zones are strategically located away from entrances and common areas, allowing smokers to enjoy their space while minimizing exposure to second-hand smoke for others. By implementing these measures, the university promotes responsible smoking habits and prioritizes the well-being of its staff and students.

Research and Publications on Good Health and Wellbeing

Sustainable Development Goals