Chancellor’s Message

Salah M. Hassan

Chancellor, Global Studies University

It is a privilege to serve as Chancellor of Global Studies University (GSU) and Dean of The Africa Institute. It is with such a spirit that I warmly welcome our first cohorts of graduate students to our graduate programs, and introduce this Student Manual, which we hope will help them in navigating the intricacies of our graduate program at both the Master’s and Ph.D. levels, and to assist them in their day to day activities and life on and off campus in the great city of Sharjah, a minaret of education, culture, and the arts.

It was indeed an honor to be entrusted with leading the creation of an institution designed to address the historic ties between Africa and the Arab world, focusing on Africa and its diasporas. Since then, The Africa Institute, which was established in 2018, has made significant strides in advancing knowledge within the humanities and social sciences, while fostering valuable scholarly connections across regions. Building on this progress, the establishment of the Global Studies University (GSU) has marked the next significant step in our academic vision. Organized as a network of semi-independent but interconnected institutes, the GSU’s major objectives are to explore the histories, cultures, and peoples of various regions, further broadening its global impact and deepening its commitment to interdisciplinary research and education.

Our graduate academic programs are designed to challenge conventional paradigms and introduce innovative, interdisciplinary methodologies. With our inaugural MA program in Global African Studies and a forthcoming PhD program in Global Studies, we are equipping students with the tools to approach regional issues through a global lens. Our diverse faculty brings a wealth of expertise and perspectives, reinforcing our commitment to advancing scholarship and empowering future leaders to address the pressing challenges of our time.

I am deeply proud to be part of GSU’s journey and excited about the future we are building together. Our university is committed to nurturing critical thinking and scholarship that transcends traditional academic boundaries. I warmly invite students, scholars, and partners to join us in shaping a brighter, more interconnected global futures.