Global Studies University in Sharjah welcomed its inaugural Fall 2025 Ph.D. cohort in Global Studies, consisting of 10 doctoral students. During Orientation Week, held August 18–20, students explored campus life, academic resources, the library and archives, and Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage.
The sessions included a welcome address by Professor Salah M. Hassan, Chancellor of GSU and Dean of The Africa Institute, on behalf of our President, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi. He was joined by Professor Binyam Sisay Mendisu, Associate Dean of The Africa Institute and Director of Graduate Studies, and Sara Majdi, Director of Academic Affairs, who provided insights on graduate life, curriculum expectations, and research opportunities. Additional sessions led by the Registrar, Admissions Office, and Student Support Services, along with a campus tour and an introduction to Sharjah’s culture, helped students acclimate to their new academic and social environment.
A highlight of orientation was the two-day workshop “Creating a Community of Collaborative Students,” which brought together the new Ph.D. cohort and returning MA students from the Global African Studies program. Hosted in partnership with Inclusive Innovation, the workshop emphasized teamwork, diversity, and interdisciplinary learning, led by facilitators Alisa Govender and Connie Nshemereirwe, with contributions from university faculty to foster a strong sense of community.
The Ph.D. in Global Studies is a five-year interdisciplinary program accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), U.A.E., combining two years of coursework with three years of dissertation research. Students choose between Cultural, Visual, and Literary Studies or Historical, Political, and Social Studies, engaging with themes such as African-Arab Relations, Diaspora, Gender Studies, Political Economy, the Indian Ocean World, and the Muslim World. They also complete three semesters of study in a non-Western language relevant to their research, preparing them for globally engaged, innovative scholarship.
As this inaugural cohort begins its journey, the university looks forward to welcoming the next generation of scholars, with admissions for Fall 2026 opening soon.