Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is dedicated to promoting and ensuring good health and mental wellbeing for its students and staff through a comprehensive range of initiatives that are designed to foster a positive, healthy, and supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing. SUAD’s 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 programmes, 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 organisations, promoting connections and a sense of belonging. By prioritising holistic wellbeing, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi creates an environment where individuals can thrive academically and personally. 

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 programmes and activities that promote their overall wellbeing and academic success. The goal is to help students realise 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 is also 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 behavioural therapy provided by professional counsellors 
  
  
• Comprehensive support and reasonable accommodations: The university provides a range of tailored services, including counselling, peer tutoring, mentoring, and appropriate accommodations during examinations and assessments. SUAD’s 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. 

To ensure that the university’s support services align with best practices, SUAD established a collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organisation 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 prioritising student wellness and accessibility, SUAD aims to create an environment where every student can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. 

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 student’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.

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 community health initiative, the university empowers individuals to take charge of their health and demonstrates its commitment to community wellbeing. 

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

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

• Team Sports: Regular basketball, football, and volleyball sessions promote teamwork, cardiovascular fitness, and social bonding 
  
  
• Fitness Programmes: 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 clean-ups, encouraging environmental responsibility and eco-consciousness 
  
  
• SCAP and Youth Engagement: Programmes like KiddyFoot, Climbing Discovery, Baby Judo, Teens Judo, and adult programmes 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 organised 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 wellbeing 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 wellbeing. Learn more at https://www.sorbonne.ae/sports/ 

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 wellbeing 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. 

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 minimising exposure to second-hand smoke for others. By implementing these measures, the university promotes responsible smoking habits and prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and students.