Resources & events

The Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) contributed to the planning and organisation of the Faculty 360° 2025 Summit, an international virtual professional learning event jointly developed by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Zayed University, Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and New York University Abu Dhabi.

Held on 21 November 2025, the summit explored the theme “Beyond the AI Hype: Faculty Futures in a Changing World” and brought together academics, educational leaders, and experts from across the UAE and beyond to discuss the future of teaching and learning in higher education.

The programme featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops on topics including artificial intelligence in education, educational innovation, student engagement, faculty development, and the evolving role of academics in a rapidly changing world.

Through its involvement in the organisation of the summit, the CETL contributed to fostering cross-institutional collaboration and professional learning while supporting SUAD’s commitment to teaching excellence and educational innovation.

In November 2025, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi was awarded the Pedagogical Innovation Prize by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) in recognition of an innovative project developed within the French as a Foreign Language (FLE) department.

The award recognised a library of immersive virtual reality learning experiences designed to support the development of oral communication skills in French. Through authentic scenarios such as ordering food in a restaurant, purchasing train tickets, checking into a hotel, shopping in a clothing store, or visiting a bakery, students are encouraged to use French in realistic and meaningful contexts.

The project reflects SUAD’s commitment to educational innovation and the exploration of emerging technologies that enhance student engagement, learner confidence, and experiential learning.

The AUF Pedagogical Innovation Prize highlights the SUAD's contribution to the development of innovative teaching practices and reinforces its position as a leading institution in the integration of digital technologies for language learning.

Quality Matters (QM)

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a member of Quality Matters, an international organisation recognised for its standards in online and blended course design. The CETL draws on its rubric and training to support faculty in designing, reviewing and continuously improving their courses.

Advance HE

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a member of Advance HE, an international organisation dedicated to improving teaching and learning in higher education. This membership supports the CETL’s faculty development activities, including blended learning training and guidance towards Advance HE Fellowship, a professional recognition of expertise and experience in teaching and supporting student learning.