Danubius International University is represented again this year by its President of the Board,  Dr. Andy Pușcă at the 17th AUAP 2024 General Conference hosted by Jagran University Lakecity, Bhopal, India from November 18-20, 2024 on the theme "Paradigm Shift in Education Higher Education: Values for Life".  This transformative event will explore in depth the landscape of education higher education and explore the crucial role of values in shaping the future learning and personal development through higher education development.

ABOUT AUAP GENERAL CONFERENCE

AUAP General Conference provides delegates with opportunities to connect, share best practices, and gain insights into innovative ways in which Asia-Pacific universities are partnering across the region and the world. The AUAP General Conference 2024 program focuses on the impact of such collaborations on the sustainability of International education.

ABOUT ASSOCIATION OF THE UNIVERSITIES OF ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (AUAP)

The AUAP is a Non – Government Organization (NGO) holding the highest formal consultation rights with UNESCO. Its primary purpose is to be the main platform for interaction and collaboration among members and the voice of universities and colleges in Asia and the Pacific. AUAP organizes regular conferences and workshops for higher education leaders and institutions, to recognize and discuss important issues and challenges facing higher education today. It is an organization that enhances cooperation among institutions, and is dedicated to render service to its members.

The main missions of the AUAP are to promote a culture of quality and innovation in higher education, research and service to the community; to preserve and enhance the values and cultural diversity of Asia and the Pacific towards better understanding and cooperation for socio- economic development and universal peace; and to maintain a platform for interaction and collaboration among members and be the voice of universities in Asia and the Pacific.

The AUAP organizes varied activities for the staff and students alike. We hold faculty development seminars and workshops, joint research activities, and faculty exchange programs. For the students we organize English speech competitions, student debates, student leadership training programs, student exchange programs and student academic Olympiads.

Very recently, we developed an instrument for determining the readiness of institutions in undertaking internationalization programs. Most importantly, the AUAP will soon unveil its Quality Assurance Instrument for rating institutions based on self-evaluation. These instruments are for the use of our members and non-members also.

Website: https://auapgc2024.jlu.edu.in/

Program - Schedule: https://auapgc2024.jlu.edu.in/tantative-program-schedule/

Mioara Lepădatu,

PR Specialist

On November 9, starting at 10 a.m., in room A38, the Danubius International University is hosting the UNESCO Week Symposium: The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public-Interest Information.

The central theme - "Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) - Challenges and opportunities in the current context", moderator  is Dr. Mirela Curcă, Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Danubius International University

Speakers

Dr. Elena Enache, Audiovisual Inspector at the National Audiovisual Council

Mr. Sorin Rugină, TV producer, will address the topic "Fake news - from the Revolution from 1989 to the present"

Why participate?

Because in an ever-changing world, staying informed means having the power to choose! Whether you are passionate about tech, media or simply curious about the future, this event is for you.

Let's discuss how technology and information are changing, the limits and potential of artificial intelligence in media, and how we can use these new tools for a safer and more informed future!

Mrs. Misam Ali, Economic Officer at the Embassy of the United States in Bucharest, was the special guest of the opening ceremony of the 2024-2025 academic year, giving a message of encouragement to the professors, guests and new students. She emphasized that "a university education is a life-transforming experience, an opportunity to explore new ideas and meet people from different fields and walks of life". These interactions have contributed to a broader and more nuanced world view.

She emphasized the importance of the legal field, describing it not just as "a set of rules, but as a fundamental framework for upholding justice and protecting rights. Students who follow this path will acquire essential skills to contribute meaningfully to society".

In her speech, Mrs. Misam also shared personal experiences during her studies at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Like many students today, she started university with mixed emotions, between eagerness and uncertainty about the future. In the end, her time there not only gave her academic knowledge, but helped discover herself.

Among the important lessons learned throughout her years of study, she mentioned "curiosity, building relationships, keeping an open mind, taking risks and finding balance between personal and academic life". She encouraged students to make the most of their university years, manage both their physical and mental health and be open to new experiences.

Finally, he congratulated the students on their choice of Danubius International University and wished them success in their studies, expressing his confidence that they will achieve great things.

Mioara Lepădatu,

PR Specialist

Mă bucur să vă văd pe toți!

I welcome you all to the Opening Day Ceremony of 2024-25 academic year. My name is Dr. Steve O. Michael and I have the pleasure of serving as the Rector and CEO of Danubius University. To our new students, thank you for choosing Danubius International University to receive your education and thanks to our returning students for continuing your education with us.

Before I proceed, I would like to take a minute to recognize leadership team on campus: Dr. Filip Stanciu is the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs; Dr. Alina Raileanu is the Vice Rector for Administration; Dr. Doinita Popa, Director of DPPD; Dr. Alina Nuta, Director of Distance Education; Dr. Gorgetta Modiga, President of the Senate. You will meet the deans later.

Opening Day ceremonies have two purposes. The first purpose is to welcome you to the campus because you are the reason why we are here. Second, we use the event to kick start the academic year with orientation that should facilitate a smooth transition for you. By joining this university, you have placed your trust in us to help fulfill your expectations, which include the realization of your dream, personal growth, professional advancement, quality education, preparation for leadership, and fun and pleasure of being a student. Although, I have spent countless of time giving speeches at opening day ceremonies, every event is special and today is no exception.
Our highest priority at Danubius University is and must be student success. As a private institution, we have the privilege to do things better and that include responding to your needs promptly, checking on you if you miss several classes, advising you if you are falling behind with your grades, ensuring you complete your program on time, providing opportunities for you to engage in a short study abroad, and providing opportunities for you to exercise your leadership talents.

I would like you to show by raising your hands, if University is able to give you money during this year for you to travel to another country as part of your education, how many of you would seize this opportunity?

I believe it is your desire to be successful. Your path to success starts today. You must do your part so that the University can do its own. Attendance in classes, completion of assignments on time, studying ahead of exams, interacting with your professors and peers are all part of the recipe for success. Know that heaven only helps those who help themselves.

It is my hope that even as you study hard, you will find time to have fun. My undergraduate and graduate days were some of the best times of my life. I didn't know that then, but now I do. Enjoy your study and appreciate your growth. Take time to volunteer and spend time on campus. By the way, I would like to challenge you. I do play Ping Pong or Table Tennis and if any student wants to challenge me, I will pay you in dollars with a T-shirt if you beat me. Every time you beat me, you get a dollar. You will get a tee-shirt that says, “I Beat Rector Michael of Danubius International University.” Come to the campus and I will play with you.

Vă mulțumesc și Dumnezeu să vă binecuvânteze în studiile voastre!