IT’S A STUDENT AFFAIR

Issue 26 Spring 2015

A New World Ahead

It seems that yet another academic year is coming to an follow. A Graduation Booklet will be uploaded on the In- end, which means that many students are at the finish tranet’s homepage, which will provide step-by-step gui- line of their academic careers or at least they are fin- dance to the preparation for your Graduation Ceremony. ishing a part of it. They have come so far and now there Please remember that there are deadlines for each of are only a few tasks left for them to check! So if you are these processes and that they require your attention and among the students who are about to graduate please dedication. follow the steps below. If not, then have these steps in All in all the University wishes you all the best and pro- mind for when you will. mises to be there to support you and provide assistance. Firstly, log into your student intranet account, and find For any information graduates may contact the Student the tab titled “Application for Graduation” which will Affairs Department at tel.: 22 842 150 or email: student. guide you through the necessary process that you must [email protected] H. LoizidesLtd Printing George Savva Student Affairs Archives Photography Tea Despot Stella Demetriades Proof readers Stanley Kelly Ogedegbe Markella Menikou Karine Makarian Human Biology Society Despo Stylianou Costas Nicolaou Constantinos Marcou Adonis Cleanthous Acknowledgements Veranika Ramanovich Graphic Designer Tea Despot Assiatant to theManagingEditor Maria Efraim Managing Editor Myria Thrassou Editor-in-Chief Dr. EmiliosSolomou Director ofEdition E-mail: Tel.: 1700 , , P.O. Box 24005, 46, Makedonitissas Avenue, University ofNicosia Student Affairs Department Published by Issue 26|Spring2015 It’s aStudentAffair Identity It’s a Student Affair | Issue 25 | Fall 2014 22842150, [email protected] Fax: 22842199 I encourage you to open that door and be the ones who will make the difference!!! of thatdoor, there isaworld starving for new leadership, new ideas!” and consciousness; a new wave in a vast ocean of possibilities. On the other side knowledge vanguardof Carrey:“Youthe areJim by quote a with youleave will I stay focused, doyour best andexcel once again! A very important period is approaching; your exams are close; study methodically, embrace theunknown, andthrive! future and standing on a great path to success! All you have to do is take the risk, your shaping Younow areyou. to extended been have that opportunities the of Warmest wishesto all. equipped to face theseriouschallenges ofthefuture. well- be to best his/her do to everyonefor essential is it times difficult these In work withcommitment andpersistence. towhateverdo you youif choose, first toget know youwho are areand towilling your final exams. Continue your search for new experiences. It is possible for you While you finish your mid – term exams we would like to wish you the very best in individuals andfuture professionals. as develop and learn to which in environmentproper the with youprovide and personally,I, say,youNeedless and toUniversity support here are toalwaysthe person andwe wishherevery success! AndreoucorporatedAffairsMelina contactStudent Ms the the Department. is in in- been has CentreSuccess Student the that you inform to like also would We Executive Vice President for Administration Dr. EmiliosSolomou Head, Student Affairs Department Head, Student Affairs Myria Thrassou thankful for your experiences and appreciative and experiences your for thankful I hope that you are all proud of your achievements, wait to seeit! an even more exciting plan for us all and I cannot holds future the that doubt no have Therefore,I of amazing student events took place on campus. plethora a and semester this created been have Many new interesting student clubs and societies wonderful memories and great accomplishments! of number a with us left have to seems also it speed, before,its other albeit fasterany but than by flew Semester Spring the that me to seems It Dear Students, even greater opportunities. and new offer will which societies new of ment forwardfuture,the toforestablish- awaiting the look how.I know personality,and youroutlook These opportunities give you the chance to develop useful inyour jobseeking,inafew years. provewill experiences and your enrich activities activities, on a large scale. It is my belief that such new societies and the improvement of the existing I was pleasantly surprised with the introduction of hopes andinspiration. full of excitement and experiences, achievements, semester a of end another yet reached haveWe Dear Students, Content

02 Catch Me If You Can

06 Gearing Up

08 Out N’ About It’s a Student Affair Issue 26 | Spring 2015 Catch Me if You Can Welcome to Ufit! CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Roll Up Your Sleeves and Save a Life! UNic Offers for Students and Alumni or the growing popularity of tattoos and piercings. Although one is able to This academic year, the Student Af- donate blood after having a tattoo done, fairs Department has worked hard a certain amount of time needs to have to provide students and alumni with lapsed, usually 12 months. Another a wide variety of discounts available reason is the fear that a disease may both in places surrounding the cam- be transmitted through the needles, pus and further away. Students and however blood-collection authorities alumni can find a variety of fashion insist there is absolutely no donor stores and grocery shopping loca- risk from giving blood. Nevertheless tions, bars and restaurants, useful Driven by the perception that donat- the need for blood transfusions is services, health and beauty boutiques ing blood can save up to three lives, ever-growing and so it may be time and many more. The terms for using the Student Affairs Department in to start thinking about it, or sum up these discounts can be found within cooperation with the Cyprus Blood the courage to overcome your fear of the PDF document, on the University Establishment and student volunteers needles, as giving blood doesn’t only of Nicosia website. The participating of the University of Nicosia organised help others… it helps you too. companies and businesses are eager the spring semester’s Blood Donation. The blood donation took place on the Blood donation is definitely a chari- to meet students and alumni and assist table and altruistic act but it also has them in their everyday needs. 11th of March 2015, at the nursing lab of the Main Building of the University. benefits which are not known to many. The Student Affairs Department is 1. Balance the iron levels in your blood one of the most visited departments The blood donation began at 10 a.m. The reduction of iron stores and iron of the University of Nicosia and over and finished at 4 p.m., during which in the body while giving blood can the years it has managed to build very time students had the opportunity to reduce the risk of cancer. By donating strong relationships with students and come and donate 325ml of their blood. blood on a regular basis you eliminate alumni. As one of the departments on There were numerous people who as- the iron that may possibly oxidize in which the students and alumni rely for sisted and attended to the students. your blood which reduces the risk of support and assistance and likewise a Several people, consisting of students, oxidative stress damaging your car- department which seeks support and faculty and staff, gathered for this diovascular system. assistance from students and alumni altruistic act. They lay on the beds in its humanitarian endeavors, we feeling proud of their contribution to have come to think of them as family. the society. On this note, we would like to thank Donating blood can truly save up to our students and alumni once again three lives, in fact a research done and to announce that this is just the by the American Red Cross shows beginning of a tradition which will that an individual, who donates blood become an annual development which every 56 days, starting at the age of 17 will only bring more surprises for you until they reach 76, will have donated over time! approximately 180 liters of blood; po- tentially saving more than 1,000 lives! If you need more information regard- Researchers followed 1,200 people Blood donations are an essential part of ing the offers please visit or contact split into groups of two over the course any healthcare system. If we did not have the Student Affairs Department at of 4 ½ years. One group reduced their volunteers giving blood, many medical tel.:22842150 or email: student.af- iron stores by blood donations twice procedures we take for granted could [email protected]. a year whereas the other group did not take place. Although most people not make any changes. The results are able to give blood, only about 4% of the study showed that the group of the population donates regularly. of blood donors had lower iron levels, The most common reasons for not and a lower risk of cancer and mor- donating blood are fear of needles, tality (Journal of the National Cancer feeling of faintness when seeing blood Institute). Additionally, blood donors CATCH ME IF YOU CAN have been found to be 88% less likely into its component parts so it can be to suffer from a heart attack. used to treat a variety of conditions. These components are: 2. Better Blood Flow Welcome to Ufit! Do you know what high-sugar diets, • red blood cells – used to treat some Our new state of the art fitness center, smoking, radio frequencies, and other types of anemia and replace blood located strategically on 28th October toxic electromagnetic forces, emotional lost as the result of an accident Ave., by our University, expanded over stress, anxiety, high cholesterol, and • platelets – used to treat problems an area of over 775 square meters, high uric acid levels do to your blood? with bone marrow, such as leuke- furnished with top notch equipment. All of these make your blood hyper- mia and people with blood clotting Ufit will operate 7 days a week to coagulable, meaning it makes it thick disorders and slow moving, which increases your provide service to the most demanding risk of having a blood clot or stroke. • plasma – used to treat conditions customer… You! Hypercoagulable blood contributes where abnormal clotting causes Constantly supervised by highly quali- to inflammation, because when your bleeding, such as liver disease, and fied and experienced personnel, you blood does not flow well, oxygen can’t where large volumes of blood have will be programmed based on your get to your tissues. been lost fitness level, needs and demands, but Donating blood is certainly not a re- As blood can only be safely stored most importantly, constantly invigilated placement for medical care, but it for a relatively short time, hospital and supervised. does give you a (free) glimpse into blood stocks need to be continuously The 100 meter square “Aerobics” your health (as well as notice if you’ve refreshed which is why blood donations room will provide you with a plethora been exposed to an infectious disease are regularly organized. of Group Fitness Programs powered without knowing). Another interesting We would like to thank those who by Les Mills. Surely you’ve heard of fact about donating blood, according participated in this blood donation and Body Pump and Body Combat! CV, to the University of California in San we hope to see those who didn’t make Grit, Sh’Bam, Balance, Attack are just Diego, is that you may burn approxi- it at the next blood donation, which a few of your choices. mately 650 calories per pint of blood. will take place in the Fall Semester. A fully functioning juice Bar/Café will Now don’t go including blood donations provide you with delicious juices, and to your diet plan but bear in mind that Moreover, those of you who wish to shakes to crunch your thirst and reboot donating is not only helpful to others donate blood, do it as soon as pos- your system! but to yourself as well. sible. Please note that the closest to the university blood bank station Ufit success depends on you. We want Most people donate blood because is located at Egkomi Health Center you to be involved. Talk to us, email they want to help others, and, indeed, (tel.22809052-22809048). Blood dona- us, suggest to us, propose to us how donating blood a single time may help tions are also conducted in all general we can serve you better! save the lives of up to three people. In hospitals around Cyprus. most cases, your blood will be separated Waiting anxiously to see you at Ufit!!!

2 3 University of Nicosia It’s a Student Affair Issue 26 | Spring 2015

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN An Avenue to Interact

The UNic Human Biology Society is ecosystems in the caves of Cyprus. run by students of the human biology During her talk the attendees were programme of the University of Nicosia. introduced to the subject of caving and Its purpose is to plan events that are the project she is currently working of interest in the areas of biological which involves the study of ecology, sciences. Furthermore, it serves as wildlife and fossils found in the caves an avenue for the members of the of Cyprus. The interest shown by the society to interact with each other and attendees inspired the idea of organizing creates opportunities to meet other a fieldtrip, as soon as Ms. Satterfield people from the local community that is able to identify an appropriate cave, share a common interest in biology. so that the members of the society can gain a hands-on experience. This academic year, the concept “Lec- ture of the Month” was initiated, un- Currently, the society is partnering der which every month, a scientist with the Cyprus ambassador of PUR- is invited to give a lecture on his/her PLE DAY, an international initiative area of research, giving members of dedicated to increasing awareness the society (as well as anyone who of epilepsy worldwide, to organize shares an interest in the subject) the an event with the aim of raising the opportunity to become familiar with local community’s awareness of epi- various interesting subjects/fields. lepsy. The event commenced with a The society has already hosted two talk under the society’s initiative of talks with great success. “Lecture of the Month”, conducted by Dr. Costas Michaelides, the president Dr. Skordis, a Professor in Paediatrics of the Cyprus Neurological Society, at St George’s University of London explained what epilepsy is and what medical programme delivered by the treatments are presently used. On University of Nicosia Medical School, led the Saturday following the talk, a fair us into an exploration of the biological was held on Eleftheria’s Square as an basis of sexual orientation and showed outreach to the wider public. The fair to students the complex mechanism comprised a variety of activities, such that might be involved in the process of as a bazaar and a selection of games, determining one’s sexual orientation. with the aim to inform people about In February, a US Fulbright Scholar, epilepsy and raise funds that would Ms. Lauren Satterfield led the students be donated to provide assistance to to an exploration of the subterranean patients of epilepsy. The Society also plans to organize a “careers week” event which will address the possibilities of future studies and employment after the completion of the Human Biology degree. During the “careers week” students will be able to directly communicate with gradu- ates of the human biology programme and be informed about career options available after graduation. Finally, Dhalsim Kompi, a tattoo artist, drew a very special T-shirt design for the members of the society that served as a memorabilia for the students who participated in the society’s events and were a part of this club. A Taste of Mama Africa! CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

The African Society has been some- from being a “Dark Continent” to be- Africans in Cyprus and to also foster what active this academic year; they ing the “Light and Pride of the World”. good relationships with non-Africans. have organized a series of trips, a This presentation was done by the The game which started at about 12 Christmas party and a football match African students from both universi- pm ended goal less in the first half. between the African Students of the ties. The high point of the occasion Few minutes into the second half, University of Nicosia and the African was the time for refreshments and the African team of the University of students of the European University snacks; the guests could not wait to Nicosia scored its first goal by Tatenda of Cyprus. These events and activities savor the sizzling African delicacies Mugano. A little later we scored a have shown to spark up an interest which included fried rice, ‘jollof rice’, second goal and about thirty minutes in the students of the University of ‘moi-moi’, pepper soup, ‘egusi’ soup, into the second half, Collins Ejene, a Nicosia. Let’s hope they keep it up! semolina and many more. There was top striker for the soccer team of the enough food and drinks for everyone. African Society of the University of “Ubuntu” as the name implies, means The non-African guests were greatly Nicosia, scored the final goal of the “togetherness’’. This came true at the impressed by the event and even sug- game. Our supporters were in high African Christmas party which was gested that such events should be spirit as they sang and danced to cheer organized by the African Society of the held annually in order to give to the the team up. The game which ended University of Nicosia in conjunction people in Cyprus an opportunity to 3-0 in favor of the soccer team of the with the African Students Associa- experience the African culture and African Society of the University of tion of the European University. The traditions. Everybody had a fun filled Nicosia broke a new record! event which took place on the 9th of night as the deejay played African tunes December 2014 at P.E.O Hall in Nicosia that made the people dance until the was an unforgettable experience for break of dawn. everyone. The event was used as a means to foster unity among Africans ”The African Christmas night was one and non-Africans alike; it started off of my greatest experiences in Cyprus; it with a red carpet moment where the was a night filled with joy; a combination President of the African Society of the of good food, music and amazing stage University of Nicosia and the President performances. Being with my fellow of the African Student Association of Africans from different parts of Africa the European University presented to share our culture felt absolutely like “The football match was a great game their welcome address respectively. home away from home”. for the African Society because it was The delegates (academic and non- Maria Jane, a medium for Africans to display their academic staff) from both universities BSc in Oil and Gas Engineering talents and take the opportunity to build who attended were duly recognized and friendship with Africans from the other appreciated. The attendees enjoyed the ”The African Christmas party was fun university”. filled, exciting and a great experience beauty of African dances presented by Collins Ejene, especially the ‘Mama Africa’ drama the Ubuntu Dancers led by Ms. Rose BA in Oil and Gas Energy Management Zvarivadza as well as the undiluted which depicted the African struggle rhythms of African pop, jazz, hip-hop, from colonialism”. “The football match between the UNic reggae, afro beats, etc. These were Onyeogaziri Favour, African society and EUC was a very presented by an African live band led BSc in Human Biology interesting match because the UNIC African society was perfect in the game by Michael Eze (African Society Unic.) A unifying sport and Chris Eghere (African Students and they won easily because they were Soccer is a unifying sport that brings very organized in all aspects of the game”. Association E.U.C) in conjunction with Africans and the rest of the world a massive blend of African music by Ayanleke Olagbemi, together. This was the case with the BSc in Oil and Gas the DJ Danny T (African Society Unic.). soccer team of the African Society The Arab Society of the University of of the University of Nicosia and the Nicosia graced the occasion with its soccer team of the African Students exclusive Arabic dance performances Association of the European University. as well as with a belly dance perform- The soccer match was held on the 6th ance by a Cypriot friend - Maria. of December 2014 at the Campione Furthermore, there was a pantomime Football Field. The game was played presentation about the rise of Africa in order to bring unification among the 4 5 University of Nicosia It’s a Student Affair Issue 26 | Spring 2015 Gearing Up

GEARING UP Careers Exhibition Day

If you feel you shouldn’t be somewhere, were Baker Tilly Klitou, Amdocs, Lanitis fake it. Do it not until you make it- Bros, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC, but until you become it” Amy Cuddy- Grant Thornton, Ministry of Labour, the American Social Psychologist European Parliament Office in Cyprus, the European Commission Representa- Throughout the academic year, the tion in Cyprus and many more. One of Careers Office continuously organizes the objectives of this annual event is to seminars to enhance the students’ allow students and alumni to explore capabilities and pave the way for their the variety of employment possibilities successful career path as well as add that are available on the market. It to their university experience. On March is, therefore, highly encouraged that 19th, students and alumni of the Uni- students attend and make the most versity of Nicosia had the opportunity out of their experience. to put the knowledge they acquired from the seminars to test, during the annual Careers Exhibition Day which was held on campus. With more than 20 companies partaking in the annual event, students had the unique opportunity to come in first-hand contact with representatives of some of the most sought-after companies both in Cyprus and worldwide, making themselves stand out from the pool of numbers and CV’s. The ever-growing numbers of both This also gives a great opportunity companies and students attending for the companies to interact with throughout the years, is an indicator potential candidates and have a more of the interest of both sides. With representative understanding of the their CV’s on one hand and a firm people behind the applications. handshake on the other, participants enthusiastically took up the challenge, Some of the companies participating creating a lasting impression on the company representatives and making the exhibition day a roaring success. Parallel to various job opportunities discussed at the Career Exhibition, the European Parliament Office in Cyprus and the European Commission Representation in Cyprus presented a variety of European educational and employment programs available to the students and alumni both in Cyprus as well as abroad. This opens doors for new opportunities as well as providing valuable personal experience. Map Your Future GEARING UP

recommended it to me. For me, since I am at a stage in my life where I know Student Success Centre what I want, just not how to get there, Since its foundation, the University of it was extremely useful. Furthermore, Nicosia has given great emphasis on the the presenter Eleni Demosthenous academic performance of its students, completed the package! The way she going in-line with its long –standing talked to us, explained things, shared motto of “Excellence in Education”. personal experiences – you could tell For this reason a collective effort was that she really loved what she was do- brought about in the establishment of ing! You could see that she believed in a special branch within the University what she was saying, which made us called “Student Success Centre” which believe it too. I would recommend this aims to enhance students’ success in Workshop to everybody I know and I the students’ academic path. think that it should be compulsory for all students to attend. She will change With the overwhelmingly positive re- your perspective on life!” sponse to the creation of the Centre, it grew over the years to accommodate Leyana Daccache more than the sole academic needs BSc in Business Administration of the students. At the moment it offers, amongst others, tutorials for various Business, Science as well as The workshop “Map Your Future” which Humanities & Social Science courses is organized annually by the Careers to form and support a solid foundation Office of the Student Affairs Department, for each student. Tutoring is achieved took place again on the 11th of March. on a private level with the help of stu- The facilitator, Ms Eleni Demosthenous, dents with a high GPA. Furthermore, a took the participants on a journey of variety of workshops is offered on topics self-discovery and character building. centering on education and academics, She explained to them the importance to provide essential skills necessary of visualizing goals and working hard “Attending Eleni Demosthenous’ work- for every student. The Centre has towards accomplishing them and she proven its value through the variety of tested their imagination and skill. All shop, Map Your Future was very useful for me since I have plans to start my success stories of students who have of the participants explain that “Map noticeably improved their academic Your Future” is a very interesting and own company when I finish University. She had extremely relevant information record and are safely on their way to inspiring workshop which should be a more fulfilled career path. attended by all students, especially to share and I believe I will be able to those who are close to graduating! put some of it to practice myself. This It is important to mention that the workshop is one that I think all students services provided by the Student Suc- need to attend at some point because cess Centre are free of charge to the it helps you build your confidence and students of the University and it is a also somehow plan your future. Whether great opportunity to take advantage you stick to that plan or not, you still of. Should students feel that they have something to fall back on. I will are facing certain difficulties with a recommend this to all my classmates particular course, they must contact and hopefully it will make as much of the Careers Officer, Melina Andreou, an impression on them as it did on me”. email: [email protected], Marios Bouras tel.: +357 22 842150 BSc in Business Administration “I registered for the “Map Your Future“ workshop not knowing exactly what it had to offer. Walking out of the room at the end, I can safely say that I was very content that a friend/colleague had 6 7 University of Nicosia It’s a Student Affair Issue 26 | Spring 2015 Out N’ About

OUT N’ ABOUT Prestigious International Distinctions

We are very pleased to share with student architects to propose innova- you that students of the Architecture tive residential propositions for the Department received three prestigious abandoned islands of Poveglia and international distinctions. Ottagono, while considering alternative transportation systems in the region 1. The project ‘Dys.M.O.T.i.a’ was of Venice. This was expected to be an awarded the second prize in the ‘New exemplary guide for the future devel- ways to live Venice’ international opment of this historical city. competition, organised by MArch in fall 2014. 3. The project ‘Deceleration Sanctuary’ Team members: 5th year students Elena was awarded the second student prize Stavrou and Christiana Karamalli and in the ‘Looking Forward: Re-Imagining 4th year students Savros Chrysanthou, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia’ in- Stephanie Zavalli and Tasos Pouros. ternational competition, fall 2014. The winning project was exhibited in ‘Staging Transit’ 2. The project was Philadelphia, from December 2014 until third prize ‘New awarded the in the February 2015, as well as published ways to live Venice’ international in various online journals. competition organised by MArch in Team members: 5th year students fall 2014. Chrysanthos Yiakubiv and Michalis Team members: 5th year students Mahssa Peppas and 4th year students Kyriakos Sabouhi and Marios Demetriou and 4th Neoptolemou, Valerija Galkina and year students Andreas Perentes, Katerina Thalia Andreou. Pantelidi and Chrystalla Koufopavlou. The ‘Looking Forward’ competition The ‘New ways to live Venice’ com- challenged architects and designers petition invited both professional and to imagine the future Philadelphia Athenaeum. The competition was launched in 2014 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Athenaeum. All teams developed their competition projects within the agenda of UNIT 4 [Divining the future – “Technology is the answer, but what was the ques- tion?”] (Run by Markella Menikou and Adonis Cleanthous). UNIT 4 utilises a range of international architecture competitions as a key pedagogic tool. The competition briefs provide a springboard for ideas and simultaneously the vehicle via which students test concepts and develop their thinking within the unit agenda. All student projects are therefore entries to international competitions. Beyond Poetic Explanations OUT N’ ABOUT

After a long period of turmoil, Afghani- runner-up at the international com- stan is beginning its second decade of petition of Bamiyan Cultural Center democratic governance. The emerg- as it was announced by UNESCO on ing government has had to manage the 18th of February. The project was ongoing instability while taking steps selected from 1070 design proposals to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, from 117 countries. which has been demolished by over 30 years of conflict and neglect. Further, The architects state that: “the proposal exacerbating these rebuilding chal- looks at the notion of culture beyond lenges is the geographic isolation and the poetic explanations that were limited access to resources of some embedded by different approaches parts of the country. and to read it, means to understand it within social and political context. While the rehabilitation process in Bamiyan as a post-traumatic city has Afghanistan typically focuses on in- experienced political conflicts that have frastructure, rebuilding can also dominated its physical environment. advance the goal of national unity by The cultural voids of such trauma are promoting positive public discourse embodied not only within the memory and cross-cultural understanding. As of its people but exist as the absence a result, ethnic diversity can be seen of “cultural space”. Although often as a collective benefit, rather than a romanticised, this suggests that the source of fragmentation and conflict. notion of culture is something more than social and the claim of it can To this end, UNESCO and the Ministry become the apparatus for political of Information and Culture of Af- conflict. The Buddha Cliffs are such ghanistan, with the generous financial examples in which the productive support of the Republic of Korea, are space of culture is marked with the implementing a project to build the absence of its main treasures, the Bamiyan Cultural Centre. The Centre Buddha Statues.” will be located near the boundary of the World Heritage property, the Cultural Landscape and Archaeo- logical Remains of the Bamiyan Valley. The purpose of the project is to promote heritage safe-guarding and cross- cultural awareness, and thereby contribute to the broader aims of recon- ciliation, peace-building and economic develop- ment in the country.”

The Cypriot team of ar- chitects led by: Costas Nicolaou and Constan- tinos Marcou were the

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