Editorial Issue 39: Continuity and Renewal

This thirty-ninth issue marks the University of Manouba's ongoing commitment to sharing the developments shaping our institution. Since January 2020, this newsletter has been essential in documenting our achievements and strengthening community connections. The delay in publishing this issue reflects the substantial workload managed by Prof. Hajer Bellalouna and Prof. Jouhaina Gherib, to whom we extend our sincere gratitude.

The 2024-2025 academic year began alongside the inauguration of the new 2024-2027 governance mandate, following an extensive electoral process. New deans and faculty representatives assumed their roles, some for the first time, taking on the responsibilities of managing their schools. To support them, several meetings were organized to provide essential tools for effective governance, aligned with regulatory guidelines. These meetings facilitated the organization of pedagogical models, schedules, and resource management to ensure a smooth start to the school year.

For students, we implemented practical solutions, particularly for third-year students at the Manouba School of Engineering (MSE). Through efficient use of our facilities, the premises of the Institut Supérieur de Documentation (ISD) have been temporarily allocated to accommodate them, providing an optimal environment for their training.

Orientation weeks for new students were successful, as was the transfer competition, which allowed many young people to join our most sought-after programs. We commend the efforts of all our institutions in meeting students' logistical needs—accommodation, meals, transportation, and healthcare.

Despite these advances, daily administrative demands have delayed the launch of some strategic actions. Nonetheless, several international project activities—project meetings, summer schools, and workshops—have been organized. We have also started to revive several paused initiatives, including partnerships with local authorities, the governorate of Manouba, and the regional directorate of equipment. These foundational projects are vital for the University's development.

Since August 1, the momentum set in motion points toward promising progress for the upcoming steps. Our goal is to strengthen a committed, dynamic public university aligned with society's expectations, relying on the involvement of all stakeholders to achieve these objectives.

Prof. Ameur CHERIF

President

University of Manouba

UMA Team members of the month

Mme Raoudha Dorai

The University of Manouba Grateful to its staff

The SCHOOLING Office plays a vital role in the effective functioning of any university, and at the University of Manouba, it is masterfully managed by two key figures: Mrs. Raoudha Dorai, Head of Office, and Mrs. Mariem Bejaoui, administrator. Despite the considerable demands of their roles, they consistently rise to the challenges with professionalism, rigor, dedication, and a positive spirit.

Their responsibilities are numerous and significant, including the management of student administrative files, organizing the start of the academic year, actively participating in orientation committees, overseeing student elections across various departments, and supervising competitions and promotions within the university. Each task is executed with complete expertise, meticulous attention, selflessness, and unwavering commitment.

We extend our deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to Mrs. Raoudha Dorai and Mrs. Mariem Bejaoui for their invaluable contributions to the University of Manouba. Their dedication has truly enriched our institution.

Mme Mariem Bejaoui

Figure of the month

182: Number of Graduates who have applied for a second university degree at Manouba University for the period 2024-2025.

Word of the month

4C: “ Centre de carrière et de certification des compétences, ayant pour but d’améliorer l’employabilité des étudiants et de développer les compétences des diplômés de l’enseignement supérieur "

4C: “ The Career and Skills Certification Centers “

4C : " مركز المهن و إشهاد الكفاءات "

Distinctions of the month

Congratulations to the student Rania Messaoudi who was honored by President Kaïs Saïed at the Carthage Palace on Knowledge Day celebrations!

On August 16th, Rania Messaoudi, a Higher Institute of Arts and Multimedia graduate, was awarded the Presidential Prize. She obtained her National Engineering Diploma in Applied Sciences and Technology, specializing in Computer Science and Multimedia, with an average score of 15.73! Congrats again!

Bilel Chihi, ISSEP graduate, celebrated as first certified scuba diver with disability in Tunisia and Africa.

Bilel Chihi, born in 1982, is celebrated as the first certified diver with a disability in Africa. A passionate scuba enthusiast, he earned his P1 diving certification in Tunisia, triumphing over the challenges of paraplegia following an accident. Bilel's ambition is to become a scuba diving instructor, aiming to inspire others with disabilities to pursue similar goals. His achievement was made possible through the "Handisub" protocol, developed in collaboration with the Abysse Plongée Association and other organizations. This milestone highlights the potential for promoting inclusive diving in Tunisia and throughout Africa.

Administrative News

UMA Governance Team for the 2024 - 2027 term

1 August 2024: Professor Ameur CHERIF, newly elected UMA President has officially taken up duties with his new governance team

Congratulations to the new team! and Best of Luck!

University President

Prof. Ameur CHERIF

Vice-President

Prof. Azza FRIKHA,

In charge of Scientific Research, Technological Development, and Local Partnership

Vice-Président

Prof. Nabil Khaldoun GRISSA,

In charge of Programs, Training, and Professional Integration

Secretary General,

Mr. Imed HIDRI

Newly elected Members of the University of Manouba Council

Mr. Atef MALEK

Mme. Farah ZAIEM

Ms. Rim BOUDERBALA

Ms. Faiza DERBAL

Mr. Tarak HAJJI

Ms. Youssra SEGHIR

Ms. Nesrine BEN YAHIA

Ms. Radha AMAMOU

Ms. Norhene CHABCHOUB

Ms. Afef JEMAL- BOUDERBALA

Newly elected Dean/Directors of UMA's Institutions 2024 - 2027

August 1: Professor Ameur CHERIF, the new President, and his governance team officially took office at the head of the University of La Manouba for the 2024-2027 term.

Congrats to the new team and Best of Luck!

FLAHM : Moncef TAYEB

ISBST :Rim CHAOUACHI

ESES: Neila BALI

MSE : Riadh FARAH

ISCAE : Saber SEBAI

ESCT : Nadia ABAOUB

ISAMM : Skander BELHAJ

ISSEP: Lamia Ben Ezzeddine

ENSI : Anja HABACHA

ESEN : Jihen EL OUAKDI

ENMV: Raouf DHAOUADI

IPSI: Sadok HAMMAMI

ESSTED : Naoufel ABBES

Professor Hafsi Bedhioufi new Director of the Documentation Institute.

12 September: The University of Manouba congratulates Professor Hafsi Bedhioufi following his appointment as Director of the Higher Institute of Documentation. We wish him success and success.

Professor Khaled Abid takes office as Director of the Institute.

27 September: Following his appointment as Director of the Higher Institute of the History of Contemporary Tunisia at Manouba, Professor Khaled Abid was officially inaugurated in a ceremony held on Friday, September 27, 2024. The event was supervised by Prof. Ameur Cherif, President of the University of Manouba, and attended by Mr. Imed Hidri, the University’s Secretary General, Mr. Chaker Sassi, Secretary General of the Institute, as well as faculty and staff members of the Institute.

First meeting of the newly elected University Council

On August 14, a working session was held at the Ministry's headquarters under the supervision of former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Moncef Boukthir. This meeting gathered the chief of staff, the new presidents of Tunisian universities, and other council members to discuss preparations for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.

First meeting of the UMA University Council

on August 28, The first Council of UMA discussed the following points:

Internal regulations
The commencement of the academic year
The doctoral programs

Academic News

Communications Technologies Minister received at UMA

On September 13, Mr. Soufiene Hamissi, Minister of Communication Technologies, visited the University of Manouba alongside Mr. Mahmoud Shouaib, the Governor of Manouba, and a delegation of senior ministry officials. They were warmly welcomed by University President Prof. Ameur Cherif, who was joined by the directors of various university institutions in engineering and communication technologies, including Dr. Jihen Elouakdi of ESEN, Prof. Skandar Belhaj of ISAMM, Prof. Sadok Hammami of IPSI, and the esteemed Prof. Farouk Kamoun, a founder of ENSI, along with Vice Presidents Prof. Azza Frikha and Prof. Nabil Khaldoun Grissa.

After touring the Manouba campus and reviewing its facilities, disciplines, and educational programs, Prof. Ameur Cherif emphasized the importance of strengthening and formalizing the partnership with the Ministry of Communication Technologies. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts in overseeing the Ecole Supérieure de l'Economie Numérique and conveyed his enthusiasm for supporting the University President in developing diverse partnerships, particularly in revitalizing the Smart University Complex initiative.

Meeting on focuses on research programs management and the governance role of the university

On September 16, a meeting took place between the Directorate General of Scientific Research (DGRS - MESRS) and the vice presidents of universities responsible for scientific research, with the presence of Prof. Azza Frikha, vice president of the University of Manouba. The objective of the meeting was to outline the various procedures for managing research programs.

CLE Training: Understanding the Business

On September 23rd, a meeting was held at the University of Manouba (UMA) attended by Prof. Azza Frikha, UMA Vice President, along with Mrs. Nadia Elamri and Mrs. Rim Khabouchi from the Academic Affairs Office, as well as faculty members from various university institutions. The discussions centered on the practical arrangements required for integrating the "Understanding the CLE Enterprise" training program into the different academic curricula.

Pythagoras: Meeting & Workshop

As part of the Pythagoras project (Pythagoras is an Erasmus+ initiative focused on the development of systems for high-level digital transformation of engineering education in Mediterranean countries for 2023-2024), the University of Manouba organized the following activities:

September 26: Consortium meeting to review project progress and discuss ongoing developments.

September 27: Workshop titled "From STEM to Market: Driving Innovation with Numerical Modeling and Business Skills."

The Pythagoras project aims to build capacity in higher education by strengthening the connections between the research and education sectors and the business community within society as a whole.

Collaborative Workshop on the Horizon + Project: A Joint ATEA & Tunisian Universities Initiative

October 2nd: A workshop was organized by the Tunisian Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation (ATEA) benefiting the University of Manouba, the Virtual University of Tunis and the Ezzitouna University within the Horizon+ ESR-Quality project - Support for ATEA, funded by the French Embassy's Cultural Action Cooperation Service (SCAC). The workshop was an opportunity to introduce the participants to the new missions of ATEA, its mode of operation and to launch the consultation on evaluation and accreditation practices in higher education and scientific research.

RAQMYAT Project reaches closure

October 10-11: The closing ceremony of the RAQMYAT project (ERASMUS+CBHE Project) took place at the “Carthage El Hadatha” amphitheater. During two days of discussions, the seven Tunisian universities presented their digital strategies for doctoral training in Tunisia, emphasizing the sustainability of acquired knowledge and the pooling of resources for the future of higher education.

Strengthening Integrity in Research: Training sessions on Plagiarism Detection Tool TURNITIN

October 10 & 30th: The University of Manouba organized 2 training workshops for UMA faculty and researchers on the uses of anti-plagiarism tool TURNITIN. This workshop allowed participants to familiarize themselves with the software's features to improve the evaluation and quality of academic work, by strengthening and institutionalizing plagiarism detection practices to guarantee originality of content.

Student News

September 1st: In accordance with the academic calendar drafted by the supervising ministry, the 2024-2025 academic year kicks off on September 2, 2024 at ENSI, MSE, ENMVT. For all other UMA higher education institutions, classes began on September 12, 2024.

The winter and New Year holidays are scheduled from Monday, December 23, 2024 to Sunday, January 5, 2025.

The spring holidays, including the Eid El Fitr holiday, will be held from Monday, March 24, 2025 to Sunday, April 6, 2025.

UMA looks forward to welcoming its students and wishes them success for the academic year, as well as to all professors, administrative and technical staff.

Calendar of the Academic Year

Commencement of the 2024-2025 academic year: Online registration available via the E-Houwiya application

August: From the 2024-2025 academic year, students have the opportunity to use the E-Houwiya app on their smartphones to register online on the website: www.inscription.tn

Digital Platform

October 25th: UMA doctoral students now have access to a digital platform "Minassati", which offers an updated database of doctoral holders.

UMA's Festive Freshers' Welcome Days in the Institutions Mark Start of the New Academic Year

Back-to-school Events at UMA

October 28-31: UMA, in collaboration with the Regional Manouba Cultural Affairs Office and the University's Cultural Center under the auspices of the ONOU, welcomed new students in a festive atmosphere, offering them entertainment shows, music, sculpture workshops and artistic performances. This event allowed newcomers to discover the dynamic and creative atmosphere of UMA, fostering their integration into the university community.

UMA New Students' Welcome Days

Freshers' week at FLAHM

From October 1st to 5th: During the FLAHM freshers' welcome week, several information meetings were organized with the departments of Spanish, English, languages (Italian and German sections), Arabic, as well as history and geography. These meetings were an opportunity to introduce students to the different services available to them, scholarship opportunities, as well as the administrative procedures to follow. A meeting with the heads of the student clubs provided an opportunity to discover in detail the activities and projects proposed by these clubs, promoting the commitment and integration of new students into the associative life of the faculty. The freshers' week ended with a guided tour of the Faculty, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with the premises and orient themselves in their new academic environment.

Journée d'intégration à l'ISBST

October 3rd: The ISBST freshers' day program was particularly rich and varied. It included a detailed presentation of the training courses and career opportunities, as well as inspiring testimonies from former ISBST students. The institution's strategic partners were also introduced, as were the 4C center and the P PET actions. The day concluded with icebreaker sessions led by coaches, aimed at strengthening the students' sense of belonging to the ISBST community.

Freshers welcomed at ESEN

October 2: New ESENians enjoyed a rich program on their welcome day. The objective of this day was to answer all questions on studies, pathways, and services provided to them within the academic community of UMA and ESEN.

Freshers' Days at ESCT

October 3 and 4: ESCT organized two freshers' days to welcome new students and introduce them to the administrative formalities, ESCT services, educational paths, and the various opportunities available to them. Interactive workshops allowed participants to get involved and share their expectations and aspirations.

ESSTED New Students Welcome

October 4th: A new students welcome day was organized at ESSTED, under the slogan of sharing, facilitating their adaptation to their new academic environment and strengthening group cohesion.

Freshers' Day at ISCAE

October 9th: ISCAE, in collaboration with 4C - ISCAE, organized its new students welcome day, a key event marking the launch of the academic year for freshers. Focused on conviviality, meetings and discoveries, this day offered new students the opportunity to integrate the campus and introduce them to classmates, faculty, clubs, associations and the administrative services.

ISD Welcomes New Students

October 8th: The ISD new students welcome day was an opportunity to introduce them to the various services available to them.

MSE welcomes its freshers

October 8th: The presentation of programs, internship opportunities, exam procedures, club activities, services offered to students were the main topics of discussion with new students during the MSE integration day.

IPSI freshers welcome day

October 9th: The New Students Welcome Day at IPSI took place in a festive atmosphere introducing students to the premises and services

Partnership News

Strengthening academic collaboration between the University of Manouba and the Amadou Mahtar MBOW University (Senegal).

On August 1st, the newly elected President of the University of Manouba, Prof. Ameur Cherif, met with Vice Presidents Prof. Azza Frikha and Prof. Nabil Khaldhoun Grissa, along with ESCT Director Prof. Nadia Abouab and Academic Affairs Director Mrs. Nadia Amri. They hosted a delegation from the University Amadou Mahtar in Senegal, which included Rector Prof. Ibrahima Cissé and UFR Economics and Management (SEG) Director Prof. Babacar Ndiaye. The meeting explored several promising areas for collaboration, particularly in the fields of economics and management.

Iraqi delegation visit UMA

on 30 August, Prof. Ameur Chérif, President of the University of Manouba, accompanied by Prof. Nabil Khaldoun Grissa, Vice-President, Mrs. Imen Ben Ammar, Professor at the Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kasr El Said, and other UMA staff, welcomed a distinguished Iraqi delegation. The delegation included the Iraqi Consul Mr. Wael Fadel Hassan, Prof. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi, President of the Middle Euphrates University, Prof. Badr Niama Al-Badran, President of Al-Maqal University, Councillor Hamman Haffar, and First Secretary Mr. Iyad Tariq Razouki. The meeting's agenda centered on exploring avenues to enhance academic and scientific cooperation.

Romanian Delegation received at UMA

October 30th: Prof. Ameur Cherif, UMA President, received His Excellency Mr. Valentin-Ciprian Muntean, Ambassador of the Republic of Romania in Tunisia, accompanied by Mr. Constantin Tudor, Deputy Ambassador, Ms. Raluca Dimian, Romanian Lecturer at the Bourguiba Institute of Languages, and Prof. Moncef Taieb, Dean of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Humanities (FLAHM). A second meeting was held at the FLAHM to discuss the introduction of the Romanian language into the faculty's programs. On this occasion, the Romanian delegation was introduced to the programs offered and visited the various facilities of the faculty, thus strengthening the academic ties between the two countries.

UMA PEE - AUF: 2nd Meeting of the Student Entrepreneur Centers

October 22nd to 24th: As part of the cooperation with the AUF, the Student Entrepreneur Center (UMA PEE) of the University of Manouba, represented by Ms. Chiraz Bassoumi, Director of the Center, and Ms. Elhem Gharbi, member of the steering committee, participated in the second meeting of Student Entrepreneur Centers organized by the North Africa Directorate.

This event promoted the exchange of experiences and good practices to strengthen cooperation between PEEs. Workshops explored key themes: the sustainability of PEEs, support for student entrepreneurs, their connection with the business world, and the sharing of management practices.

Several Maghreb universities, including Hassan II University of Casablanca, Chouaïb Doukkali University (Morocco) and the University of Nouakchott (Mauritania), participated in the meeting with perspectives of strengthening the influence of PEEs in North Africa.

Just published

The Arab Society in the Arabian Peninsula Before Islam and in its Beginnings

Title of a new book which has just been published in August 2024, written in Arabic by Professor Nabil Khaldoun Grissa and published by Azmina editions.

It is a fundamental element of a vast and far-reaching project that the author sought to carry out in stages over the long term, with the aim of rediscovering the characteristics of Arab society and culture in the Arabian Peninsula Before Islam and in its Beginnings, thanks to an archeology of the linguistic and cultural memory of the Arabs, while adopting new methodological tools and an updated conceptual and terminological device (or system), based on the latest results of the scientific research in the fields of history, linguistics and anthropology.

In this work, the author specifically poses the problem of the nature of Arab society through the network of classifications available in the studies of historians, sociologists and anthropologists of human societies in general and of Arab (and Islamic) society in particular.

These classifications are theoretical categories forged in the form of opposing dualities that may seem convincing or sufficient, but the new approach allows researchers and readers to open promising horizons for methodological criticism and cognitive reconstruction, and then to propose innovative results.

Echoes from UMA Institutions

ISBST Hold International Workshop on Unlocking the Potential of MinION, with Hands-On Genomic Sequencing

The training workshop titled "Unlocking the Potential of MinION: A Hands-On Genomic Sequencing" was held over two days, September 26 and 27, 2024, at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet. This workshop is part of the European project PRIMA, which focuses on "Integrated Approaches at Local Scale for Enhancing Water Reuse Efficiency and Sustainable Soil Fertilization from Wastewater’s Recovered Nutrients," known by its acronym "CIRQUA."

Prof. Rim Driouech Chaouachi, Director of the ISBST, inaugurated the workshop by welcoming the participants and emphasizing the significance of the event within the context of the CIRQUA project. Following her introduction, the project coordinator, Prof. Spyridon Ntougas from the Democritus University of Thrace in Greece, provided a comprehensive overview of the project, joined by Prof. George Tsiamis from the University of Patras in Greece.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Naima Bel Mokhtar and Mr. Yiannis Galiatsatos from the University of Patras, both specialists in genomic analysis. With their expertise, participants were able to delve into nanopore sequencing techniques utilizing the MinION platform.

Designed to accommodate 20 participants, including PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Italy, the workshop showcased its international scope. This diversity not only enhanced collaboration between institutions but also fostered a dynamic and stimulating learning environment.

Academic cooperation between the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Tunis (ESCT) and the Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou

In September 2024, a university cooperation agreement was signed between the École Supérieure de Commerce de Tunis (ESCT) and Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou (UMMTO). The signing was attended by Prof. Nadia Abouab, director of ESCT, and the President of UMMTO. This agreement aims to facilitate the mobility of students, faculty, and administrative staff, enhance collaborative scientific output, develop joint research initiatives, and support the co-supervision of doctoral and master's theses.

Workshop focuses on new trends in port logistics

October 9th: The "Transport and Logistics Economics" course teachers organized a workshop on new trends in port logistics. This event allowed students to deepen their understanding of current and future issues in port logistics and to create a link between theory and practice.

1st International Symposium of the Department of Law and Political Sciences

October 10th: The Department of Law and Political Science organized an international symposium under the theme: “The issue of human migration: between fundamental rights and economic and security challenges in the Mediterranean”. This event brought together experts to discuss the issues related to migration in the Mediterranean context.

Prof. Kamel Naoui receives recognition of ESCT staff

October 14th: ESCT staff organized a ceremony to honor Professor Kamel Naoui, former director of the school. This event brought together faculty members, administrative staff and workers to express their gratitude for his seven years of dedication and exceptional leadership within the institution.

Workshop Discusses Companies' Digitalization Strategies in Tunisia and Morocco

October 23rd: ESCT, in partnership with the ORMATUEN Joint Lab, organized a workshop on the theme: "Digitalization strategy for companies in Tunisia and Morocco: exchange of experiences and opportunities to seize". This event was an opportunity to share experiences and explore the opportunities offered by digital transformation.

ESCT and E2B Consulting & Training Sign Partnership Agreement

October 23rd: ESCT signed a partnership agreement with E2B Consulting & Training aimed at strengthening the integration of students into the socio-professional world, promoting internships, training and employment opportunities.

“THE CLIMATE FRESCO”: A WORKSHOP

October 9th: As part of the project workshop "Entrepreneurship and Professional Collaborations" for the MP2 IMG, MP2 DDD and MP2 PROD levels, Ms. Asma Hammami, Ms. Hajer Machta and Mr. Moataz Fatnassi organized a workshop entitled The Climate Fresco, led by Ms. Nadia Souissi, sustainable building consultant and General Manager of SPI DIAR EL MELK.

During this workshop, participants used a collaborative and fun tool, based on scientific data from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), which allowed them to make complex issues accessible while stimulating critical thinking.

ESEN HIVE CLUB and Redix Digital Solution Partnership

A collaboration that combines web marketing expertise with the creative energy of ESEN Hive for a new era of digital transformation.

ENSI Receives FABLAB Equipments

October 22nd: ENSI received equipment for its FABLAB provided within the Erasmus+ CBHE PYTHAGORAS project.

LIGUE Lab Holds Workshop on Bibliography management with Zotero

October 12th: The LIGUE Lab organized a workshop aimed at training participants in the principles of academic writing, particularly on citations and bibliographic references, as well as introducing the audience to Zotero bibliographic management software. These tools, among the most used by researchers, save time in writing, managing references and citations, and organizing the research process.

First Professional Meeting Discusses HR Career Paths and Professions

October 16th: The first professional meeting on HRM career paths and professions was led by Ms. Emna Kalboussi (Tunis Re), Mr. Nizar Ben Aba (Dévoteam) and Mr. Taha Sahli (Laboratoires Médis) with the students.

We thank them for having drawn up a portrait of this very important area of expertise for organizations!

MPRSO: Integration in the limelight

October 19th: An integration meeting was organized by the 6th Class of the Professional Master in Performance Management and Corporate Social Responsibility (MPRSO). On this occasion, Mr. Sami Marrouki, President of IRSET, and representative of the Global Compact Network Tunisia network spoke on current issues related to Sustainable Development.

ATTC-FLAHM Hold International Conference

October 21st to 23rd: FLAHM's ATTC Lab organized its international conference on "Linguistics and colonialism: 50 years later". This scientific and academic event was devoted to questions of sociolinguistics and drew on the founding work of Louis-Jean Calvet, published half a century ago, to explore the dynamics of language circulation and the hierarchical relationships that accompany them.

UMA PEE (Student Entrepreneur Center) Hold Info Sessions

On launching the 3rd edition of the Student Entrepreneur Center "UMA PEE", PEE's academic referents invited students from the various UMA institutions to an information session on the objectives and the progress of the center's activities.

Special thanks to "INJAZ TUNISIE" for the immersive workshop which helped stimulate creativity and develop the students' entrepreneurial skills!

16 October: 1st Edition - IPSI