Peer support, regular check-ins, and steady guidance help students navigate uncertainty.
Tatterton explains that academic delivery is only one piece of the puzzle. “You can put lectures online in a week,” she says, “but making sure students feel seen, supported, and connected—that takes planning, effort, and a community approach. That’s what we call ‘collective care.’”
“Universities can adapt to online teaching fairly quickly,” she noted.
“But my focus is on students’ welfare and wellbeing. Many of them are facing unprecedented challenges, and this is where collective care comes in—creating a community where students, faculty, and staff support one another.”
Supporting a student body of nearly 11,000, Zayed University has rolled out an extensive system to help learners adjust to the shift to online or hybrid classes.
Specialised support for students of determination has been particularly crucial.
“We ensure clear communication and conduct regular check-ins, especially for those who may be more vulnerable or dealing with physical or mental challenges,” she explained.
The university has placed particular emphasis on supporting international students, many of whom are far from home.
“They don’t always have the family support that some of our local students might enjoy,” Tatterton said.
“To address this, we’ve set up international student support groups where they can connect with counsellors and coaches, as well as support one another.”
‘This is temporary’
For students worried about missing the traditional campus experience, Tatterton offered reassurance.
“This is a temporary situation,” she said.
“We will return to campus, and the full student experience will resume. For now, the key is to stay calm and take things one step at a time.”
Tatterton also encouraged students to ease the pressure they place on themselves during uncertain times.
“Sometimes we set very high expectations for ourselves, especially when balancing multiple responsibilities. It’s important to be realistic about what we can accomplish at this moment.”
Preparing students for the future
Despite the current disruption, Tatterton believes today’s students may emerge better prepared for the workforce than previous generations.
Drawing on her career counselling experience, she noted that Zayed University encourages students to develop professional skills from their very first year, through internships, industry exposure, and personalized coaching.
“Students don’t wait until the final year anymore,” she said.
“By the time they graduate, they already have experience and skills that make the transition into employment much smoother.”
The university also offers a coaching initiative aimed at equipping students with essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability—qualities that have become especially valuable in times of uncertainty.
The UAE spirit
For Tatterton, the current period has underscored a distinctive aspect of life in the UAE.
“There’s a real sense of community here,” she said. “Whether you’re an expatriate or a national, people come together during times of uncertainty.”
She added that the university embodies the values championed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation’s Founding Father.
“Unity, active listening, and supporting one another—those values are very much embedded in the university’s culture,” Tatterton said.
‘No one is alone’
With over 30 years in education, she emphasizes a core lesson for students: asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
“No one has all the answers all the time,” she noted.
“But what matters is knowing where to find those answers and who to reach out to.”
In fact, Tatterton treats the students under her care almost like family.
“I always tell parents that I have over 10,000 children,” she said with a smile.
“That’s how I see our students. We support them the way we would support our own.”
Amid uncertain times, she believes that fostering this sense of belonging may be the most important lesson of all.
Maintaining Routines
- Keep a consistent daily structure, even with remote learning or work.
- Share clear information and provide ongoing reassurance to students.
Student Welfare
- Focus on holistic development and wellbeing.
- Maintain clear communication and access to online services.
- Offer specialised support: counselling, coaching, accessibility services.
- Check in directly with vulnerable students.
- Set up support groups, particularly for international students far from family.
Unity in the UAE
- A shared identity between nationals and expatriates fosters cohesion.
- Strong, visible leadership promotes calm and collective responsibility.
- Messaging like “We are all Emirati” encourages inclusion and togetherness.
Acknowledging Diversity
- Recognise that everyone responds differently to challenges.
- Small acts of empathy and quiet check-ins can make a meaningful difference.
Navigating Uncertainty
- Remember: this situation is temporary.
- Take small, manageable steps and set realistic expectations.
- Celebrate small wins, even just completing the day.
- Prioritise mental health and wellbeing; seeking support is a sign of strength.
