Patricia Robinson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Advising and Academic Development
University College
Academic Background
Ph.D. Iowa State University (USA), Ames, Iowa, Professional Studies in Education, 1987
M.A. University of Northern Iowa (USA), Cedar Falls, Iowa, College Student Personnel, 1975
B.A. University of Northern Iowa (USA), Cedar Falls, Iowa, English, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (French minor), 1973
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Academic Experience
Assistant Professor, Zayed University (August, 2012 - Present), Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Teach sections of two classes to
first year baccalaureate students on University knowledge, study skills, information literacy, leadership, and career planning.
Serve as the academic advisor students in my classes. Assist with academic progress, career planning and course
registration. Serve as advisor to pre-major students, particularly those in academic difficulty. Monitor their personal and
academic progress and provide support in assisting them to reach their academic goals. Assist with career planning and
course registration.
Assistant Dean of Students, Zayed University (August, 2001 - September, 2012), Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Responsible
for the overall operation of the Office of Student Life (women’s and men’s programs) on the Dubai
Campus of 3500 students. Currently this encompasses student activities, clubs, organizations and
student governance; personal counseling and support for learning disabilities, honor code and
academic integrity, international student support, the Wellness Center .
Supervise and evaluate 8
staff. Oversee student discipline, attendance issues, general student welfare. Interact with campus
leadership and parent/community members to provide information and address concerns related to
students. Develop strategic plan/learning outcomes and assess department progress.
2001-2004 Supervised the University Seminar Department (22 instructors on both the Abu Dhabi
and Dubai campuses). Coordinated the curriculum development of the advising classes. Seminar
provided academic advising to all students in the English readiness program through the first three
semesters of the baccalaureate program. Instructors taught classes to first semester students
focusing on developing academic skills and the understanding of university learning outcomes. In
2004, this department was moved to an academic college.
Director of Academic Support Services and Student Development, Dar Al-Hekma Private College (July, 1999 - June, 2001),
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Served as part of Student Affairs team at an English-speaking private college for women that opened
Fall, 1999. Developed and taught academic support courses required of all students. Provided
learning assistance to students through workshops and individual help. Coordinated social activities,
speakers and special events for students. Established and advised student groups and organizations
including student government. Published weekly college newsletters, chaired discipline committee.
Served as liaison between students and faculty/administration.
Adjunct Faculty Member, Professional Studies in Higher Education, Iowa State University (August, 1997 - July, 1999), Ames,
Iowa. Taught selected courses to Master's students in the Higher Education Department
Coordinator of Academic Programs, Iowa State University (September, 1996 - June, 1999), Ames, Iowa.
Worked with academic departments to establish and assess student learning communities in the Iowa
State residence halls (8,000 residents). Developed an outcomes-based, student learning model for
program planning and assessment by residence hall student staff and professional staff. Coordinated
university admissions and orientation functions related to the Department of Residence including
tours for over 7000 perspective students and parents each year. Supervised graduate assistants.
Department Coordinator of Residence Life and Training, Iowa State University (August, 1983 - August, 1996), Ames, Iowa.
Coordinated system-wide programs in residence halls and apartment community of 10,000 students.
Responsible for recruiting, selecting, orienting and providing on-going training for 17 residence life
professional and over 200 paraprofessional staff. Supervised Alcohol and Education Programs
graduate assistants. Served as Residence Department representative on various divisional and
university committees. Advised the Inter-Residence Hall Association Student Government and other
residence hall student groups. Developed and implemented research on student perceptions and
needs.
Manager, Halls of Residence, University of Glasgow (January, 1988 - December, 1988), Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Exchanged positions with a Glasgow University staff member for one year. Coordinated and
supervised catering, housekeeping and desk operations in for international conferences, individual
guests and academic year students. Bid and contracted for non-university maintenance services and
supplies, hired staff and managed budget.
Coordinator of Resident Life, Iowa State University (August, 1978 - August, 1983), Ames, Iowa. Responsible
for staff
training, discipline and student programs in residence area of 3000 students.
Residence Hall Director, Bowling Green State University (August, 1978 - June, 1975), Bowling Green, Ohio. Responsible for
student staff, programs, discipline and safety issues for residence hall of 300 female students.
TEACHING:
Courses Taught
Courses taught, but not in the Schedule:
Dar Al Hekma Private College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Introduction to the University (2 hours, pass-fail)
Developed and taught a required course for all entering students covering transition to college, study
skills, learning styles, career decisions, academic honesty, library skills, Taught several sections each
semester.
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, U.S.A.
Learning Communities in Higher Education (Hg Ed 615-3 Credits)
Graduate Course in the development and assessment of Learning Communities at Colleges
and Universities
Orientation to Higher Education (Hg Ed 591- 1 Credit)
Graduate Course focusing developing careers in the field of Higher Education. Students
explored the variety of student affairs work in public and private colleges, student affairs
organization structures and career paths, .
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Course (Hg Ed 580A-1 Credit)
Graduate course on the use of the MBTI and its use in personal, team and career
development.
Dialogues on Diversity (University Studies 150X – 1 credit)
Undergraduate course focusing on diversity issues
Resident Assistant Training Course (Speech-3 credits)
Undergraduate course in human relations training for paraprofessional residence hall staff.
Topics included effective communication skills, working with difficult students, handling
mental health and health emergencies, working with diverse populations using discussions
and active learning techniques..
Lifestyles for Learning (6 week orientation course for incoming first year students)
Developed and taught learning modules on adjustment to college, developing academic skills
and using campus resources.
INTELLECTUAL CONTRIBUTIONS:
Presentation of Refereed Papers
International
Haley, R., Al Badi, M., Saunders, Z., & Robinson, P. (2014). Academic Success Advisors in the United Arab Emirates: A
Developmental Approach. National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Harold, B., Stephenson, L., & Robinson, P. (2014). Views of the teaching profession: An Emirati perspective. Australian
Association of Research in Education, Brisbane, Australia- QLD.
Regional
Harold, B. & Robinson, P. (2015). Student and family perspectives on major and career choice. Scholarship of Teaching and
Learning Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
SERVICE:
Service to the University
Department Assignments
Chair:
2014-2015: AAD Search Committee
Member:
2013-2014: Department of Advising and Academic Development Search Committee
College Assignments
Member:
2013-2014 – 2014-2015: UC Research Committee
University Assignments
Chair:
2011-2012: Women As Global Leaders Conference--Student/Faculty Volunteers
2007-2008: Women As Global Leaders Conference--Student/Faculty Volunteers
2004-2005 – 2005-2006: Women As Global Leaders Conference--Student/Faculty Volunteers
Member:
2011-2012: Graduation Committee: Coordinated Student graduation rehearsals, processions, recessions for Dubai and
Abu Dhabi campuses for Female undergraduate graduation. Coordinated Faculty-Staff volunteers to assist with the
Ceremony. Yearly since 2004
2003-2004 – 2010-2011: Graduation Committee
University Assignments
Member:
2014-2015: Student Academic Success Standing Committee
University Assignments
Member:
2007-2008 – 2011-2012: Student Affairs Standing Committee
Service to the Profession
Officer: Organization / Association
2013: NASPA. NASPA-Region 3 Board member representing the Gulf Countries
2008: NASPA. NASPA-Region 3 Board member representing the Gulf Countries