Accreditation and Curricular Affairs

NYU Abu Dhabi’s Office of Accreditation and Curricular Affairs supports curricular excellence and innovation at NYU Abu Dhabi by ensuring continued accreditation at program and institutional levels and pursuing additional accreditations to enhance the reputation and visibility of programs internationally. The Office serves as the liaison to regional (CAA, ADEK) and international accrediting bodies (ABET, NASAD) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education via NYU, New York. The key to the office's success is the periodic review of academic programs and ongoing evaluation and support of continuous quality improvement and academic success for the students and the institution. 

Working in close collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Education and the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Programs, the Office provides direct support and guidance to respective academic programs and faculty governance bodies in their role as custodians of the academic curriculum. The Office also acts as the primary liaison with NYU New York in all matters related to accreditation, authorization, and assessment. 

Alizeh Batra leads the Office of Accreditation and Curricular Affairs, working alongside faculty and academic leadership to support the development and expansion of the academic curriculum in accordance with accreditation body requirements and guidelines.

Alizeh brings with her over a decade of experience in academic planning, quality assurance, and student-centered program development. In her most recent role as Head of Academic Planning and Advising for the Stern at NYUAD MBA program, she spearheaded its successful accreditation by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), and built the program infrastructure from the ground up — all while keeping students, faculty, and governance aligned and supported. She has overseen curriculum development, program assessment, and the implementation of academic policies and processes that ensure regulatory alignment and a seamless student experience. Alizeh has also played a vital role in faculty and staff training, fostering a culture of compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Prior to this, Alizeh served as Head of Graduate Academic Services at NYUAD, managing the Global PhD program, graduate program governance, and supporting new program development across NYUAD. Earlier, she led re-accreditation efforts for the Social Science division, and the launch of the Business, Organizations, and Society major. With a Doctor of Education (EdD) from the University of Bath and an MPhil in Education and Psychology from the University of Cambridge, her research and practice focus on employability, academic governance, and educational policy in transnational higher education. Alizeh is deeply committed to advancing academic excellence, inclusive learning environments, and evidence-informed academic strategy.

Key People