In 2018 the project “Construction of Sub-Phase 2 Phase II construction of the Scientific and Educational Complex “Nazarbayev University” became the finalist of “IPMA Global Project Excellence Awards 2018” competition in the category “Mega-Sized Projects”.

At the second judges meeting in July 2018 international Judges, representing previous award winners, different sectors and industries as well as the academic world decided on the finalists in the IPMA Global Project Excellence Award competition and selected the winners of the gold, silver and bronze prizes in three categories: medium, big and mega-sized projects. The judges based their decision on the reports provided by Project Excellence Assessment teams, which evaluated the applicant projects in accordance with the IPMA Project Excellence Model.

The Project Excellence Global Award assessment process consists of various steps. First, an assessment team of four or five assessors evaluates the Application Report submitted by the applicant. Second major part of the assessment process is the two or three day Site Visit, during which the assessment team looks for evidence of project excellence by interviewing important stakeholders for the project including the client, project team members and other stakeholders affecting or affected by the project.

The Site Visit results in a second Judges Report from the Assessment Team which the panel of judges uses to select the finalists and prize winners. These winners will be announced at the Gala night during the global PM Days in Helsinki, on the 30th of October 2018. All applicant projects, regardless of the award level assigned, receive a detailed Feedback Report prepared by the Assessment Team, which includes strengths and areas of improvement for all twenty Project Excellence Model sub-criteria. The Feedback Report is an excellent basis for implementing improvements in future projects and for reflecting on what has been achieved so far.

In 2017 the 30th IPMA World Congress was held at Nazarbayev University. “Nazarbayev University – Education Reform Leadership and Human Capital Development” project became Silver Award Winner in the category “Community Service/Development Project” and the “Nazarbayev University School of Medicine” project implemented by the Project Team of “Facility Construction Directorate” private entity became Gold Award Winner in the category “Big-sized projects”. The project goal of which was to create a world-class institution and to generate and sustain excellence in health education and biomedical research by creating a supportive and stimulating academic environment.

The list of finalists can be found at the following link: https://www.ipma.world/news/ipma-announces-the-ipma-global-project-excellence-award-2018-finalists/

During August 9 – 11, 2018, Nazarbayev University conducted a training workshop for English language teachers in Osh, Kyrgyzstan.

Over the course of three days of training, more than 90 teachers learned aspects of teaching English language methodology, such as: (1) lesson planning; (2) classroom management; (3) giving feedback to students; (4) grammar training; (5) new vocabulary training; (6) developing listening skills; (7) developing reading skills; (8) developing speaking skills; and (9) developing writing skills.

The teachers appreciated the content, and significance of the topics; methodology and teaching style; and the practical significance of step-by-step analysis of the lessons demonstrated by the trainers.

The training was conducted by highly qualified trainers who have been successfully implementing professional development programs for Kazakhstani teachers for two years. Among them were graduates of the “Bolashak” scholarship program, graduates of British and American universities, recipients of TESOL certificates, and experienced teachers of English as a foreign language.

Upon training completion, the participants and organizers expressed their desire to continue and maintain the partnership; in the areas of professional development, and exchange of practices of educational communities between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

On August 6, 2018, Nazarbayev University students enrolled for the 2018-19 Academic year, came to the university to start their studies.

The total number of students is 1485, with 705 for Foundation program, 265 for Bachelor, 474 for Master and 41 for PhD.

Mr.Shigeo Katsu, the President of Nazarbayev University, encouraged newcomers in his annual speech

Eight years ago, and it seems like it was yesterday, students of our first cohort passed through the Nazarbayev University gates for the first time. They were faced with challenges and opportunities that at that time were unknown to them. You will be facing similar challenges and opportunities, but now the academic and administration teams all know better what to expect, so you will have a somewhat easier immersion into NU. As we say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You just have made your first step – you have enrolled at Nazarbayev University. This is an important milestone in the long road you will travel on that is called life.

It should be noted, that Nazarbayev University offers extensive opportunities on campus for its students to study and to live, make friends, have fun, engage in sports and other hobbies, and pursue their own goals. NU presents modern classrooms and labs, comfortable dormitories, and many additional facilities that will make student life easier and more interesting.

On August 12, 2018, 14 top 3rd year students of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences returned from an eight-week Visiting International Student Program (VISP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA fully funded by Nazarbayev University.

During the VISP program, students took 2-3 courses out of a wide range of courses and earned between 6 to 9 Carnegie credits. In addition to taking courses, a special cultural program with visits to historical and cultural sites was arranged. Students travelled around the state, visited Chicago (Illinois), went for camping to a Devil’s lake and spent a few days living in tents, cooking on a campfire, etc. Nazarbayev University students established peer-to-peer contacts with UW-Madison students and helped them to learn Kazakh and Russian languages.

Top performing and socially active NU students have opportunities for participation in the summer semesters in the United States, student exchange (including the exchange under Erasmus+ program) and other academic and cultural programs. Announcements, conditions and selection for the programs are published by the University schools.

At the beginning of August, the 20th European Universities Debating Championship (EUDC), one of the world’s largest annual debating events, took place in Serbia. Almost 200 teams, representing universities from over 30 countries, participated in the tournament.

One pair from the student debating club team, “Nomad,” Aigerim Shadeyeva and Dauren Binazarov, showed great results. They were the first Kazakhstani debaters to reach the “English as a Second Language (ESL)” quarterfinals.

In total, five pairs from DC “Nomad” were competing Malika Mamirova and Talgat Omarov, Gulnaz Tabynbayeva and Daulet Teginbayev, Viktoriya Tsoy and Nurzhan Onashabay, Adilet Akzholov and Alisher Juzgenbayev, and Aigerim Shadeyeva and Dauren Binazarov.

Additionally, Dana Turgali, Aknazar Ali and Assel Ibadulla presented Nazarbayev University as adjudicators, and Olzhas Abdukhamitov was a volunteer.