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Birzeit University

Coordinates: 31°57′31.29″N 35°10′50.54″E / 31.9586917°N 35.1807056°E / 31.9586917; 35.1807056
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Birzeit University
جامعة بيرزيت
Birzeit University campus, 2007
MottoBuilding a Better Palestinian Future
TypePublic
Established1924
PresidentTalal Shahwan[1]
Academic staff
617
Undergraduates13,523[2]
Postgraduates1466[2]
Location
Birzeit
,
West Bank, Palestine
CampusUrban
800 dunums (200 acres)
AffiliationsUNIMED, AARU
Websitewww.birzeit.edu

Birzeit University (BZU; Template:Lang-ar) is a public university in the West Bank, Palestine, registered by the Palestinian Ministry of Social Affairs as a charitable organization. It is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and located in Birzeit, West Bank, near Ramallah.[3][4] Established in 1924, as an elementary school for girls, Birzeit became a university in 1975.[5]

Birzeit University offers graduate and undergraduate programs in information technology, engineering, sciences, social policy, arts, law, nursing, pharmacy, health sciences, economics, and management. It has 9 faculties, including a graduate faculty. These offer 76 B.A. programs for undergraduate students and 39 M.A. programs for graduate students.[2] As of 2020, more than 15,000 students are enrolled in the university's bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs.[2]

Palestinian students at Birzeit University in 2016

History

Birzeit School for Girls was founded in 1924 by Nabiha Nasir (1891-1951) as an elementary school for girls from Birzeit and the surrounding villages. It was one of the first schools in the region. In 1930, it broadened its scope to become a co-educational secondary school, and in 1932, it was renamed Birzeit Higher School. In 1942, the name was changed to Birzeit College. In 1953, a freshman higher education class was incorporated, followed by a sophomore class in 1961.[5]

The Faculty of Information Technology was established in 2006 (later merged with the Faculty of Engineering to create the Faculty of Engineering and Technology). In 2007, the Faculty of Arts was established. The Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (later renamed Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions) was established in 2008.[5]

In 2015, Birzeit University launched the Ph.D. program in social sciences, its first doctorate program.[6] In 2016, the university was ranked first nationally in the January edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities.[7] 2018 saw the establishment of Birzeit University's newest college, the Faculty of Art, Music and Design.[8] The university was ranked top nationally and among the top 3 percent of universities worldwide in the 2018 edition of the QS World University Rankings,[9] and it retained its position in the 2019 edition.[10]

Beshara Doumani assumed office as president of the university in August 2021.[11]

The university was closed from 1988 until 1992 by the Israeli army.[12] The university was the last of 6 in Israeli-occupied territories to reopen.[13]

In December 2021, a series of violent incidents between students of rival Palestinian factions occurred in the campus.[14] On 14 December 2021, Israeli soldiers and Shin Bet arrested a number of students allegedly involved with a Hamas cell, and accused them of funneling money and organizing rallies in support of the organization, as well as incitement.[15] The same day, hundreds of students took part in a Hamas parade on campus to mark the movement's founding anniversary.[14][15][16] Some students also attacked the university's security guards.[14]

On 10 January 2022, an undercover Israeli military unit known as the Mista'arvim stormed the university, shooting one student in the leg and detaining four other student activists.[17]

Board of trustees

Birzeit University is governed by an autonomous Board of Trustees composed of educators and professionals from the Palestinian community. The board appoints the president of the university. It also confirms the appointment of vice presidents and deans upon the recommendation of the president. The board approves the budget and general development plans presented to it by the university council.[18]

Administration

The university follows a semester system, with two four-month semesters beginning in Autumn and Spring, and two shorter two-month semesters in summer. Support comes from numerous Palestinian, Arab, and international foundations, as well as from various individuals.[19]

Faculties

The university, through its nine faculties (Arts; Science; Business and Economics; Law and Public Administration; Engineering and Technology; Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions; Education; Graduate Studies and Research, and Art Music and Design), provides academic programs (76 programs) that end in bachelor's degrees, such as the major/minor programs. These faculties, in addition to the Graduate Studies and Research faculty, offer 39 postgraduate programs that lead to master's degrees. The university also offers three Ph.D. programs in Social Sciences; Computer Science and Mathematics.[20]

Birzeit University is affiliated with the independent public opinion research firm Arab World for Research and Development (AWRAD).[21]

The University also proposes a rich and diverse additional programs such as the Literacy and Adult Education Program in 1976, aimed at providing technical expertise to nongovernmental organizations operating literacy programs and helping them overcome the challenges they encountered (By creating Developmental programs or giving books).

The Voluntary Work Program also recquires students to fulfill 120 hours of community service to meet the graduation requirement, permitting them to explore Palestine in an educational manner. By doing so they can discover new places such as the Upper Galilee or the Naqab desert[22].

Birzeit University campus

Museums

The Birzeit University Museum is a significant location for exhibitions, workshops, and talks in the Palestinian cultural landscape. The museum evolved progressively as soon as Vera Tamari joined the university of Birzeit in 1986. She taught creative courses revolving around art and architecture. She significantly developed the university's artistic programs, eventually taking on major responsibility for its artistic initiatives. Moreover, as more attention was given to artistic practices, the university felt the need to devote a specific and larger space for art collections and creativity. Consequently, in 2005, the Birzeit University museum was established. This museum, being part of an academic institution became important as it became a model of propagation and creation of cultural and artistic practices. Furthermore, this institution became a place where students can express themselves and participate in a shared project as a community.[23] Overall, the university's Ethnographic and Art Museum is a permanent museum with two main collections: The Palestinian Costumes, and The Tawfiq Canaan Amulet Collection. The Virtual Gallery is an art gallery promoting visual art through exhibitions, training and educational workshops.[24] It is also important to note that significant donations were made to the museum, from the Palestinian American artist Sari Khoury, Kamal Boullata, Vladimir Tamari, Vera Tamari, Nasser Soumi and Samira Badran.[25]

Activism

Student Activism

Students from the Birzeit Univesity are well engaged within the politcal context of their country. This can be shown from the creation of the "Right to Education Campaign" rooted in a long history of activism, in response to the ongoing repression of Palestinian educational institutions by Israeli occupation forces.

The campaign aims to demand the right to education for all Palestinians, including total free access to their places of study and raise awareness to their situation by using digital media. It seeks to provide the international community legal help about Israel’s continuous violations of Palestinians’ right to education, such as denying access to campuses through roadblocks and closures.

They act by operating on various levels to defend both school and university education in Palestine, such as documenting human rights abuses at Palestinian universities, producing legal reports and submitting them to UN bodies.Furthermore, the Campaign leads initiatives on specific issues, such as the denial of entry for foreign passport-holding staff into the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the restrictions imposed on university students from Gaza[26].

Political role of Birzeit University

Educational and social role

In the context of Israeli military occupation, the political role of Birzeit university lies in the fact that the institution is crucial to provide to the youth education, which is in turn important for liberation. Indeed, a large number of today's community and political leaders are alumni of Birzeit University. Furthermore, university academics play a significant role in the national conversation on democracy, sound governance, social justice, and social responsibility in addition to their involvement in state-building. Moreover, since the mid-1970s, Palestinian universities have been a powerful force for social mobility, reaching young people from all social backgrounds.[27]

Nowadays

Furthermore, nowadays, in the context of the ongoing Israeli occupation Birzeit University plays a crucial role. The University is committed to allow students to keep studying and learning in the best conditions possible: Indeed, the initiative “Rebuilding hope” aims to allow students in the Gaza Strip to pursue their education, through the strengthening of every element that makes up the university sector. Firstly, online distance learning will begin in May 2024 in coordination with other Gaza universities. Furthermore, employees of Birzeit University will donate their time and energy to improve the institutional and infrastructural body of the University: they will help students retain more information to finish their academic careers. Moreover, resources will be supplied to Birzeit University and academic institutions in the Gaza Strip so they may improve their physical and numeric base. Lastly, relevant research will be undertaken to reconstruct Gaza's social, cultural, structural, and environmental aspects in accordance with local resources and Palestinian identity.[28]

Notable people

By 2023, there are a number of professors who are also ministers in the Palestinian government. Thirteen members of the Palestinian negotiating team in U.S.-sponsored Middle East peace talks were faculty members of Birzeit University.[29]

Academics and faculty

  • Hanan Ashrawi taught literature there.[13]
  • The South African-born sociologist Stanley Cohen worked at Birzeit in support of Palestinian staff and students while a professor in criminology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem between 1980 and 1996.[30]
  • Lara Khaldi taught art history.[31]
  • Vera Tamari is a Palestinian artist, art activist, founder of the Birzeit University Museum and lectures Art courses at the University.[23]
  • Elia Suleiman a Palestinian filmmaker, taught courses within the University and egaged in the cultural activity.[32]
  • Emily Jacir, a visual artist taught courses within the University and developped the University's Art collection by making a donation of a variety of 100 art videos.[27]

Alumni

  • Hanan Awwad – Palestinian poet and activist
  • Husam Zomlot – Head of Mission to the UK
  • Hussein Barghouthi - Palestinian poet, writer, essayist, critic, lyricist, playwright and philosopher
  • Yahya Ayyash – Hamas leader (also known as the Engineer
  • Marwan Barghouti -- Palestinian political figure convicted of several murders of Israelis, studied in Birzeit between 1983 and 1988 and also headed the BZU Student Council.
  • Mohammed Shtayyeh -- Palestinian politician, academic, and economist who has been Prime Minister of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian National Authority since March 2019.
  • Khalida Jarrar -- Palestinian representative on the Council of Europe and is currently head of the Prisoners Committee of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).
  • Atef Abu Saif -- Palestinian writer
  • Amer Shomali - Palestinian interdisciplinary visual artist
  • Muna el-Kurd - Palestinian activist

See also

References

  1. ^ "[1]" Birzeit University.
  2. ^ a b c d "Facts and Figures." Birzeit University.
  3. ^ "External Academic Relations" (PDF). Birzeit University.
  4. ^ J−amiʻat B−ir Zayt (1977). Development and expansion plan, 1977-1986. The Office. p. introduction.
  5. ^ a b c "Chronology". Birzeit.edu. 12 March 2016. Archived from the original on 2021-09-01. Retrieved 2021-09-01.
  6. ^ "New Semester Kicks off New Social Science PhD and Israeli Studies MA". Birzeit University. 2015-02-11. Archived from the original on 2017-08-30. Retrieved 2021-09-01.
  7. ^ "Palestinian Territories". Ranking of World Universities. Archived from the original on 2016-02-03. Retrieved 2021-09-01.
  8. ^ "New Faculty of Art and Music at BZU addresses rising needs from the growing creative industries locally and globally". Birzeit University. 2018-07-16. Archived from the original on 2018-07-21. Retrieved 2021-09-01.
  9. ^ "2019 QS World University Rankings". TopUniversities. Archived from the original on 2019-10-27.
  10. ^ "2019 QS World University Rankings". TopUniversities. Archived from the original on 2019-10-27.
  11. ^ "Introductory Message — President's Office". Birzeit University. 2021-08-02. Archived from the original on 2018-10-26.
  12. ^ "University Closure History". Birzeit University. 26 April 2016. Archived from the original on 2020-09-23.
  13. ^ a b Williams, Daniel (1992-04-21). Major Palestinian University to Reopen: Israel: The Birzeit campus on the West Bank will be the last of six closed four years ago to resume operations. LA Times, 21 April 1992. Retrieved from .
  14. ^ a b c "Palestinians concerned about growing violence on campuses". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 2022-05-12.
  15. ^ a b "Israeli Forces Raid West Bank Universities, Arrest 11 Palestinian Students". Haaretz. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  16. ^ "11 Palestinian university students arrested for Hamas activity". www.israelhayom.com. Retrieved 2022-05-12.
  17. ^ "Israeli forces storm Birzeit University, shoot and arrest students". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  18. ^ "Governance | Birzeit University". Birzeit University. 2024.
  19. ^ "About : Quick Facts". Birzeit.edu. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
  20. ^ "Birzeit University begins classes for 2022–23 academic year". Birzeit University. November 5, 2022.
  21. ^ Feis, Aaon (2023-11-17). "Palestinian Poll Finds Strong Support for Hamas, Oct. 7 Attacks, 'River to the Sea' State". The Messenger. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  22. ^ Audeh, Ida. "Birzeit University: The story of a national institution." (2010).
  23. ^ a b Inass, Yasin (June 2016). "Birzeit University Museum. Nafas Art Magazine". Universes in Universe Worlds of art.
  24. ^ "Birweit University Museum". Archived from the original on 2013-01-19. Retrieved 2013-04-18.
  25. ^ Audeh, Ida. "Birzeit University: The story of a national institution." (2010).
  26. ^ Audeh, Ida. "Birzeit University: The story of a national institution." (2010) : 121.
  27. ^ a b Audeh, Ida. "Birzeit University: The story of a national institution." (2010).
  28. ^ "Support Gaza Initiative". BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY. Retrieved 22/05/2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  29. ^ "Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh hosts Birzeit University President Dr. Talal Shahwan". Birzeit University. October 9, 2023.
  30. ^ Pioneers of Qualitative Research Stan Cohen Archived 2017-06-28 at the Wayback Machine UK Data Service, funded by the ESRC, Economic and Social Data Service, undated, retrieved 30 September 2015.
  31. ^ "Lara Khaldi | Apollo 40 Under 40 Middle East | The Thinkers". Apollo Magazine. 2019-09-04. Retrieved 2023-10-29.
  32. ^ Audeh, Ida. "Birzeit University: The story of a national institution." (2010).
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