\Yarmouk University and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing an alliance for higher education in Jordan and implementing the Goal 15 by 2030 through cooperation between the parties to ensure that refugee students can access higher education with minimal major obstacles. The memorandum was signed by the President of Yarmouk, Professor Islam Massad, while it was signed on behalf of the Commission by its representative in Amman, Michael Dell’Amico.

In his speech during the signing ceremony, Massad said that this meeting comes to unify efforts and serve higher education issues related to refugees, through the Higher Education Alliance in Jordan, considering that Jordan has borne for more than a hundred years the consequences of waves of asylum and migration. He added that we as Jordanians have the right to be proud of the great efforts made by the Jordanian government and its wise Hashemite leadership regarding refugee issues, praising in the same context the efforts of His Majesty the King, who is always leading a diplomatic and political movement to urge the international community to shoulder its responsibilities towards humanitarian issues.

Moreover, Massad pointed to the efforts made by Yarmouk University to launch this alliance, stressing that it worked through the Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Center, in partnership with the UNHCR, within the project "increasing the enrollment of refugees in higher education programs in Jordan", by reaching (15%) in 2030 based on a scientific plan and accurate procedures on which this project was built. Massad then praised the efforts of the Refugee Center in preparing a policy paper on increasing the enrollment of refugees in higher education programs with the aim of raising the rate of (15%) in 2030 in addition to coming up with recommendations that help decision-makers to make the appropriate decision and formulate policies regarding higher education issues complying with the Global Compact for Refugees and its strategy in relieving pressure on host countries, enhancing refugees' self-reliance, and supporting conditions in their home countries for their safe and dignified return.

For his part, the UNHCR Deputy Representative in Amman, Michael Dell’Amico, stressed that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is fully aware of the importance and power of inclusive and equitable higher education in Jordan, as it is a gateway of hope for refugees to have the opportunity to complete their higher studies and acquire skills and competencies to contribute to building their homelands whenever they can return to them, thus earning a life in dignity. Dell’Amico then stressed that Jordan is a model for how to make inclusive and equitable education a reality, as recent years have witnessed a significant improvement in access to higher education for refugees, including generous steps to reduce tuition fees for refugee students to be the same as Jordanian students in many universities, stressing that education is the basis for providing qualified citizens capable of working in other growth sectors in Jordan in line with the vision of economic modernization. He also praised the Crown Prince's recent initiative on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that supports Jordanians and refugees to acquire market-relevant skills and enhance their ability to lead independent and satisfying lives, which contributes to the development of society.

Moreover, Dell’Amico stated that UNHCR considers higher education for refugees a global priority, as declared in the Global Refugee Forum held in Geneva in December last year, thus it works hard to ensure that 15 per cent of refugees get access to tertiary, technical and vocational education by 2030. He then explained that 17 different actors in Jordan, including UNHCR, universities and career centers, the private sector and philanthropy are coming today together to launch the first Higher Education Alliance in Jordan to further enhance access to education for refugees, and address the challenges of a better future for Jordanians and refugees.

Thus, the Memo stipulates strengthening cooperation that can contribute to increasing the access of refugee students to higher education and vocational and technical training, in addition to cooperating in raising awareness and coordination concerning the enrollment of refugee and Jordanian students from the neediest groups in higher education and vocational and technical training, with the aim of positively impacting education and training opportunities and the lives of refugee students. The Memo also stipulates that all refugee students of all nationalities will be treated as Jordanian students in the parallel program and with all university degrees.

It is noteworthy that the Higher Education Alliance in Jordan is a network of 17 public and private universities, government institutions, charitable, economic and humanitarian bodies, whose goal is to facilitate refugees' access to higher education and technical and vocational education, a network that aims at ensuring access to higher education, development and technical and vocational training for refugees and Jordanians most in need, in recognition of their importance in the wheel of economic development in line with the second engine of economic growth priorities for the vision of economic modernization in Jordan. 

19 August 2024

The President of Yarmouk University, Professor Islam Massad, received the Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Amman Philip Hall, accompanied by the Director of the British Council in Jordan, Alex Lambert, to discuss prospects for cooperation between Yarmouk University and various British educational institutions and institutes in academic fields of common interest. Massad stressed the keenness of Yarmouk University to strengthen its cooperation network with various British universities and educational and research institutions, which contributes to the exchange of experiences and knowledge, thus providing an opportunity for university students and members of the teaching and administrative staff to enrich their knowledge, develop their skills and enhance their capabilities. He then stated that Yarmouk is keen to invest in its human resources by sponsoring its distinguished students to complete their postgraduate studies in a number of prestigious International universities. Moreover, Massad reviewed the establishment of Yarmouk University, the faculties it includes and the academic programs it offers, pointing to the positive impact that Yarmouk University has had in terms of community development in various fields, and its future aspirations to build on its achievements and raise its classification at the international level.

Massad then acknowledged the endeavor and vision of Yarmouk in advancing the wheel of development and modernization by updating and modifying the study plans of all the faculties and academic programs on the one hand, and the development of new specializations that meet the aspirations of young people and keep pace with the rapid changes taking place in the world on the other hand. In addition, he pointed out that Yarmouk, based on its endeavor to qualify its students and provide them with various communication skills and give them an added value in the labor market, has launched several language packages that allow university students to develop their language skills in one of the international languages, namely Spanish, German, French, Turkish and Chinese. Thus, he stressed the readiness of Yarmouk University to receive British students wishing to learn the Arabic language at the University's Language Center, indicating that the University offers a distinguished program for teaching Arabic language and culture face-to-face and online. With regard to the procedures for accrediting Yarmouk University as a center for holding the IELTS test in the Northern Region of Jordan through the British Council, Massad stressed that this cooperation will have a great impact in overcoming the difficulties facing the people of the Northern Region wishing to take this exam on the University campus.

In his turn, Ambassador Hall praised the distinguished academic reputation of Yarmouk University, stressing the embassy's keenness to build bridges of scientific and cultural cooperation between British universities and Yarmouk University in areas of common interest, including the exchange of students and faculty members, and conducting joint studies and research projects. He then stressed that the stages of modernization and development witnessed by Yarmouk confirm the extent of its keenness to be one of the most important universities in the region.

The meeting was attended by the Vice President for Planning and Development, Scientific Research and Quality Affairs, Dr. Samer Samarah, the Director of the Language Center, Dr. Rana Kandeel, the Director of the Internal Control Department, Dr. Abdullah Allan, and the Director of Public Relations and Media, Dr. Naqzat Abu Al-Assal. It was attended also by Robert Foley, Director of the Jordan and Central Africa Department at the British Council, Anas Mohamed, Head of Examinations for the Middle East and North Africa at the Council, and Dima Obeidat and Ala’ Ghaith from the British Embassy.

After the meeting, Ambassador Hall toured the campus, accompanied by the Vice President of the University, Dr. Samer Samarah, checking the laboratories of the Al-Khawarzmi Building in the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science and Al-Hussein Bin Talal Library.

08 August 2024

Yarmouk University held a meeting via remote visual communication technology with the University of Illinois Chicago to discuss ways of scientific and research cooperation. At the beginning of the meeting, the President of the University, Professor Islam Massad, presented a summary about the establishment and development of the University during the past decades, pointing to the academic heritage of Yarmouk University at the national, Arab, regional and international levels. Massad also presented Yarmouk University's strategic plan aiming at developing the University in line with global changes, pointing to the University's vision regarding expanding its network of relations with various leading academic institutions and universities around the world.

For his part, the President of the University of Illinois Chicago, Dr. Kim Cullen, praised the reputation of Yarmouk University and the steps it is taking to open ways of cooperation with international universities in an attempt to develop its programs and keep pace with developments by benefiting from various experiences. Cullen then stressed the desire of the University of Illinois Chicago to cooperate with Yarmouk University through the programs offered by the Discovery Partner Institute, which includes all Illinois universities.

In the same context, the Executive Director of the Discovery Partner Institute, Dr. Deba Dutta, introduced a proposal for cooperation, which aims at enhancing leadership between the two universities through building research partnerships, exchanging faculty members and students, and developing joint academic programs and degrees, with a focus on topics of health, computing (artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity), environment and water. Eventually, it was agreed by both parties to sign a memorandum of understanding that frames joint academic work through the proposed program.

The meeting was attended by the Vice President for Planning and Development Affairs, Scientific Research and Quality Affairs, Dr. Samer Samarah, the Dean of Al-Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Dr. Mowaffaq Al-Atoum, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Dr. Fadia Mayas, the Dean of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Mohamed Al-Zubaidi, the Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science, Dr. Qasim Al-Radaideh, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Amjad Al-Nasser, and a number of faculty members from various faculties of the University..

23 July 2024

The President of the University, Professor Islam Massad, met at the University's Liaison Office in Amman with the Director General of the Business Development Center, Ghaleb Hijazi and Nermin Begovic from SPARK, to discuss aspects of cooperation in the STEP program, which aims at refining the skills of entrepreneurs, connecting participants to the labor market, and creating sustainable jobs, a plan implemented by SPARK in Jordan in cooperation with the Business Development Center.

Massad pointed to the importance of such programs in enhancing the capabilities of young people and providing sustainable job opportunities, stressing the commitment of Yarmouk University to support initiatives that contribute to economic and social development and have a positive impact on students and graduates. For their part, Hijazi and Begovic expressed their happiness in cooperating with Yarmouk University, praising the effective role played by Yarmouk in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and youth empowerment.

Such efforts come within the framework of Yarmouk University's endeavor to strengthen its partnerships with international and local organizations with the aim of achieving sustainable development and developing an integrated educational environment that supports innovation and creativity.

The meeting was attended by the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Dr. Mohamed Ashraf Al-Atoum, and the Dean of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Mohamed Al-Zubaidi.

19 August 2024

Yarmouk University contributes to the implementation and success of a project supported by the European Union within the Program "Climate for Cities" called "A Clean and Energy Efficient Versatile Public Building" in Irbid. The project manager at Yarmouk University, a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering at Al-Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Dr. Mazhar Taamneh, said that this project comes in partnership with the Greater Irbid Municipality and the Future Pioneers Association, and it represents a pioneering step towards enhancing smart and sustainable infrastructure in the City. He added that the goal of the project, "which is expected to be completed in 2026", is to improve environmental quality and reduce traffic congestion, which contributes to improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing community cohesion and inclusion. Taamneh also pointed out that the project encourages green mobility and integrates concepts like City Lab to engage citizens in participatory design and decision-making, which makes the project a model for environmental innovation and urban sustainability.

Moreover, Taamneh revealed that the University's project team implemented an innovative "hackathon" last year, with the aim of attracting innovative ideas from University students and local entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions that support green construction and sustainable transportation in the city, pointing out that the University team is preparing for the second phase of the hackathon, pointing to its pivotal role in promoting and enhancing community participation and innovation. He continued: the project team at the University is conducting academic research to monitor the challenges that may encounter it in the field of air quality, transportation and the use of modern technology in the management of construction projects, and it is working to design and implement specific activities with the aim of benefiting more from the results and promoting innovation, in addition to strengthening partnerships with the municipality and other parties to ensure the integration of innovative solutions into local and national policies.

It is noteworthy here that the project team at Yarmouk University includes Dr. Ayman Jaradat, Dr. Ali Shehadeh, and Dr. Ahmed Al-Omari, from the Department of Civil Engineering at Al-Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology.

23 July 2024

Yarmouk University’s Model School team achieved the first place at the level of the Kingdom's schools in the Scholars of Tomorrow competition, which was organized by Al-Hussein Technical University in cooperation with the Irish Embassy in Amman and the Crown Prince Foundation, including all public and private schools, military culture schools and UNRWA schools in Jordan, an achievement that qualifies the School team to participate in the Tomorrow Scientists Exhibition in Ireland.

The model school team won this competition by designing a monitoring system for brain tumors, a system that analyzes and diagnoses brain radiology images to monitor and identify brain tumors, considering that the accuracy of the system in its latest version reached more than 85%. Thus, the benefits of the system are that it reduces medical errors by giving it the results of high-resolution radiology reports, and it improves the overall patient experience by reducing the time it takes to give the correct diagnosis.

The winning team included the students Wasfi Al-Rashdan, Ahmed Shatnawi and Mohamed Al-Sharman, and the teacher Ali Al-Dababi as the team supervisor. Al-Dababi said that the first phase of the competition witnessed the participation of (500) projects from various schools in the Kingdom, and after the initial judging process, (180) projects were nominated for the final stage, indicating that the judging committees included a group of university professors, heads of companies and leaders. Explaining the value of the project, Al-Dababi explained that after conducting a questionnaire by the work team, it was found that more than 40% of the recipients of health services in Jordan need to wait more than 24 hours to receive the results of x-rays, a state that delays and hinders rapid therapeutic intervention, which may cause death. Thus, the idea of this project is to provide solutions for such problems.

In the same context, the Director General of the School, Dr. Hamza Al-Rababah, confirmed that the work on the project began last January and continued until the last days before the competition, indicating that the system was developed and improved throughout this period by collecting databases from several sources. He then pointed out that the bulk of the project work was carried out in the School's computer lab, and the team carried out many field visits to hospitals in the City of Irbid, pointing to the cooperation of the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science at the University in the completion of this project. Moreover, Al-Rababah stressed the importance of participating in such competitions and events for their importance and active role in promoting creativity, innovation and scientific thinking among students, pointing to the interest of Yarmouk University in supporting and encouraging students of the Model School to interact and participate in various scientific, cultural and sports competitions at the national, Arab and international levels.

23 July 2024

Yarmouk University and the Lebanese American University in Beirut signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance friendship, understanding and cooperation in the fields of culture, education and scientific research and serve faculty members and students at the Faculty of Pharmacy. The Memo stipulates the encouragement of systematic exchange of academic, professional and student staff for the purposes of professional, educational and research training and participation in study, research, publication, seminars and other mutually beneficial collaborative projects that contribute to academic and research progress.

The President of Yarmouk, Professor Islam Massad, stressed the importance of this cooperation, which seeks to enhance our research capabilities in the field of sustainable development and innovation. He mentioned that through this Memo with the Lebanese American University of Beirut, Yarmouk looks forward to working with the Lebanese University to develop a set of new initiatives that support students and faculty members at the Faculty of Pharmacy and contribute to achieving common goals for a sustainable future driven by knowledge, research and cultural exchange.

For his part, the President of the Lebanese American University of Beirut, Dr. Michel Moawad, stressed that this Memo aims at strengthening cooperation between the two universities in order to serve common interests and promote scientific research and academic exchange in various fields.

It is noteworthy that the Lebanese American University of Beirut is an independent private university registered in New York and affiliated with the State University of New York in the United States and has a campus in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

19 August 2024

The Vice President for Planning and Development, Scientific Research and Quality Affairs, Professor Samer Samarah, sponsored the launch of the APSOL platform, which is designed by the Language Center at the University to teach Arabic language to non-native speakers and train them on its skills remotely. Samarah said that the launch of this platform comes as an embodiment of the mission of Yarmouk University, which is derived from the vision of whole country led by His Majesty the King, concerning teaching and promoting Arabic language as the nation’s identity, the depth of its culture, and the vessel of its thoughts and civilization. He then added that the Center always seeks to expand its programs and plans with regard to teaching Arabic language for non-native speakers and providing access to students and everyone who wishes to learn it from different countries, which demands for the Language Centre’s cooperation with the centers of "Computer and Information, E-Learning and Open Learning Resources".

For her part, the Director of the Language Center, Dr. Rana Kandeel, confirmed that the platform came with the aim of developing vocabulary, listening and speaking skills, and teaching how to create digital content. She stated: "A team of university professors specialized in the field of teaching Arabic language for non-native speakers will supervise and teach through this platform, pointing out that this platform is pioneering and promising in terms of receiving international students to study remotely". Kandeel also pointed out that the registration on this platform is available through a special link found on the official account of the Language Center on the University's website. It is noteworthy that the Language Center at Yarmouk University enjoys a global and historical reputation of more than four decades in the field of teaching Arabic language for non-native speakers, and it is linked through international agreements with many international academic institutions. Here is the link to register on the APSOL platform:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=wMv3S6lxrkyWJW3DdHaMPid2gdZp5QlPrZvndE7au69UQTRTRzVSU1ZIRFZVRlQwWjBDTFBMRkRVOC4u&origin=QRCode

23 July 2024

The President of Yarmouk University, Professor Islam Massad, met with a delegation from the Bahraini University of Applied Sciences headed by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr. Waheeb Al-Khaja, the President of the University, Dr. Hatem Al-Masri, and the Vice President of the University, Dr. Mohamed Yusuf, to discuss ways for enhancing cooperation and strengthening academic relations between the two sides. During the meeting, Massad stressed the keenness of Yarmouk University to build bridges of cooperation with various prestigious Arabic and international educational institutions in implementation of its strategic plans based on effective communication that reflects positively on the progress of the educational and research process, pointing to the Yarmouk’s constant endeavor to develop its programs and restructure its study plans to keep pace with modern developments in various fields of knowledge. He then expressed the readiness of Yarmouk University to strengthen its scientific and academic cooperation with the Applied Science University of Bahrain in a number of scientific research and training courses in various fields through a memorandum of understanding that frames this partnership. In his turn, Al Khaja praised the distinguished reputation of Yarmouk University in the Arab world, which made it a destination of cooperation for various international institutions and universities.

During the meeting, many topics of common interest related to various academic programs and degrees at the University were discussed, and the new qualitative majors offered by Yarmouk University that meet the needs of the local, Gulf, Arab and regional labor market in general were reviewed. Thus, the meeting was attended by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Mousa Rababah, the Vice President for Planning and Development, Scientific Research and Quality Affairs, Professor Samer Samarah, the Assistant President of the University, Dr. Ziad Zureikat, the Dean of Al-Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Dr. Muwaffaq Al-Atoum, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Mohamed Al-Zubaidi, and the Director of the Public Relations and Media Department, Dr. Nawzat Abu Al-Asal.

23 July 2024