A group of professors from the University of Leon in Spain and the Polytechnic-Milan University presented several lectures in the field of geoinformatics for graduate students in the departments of Earth Sciences, Environment, and Geography at Yarmouk University. This activity was held as part of Erasmus Plus European Program's specialized workshop called "Geodesy and Geoinformatics Towards Sustainable Development in Jordan".
The workshop program, which was supervised by Dr. Muhaib Awawdeh from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Dr. Rana Al-Jawarneh from the Department of Geography, lasted for two days. A group of lectures were held on the first day on advanced topics in remote sensing science and its applications like the use of hyperspectral images in mineral exploration. On the second day, there was more elaboration on the techniques of obtaining remote sensing data by laser radiation (LiDAR) and the mechanism of extracting data of great scientific value in scientific research such as digital elevation system (DEM).
President of the Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi met a delegation from the Free University of Berlin, headed by the Dean of the Faculty of Archeology, Dr. Dominique Bonatz, and discussed ways to enhance the bonds between the two sides and activate the agreement signed between the two universities in the areas of students and faculty members exchange. Kafafi focused on the cruciality of holding academic cooperative relations with various German educational institutions and pointed out that Yarmouk university’s main concern is to activate the collaboration agreement concluded with the Free University of Berlin in the areas of exchanging faculty members and students. He explained that such an agreement helps in conducting many researches and international scientific projects of mutual interest between the two universities, which contributes to developing the faculties’ teaching methods and acquainting it with the rapid scientific developments in various scientific and academic fields. He also explained that such academic cooperation leads to a positive outcome on university students and provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to execute their vocational roles successfully. Moreover, Kafafi expressed Yarmouk’s willingness to cooperate with the Free University of Berlin to establish a PhD academic program in the field of archeology and anthropology, considering that Jordan is rich in archaeological sites that have witnessed successive civilizations and cultures passing through the region.
In response, Bonatz expressed his appreciation of the distinguished scientific reputation of Yarmouk University and its constant devotion to keeping up with scientific developments in the various fields. Bonatz then spoke of the active role of Yarmouk University in the study and analysis of cultural heritage in the region and explained that studying such cases leads to the interpretation of the historical accounts of the successive civilizations through the ages. Finally, he emphasized that the University of Free Berlin looks forward to cooperating with Yarmouk University by including a number of outstanding scientific competencies particularly in the field of archeology and anthropology.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi met the Director of the German Protestant Institute of Archeology in Amman, Katrina Schmidt and the Dean of the Faculty of Archeology at the Free University of Berlin, Dr. Dominic Bonatz, to discuss the ways of enhancing cooperation with the Institute in the field of archeology as well as the ways of activating a joint cooperation agreement signed recently between Yarmouk and the Free University of Berlin in the field of archaeology. The discussion resulted in an agreement of exchanging scientific visits of the faculty members and students between the two universities to conduct scientific research of common interest.
During the meeting, Kafafi stressed the depth of cooperation relations that link Yarmouk with a number of German educational and research institutions. He pointed out how keen Yarmouk university is about being connected with various prestigious international universities and scientific institutions. Emphasizing the university's belief in the importance of exchanging experiences at various academic fields to develop its educational programs and stimulates creative thinking, Prof. Kafafi stated that Yarmouk University is devoted to developing and improving the educational process and its outputs by qualifying its individuals with skills they need to achieve sustainable development in various sectors of life.
Kafafi grabbed attention to the contact Yarmouk University has been constantly pursuing with the German Institute of Archeology in Amman and praised the Institute's role in the field of excavation and preservation of antiquities. Such a mission, as Kafafi stated, is conducted in numerous archaeological areas in Jordan by cooperating with several Jordanian researchers and faculty members from Yarmouk. Moreover, Kafafi appreciated the efforts of the Faculty of Archeology at the Free University of Berlin in the excavation and preservation of archeology through their archaeological projects that are carried out in Jordan. He then reminded the attendants of Yarmouk’s enthusiasm to activate the cooperation agreement signed recently between the two sides for the exchange of scientific visits among faculty members and students.
In return, Schmidt praised the distinguished scientific reputation of Yarmouk University and the distinctiveness of its teaching staff, especially in the fields of archeology and anthropology. She then clarified the Institute's readiness to work together with Yarmouk University to encourage a number of the faculty members of Yarmouk's Faculty of Archeology and Anthropology to deliver specialized scientific lectures on various topics related to archeology, excavations, and ways of preserving cultural heritage in the region. Besides, she declared that the Institute had opened its library for students and researchers from Yarmouk University to investigate the books, references, and studies that cover the archaeological and tourist areas.
In his turn, Bonatz expressed the Institute’s willingness to cooperate with Yarmouk University in the field of archeology. He then spoke of the possibility of involving students (at the master and bachelor levels) and faculty members of the Faculty of Archeology and Anthropology to participate in archaeological excavations projects conducted by the Free University of Berlin in several archaeological sites in Jordan. Such participation, he stated, contributes to the exchange of experiences and the preservation of the important cultural heritage of human history in the region.
The Vice President of Yarmouk University for Scientific Faculties and Financial Affairs, Prof. Ahmed Ajlouni patronized the activities of the ACI Competition organized by the Civil Engineering Department at Al-Hajjawi Faculty of Technological Engineering. The ceremony was held to mark the accreditation of the American Concrete Institute's student branch in the Civil Engineering Department at the University as the first official student institute in the Kingdom and the fifth in the Middle East.
The Associate Dean of the Faculty of Al-Hijjawi, Dr. Faris Matalqa, thanked the university administration and the local institutions that supported the Department of Civil Engineering to obtain the official accreditation of the first student branch of the American Concrete Institute in the kingdom. He explained that the institute aims at developing modern scientific methods in concrete manufacturing technology and use and that its branch in Yarmouk will allow students to read the latest studies, researches, and scientific experiments in concrete science and provide them with the opportunity to participate in regional and international competitions of manufacturing concrete and the related fields. Matalqa then pointed out that holding such a competition at Yarmouk aims at encouraging students to think creatively and work to discover the best ways to manufacture concrete.
The President of the Jordanian Concrete Society, Nizar Qaqish, acknowledged the official accreditation of the student branch of the American Concrete Institute at Yarmouk University. He stated that such a step indicates the outstanding level of the Department of Civil Engineering at Yarmouk and its students. Qaqish also emphasized that this branch contributes to raising the level and efficiency of civil engineers in Jordan.
During the competition, Prof. Ajlouni honored the representatives of the Jordan Concrete Society, Lafarge Concrete Jordan, and the Great Academy for Consulting and Training, which are the main supporters of the student branch of the American Concrete Institute in Yarmouk. Noteworthy that the competition was attended by the Dean of Al-Hijjawi Faculty of Engineering Technology, Prof. Ahmed Al-Shamali, several faculty members, and a crowd of students.
The President of Yarmouk University met a delegation from the Faculty of Archeology at the University of Oxford, which included both Dr. Bill Finlayson and Dr. Pascal Fleur. The two parties discussed possible cooperation in the fields of archeology and anthropology. They also discussed the possibility of signing a cooperation agreement for the implementation of a project in the field of archeology in the area of Wadi Finan, which is located at south of the Dead Sea.
During the meeting, Prof. Kafafi expressed Yarmouk’s inclination to activate cooperation with various prestigious international universities, which contributes to the exchange of experience among faculty members regarding the modern educational methods and their deployment in various academic faculties. He explained that such a step may help the academic staff keep pace with the scientific developments in all knowledge fields and train university students. Prof. Kafafi added that the Faculty of Archeology and Anthropology at Yarmouk University is one of the leading colleges in the various fields of archaeology and the maintenance of cultural heritage at the regional level. The university, he added, plays its role in the protection, studying, and analyzing cultural heritage through a range of distinguished scientific competencies. He also stated that the faculty members of Yarmouk's Faculty of Archaeology are implementing many research projects and excavations in various archaeological sites in Jordan and cooperating accordingly with several universities and international research institutes. In addition, he confirmed that the Faculty is attempting to spread awareness among individuals regarding their role in protecting the diverse cultural heritage abundant in the various areas of Jordan as such sites embody the culture of humanity and the successive civilizations throughout history.
In his turn, Finlayson praised the outstanding level of the Faculty of Archeology and Anthropology at Yarmouk University and stated that the Faculty of Archeology at the University of Oxford is eager to reinforcing collaboration with Yarmouk University and establishing research projects, excavation, and analysis at the various archaeological sites in Jordan.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi met the Turkish Ambassador to Amman, Mr. Murad Karaguz and the accompanying delegation. The two parties discussed ways of enhancing cooperation between Yarmouk and the Turkish embassy as well as the various universities and educational institutions in Turkey.
Kafafi stressed the keenness of Yarmouk to strengthen cooperation ties with the various Turkish universities and institutes, praising the embassy support of the Turkish language program at the Faculty of Arts at the university. He also expressed his hope to provide the program with more faculty members, which contributes to the preparation of students of the program and enables them to engage in the labor market and master the Turkish language. In addition, he expressed the willingness of Yarmouk to receive more Turkish students wishing to learn Arabic in the Arabic language program for non-native speakers at the University's Language Center, which has a distinguished scientific reputation regionally and internationally. Moreover, Kafafi pointed out the possibility of establishing joint academic programs with Turkish universities at the bachelor, master and doctorate levels through the Turkish Embassy in Amman, something that may contribute to the exchange of expertise and preparing distinct graduates.
For his part, Mr. Karaguz praised the distinguished scientific reputation of Yarmouk University and the importance of enhancing scientific and cultural cooperation between Jordanian and Turkish universities, calling for more cultural activities that introduce students and community members to the Turkish language and civilization.
Interestingly, the Ambassador, during his visit to the University, met with students enrolled in the Turkish Language Program at the Faculty of Arts at the University and explained to them the opportunities of education and scholarships available for outstanding students in Turkey. However, the meeting was attended by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Foreign relations, Prof. Fawwaz Al Abed Al-Haq, Irbid Chamber of Industry President, Mr. Hani Abu Hassan, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Amrat, and several officials of the University and the Embassy.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi met with a delegation from the University of Arkansas of the United States, headed by Dr. Douglas Rhodes, Director of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University. The meeting was held to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation between the two sides in the field of exchanging students and faculty members and conducting scientific research of common interest.
Yarmouk’s intentions to enhance scientific and academic cooperation with various international universities were highlighted, and Prof. Kafafi expressed Yarmouk's willingness to attract several faculty members from American universities to teach in the various academic departments at the university. He explained that such cooperation contributes to enriching the teaching process and provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge among faculty members, which reflects positively on the University's students and academic status. Also, Kafafi confirmed that Yarmouk University is eager to receive American students wishing to learn Arabic at the University's Language Center through its unique program for language teaching. Moreover, Kafafi declared that the university administration has a sincere belief in the importance of exchanging scientific visits for students, as this process provides them with the opportunity to communicate with other people and consequently enrich their personalities, expand their perceptions, and trigger their creativity.
Representing the University of Arkansas, Rhodes explained how excited the university staff is for the upcoming collaboration happening with Yarmouk University. Rhodes stated that the cooperation agreement with Yarmouk to conduct scientific research of mutual interest will incorporate the exchange of students and faculty members. The opportunities offered here are for students to join one of the master programs at the University of Arkansas especially in the fields of pharmacy as well as medical, and basic sciences.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, met the Director of the Development at Leatherby Library of Chapman University, Israa Nawar and the Director of Shoman Library, Ghalib Masoud. During the meeting, Kafafi emphasized how libraries function as centers of creativity and culture and how they play a role in providing academic and cultural services, such as refining the individual's cultural personality and expanding his/her perceptions. Al-Hussein Bin Talal Library at Yarmouk University is keen, he added, to attract students to visit the library and encourage them to educate themselves in the various fields of knowledge. Kafafi then talked about Yarmouk’s profound belief in people’s need for books and reading to contribute to the development of the individual and society, which results in the popularization of cultures and thoughts and the acceptance of the other. Thus, Kafafi emphasized the necessity of establishing a partnership between Al-Hussein bin Talal Library and the Library of Leatherby at Chapman University, which leads to exchanging the experience among the administrative staff of the two libraries and developing the library services provided to university students and independent researchers.
In her turn, Nawar acknowledged the advanced, high-level services provided by Al-Hussein Bin Talal Library at Yarmouk University, considering it one of the leading libraries in the Arab world. Then she emphasized the importance of university libraries at cultivating students and preparing them to lead positive change and advancement of societies. Also, she explained that university libraries provide people with a large space for exchanging ideas and sharing each other’s perspectives.
Noteworthy that Nawar, during her visit to the University, gave a lecture at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University Library entitled "The Effect of Exhibitions and Events in Encouraging Reading and Literacy in University Libraries". She spoke of her personal experience in the field of the development of libraries. She then recommended paying close attention to the importance of holding events that attract students to the library and motivate them to see the library's references and scientific resources, which usually spreads the love of reading among people.
The Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science at Yarmouk University, Prof. Samer Samara, patronized the graduation ceremony of the first batch of participants in the workshop of building the functional capacity of Jordanian and Syrian students in northern Jordan. The workshop is part of the project (Competency-based Career Focused Training for Syrian and Jordanian Students in Northern Jordan), which is conducted by the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science with the support of the German Association for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The project manager, Dr. Aws Magableh from the Department of Information Systems at the university pointed out that this project aims at developing students' career skills in order to help them get suitable job opportunities,and develop their skills coherently with the needs of the labor market. He mentioned that the project includes four training workshops, which address effective communication skills and try to develop skills for composing presentations, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity.
Mrs. Eris of the German Association for International Cooperation (GIZ), the project coordinator, explained the importance of the project in the development of human capacity among participants, praising the level of implementation and organization of this project by Yarmouk University. She pointed out the depth of cooperation relations between Yarmouk and GIZ in the implementation of various development projects that contribute to the rehabilitation and preparation of young people to take several developmental roles and build their own desired future.
However, Prof. Samara handed certificates to the workshop participants at the end of the ceremony and thanked the project team, which includes Dr. Aws Magableh as the project manager, Dr. Ahmed Al-Aroud, Dr. Nawaf Al-Sareheen, and Dr. Yazan Al-Shboul.
The preparation of scientific competencies in various fields of knowledge, and the production of innovative scientific research aims to serve society by providing exemplary education in an intellectually stimulating university environment.
