Twenty-two students from the Faculty of Mass Communication at Yarmouk University completed a two-month field training program, which included practical and field training in the press directorates, at the Jordanian News Agency, Petra. The General Director of the Jordan News Agency, Fayrouz Mubaideen, stressed the importance of field training in providing students with practical skills and professional experiences. She reviewed the role of Petra's Training Directorate in the service of governmental institutions and media faculties at universities and pointed out that Petra is always up to date regarding any technological developments that the press and media sects are witnessing. She also encouraged students to get a hold of modern media tools and to take advantage of the high professional standards adopted by the agency in its editorial policy.

For his part, prof. Ali Al-Zinat from the Faculty of Mass Communication at Yarmouk University praised Petra's professional competencies and its contribution to the enhancement of students' professional skills and conception of professionalism. Besides, the participant students confirmed that they have acquired many skills after practicing journalism in the various directorates of the Agency and expressed their gratitude to Yarmouk and Petra for offering them such an opportunity. At the end, certificates were delivered to the program’s students.

15 October 2019

The president of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, met the Acting Cultural Attache in the Saudi Embassy, Ibrahem Al-Saadan, in Amman. The two parties discussed methods of reinforcing the means of cooperation as well as some important cases and concerns of the Saudi students at Yarmouk University.

Prof. Kafafi confirmed that Yarmouk University is keen to providing its students with the highest levels of care and constantly encourages them to participate in different activities arranged by the deanship of students affairs, which reflects positively on their personalities and contributes to developing their communication skills. He explained that this helps students to assimilate better into the student body of the university, which provides students with a broader knowledge of other cultures, expands their horizon, and qualifies them to become good citizens. This also, as Prof. Kafafi explained, allows students to become capable of giving and making the required developments in their professional life on the local and regional level.

Moreover, Prof. Kafafi stated that Yarmouk University seeks to attract more Saudi students to attend Yarmouk University, pointing out the importance of reinforcing the affairs of cooperation with the Saudi Cultural Mission on one hand and other Saudi universities on the other hand. He explained that doing that should help in exchanging academic experiences among faculty members and developing higher education in the Middle East. Furthermore, Prof. Kafafi pointed to Yarmouk’s interest in developing and updating its study plans, creating the necessary educational environment for its students, and providing students with the latest scientific innovations, as such a strategy qualifies students to become representatives of Yarmouk University in the labor market.

In his turn, Al-Saadan praised the unique intellectual reputation of Yarmouk University and pointed out the fact that Saudi students who graduate from Yarmouk always prove themselves as qualified workers in different job positions. Al-Saadan also expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the unique assistance Yarmouk provides for its Saudi students and its continuing contact with the Saudi embassy to handle any obstacles that may challenge Saudi students at the university level.

It is noteworthy that the number of Saudi students attending the different scientific degrees and academic majors in Yarmouk University is about 113 students. However, the meeting was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Nehad Yousef, the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Zain Al-Abedeen Abdullah, and several other officials in the university.

15 October 2019

The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, and the Director of Al-Hussein Bin Talal Library at the University, Dr. Omar Al-Ghoul, met Elke Luch Horn and Geza Heim-Halaiqa of the Office of International Relations at the Free University of Berlin during their visit to Germany. The two sides discussed future cooperation between the two parties and the possibility of signing a cooperation agreement between the two universities in areas of common interests.

Prof. Kafafi stressed the keenness of Yarmouk to strengthen academic and scientific cooperation with German educational and research institutions, especially through its Faculty of Archeology and Anthropology, which has always been linked to a large number of scientific and research cooperation agreements that attracted a number of academics to teach at the faculty and conduct research and scientific projects in various fields of archeology and excavation, taking into consideration that Jordan is rich in archaeological sites. He said that the university administration is keen to encourage faculty members to get international scientific projects and conduct joint research projects with researchers and faculty members in various universities and international institutes worldwide so as to contribute to the exchange of ideas and experiences and enhance the level of scientific research, which is a key element in achieving development in local societies.

In response, Horn and Halaiqa praised the distinguished scientific reputation of Yarmouk University and its keenness to develop and update all academic disciplines. They stressed the importance of concluding a future cooperation agreement between Yarmouk and the Free University of Berlin in areas of common interests, including archeology and anthropology, emphasizing that Yarmouk includes several experts in such fields.

04 September 2019

The Computer and Information Center of Yarmouk University has developed, launched, and updated a set of new electronic systems and services for students and faculty members. Among these electronic services outstands an electronic university enrollment system for Diploma programs in the Faculty of Education, which is launched in collaboration with the Admission and Registration Department. Also, the payment service of all electronic enrollment applications (Higher Education, Parallel Education, and Diploma) is made electronic through E-fawateercom service, thus making tuition payment easier for those who wish to enroll in the university.

Moreover, in collaboration with the Deanship of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, the Computer and Information Center computerized applying for scientific publishing incentives for the academic faculty members through its (LTR) system username registration. The system requires that the data related to the scientific publication (whether it be an academic paper, book, or chapter of a book) and the data of the authorship are to be filled by the applicant(s); then such data is to be checked by certain departments in the Deanship of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, which will be responsible for making the final decision.

Besides, the Computer Center in collaboration with the Department of Human Resources/Health Insurance sect. launched four new electronic services for the members of both the academic and administrative faculties in the university. The first new service is uploading or changing personal pictures for the participants or users of the university health insurance electronically. This is thought to be an advanced step for enabling users of the university health insurance to issue their own insurance cards electronically, without being in need for visiting the Department of Human Resources. Second, in collaboration with the concerned liaison officer, the service of applying for cellular lines and Internet subscription was also launched electronically. Third, in collaboration with the Department of Supplies, the Center launched the service of investigating about the custody of the buildings by the deans or directors of the different organizational units, leave aside the head of the divan section. Fourth, the Center launched the service of providing the return of the custody of the building electronically (through the dean, director of the organizational unit, and/or head of the divan section).

However, the director of the Computer Center, Mr. Eshaq Matalqah, pointed out that the electronic applications offered by the Computer and Informantion Center have now reached a total of 50 services. He mentioned that these new services and systems come within the plan of the Computer and Informantion Center to lessen the paperwork used at the university, which saves effort, time, as well as money and helps the university gets rid of the traditional paperwork used in the university's official internal mail. In addition, Mr. Matalqah referred to the fact that the Center, for the sake of keeping such services functioning well, has started a new server hardware system that runs faster than the previous one, which guarantees fast response and high-quality performance of the university hardware system, specifically the Student Information System (SIS) and the Employee Self Service system (ESS).

15 October 2019

AMMAN — Yarmouk University and the Crown Prince Foundation (CPF) initiative Naua on Wednesday signed a cooperation agreement providing students with access to volunteering projects organised by partner institutions through the “Nahno” online platform.

As per the agreement, Yarmouk University students will be able to create their own accounts on the Nahno website, while the university will work to facilitate sharing the primary data of student volunteers through a page “unique” to the university on the Nahno site, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Additionally, Yarmouk University’s e-community service system will feature a shortcut to Nahno as an additional option available to students. 

The agreement was signed by Yarmouk University President Zeidan Kafafi and Naua CEO Ahmad Zu’bi, according to Petra.

During the signing, Kafafi expressed appreciation for the efforts of HRH Crown Prince Hussein, his support to Jordanian youth and launching initiatives that fulfil their ambitions and motivate them.

He lauded Naua’s role in embedding a culture of community service and introducing the youth to various volunteering opportunities available across the Kingdom, through Nahno, with the aim of making a positive impact and achieving sustainable development across all sectors.

Zu’bi highlighted Naua’s dedication to enhance its partnerships with universities and educational institutions as a key partner in supporting youth and their involvement in community volunteering.

Source:Jordan Times

12 September 2019

The vice President of Yarmouk University for Humanities and Administrative Affairs, Pro. Anis Khasawneh, discussed with a delegation from St. Olaf College in Northfield, USA ways of scientific and research cooperation in the field of refugee studies. Prof. Khasawneh stressed that Yarmouk University was the forerunner among the Jordanian educational institutions with respect to paying attention to refugees' studies through the establishment of the Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Center, which is concerned with spreading community awareness regarding asylum issues.

Pointing out that the Center holds conferences, seminars and workshops on issues of asylum, displacement, and forced migration, Prof. Khasawneh asserted that Yarmouk, represented by the Center, is ready to receive students from St. Olaf College who are interested in working in the field of refugees' studies and displaced persons. He also stated that Yarmouk is willing to integrate those students in Arabic language programs for non-native speakers, so they can conduct research studies on asylum issues with high efficiency and credibility. Moreover, Prof. Khasawneh said that Yarmouk University hosts a group of Syrian students who continue their studies in various disciplines through grants provided to them under the cooperation agreements concluded with the university. He also stressed the importance of benefiting from the results of scientific research conducted by researchers as realistic solutions to the problems of refugees, whether they are economic, social, educational, health, or psychological problems.

In her turn, Dr. Ibtisam Al-Atiyat, Professor of Sociology at St. Olaf College, praised the distinguished level of Yarmouk University in general, and the Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Center in particular, which has a distinguished scientific reputation at the international level. Then she called for strengthening cooperation between the two sides by receiving a number of Yarmouk students at St. Olav College for conducting studies and scientific research specializing in asylum and displacement issues.

In response, Dr. Ayat Nashwan, the director of Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Center, reviewed the establishment of the Center, its objectives and activities on various issues related to asylum. She pointed out that the Center seeks to communicate with refugees inside and outside the camps and works to find effective solutions to the problems they face through research and field studies conducted by the Center in cooperation with various international organizations.

However, during their visit to the university, the delegation reviewed the support and service unit for refugee students at the university R-SOS Unit of the Rescue project in which YU participates and aims to build research cooperation with participating universities to deal with refugee issues. As Prof. Al-Khasawneh explained, this unit was established and outfitted with modern equipment that enables the Refugees and Displaced Persons Center to develop its research and training programs and build sustainable services that serve refugees and refugee issues.

04 September 2019

New World New Mind: Moving Toward Conscious Evolution by Robert Ornstein and Paul Ehrlich, translated by Ahmad Mustageer, was discussed in the presence of the University Vice President for Student Affairs and External Relations, Prof. Fawwaz Al-Abed Al-Haq. The event took place during the first summer cultural ceremonies arranged by Al-Husain bin Talal library at Yarmouk University in collaboration with Irbid Directorate of Culture. The novelists, namely Hashem Gharaibeh, Rawanda Kafarneh, and Muath Bani Amer participated in discussing the book, specifically the effects and inventions of mankind in our world. They pointed out that the ‘development’ that mankind has achieved in the world has created many damages that humans aren’t fully aware of yet. Also, they confirmed that humans must take a second look at the world and start creating new ways of thinking to be suitable for the world as we know it today. Otherwise, the world will suffer severe consequences that’ll wipe out all previous civilizations. 

In addition, the library hosted a musical concert called "Oriental Summer", which was played by a band from Krishindo Institute of Music and Arts, which was established in 2015 and became then an important provider of creative artistic individuals in Jordan. The band performed many songs of the Jordanian-Palestinian heritage featuring the artists, Yazan Sabagh, Lena Saadah, and Natali Samaan who were accompanied by their supervisor, Omar Abaad. The concert was patronized by the Vice President for Scientific Faculties and Administrative Affairs, Prof. Anis Khasawneh.

Moreover, the library offered a movie's premiere of the Palestinian movie ‘’Palestine stereo", which was written and directed by Rasheed Mshharawi in the outdoor courtyard. The movie tells the story of two siblings from Jenine refugee camp who’ve been hurt badly since moving there. Therefore, they’ve decided to open an audio hardware rental shop for ceremonial necessities in order to collect enough money to emigrate from Palestine to Canada. Yet, their project doesn’t go as planned. However, after the movie’s premiere, a discussion of movie was directed by Dr. Mohammad Al-Omari of the Faculty of Education.

15 October 2019

 

Hotel, gas station and mall ‘to benefit students and people of north’

 

AMMAN — President of Yarmouk University Zaidan Kfafi recently said that the university is reviewing investors for a project to build a hospital, a hotel, a gas station and a mall close to the university.

Kfafi said in a video that the project is to “benefit both the students and the people of the north”.

He added: “This way, the students are better served during their student life, especially medical students who will no longer have to train at hospitals far away from them. The mall, the hospital and the hotel will also benefit not only the people of Irbid but also the people of the north.”

The project is to be built on parcels of land the university owns. The hospital will comprise 200 beds, according to Kfafi.

Abed Tarawneh, a senior employee at the university’s financial department told The Jordan Times that Queen Rania Medical Centre that operates under the university’s wing has also been put up for an investment grant.

“The goal here is to add facilities in a 4,000-square-metre space and new parking lots as well,” he said in a phone interview.

As for the hotel, which Tarawneh said will be built on the university’s campus, the plan is to have it serve as “a training field for hospitality and tourism students, who can work there to gain additional professional experience in their fields”.

The mall and the gas station are not to be built on university-owned land, according to Kfafi.

“These two aspects of the project will be executed in partnership with the private sector for the gas station and with Irbid’s Municipality for the mall,” he concluded.

12 September 2019

Within the activities of the first summer cultural season of the library of Hussein bin Talal at Yarmouk University, supported by the Jordan Kuwait Bank, the library, in cooperation with the Royal Film Commission, screened the Jordanian film "Theeb" directed by Naji Abu Nawar, at 8:00 pm. The event was attended by a large crowd of members of the academic and administrative bodies, and students.

Prof.  Zaidan Kafafi, the President of the University, praised the efforts of the staff of the activities of the first summer cultural season of the library, stressing the importance of holding such diverse literary, cultural, and artistic events, which stimulate the minds of university students, develop their skills, and enrich their cultural outcome. He also mentioned that such events establish the principle of effective partnership between the university and various National institutions.

Noteworthy mentioning here that Theeb, a Jordanian film released in 2014, tells the story of a Bedouin boy wandering in the desert of Wadi Rum and seeking to survive his life. It takes place in the second decade of the twentieth century, during the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. The film seeks to identify the joints of Bedouin life, charm, the risks, hardship and manifestations of masculinity. The film achieved a qualitative leap in the Jordanian cinema by reaching the Oscar nominations as the first film of the young director and being nominated for the Academy Award for 2016 for the best foreign language film.  

04 September 2019