The President of Yarmouk University, Professor Islam Massad, received a delegation from the Erasmus Student Network in Jordan (ESN-Jordan), which included the Network’s president, Haneen Abu Al-Haijah, the vice president, Ghassan Al-Ajlouni, and the financial officer, Sarah Nasser, to discuss ways for enhancing cooperation between the two sides. At the beginning of the meeting, Massad stressed Yarmouk University’s keenness to consolidate its cooperation with various entities that provide student exchange opportunities, as this enables Yarmouk students to obtain scholarships for completing their graduate studies in various international universities. He pointed out that Yarmouk’s hosting of ESN-Jordan is strategic since the branch is the first and only office of the Erasmus International Student Network in the Middle East. This fact, he explained, reflects positively on increasing opportunities for cooperation and cultural exchange between Yarmouk and the European Erasmus Program. He then confirmed Yarmouk’s readiness to provide the opportunity for those in charge of the Network to implement the Network’s activities and events on campus.

In return, Abu Al-Hija expressed her thanks and appreciation for the understanding shown by Yarmouk University in hosting the ESN-Jordan branch, which contributes to increasing the rate of cooperation between Yarmouk and other universities in the Middle East, on one hand, and the European Erasmus Program, on the other. She then stressed that ESN-Jordan’s participation in international conferences and events will increase exchange opportunities, stating that ESN includes 515 branches distributed in 41 countries around the world and that it aims at creating a flexible educational environment by supporting and developing student exchange at various levels, providing a multicultural experience, and helping international students to engage with their university environments by organizing cultural, social and scientific activities.

The meeting was attended by the Vice President of the University, Professor Mousa Rababah, the Director of the Department of International Relations and Projects, Dr. Muwafaq Al-Atoum, the Dean of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Mohammad Al-Zubaidi, and the Director of Public Relations and Media Department, Dr. Nawzat Abu Al-Asal.

28 February 2024

The team of the Faculty of Law at Yarmouk University has qualified for the tenth Arab Moot Court Competition in the sisterly State of Kuwait and will represent the Kingdom in this Arab student competition next March. The team includes the students: Hiraa Shaaban, Islam Al-Moumani, Sarah Al-Asmar, and Nola Al-Hallaj, and the supervisors: Dr. Wassef Al-Zboun, Dr. Alaa Darawsheh, and Dr. Diala Al-Ta’ani. The team qualified after ranking first in the national moot court qualifiers organized by the Kuwait International College of Law at the level of Jordanian universities.

Interestingly, the national competition between Jordanian universities focused on presenting a case that stimulate the current Palestinian reality before the International Criminal Court by showcasing the daily attacks of Israeli occupation forces on defenseless Palestinian people in Gaza Strip and other safe areas. Thus, Yarmouk’s team was able to present a plea that required changing the way the Palestinian legal right is presented before the international judiciary in form of the presence of a party that proves, with evidence, laws, international conventions and agreements, international criminal charges against the accused state before the International Criminal Court.

22 February 2024

Yarmouk University achieved outstanding results in QS World University Rankings of Sustainability 2024, which measures the extent of the ability of global universities to achieve sustainable development goals, as Yarmouk ranked 741-750 in the world, 209 in Asia, and the third at the local level. The ranking includes three main axes: environmental impact, social impact, and governance, each of which has specific performance indicators. The University made progress in the ranking it achieved this year, as it ranked 733 in the world in the environmental impact axis, which consists of three indicators, most prominent of which is the Sustainability Environmental Index, in which the University ranked 265 in the world. Also, the University ranked 303 in the world in the Knowledge Exchange index within the Social Impact axis, which consists of 5 indicators. It also ranked 347 globally in the Governance axis.

The University President, Professor Islam Massad, said that Yarmouk University, as a leading national institution, is keen to play its role in serving the nation and achieving sustainable development goals for the benefit of Jordan, especially in light of the global interest in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were approved by the United Nations in 2015. He explained that this represented a culmination of the expected role of universities in leading the comprehensive implementation of the axes of sustainable development and achieving its goals, pointing out that this global classification is concerned with assessing the extent of universities’ commitment to achieving the goals of sustainable development. Massad then expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Center at the University for preparing and following-up the processes of applying for this classification and other international classifications, stressing that Yarmouk advances through the efforts of its distinguished academic and administrative cadres.

31 January 2024

Her Highness Princess Alia bint Al Hussein, Executive Director of Princess Alia Foundation, and Professor Islam Massad, President of Yarmouk University, signed a memorandum of understanding between the two sides aiming for cooperation in achieving sustainable development and enhancing social responsibility in issues related to women.

Her Highness Princess Alia stressed the importance of cooperation and partnership between the Foundation and Yarmouk University since Yarmouk has always been distinguished by scientific leadership and community service. Her Highness added that the Foundation appreciates signing memorandum due to its great value in various fields, especially women, sustainable job opportunities, and the environment. She then indicated that the mission of Princess Alia Foundation is better summarized in terms of influencing the civil society and all partners and relevant parties through charitable work and social responsibility.

Massad said that Yarmouk University, based on the philosophy of its mission, is always trying to expand its network of relationships with national institutions that are active in social and community service, indicating that the Princess Alia Foundation is at the forefront of these leading Jordanian institutions at the level of women, social and volunteer work. He added that the memorandum of understanding gains its great importance from its role in contextualizing the interactive work conducted by the University in favor of the Jordanian society and population.

He also stated that Yarmouk University is ready to deploy its capabilities and the expertise of its cadres in the service of Princess Alia Foundation and its goals, programs, and activities. He then pointed to the efforts of Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies, its vision through scientific leadership in the field of social research and Jordanian women's studies, and its effective contribution to building a society characterized by greater diversity, democracy, and respect for human rights, where women can enjoy equal opportunities and means of advancement in various aspects of life.

The memorandum, which was signed by the Director of Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women’s Studies at Yarmouk University, Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaisen, stipulated that the Foundation is allowed to use the University’s facilities and human resources and seek assistance from its expertise and educational staff to implement activities and programs that target female students and contribute to developing their abilities. It also stipulated the provision of the names of female students who wish to participate as volunteers or trainees in the Foundation’s programs and projects.

22 February 2024

The President of Yarmouk University, Professor Islam Massad, and the President of the Jordanian Women's Union Association, Amna Al-Zoubi, signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of consolidating and framing cooperation between the two sides in the field of exchanging experiences, academic studies, and training and awareness programs concerned with women.

Massad stressed that the signing of the memorandum of understanding comes within the context of Yarmouk University’s vision and its societal responsibility in consolidating cooperation with various national institutions and bodies concerned with women, society, and youth. He then indicated that the memo represents a new framework for exchanging experiences, studies, training and awareness programs with the Jordanian Women’s Union Association. He then added that the establishment of Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies at Yarmouk University came with the aim of involving women of the local community in the public and private sectors with women in the academic sector, which enhances and reflects the achievements of Jordanian women and their effective contribution to serving their community and country.

In return, Al-Zoubi stressed the importance of cooperation with a leading academic institution like Yarmouk University, which has been keen since its early beginnings to carry out societal responsibility, noting the Union’s aspiration to implement a number of joint programs and activities related to Jordanian women and their progress in cooperation with Yarmouk. She appreciated the efforts of Yarmouk University and its support of Jordanian women's issues as well as the University’s openness and constant keenness to communicate with civil society institutions and exchange experiences with them in a way that serves the Jordanian society.

The memo signing was attended by the University’s Vice Presidents, Professor Mousa Rababah and Professor Samer Samarah, the Director of Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women’s Studies, Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaisen, and the Director of Public Relations and Media, Dr. Nawzat Abu Al-Asal.

22 February 2024

The Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies at Yarmouk University, in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Jordan, launched a message of solidarity with the women and children of Gaza, which came in form of a video released by the University and the Federation through their official accounts on social media sites. The message contained in the video carried a group of solidarity telegrams in which members of the teaching and administrative staff, students of the Model School of Yarmouk University, and women figures from the local community expressed the importance of paying attention to women and children and supporting them against any type of aggression.

The University President, Professor Islam Massad, said that Yarmouk University released the video to express the voice of its students and staff rejecting the aggression against humans, which indicates that Yarmouk seeks, through its partners, to build an integrated system of qualitative efforts to support people in Gaza using all available media and academic capabilities and tools. He also stressed the importance of creating media messages through social media to deepen young people’s understanding of the Palestinian issue and the distinguished Jordanian role towards Palestine, a role led by His Majesty the King and His Highness the Crown Prince. Furthermore, Massad appreciated the efforts of the University’s Faculties and Scientific Centers to represent the Jordanian women and enhance their role in supporting their sisters in Palestine.

Director of Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies, Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaisen, said that social networking sites have become an essential part of our daily lives, and they must be used to deliver humanitarian and social messages. She added that the Center seeks to enhance women's intellectual contributions to solving national, regional, and international issues, in addition to contributing to formulating a more positive national discourse towards women and their issues.

It is noteworthy here that the LWF – Jordan founded in 1947 is an independent, humanitarian, non-profit, and non-governmental organization, registered with the Ministry of Social Development. It works to provide assistance, protection, and permanent solutions to refugees around the world, and to provide awareness-raising training programs that contribute to the development of social welfare by organizing psychological and social support activities.

*To watch the video, click on the following link:

 https://www.facebook.com/PBCJWS/videos/243151782119758

31 January 2024

The Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Center at Yarmouk University has completed the development of its database specialized in refugee and displaced studies. The director of the Center, Dr. Ruba Al-Akash, said that this process involved developing and updating the Center’s official website based on the vision of Yarmouk University, which aims at supporting and paying attention to scientific research concerning asylum and immigration issues. She then added that this update seeks to achieve the goal of conducting research (academic and policy) related to various aspects of asylum, displacement, and forced migration issues and their consequences, which allows researchers and specialists to access relevant studies in this field.

Moreover, Al-Akash indicated that the data included studies prepared by researchers from inside and outside Yarmouk University, which inspires conducting more research that contributes to shedding light on refugee issues and providing the National Library with scientific studies and research that enable decision-makers to make decisions according to scientific findings and results that serve target groups, countries, and hosts.

Here is a link to the list of Yarmouk University studies on refugee issues:

https://rdfmsc.yu.edu.jo/index.php/2024-01-08-06-36-15/2024-01-08-06-42-58

Here is a link to a list of studies composed outside the University on refugee issues:

https://rdfmsc.yu.edu.jo/index.php/2024-01-08-06-36-15/2024-01-08-07-17-24

22 February 2024

Her Excellency Nofa Bint Nasser, in the presence of the President of Yarmouk University, Professor Islam Massad, sponsored the dialogue session entitled “Palestinian Women: A Story of Resilience,” which was organized by the University at Arar Amphitheater in the Conferences and Seminars Building. The session began with the reading of Surat Al-Fatihah for the souls of the martyrs of Jordan, Palestine, and the Arab and Islamic nations. Then Sharifa Nofa started her opening speech where she said: “When we talk about the stories of women’s steadfastness on the beloved land of Palestine in general, the Gaza Strip in particular, we are proud of the Palestinian woman of Gaza viewing her as an icon of resistance and liberation, who painted with her pure blood the mural of victory, honor, pride and national steadfastness. She is that woman who engraved a legend of victory and resistance at the gates of Gaza and raised the banners of return and pride on the walls of Jerusalem. She is the one who composed the immortal song of victory over the land of Gaza with the ink of her soul, and lit the lamps of steadfastness and sacrifice carried by the angels of Gaza”.

Sharifa Nofa reviewed images of the glory of the Gazan Palestinian woman, the maker of men, the revolution, and the national struggle, who contributed to building the Palestinian state. She emphasized that such a woman is a symbol and model of giving, sacrifice, and redemption, pointing to the unprecedented state that the Gazan Palestinian woman represents with her steadfastness on the ground. She also pointed to the Jordanian woman’s stand with her sister in Gaza, supporting her steadfastness and healing her wounds, stressing that the voice of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah is still resounding in the global conscience to stop the Zionist criminal war machine. She also pointed to Princess Salma bint Abdullah II who accompanied a crew from the armed forces in the fifth airdrop of urgent medical materials and supplies, so that the Jordanian hospital in Gaza can continue providing all types of treatment and supplies necessary to the people of Gaza after the Zionist enemy destroyed all the hospitals operating in Gaza.

For his part, Massad stressed that holding this specific dialogue session is part of a series of Yarmouk University activities supporting the steadfastness of our people in the Gaza Strip, mentioning that those people are encountering the Israeli war machine that continues committing crimes against innocent people, civilians, hospitals, places of worship, and everything related to human life. He then added that the symposium is distinguished by its emphasis on the role of the Palestinian woman in defending justice, righteousness, and truth. Massad also pointed out that Jordanians are proud in the steadfastness of the Palestinian woman as well as the positions of His Majesty King Abdullah II, who is leading an intense political, diplomatic, and humanitarian movement to pressure Israel to stop the war on Gaza and allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and food supplies in a sustainable manner. He also praised the positions of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah in supporting the Palestinian people against the Israeli enemy. Moreover, Massad expressed his pride in Her Highness Princess Salma bint Abdullah II for participating with the Royal Air Force in the fifth airdrop of urgent medical materials and supplies for the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza.

However, the session included a video showing the sacrifices and struggles of Palestinian women, prepared by students of the Palestinian community in the International Student Care Department in the Deanship of Student Affairs. On a related level, students Raghad Azoum, Dima Abu Obaid and Sally Youssef, female students of the Palestinian community studying at Yarmouk, participated in a session moderated by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Yara Al-Nimri, where they confirmed the strength of the Palestinian woman in Gaza by recounting some of the stories of those women’s steadfastness and resistance.

On the sidelines of the session, an art exhibition of drawings about Gaza and the suffering of its people and the blatant aggression they are subjected to was held, considering that this dialogue session was jointly organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs, the Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Forced Migration Studies Center, and the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women’s Studies.

31 January 2024

The Faculty of Mass Communication at Yarmouk University, in front of the Faculty building, carried out a silent solidarity stand condemning the Israeli occupation’s aggression against the Gaza Strip and its targeting of Palestinian journalists and civilians. The stand was attended by the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Amjad Al-Qadi, and a number of faculty and administrative staff members and students.

A faculty member in the Department of Journalism and Digital Media, Dr. Zuhair Al-Tahat, said that this stand expresses Jordanians’ solidarity and standing with “our beloved Palestine and the Hashemite leadership and its wise directives.” He then considered that targeting journalists is an attack against the freedom of speech, expressing his pride in the positions of His Majesty the King concerning the need to protect journalism and supporting it to convey the resounding voice of truth. Al-Tahat also pointed out that the Faculty of Mass Communication at Yarmouk University always stands with journalists and their issues relying on its lofty values and mission.

31 January 2024