Championing Inclusivity: The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives at Al-Quds University

The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives Office at Al-Quds University

 Updated 2025

Al-Quds University is committed to building a fair, respectful, and inclusive campus community. Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Office plays a central role in embedding these values into the heart of our institution through policy development, advocacy, education, and institutional accountability.

🔹 EDI Office: Structure and Mandate

The EDI Office is an official unit established by the university administration and endorsed by the University Senate. It is mandated to:

  • Develop, review, and implement EDI-related policies and practices.

  • Ensure compliance with national and international human rights frameworks.

  • Promote a learning and working environment that is inclusive, equitable, and free from discrimination.

The office operates under the oversight of the Vice President for Community Affairs and works in collaboration with Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and the Sustainability Office.


🔹 Dedicated EDI Officer and Advisory Committee

  • The EDI Office is led by a full-time EDI Officer, appointed by the administration.

  • An EDI Advisory Committee, composed of faculty, staff, students, and administrators, meets quarterly to review progress, assess emerging needs, and provide recommendations.

The committee includes representation from marginalized communities, student unions, and key faculties to ensure intersectional and inclusive perspectives.


🔹 Key Focus Areas and Initiatives (2024–2025)

  • Policy Implementation
    Oversight of the institutional EDI Policy, which protects against discrimination based on age, gender, disability, race, religion, refugee status, and more.

  • Training and Capacity Building
    Annual workshops for faculty, administrative staff, and student leaders on:

    • Unconscious bias

    • Inclusive classroom practices

    • Gender equity

    • Human rights literacy

  • Campus Accessibility and Inclusion Audits
    Conducted in collaboration with the DSS Office to ensure physical, digital, and procedural accessibility for people with disabilities.

  • Cultural Events and Awareness Campaigns
    Programs celebrating diversity, minority cultures, and human rights milestones throughout the academic year.

  • Reporting and Response Mechanisms
    Anonymous reporting tools and grievance procedures are maintained to support individuals experiencing discrimination or harassment.


🔹 Engagement and Transparency

The EDI Office regularly publishes:

  • Annual EDI Impact Reports

  • Campus climate surveys

  • Policy recommendations for continuous improvement

These reports are publicly shared and discussed in university councils to ensure transparency and accountability.


📬 For more information or to contact the EDI Office:
Email: tamkeen@alquds.edu
Internal Phone: 6418
Phone: +970 2 279 0700

The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives Office at Al-Quds University

Al-Quds University believes in fostering a vibrant campus environment that cherishes diversity and encourages mutual respect. To ensure this, we have established a dedicated Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Office, spearheaded by our appointed EDI Officer.

The EDI Office is tasked by the university administration and governing body to address diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights issues on campus. They work proactively to advise on, develop, and implement comprehensive EDI policies, promoting a university culture that respects and values the individuality of every member.

One of the significant roles of the EDI Office is to devise and deliver tailored training programs. These sessions aim to educate our university community about the importance of diversity and inclusion, and provide practical skills to counteract prejudice and discrimination. They create opportunities for staff and students to explore and discuss EDI issues, enhancing their understanding and empathy.

The EDI Officer acts as the primary point of contact for any EDI-related concerns. They advocate for individuals who might feel marginalized or mistreated, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld. They work in collaboration with other university departments, local organizations, and national bodies to ensure our approach is comprehensive and effective.

In addition to this, we have established an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Comprising representatives from our diverse community, the committee ensures that our policies and programs consider the breadth of experiences and perspectives present within our campus. They review our practices regularly, making recommendations for improvements.

By fostering a culture of openness and respect, our EDI initiatives aim to ensure that Al-Quds University is a place where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their background or identity. We firmly believe in creating an environment where each person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their unique skills and perspectives to our collective academic mission.

For more information, please visit us at the Student Activities Complex. And you can also contact Dr. Mariam Al-Jabarin at: Mobile: 00972599774243 Email: tamkeen@alquds.edu Internal Phone: 6418

 

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