Arab Students

The Unit for Equal Opportunities for Arab Students began operating in the middle of the academic year 2008-2009, and was founded on the understanding that admission to the university is only the first obstacle in acquiring a higher education, especially for disadvantaged populations, who come to academia with many barriers and difficulties. The Unit strives to address the unique needs of the Arab students, and to help them successfully reach the finish line. 

One of the aims of the Unit is to reduce the dropout rate and prevent students from dragging out their degree. This requires work both on an individual level and at the university level. The individual level  includes direct work at the academic level and work in other areas of the students' lives from social, economic and cultural aspects. Working on these areas is no less important than the academic level, as it is part of the overall challenges faced by undergraduate students particularly in their first year of studies.

The study model for undergraduates should be implemented from the moment they are accepted to the university until they complete their degree and prepare themselves for the job market and advanced degrees.

Application form to the Equal Opportunities Unit

Preparation for studies

A Step Ahead Program (Tsa’ad Lefne Kulam)

A Step Ahead is a program designed to prepare students academically, socially and emotionally for higher education. The program includes English as a foreign language, and a course in the field of study relevant to the faculty in which the student will be studying. (The student may choose one of three courses: Introduction to Chemistry, Introduction to Mathematics or Academic and Scientific Writing.)

Summer English course and preparation for academic studies:

The course offers a "Level 2" English summer course to Arab students, with the Unit financing the cost of the course and dormitory accommodation. The objectives of the course are to enable students to significantly improve their English before the start of the school year and invest more time and effort in their academic courses. During the three-week English course, the students engage in activities and training aimed at preparing them for their academic studies. These include lectures and workshops on various topics such as study and computer skills, getting acquainted with the university and the library, time management, grants, etc.

Orientation day and preparation for the academic year:

The aim of student orientation is to present the students with the Unit's basket of services as part of the services provided by the Dean of Students. Orientation also exposes students to the university before the start of the academic year and provides them with general tips that ease their integration, especially in the first two weeks.

 

Academic mentoring

The academic mentoring is mainly intended for first-year undergraduate students. As part of this program, group meetings are held for students taking introductory courses and key courses in their first year, such as year-long courses and courses with a high failure rate.

The Social mentoring program “Ma’aan”

The program is designed to assist first-year students as they make the transition to an academic and independent life by assigning them mentors who are in advanced years of study. The program includes group meetings and one-on-one sessions. The group meetings focus on the following topics: settling into studies, personal and social identity, dilemmas of Arab students, study skills, preparation for exams and future academic vision.

Cultural evenings

This program strives to create an atmosphere that enables Arab students to express their social and cultural identity as part of the university experience. To this end, cultural activities, such as literary evenings and artistic or musical events are held by amateur students or local artists, who form an integral part of the university's cultural activity.

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personal counseling

The personal counseling includes conversations with students according to personal inquiries and needs. The main issues that arise in these meetings: financial help and scholarships, understanding and dealing with the university system, the dormitory system and mental distress.