10.6.3 Does your university as a body deliver programs to recruit students/staff/faculty from under-represented groups?

 

4th Equal Opportunities Conference

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/4th-equal-opportunity-conference/

The emergence of Covid19 and the resultant public health crisis has brought societal inequalities into sharp relief. How different countries have chosen to respond is not only shaping the current moment but is also having a crucial impact on the shape of the future; on who has access to vital resources and who is denied. This year’s conference will focus on the way in which the global pandemic is shaping our collective futures in new and unexpected ways and what that means to the ongoing objective of equal opportunities. More specifically how has and how should activity in the fields of health, education, law and business respond to what might be considered a pivotal moment that will set the direction and economic & social impacts for the coming decades. Decades in which responses to climate change, public health crises and economic imperatives must find a way to align with each other. What can be learnt from responses in health, education, law and business that serve to advance the objectives of equal opportunities? What must we do to avoid losing ground and ensure that the drive to maintain and build more equal opportunities and equitable futures continues unabated? We invite you to submit 15-20 minute papers and presentations which explore specific elements of these broad questions.

 

International Students

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/international-students/

Ahlia University (AU) was established in 2001 as the first private university in Bahrain. AU is accredited by the Bahrain Higher Education Council, and our programmes and courses are accredited by numerous international professional bodies such as the ACCA, CIM, and CIMA. AU consistently ranks amongst the top 50 best universities in the Arab region, as recognised by QS World University Rankings.

Based in the island nation of Bahrain, AU offers international students the opportunity to live and study in a different culture and learning environment; in one of the safest, friendliest, and most welcoming countries of the Arabian Gulf.

International students wishing to expand their educational and cultural exposure have multiple avenues available to them.

We will provide guidance and assistance to all international students that wish to apply. Once you have submitted a formal application and after you have received a letter of offer or acceptance, the international team will assist students with visa and immigration documents. This process may take anywhere between 1 week and 2 months and is entirely contingent on the outcome of the application lodged with the Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs.

Applicants for any of the degree programmes offered by us will not be considered fully registered unless they have obtained a Higher Education Council (HEC) number. Once the applicant is accepted, we will proceed to forward the application to the HEC.

Students need to provide authentication and/or endorsement of their transcripts and certificates, as part of the HEC request. This process may take some time, so students must be prepared to provide the HEC with original copies of their transcripts and/or certificates, accredited by their country’s Ministry of Education, to proceed with the request for endorsement.

Study Abroad

If your institution has a partnership or formal agreement with Ahlia University, you may be eligible to study at Ahlia University for up to one full academic year. No tuition fees are applicable, and you would pay tuition fees only to your home institution. Credits earned whilst studying at Ahlia University may be transferred back to your home institution towards your degree.

Study Abroad Options

Exchange Programme

If your institution has a partnership or formal agreement with Ahlia University, you may be eligible to study at Ahlia University for up to one full academic year. No tuition fees are applicable, and you would pay tuition fees only to your home institution. Credits earned whilst studying at Ahlia University may be transferred back to your home institution towards your degree.

Study Abroad

If your institution does not have any formal agreements with Ahlia University, you may still apply to study at Ahlia University as a visiting student. A visiting student can spend up to one full academic year at Ahlia University and would pay tuition fees directly to Ahlia University. Credits earned whilst studying at Ahlia University may be transferred back to your home institution towards your degree.

International Study Tours

Ahlia offers an exciting 5-day ’Entrepreneurs Across Borders’ programme that is carefully designed to engage, inspire, and challenge students to challenge themselves. The 5-day programme includes a number of cultural tours and site visits that will support students’ informal learning and allow them to socialize, relax, and reflect on their experiences. The cultural tours allow students to learn more about Bahrain; its history, people, and culture, and inspire them to consider it as a launchpad for their future startup!

Ahlia University offers international students and partner institutions the opportunity to engage in other customised short-term study abroad programmes that range from 1 week to 2 months.

Supporting students with special needs

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/special-needs-students/

Students with special needs are given support and guidance by Ahlia University faculty and staff, Directorate of Student Counseling, and Directorate of Student Activities and Services. Further, a special needs committee was created to specifically look after the welfare of the students with special needs.

 

One of their special tasks is to have a special contact with people with disabilities.

 

Figure 3. Commitee of special need, taken from [2]

 

Get An International Scholarship in AU

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/international-students/

Ahlia University has developed the initiative to offer scholarships to students abroad, in this initiative 50 scholarships were offered in which each student could apply regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity or nationality. Based in the island nation of Bahrain, AU offers international students the opportunity to live and study in a different culture and learning environment; in one of the safest, friendliest, and most welcoming countries of the Arabian Gulf. International students wishing to expand their educational and cultural exposure have multiple avenues available to them. We will provide guidance and assistance to all international students that wish to apply. Once you have submitted a formal application and after you have received a letter of offer or acceptance, the international team will assist students with visa and immigration documents. This process may take anywhere between 1 week and 2 months and is entirely contingent on the outcome of the application lodged with the Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs.

 

 

 

’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’ Figure 4. AU International Scholarship, taken from [3].

 

Student counseling directorate special needs assistance and facilities

 

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/

 

Figure 5. Student counseling [4]

 

Figure 6. Recruiment and stundet selection, taken from’[5]

 

The student, after having been provisionally admitted to the University, will be interviewed by the special needs admission committee (SNAC). If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the University can accommodate the kind of disability or special need with which the student is encumbered, the student will be granted admission to the University. Thus, making it possible for the student to avail of all the privileges/benefits conferred to disabled students and students with special needs as contained herein.

 

’’’’’’’’ Figure 7. Policy for supporting stundets with special needs, taken from’[1]

 

 

Modifications on policy for supporting students with special needs

 

 

Figure 8. Modification on policy for supporting students

 

Ahlia has a ’Directorate of Student Services & Activities’, where they are in charge of [6]:

The Directorate of Students Activities and Services in the Deanship of Student Affairs assists non-Bahraini students towards finding an appropriate accommodation throughout the duration of their study programme. Ahlia University constantly monitors the student’s accommodation in order to make sure the student is safe and comfortable.

The Directorate of Students Activities and Services in the Deanship of Student Affairs provides limited transport facilities for students studying at Ahlia, specifically students living in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Further, non-Bahraini students living in the kingdom of Bahrain are given guidance regarding the available transport system in Bahrain.

 

Student activities are an important aspect of the student’s university life. Activities provide the student with a lot of benefits and enjoyment. These activities strength the students association with their university and fellow students.

 

Further, these activities provide opportunities for students to develop their hobbies and interests, which will polish their personalities and help them utilize their free time wisely. All students have the right to participate in such activities which are normally coordinated and advertised by the Directorate of Students Activities and Services, within in the Deanship of Student Affairs.

 

The Student Council plays a major role in deciding the types of activities, and their coordination.

 

Figure 9. Directorate of Student Services & Activities, taken from [6]

 

Ahlia university in order with its non-discrimination policy, allows all types of people to be recruited, since its recruitment policy is based on equity and diversity. Ahlia university staff will be recruited according to their skills, educational achievements and the different factors that make a promising applicant. Ahlia University encourages diversity through a non-discriminatory recruitment system, with equal opportunities for different applicants.

 

In order to the policy of Ahlia university for the diversy and equal access, the university seeks applicants with the highest potential, providing them with clear, concise and transparent information that allows a successful admissions process.

Ahlia University offers a limited number of scholarships each year for undergraduate studies to outstanding students from several countries around the world, who have no other means to finance their studies. Scholarships are awarded with a 50% grant: 50% loan through a competitive application process. The university prioritizes applicants with the most opportunities for success based on aptitude, academic achievement, language knowledge and motivation.

 

It is widely accepted that educational opportunities ought to be equal. This thesis follows from two observations about education: first, that education significantly influences a person's life chances in terms of labor market success, and general human flourishing; and second, that people life chances should not be fixed by certain morally arbitrary circumstances of their birth such as their, religion, nationality, race, physical or learning disability or gender. Ahlia University maintains a social commitment to always seek equality and equity of opportunity through its inclusive policies, the university supports diversity and equity, focusing its efforts on allowing entry through a fair and equitable admissions system without any distinction, which allows all people equal learning opportunities.’[7]

 

Women have secured all the research awards at the fourteenth doctoral conference.

Click here to view

The founding president and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al-Ahlia University emphasized that the university's annual doctoral conference has played a significant role in highlighting and showcasing outstanding researchers who have demonstrated competitive capabilities on a global level. He commended the excellence and distinction exhibited by Bahraini women through their participation in the doctoral student conference and the joint doctoral program between Al-Ahlia University and Brunel University. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the efforts made by the faculty members of both universities in achieving this success.

 

Award-wining Female Researchers at the 14th Ph.D. W.R Symposium0

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/award-wining-female-researchers-at-the-14th-ph-d-w-r-symposium/

February 23, 2023

The Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University Prof. Abdullah Al Hawaj and the President of Ahlia University Prof. Mansoor Alaali confirmed that the Ph.D. symposium, organized annually by Ahlia University in collaboration with Brunel University, London, demonstrated distinguished and competitive researchers, noting that Bahraini women showed an excellent participation in presenting and discussing their scientific papers and studies that tackled the recent issues in order to find effective solutions and provide recommendations for future studies.

In her keynote, Dr. Zakeya Sanad shared her experience in the Ph.D. program. She is an active reviewer and won the ’Young Woman Researcher in Corporate Governance Award’ on 23rd January 2023. Dr. Zakeya provided tips to ease the phase of obtaining a Ph.D. degree. These tips illustrated the importance of listening to the supervisor’s advice, do not compare yourself to others, learning to rest not to quit if you get tired, and establishing a routine. Further pieces of advice confirmed the importance of submitting the research studies to at least 3 ’ 4 journals, participating in workshops and presenting the papers in conferences to receive comments and take advantage of the recommendations from the scientists and other researchers, joining different associations and bodies to be updated of the recent developments.

Ms. Aysha Aljawder discussed part of her research paper titled ’Assessing the adoption of Key Principles for a Sustainable Lean Interior Design in the Construction Industry: The Case of Bahrain’. She illustrated that the annual construction waste is expected to reach 2.2 billion tons globally by 2025, and 30% of building materials delivered to a construction site can end up as waste. Therefore, the study aimed to critically investigate potential factors influencing the effect of lean management for sustainable interior design in the public construction sector.

 

While Ms. Zainab Majed’s study focused on the effects of flipped classroom practice on improving students’ engagement when interpreting relations between geometrical shapes. The research had highlighted the benefits of collaborative learning practice and technology in the flipped classroom environment. In addition, the findings provided evidence of the positive effect of in-class collaborative working on students’ involvement, cohesiveness, and satisfaction. It also highly supported previous research, acknowledging that flipped classroom promote student motivation as a result of the active learning environment.

The study of Ms. Reem Syed Mansoor concluded that there is a relationship between technology, market accessibility, and market classifications. Hence, the financial markets with advanced technology and better market accessibility conditions are promoted to higher market classifications considering the better environment the provide to investors. This is measured through three factors such as market infrastructure, regulations, and openness to foreign ownership.

Ms. Maryam AlDhaen’s paper titled ’Artificial Intelligence enabled sustainable Banking Sector Ecosystem in Kingdom of Bahrain’, explained the relationship between AI and sustainable decision-making plan, as well as studied how the banking sector faced the challenges of AI. The study concluded that the adoption of AI in the system will lead to effective multiple managed decisions, better than the classical and traditional way.

Ms. Hanin AlDoy presented a literature review of her research which aimed at the emerging employee engagement concepts, the anchoring theories of the development of employee engagement, and the strategies and constructs of employee engagement in the workplace.

For her part, Ms. Maha AlSadoon discussed the benefits of using edge computing, which is represented in reduction of latency by processing the data closer to the costumer, providing more security than computing at the cloud because it is less vulnerable to numerous varieties of threats to its scope, sending data from edge to the cloud takes up spectral resources, there’s just not enough bandwidth for data transportation. Lastly, by processing data at the edge, you eliminate network reliability problems. The study concluded that cloud computing and edge computing are complementary and mutually reinforcing. Despite edge computing’s promise, vital issues still hinder its rapid implementation and development.

Female Researchers won the research awards, where Ms. Zainab Jaber won the best research paper and the second-best presentation, Ms. Reem Sayed Mansoor won the second-best scientific paper and Ms. Maha Al Sadoun won the first-best presentation.

 

FINANCIAL AID AND DISCOUNTS

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/student-handbook/

Ahlia University allocates funds for highly qualified students with limited financial resources. Admitted student may apply for financial aid or tuition fee discounts as follows:

11.1 Discount based on Secondary School Scoring for Undergraduate Degree Applicants

’ Applicants with secondary school score of 95% and above get 50% tuition fee discount.

’ Applicants with secondary school score of 90% to 94.9% get 25% tuition fee discount.

’ Applicants with secondary school score of 80% to 89.9% get 20% tuition fee discount.

’ Applicants with secondary school score of 98% and above may apply for the President’s partial tuition remission provided that they provide proof of limited financial resources.

 

Applicants who receive discounts based on their secondary school results will maintain the discount subject to achieving required cumulative CGPA’s. Students who fall below the required CGPA can still benefit from the merit discount whenever they achieve the required CGPA. The table below summarized the student merit discount.

 

Undergraduate Degree High Achievers Discount

Enrolled undergraduate student who achieve CGPA of 3.50 or higher can apply for a ’High Achievers Discount’, which entitles them to a tuition fees remission of 25% in the courses registered in the subsequent semester.

Discount for siblings enrolled at Ahlia University

Ahlia University offers 10% tuition fees discount for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants who have siblings already enrolled at the university.

Discount for Ahlia University graduates who wish to complete their Master’s Degreeat Ahlia University

Ahlia University offers 20% tuition fees discount for its undergraduate programme graduates who wish to complete their master’s degree at Ahlia University. This discount does not apply on The George Washington University, USA, Masters of Science Degree in Engineering Management.

Discounts for Ahlia University Employees

Ahlia University offers 50% tuition fees discount for Ahlia University full-time employees and their partners (husband/wife) and siblings who are willing to study undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Ahlia University.

Financial Aid for Undergraduate Degree Applicants with Special Needs

As part of Ahlia University's community engagement, the university offers 50% tuition fees discount for all applicants with special needs/disability provided that they have a special need/disability card from the Bahraini Ministry of Labor and Social Development. Ahlia University aims to provide the appropriate care and learning environment for these applicants in order to qualify them to integrate into society and the business market.

Financial Aid for Orphans

As part of Ahlia University community's engagement, the university offers 50% tuition fees discount for orphans who are registered under local governmental and non-governmental social welfare organizations such as the Bahraini Royal Charity Organization and others in order to empower these orphans and provide them with a better living.

 

Scholarships at Ahlia University in Bahrain

https://www.youscholars.com/scholarships-at-ahlia-university-in-bahrain/

Scholarships for Ahlia University in Bahrain, Asia. The scholarships opportunities posted  at Ahlia University are from top scholarships providers. Therefore, this post has been presented to describe how you can obtain scholarships available for Ahlia University in Bahrain.

Ahlia University is one of the best academic institute in Bahrain which offers various academic programmes ranging from certificate, diploma, undergraduate degree, masters, PhD and more. Below are the educational opportunities linked to Ahlia University allowing you to gain access to education for different levels.

Ahlia University contributes to the Scholarships Programme

https://www.almaghribtoday.net/en/211/ahlia-university-contributes-to-the-scholarships-program

Ahlia University chancellor Dr. Abdullah Al-Hawaj praised the efforts of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, in developing young talents, initiating numerous educational scholarship programs for outstanding Bahraini students, and cited the Crown Prince's International Scholarships Program which is one of the most successful initiatives that provides opportunities to outstanding Bahraini students to study in renowned international universities. These remarks were made by Dr. Abdullah Al-Hawaj as he received Dr. Cynthia Jostling the acting director of the Crown Prince's International Scholarships Program in his office in Ahlia University and presented a cheque in the amount of BD 50,000 in favor of the scholarships program which is the second batch of the total support amount of BD 250,000 as part of the silver sponsorship category endorsed by the general assembly of the Arab Academy for Educational Services and Research the parent company with which the Ahlia University is affiliated. On the other hand, Dr. Cynthia Jostling expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Ahlia University for its support to the Crown Prince's International scholarships program and asserted the importance of higher education in developing youthful talents and skills and enable them to serve the motherland as effective members of their local community. The cheque-delivering ceremony was attended by the Ahlia University's Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Bakr Ahmed Hassan, the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Dr. Wajih Al-Ali, the assistant Chancellor for Quality Affairs Mrs. Ahlam Hassan, the Crown Prince's International Scholarships Program PR and Media officer Mrs. Essmat Ahmed.

 

Annual Gathering Societies (Charity Funds)

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/annual-gathering-societies-charity-funds/

Al-Hawaj praises the directives of His Highness the Prime Minister in support of civil charity
work to hold a consultative meeting with the heads of charities

The Founding President of Al-Ahlia University and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Prof. Abdullah Yousef Al-Hawaj, praised the directive of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Holy Mosques, to the competent authorities to accelerate the procedures that ensure that charities play their role in providing their charitable services, especially in the holy month of Ramadan, with emphasis on adherence to laws and regulations governing the collection of money. At the same time, he noted the role played by civil society institutions, especially charitable and social associations, for the elevation and prosperity of society, and the care of vulnerable segments such as low-income people, the infirm, widows, orphans, people with special needs and various other segments of society.

In a meeting held by the management of Al-Ahlia University with the heads of charitable and social associations and representatives of the Board of Directors of Medpoint Events Company, Sheikha Noura bint Khalifa Al-Khalifa at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Prof. Al-Hawaj stressed that effective participation in serving the local community is no less important for those in charge of Al-Ahlia University than graduating qualified scientific competencies needed by the community and required by the labor market.
He said that the doors of Al-Ahlia University are open to charitable and social associations to benefit from the university's academics and researchers in providing workshops, lectures and the like, as well as to benefit from the university's students in various initiatives and development and charitable projects, especially since the university takes care of providing its students with values and ideals that promote the spirit of initiative, volunteerism and community service in them. Prof. Al-Hawaj thanked the heads and representatives of the associations for their response to the invitation and for attending this meeting.

For his part, the President of Al-Ahliyya University, Prof. Mansour Al-Aali, stressed that community service is one of the essence of the responsibilities of Al-Ahliyya University, whether in its educational or research activities, as a strategic goal and an imperative necessity imposed by the rapid changes of life, noting that community service is an original function of prestigious universities, and one of the reasons why universities occupy advanced positions in the global rankings of higher education institutions.

He added: Al-Ahliyya chose not to limit itself to the transfer of knowledge to its students within the walls of the university only, and to take the initiative to serve the community and discuss its social, educational, political, cultural, health, environmental and other problems.

For her part, Sheikha Noura bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of Medpoint Events Organizing Company and owner of The Nine Training Center, praised the Center's readiness to provide various possible support to charitable and social associations, such as teaching English to the children and nationals of these associations, or providing other training courses, whether for parents through associations or for administrative and technical cadres working in the associations themselves.

Sheikha Noura expressed her pride in the role played by charitable and social associations and their efforts to improve the children of Bahraini society.

The Community Service Committee at Al-Ahliyya University plays a community role in advancing the wheel of development, with the aim of meeting the various developmental needs of society, which is the third function of the National University after teaching and scientific research, where the University seeks to provide various programs to the local community in the skill, cultural and social fields, with great interest in keeping pace with the changes and developments in information and communication technology and knowledge management and organization.