Birzeit University commences classes for 2023/2024 academic year
On September 23, 2023, Birzeit University launched the 2023-24 academic year and welcomed 14,000 students enrolled in its bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate students across nine faculties.
Birzeit University President Dr. Talah Shahwan welcomed the new students and wished the university community a prosperous academic year. He maintained, “With the start of this semester, we approach the 100th anniversary of the university, whose roots dates back to 1924. With time, sacrifices and selfless contribution, what started as an elementary school for girls became one of the most important higher education institutions in the region: a university that combines academic excellence, pioneering activities and community engagement.”
He elaborated “We will continue working together to adopt initiatives for intellectual production and establish programs that take into account academic development, local and regional conditions and modern global trends in line with Birzeit University’s national vision, identity and mission. Together, we will strive to develop the university’s academic, administrative and technical cadre in line with the university’s strategic approaches to achieve educational and research development as well as effective digital transformation. We will also continue the automation of administrative and financial processes to increase efficiency and promote transparency and credibility. Among our top priorities are developing the public space, enhancing infrastructure maintenance, and promoting a smart, green campus. We will strengthen the resources of the university in accordance with its identity and role to achieve future projects and endeavors.”
Dr. Shahwan asserted, “Birzeit University spares no effort in providing an exemplary university atmosphere that encourages students to excel academically and to engage with other students and professors on campus to experience a rich student life that will build their character and develop their skills. In addition to pursuing academic excellence, I urge you to seize this opportunity by engaging in various extracurricular activities, as it is an integral part of the learning experience and student life on campus.”
Dr. Wael Hashlamoun, vice president for Academic Development, maintained, “We are proud to launch three new bachelor’s programs this year. The new pharmacy program seeks to graduate highly-educated and well-trained pharmacists to enrich the sector of pharmaceutical research and development locally and regionally. The new bachelor’s program in medical laboratory seeks to graduate qualified specialists with scientific knowledge and high practical skills to work in and lead development in medical laboratories. It also aspires to prepare students to join graduate programs and raise the level of medical laboratory and health services in Palestine. As for the forensic sciences program, it is a multidisciplinary program that deals with the application of the methods of science to legal matters. A typical bachelor program in forensic sciences combines theoretical and practical experience to equip its graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead in this fast-developing field.”
He added, “Birzeit University also launched a new master’s program in critical cultural studies, which seeks to equip students with critical, cultural and practical knowledge to promote Palestinian and Arab cultural scenes. It will cover themes in history, literature, architecture and institutional management to examine critical knowledge in the context of Arab and global struggles with a focus on the Palestinian struggle.”
