Student Affairs
BZU students come from diverse backgrounds and the University is committed to enhancing student dialogue and democratic discussions, as well as promoting cultural and educational extra-curricular activities. All student activities are coordinated by the annually-elected Student Council, which is run by an eleven-member executive committee supervised by a 51-member student parliament.
Ever since 1972, the number of students attending the University has progressively grown. From a student body of 239 students in 1972, the number has grown to 7,649 students in 2006 - 2007, approximately 54% of whom are females. Students come from all regions of the West Bank and Gaza, from cities, villages, and refugee camps; thus the student body represents a wide cross-section of the Palestinian society. The University offers limited housing facilities for female students; the majority of students live in rented apartments in Ramallah and Birzeit.
Birzeit University seeks to equip its students with broad in-depth knowledge through its comprehensive academic programs; it also seeks to develop their cultural and social awareness by providing them with opportunities to participate in academic, social and cultural activities held on campus. These activities are supervised and coordinated by the Office of Student Affairs which also supervises the work of the Student Council.
1. Extra-curricular Activities
The division organizes educational and recreational expeditions, lectures and literary festivals, theatrical and musical events.
2. Student Counseling
This division provides counseling service either by appointment or on walk-in basis to all students at the University. Its overall objective is to facilitate the personal and educational growth of students. The specialized counseling staff provides a variety of programs that include personal growth counseling, development of learning skills, counseling for the disabled, crisis intervention, outreach and consultation. Procedures used include individual and group counseling that incorporate a variety of therapeutic approaches.
3. Community Work Program
Since 1972, every undergraduate student has been required to complete 120 hours of community service in order to fulfill graduation requirements, making voluntary community work an integral part of students life at BZU.
The Student Council
All student activities are supervised and coordinated by the Student Council whose executive committee consists of members annually elected by the student body. The Student Council aims at forming an enlightened student body and at creating a cooperative spirit among the various groups in the University.
The Student Council coordinates with the Office of Student Affairs a wide range of cultural events, including art, photo, and book exhibits, concerts, and folk and literary festivals. The Student Council also assists with the planning for the international work camps for students in the summer, as well as planning for community work projects. In addition, it publishes a student newspaper as well as other occasional publications.
The Student Council has a number of internal working committees. They also have representatives in various administrative committees within the University body that are directly related to student affairs, such as the Admissions Committee, the Financial Aid Committee and the Disciplinary Committee.
