Student Senate

Bethlehem University provides for its students an environment characterized by pluralism, openness and respect. Students come together from various social and religious backgrounds, from cities, villages and refugee camps. 

The vibrant, dynamic quality of Bethlehem University is evident in the rich campus life and activities enjoyed by its students. This may be expressed in drama, music and dance, and in active involvement in social and environmental issues. 

The University has developed from its humble origins in 1973, when there were only about 100 students, to the more than 2000 of its present enrollment. 

Among the 260 members of the University administration, faculty and staff, there are 13 De La Salle Christian Brothers. 

Growth continues despite the painful political realities and consequent suffering of the Palestinian people. This growth is apparent in Turathuna the Palestinian Cultural and Heritage Center, and the New Office and Classroom Building, currently under construction and scheduled for completion by October 2001. 

Bethlehem University enters the 21st century in a spirit of enthusiasm and hope, together with a consciousness of the moral values and principles that have guided it from its foundation.

The student body is represented by the Student Senate, elected by the students during the spring semester of each academic year. The Senate is comprised of two bodies, the Conference and the Secretariat. The total number of the members of the conference is 31, who are elected by the student body through a system of proportional representation. The Secretariat consists of 11 members who are designated by the Conference. Members of the Secretariat should be members of the Conference, and have to receive the a vote of confidence of 51% of the Conference members. The Secretariat consists of a president, vice-president, secretary general, treasurer, and secretaries of the following committees: Social, Cultural, Folklore, Arts, Sport, Academic, Public and External Relations, and Environment and Health.

The aims of the Student Senate are:

a) to represent the general student body.
b) to serve as a recognized channel of communication between students and University authorities.
c) to foster loyalty and concern for the University among the student body.
d) to enhance the students' sense of responsibility and leadership.
e) to promote good relations among the students, as well as between students and staff, and between students and the administration.
f) to encourage interest in academic affairs and to strive constantly to improve the image and reputation of the University as a center of scholastic excellence.

Student Activities
The University promotes a variety of extracurricular activities. The administration, staff and students participate in activities such as the following:

Lectures and Discussions
Guest speakers and faculty members deliver lectures on various topics.

Athletics
Athletic activities and matches are held with other Palestinian and neighboring Arab Universities and educational organizations throughout the sport seasons. The athletic department also organizes intramural sport activities for students, faculty and staff throughout the academic year.

Student Committees:
In cooperation with the Student Senate, the administration and the faculty, the students' committees organize and conduct activities such as exhibitions, seminars, lectures, social parties and meetings. There are several students' committees.

The Social Committee organizes activities such as parties, excursions, and volunteer work.

The Cultural Committee organizes activities such as conferences, discussion groups, book exhibitions and literary competitions.

The Art and Folklore Committee organizes activities such as music, drawing, painting, theater, native heritage exhibitions, fairs and dances for the public.

The Sports Committee cooperates with the Physical Education Department for sports activities on and off campus.

The Academic Committee organizes seminars concerning academic programs, recognizing excellent students, and other student academic concerns.

The Public and External Relations Committee plans and works for strengthening relations between the student body and various Palestinian organizations, in addition to maintaining relations with international student bodies and youth organizations.

The Environment and Health Committee works to reinvigorate the spirit of volunteering and commitment to Bethlehem University., in addition to creating public awareness about ecological problems and the preservation of University properties.

Student Senate Secretariat:

• Mr. Ibrahim Abbas, President.
• Mr. Mouhannad Sabbah, Vice President.
• Mr. Akef Al-Azzeh, Secretary.
• Mr. Samer Al-Alam, Financial Secretary.
• Mr. Othman Abu Zneid, Secretary of the Academic Committee.
• Mr. Firas Jaber, Secretary of the Cultural Committee.
• Mr. Sami Hassouneh, Secretary of the Social Committee.
• Mr. Sami Salhab, Secretary of the Arts and National Tradition Committee.
• Mr. Hamdi Al-Mas'aeed, Secretary of the Sports Committee.
• Mr. Ibrahim Khleif, Secretary of the International and Public Relations Committee.
• Mr. Ahmad Al-Azzeh, Secretary of the Environment and Health Committee.