Bethlehem University News (BUN)

-Vice Chancellor Launches Strategic Planning Process

Comments by Dr. Colette Dowling
Comments by Dr. Conor Ward

-Visits to the University

-Students Rally to Raise Consciousness
-Seminarian Cooperation
-Activities in the Music Room
-University Students Participate in the World Youth Day
-The Youssef Plaza ..... Central Campus Receives a Face Lift

-University Delegation Travels to Chile

-Bethlehem University Prepares to Celebrate its Silver Jubilee
-University Delegation Travels to Abu Dhabi
-The Campus Corner .... A Corner on Campus With Gifts for Everyone
-Scholarship Aid
-Publications
-Faculty Members Present Papers
-Academic Visits
-Workshops and Short Courses

Vice Chancellor Launches Strategic Planning Process

On November 26, 1997, Brother Vincent Malham, Vice Chancellor, convoked the University Community to officially launch the Universityís Five- Year Strategic Planning Process. All of the University community was invited to attend. The presentation outlined a process of developing a Vision for the University as it enters the 21st century, and guidelines for the exploration of these dynamic changes. As part of the presentation, Brother Vincent invited the Universityís strategic analysts, Drs. Colette Dowling and Conor Ward, to elaborate on this process. Excerpts from the presentations:

Brother Vincent:

The founders of the University were farsighted and courageous. At a very low moment in the history of Palestine they gave us a purpose "to serve the people of the West Bank and Gaza," and they set before us the goals of this University that we know so well. The University and all its members, past and present, can be proud of the service given in the 25 years since Bethlehem University was founded.

I have asked you to come here today to launch a process of strategic planning to move us into our next five years. Today I invite everyone in our university to put their minds and energies into a strategic planning process for a University for the New Palestine in the New Millennium. This is a serious undertaking, a critical decision to continue the evolution and development of Bethlehem University. The idea is that we as a University Community think and plan, together and individually, about our University as a whole and about all its constituent parts, about where we have come in the past 25 years and where we would like to be five years from now.

We are fortunate in not having to begin this process from the beginning for a great deal of thinking and planning has already been done in recent years. We want to build on these initiatives and go on to an even more ambitious undertaking.

So what is the planning process we are beginning today? My proposal is that over the next six months we work to develop a Creative Vision of a University for a New Palestine in the New Millennium. Some of the obvious themes which come readily to mind are the following:

1. Enhancement of our Undergraduate Education
2. Involvement: National and Local (including Adult and Continuing Education).
3. Interdisciplinary Initiatives
4. Research and Development
5. International Linkages
6. Resources to Realize the Plan
7. Graduate Programs
8. Structure and Administration

In addition, we will also want to think about how we might improve our conditions of work and our physical facilities and campus environment. The policies of the Ministry of Higher Education will be our context in our Five- Year Development Plan.

In this context, I find the following quotation by Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Minister of Higher Education, insightful and encouraging: "Throughout their long and turbulent history, the Palestinian people have relied on the human resources, particularly the human mind and skills, to sustain their survival and development as a nation."

What I first want us to do is to think ahead creatively, to come up with a Vision which reflects our hopes and our aspirations. It will require a delicate balance: to think without being constrained by the present difficulties and limitations, yet not to be completely unrealistic or completely oblivious to reality. And what I want very much is that everybody think and discuss and contribute to this process. It is important that the process involve as many persons from as many constituencies of the University as possible.

Todayís meeting officially announces the Planning Process, gives reason for beginning it now and tries to stimulate discussion and inspire ideas. It presents an overview of the process: what will be involved and how it will work. It will include thoughts on how the process will work and the format for responses:

Narrative Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Problems, and Start-up - Vision for Bethlehem University as a whole Narrative Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Problems, and Start-up - Visions for responding unit (department, faculty, office). All will be given an opportunity to respond.

In June 1988, the Vice Chancellor will produce a Development Plan, the first phase of the Strategic Planning Process. The Second Phase, the Implementation of the Vision, will be done in the Fall of 1998.

Integral to this process is a core group of university persons who will analyze and synthesize the wealth of material coming in at periodical intervals in the process. May I emphasize that this group will function not as a Committee, but rather as a Team, persons who will represent and work for the entire University. We are grateful to them in advance for the strategic role they will play in our strategic planning process. They are: Dr. Henri Jaqaman; Dr. Hind Salman; Ms. Hala Yamani; Dr. Aziz Khalil; Ms. Elsa Hazboun; Brother David Scarpa. I am also pleased to announce that Mr. Sami El-Youssef has graciously accepted the important role as Coordinator for the Working Team.

Development is not easy, because it involves changing what has become normal. But change we must if we are to be forgers of the future rather than prisoners of the past.

Comments by Dr. Colette Dowling:

Bethlehem University has seen many changes in the past 10 years. In 1987, it was relatively small in terms of students and staff numbers. The campus was small, self contained; there were fewer courses, fewer options; the library was smaller, there was no Palestinian collection; there was very little research, not a computer in sight; we were lucky to have a phone-line. But at least there were no traffic jams. Today we see an increase in number and physical size; there is the Social-Cultural Center and Bethlehem Hall. There are more options, extensive computer facilities, with Networks, e-mail and internet connections; the library has greatly expanded and now even contains a satellite connection for distance learning.

During the past 10 years I have met many outside Bethlehem University and the Bethlehem area; these meetings have been with local people, with other universities, NGOs, the E.U. and governments of other countries, and more recently with government ministries.

All I have met have a very positive image of Bethlehem University, and have a great respect for Bethlehem University, in several areas:

a) The quality of graduates reflecting the standard of
    education and in turn the quality of the staff,
    academic, administrative and support: it also
    involves maintenance of standards.

b) The attitude of expansion and development; open yet
    careful, solidly based, realistic.

c) Accountability in terms of funding, in relation to
    payment of staff, of bills, of research grants.

d) In research abilities and reputation, with the E.U.,
    Irish Aid, and other bodies.

e) Contribution to the Palestinian Community; Bethlehem
    University is seen as not only committed to its staff
    and students and their development, but also to the
    community at large. Do not forget that Bethlehem
    University led the way in this.

Bethlehem University must build on its strengths that are so obvious to others; its standards; its quality education; the caliber, dedication and commitment of all its staff; its good solid base; its steady progress. Bethlehem University must be proud to lift its head, and take its place among the leaders of the academic community in this country.

Bethlehem University can give the lead in responding to the Ministerís "Rationalization Plan" by doing this self evaluation and producing this development plan. You should not do it quietly or meekly, but loudly and proudly, to show that Bethlehem University is not afraid to look at itself, has nothing to hide, is proud of what it does, and is not afraid to propose change if necessary, to take on new things; to show the Minister, other universities, the local and international community, funders, etc, that Bethlehem University is still a leader in these things.

The Administration shows great courage in initiating this discussion and in giving everyone at Bethlehem University this opportunity to participate. The University community must show courage by joining the Administration in having Bethlehem University take the lead.

This is a very exciting and interesting time for Palestine. It is also a very difficult time. But I know Bethlehem University, I know the people here, I know you have the capacity and capability to do this. I am very excited to be here for the start of this adventure. I see it as a great challenge and a great opportunity. I have always been proud to be associated with Bethlehem University, and always happy to see the response from outsiders when I say I am from Bethlehem University. I hope I can be here in six years time to review and see the progress made.

Comments by Dr. Conor Ward:

Dr. Ward spoke about his experience with a similar Development Plan at another University, where the Vice Chancellor was asked to prepare a Survival Plan during very difficult circumstances including financial difficulties. Their Vice Chancellor decided to produce a Development Plan. Instead of asking the Executive Council or the Academic Council to produce the Development Plan, he invited the university community to contribute their own ideas and consult people outside the University, and, indeed, outside the country. Everyone in the Universrty community was invited to put forward suggestions.

When everybody in the University began thinking and suggesting and talking together, we found inspiration and encouragement and we found ways to do things. Things which had seemed impossible, things which had been impossible, became possible as we discussed, struggled with ideas and launched experiments. A lot of people were amazed to find what could be done with imagination and flexibility and new ways of cooperating. For example, I brought from Bethlehem the idea of reversing closures and make-ups with the suggestion of a make-up period in the weekly timetable of a subject to make possible full use of a visiting teacher to replace Faculty lost in cutbacks.

In fact, the whole outcome of the Planning process was amazing. It gave all of us new energy and it stimulated confidence and a sense that if we all put our ideas together and worked on them together we could do much more than anyone thought possible.

With confidence, one can say that something similar will be true in the Bethlehem University Development Plan. The ideas and inspirations and efforts of everyone together will achieve great things.

Visits to the University

This has been a busy semester with many international and local visits to the University. We are always keen to welcome our friends whenever they happen to be in the Country, and whenever they would like to visit us. Such visits constitute a great opportunity to stay in touch.

On Wednesday, October 22, 1997, we were visited by a group of 35 persons from the Chicago Theological Union. They met with Brother Neil Kieffe, Academic Vice President. Then they toured the campus, had lunch at Hotel Management, and met with staff and students. Also Brother Cyril Litecky, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, brought a group of Knights of the Holy Sepulcher from St. Paul, Minnesota, to campus on October 27. Among other visits, our Vice Chancellor, Brother Vincent Malham, met with a group from St. Albanís Parish from Missouri, U.S.A., on November 14, 1997.

On another occasion, Christian Brothers from Jaffa, Nazareth, and Jerusalem, joined with the Christian Brothers of the University, on November 2, in a memorial service for the 90 Christian Brothers buried in the Crypt of the University library.

This is just to name some of the visits we had, as we move forward seeking a brighter future. Throughout last semester, we got to share our vision during many meetings with official representatives of countries and organizations with whom we are strengthening the cooperation ties. The possibilities are enormous, and at a time when the world is increasingly becoming a global village, Bethlehem University is doing its best to contribute. Following is some information about such meetings, held at the University:

- H.E. Mr. Jorge Alberto Lozoya, Ambassador of Mexico, visited on September 8, 1997, for talks about developing areas of cooperation.

- On October 2, 1997, H.E. Mr. Faisal Husseini, Palestinian Minister for Jerusalem Affairs, met with the University Administration and the various Deans.

- October 30, 1997, Monsignor Robert Fuglister, President of Association En Faveur de la Bethlehem University, of Switzerland; and Mr. Klaus Rollin, Head of the Kinderhilfe Bethlehem, visited the University. They met with Brother Vincent Malham, the Vice Chancellor, and Brother Jerome Sullivan, Vice President for Development.

- On November 17, 1997, Mr. Enrico Nardi, Consul General of Italy, visited to discuss expanding areas of cooperation in the fields of art and culture, and the possibility of supporting the Universityís developmental efforts.

- On November 18, 1997, Mr. Yehya Yakhlef, Deputy Minister of Culture, visited the University and met with Dr. Manuel Hassassian, Executive Vice President.

- On November 24, Don Enrique Illa Sanz, KHS, from Navarra Spain, visited the University with his wife, Theresa. They met with Dr. Jacqueline Sfeir, Dean of the Faculty of Education. The Government of Navarra supports our Early Childhood Program.

We would like to express our thanks to all those who took the time to visit us. It is only through the support we receive from the many friends of Bethlehem University that we can go through the journey towards a better future.

Students Rally to Raise Consciousness

On October 9, 1997, the Youth Movement held a ceremony commemorating the 61 martyrs who were murdered in September, 1996, by Israeli soldiers following the opening of a tunnel under Al-Aqsa Mosque. The ceremony included a photo exhibition, video footage, and a musical show.

Also, during the solidarity week with Palestinian political prisoners, the Cultural Club held a book exhibition of more than 1,000 titles in literature, politics, culture, academic topics, and children literature. Discounts of 15 - 20 % were offered to students.

During this semester, Itaf Elayan, a freshman student in Arts, was arrested by the Israeli army on October 20, 1997. She is under administrative detention and no specific charge has been filed against her. Itaf went on hunger strike on October 22. After 19 days her fellow students became aware of the situationbut. A solidarity tent was placed on central campus, and speeches were given by the University Administration, the Student Council, and the various student groups. Itafís hunger strike lasted for 40 days.

Seminarian Cooperation

A collaboration project has been launched in the various religious areas, between the Cremisan Seminarians, both Arabic and English speakers, and Bethlehem University students. Sister Patricia is already organizing a weekly reflection and prayer group to begin this new cooperation project.

Activities in the Music Room

This semester was quite a fruitful one in the line of concerts held in the Music Room of Bethlehem University.

The Apple Hill Chamber Players were the first group to give a concert for both students and guests. The next concert was given by the brilliant Czech cellist Jiri Barta. This concert was followed the Upper Valley Duo, a concert by a French guitarist, and another concert given by Peter Sulski, a viola player and a member of the London Symphony Orchestra.

University Students Participate in the World Youth Day

Sister Patricia Crokford traveled to France with a group of 40 students from Bethlehem University, after the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Monsignor Michel Sabbah, expressed his desire for the participation of youth from his diocese in the World Youth Day in August 1997. The University Group joined a larger christian group of 300 young people from Jordan and Galilee.

The students spent two weeks in France and visited Taize, Lourdes and Tarbes. The second week was the most exciting of the whole trip. Youth from over 160 countries representing the five continents were brought together to worship with the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, who came to meet them and celebrate two High Masses for them.

The youth crowded the streets of Paris and joined together as one big family. There were no barriers of race or tongue. A million and a half young people joined hands around the outskirts of Paris and the bells of all the churches in France pealed together at the same moment in a prayer for peace.

The students were truly impressed with their experience and they were happy to feel that they belonged to one big christian family.

The Youssef Plaza ..... Central Campus Receives a Face Lift

The idea started with the need for a relaxing and esthetic location on campus. After looking at the main entrance of the campus with the old crumbling asphalt, someone suggested a fountain surrounded by flower beds! Brother Vincent Malham, as the new Vice Chancellor, fully supported the idea, and with the generous help of Mr. Tawfic Mansour, Palestinian from Abu Dhabi, the dream came true. In appreciation, the new Youssef Plaza was named after the father of Mr. Mansour.

The fountain is built of local stones with ceramic tiles inside. The main fountain head provides different shapes of water, and two smaller heads are located on either side of it. A filtration system helps keep the water clean and a lighting system allows people to enjoy it at night.

Three flower beds were built around the fountain with a seating area for students and staff. There is an old tree with one small flower bed at the corner, and a stone seating area at the other corner of the fountain. The University community is delighted about it. When walking around the new Plaza, one can see students either studying here or there, in this corner or that one, or even just strolling around or chatting. The noise of the running water and the endless flow of people and conversations at The Youssef Plaza mix together in a natural harmonious orchestra.

The new esthetic touch on central campus creates a warm and friendly impression. It is no surprise then that many brides come to the University especially to have their pictures taken around the fountain.

University Delegation Travels to Chile

On October 20th a delegation from Bethlehem University traveled to Santiago, Chile, with two purposes in mind. The first was to attend the 19th General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, and the second was to meet with members of the Palestinian community in Santiago in order to acquaint them with the educational programs and needs of Bethlehem University.

The delegation which included Brother Vincent Malham, Vice Chancellor, Monsegnior Raouf Najjar, President, and Brother Jerome Sullivan, Vice President for Development, attended the five day General Assembly with 180 educators from around the world. The presentations, workshops and round table discussions centered on the technical, social, economic, and political challenges that face Catholic Universities as they enter the new millennium.

During these days, the delegation also met with various members of the Palestinian community in Santiago. They were graciously received by H.E. Mr. Hussein Ali, Ambassador of the Palestinian Authority in Chile. The Ambassador organized several dinners and meetings to enable the delegation to speak about the special role that Bethlehem University plays in the lives of young Palestinians. A formal meeting, organized and attended by the Ambassador and about 40 members of the Palestinian Club, was held on Saturday, October 24 to initiate the formation of an association of "Friends of Bethlehem University". The principal purpose of this association will be to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships to the University.

The trip was considered a success. The delegation was very impressed by the warm welcome they received from the Ambassador and the Palestinian community in Santiago, and with their strong belief in the necessity of a quality university education for the young people of Palestine.

Bethlehem University Prepares to Celebrate its Silver Jubilee

From a very simple and small beginning in October, 1973, Bethlehem University is now preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary in October 1998.

Bethlehem University was founded in 1973 in the city of Bethlehem on the existing property and buildings of the Freres des Ecoles Chretiennes by the Congregation of the Oriental Churches. The University is open to all Palestinian students of the West Bank and Gaza, is open to teachers and students of all religions and carefully respects the individualís religious principles.

Bethlehem University now serves 2,000 Palestinian students, both Christian and Moslem, in Faculties of Arts, Business, Education, Nursing and Science along with an Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism. The campus has expanded from the one main building constructed in 1893 to the seven present buildings.

In order to plan for the October 1998 Silver Jubilee of Bethlehem University, a special committee was appointed, holding its first meeting in December, 1996. At this meeting a brainstorming session was conducted which generated ideas regarding the Silver Jubilee.

Special working groups were established in the following areas:

Publicity
Publications
Celebrations
Homecomings
Jubilee Items

A special Bethlehem University Silver Jubilee logo was created. This special logo will appear on all Silver Jubilee items.

The Items Committee has produced a special Desk Top Silver Jubilee Calendar for 1998. This calendar features photos of Bethlehem University for each month of the 1998 year. The Desk Top Silver Jubilee Calendar was presented to faculty and staff at the 199 Fall Semester Faculty Meeting.

The Desk Top Silver Jubilee Calendar for 1998 is available at the Bethlehem University Gift Shop for 10 NIS each or $3.00.

A pocket Silver Jubilee Calendar for 1998 was presented to all students at the time of Fall registration.

The Publications Committee has plans to publish a special Silver Jubilee Book in Arabic and English. This will include a history of Bethlehem University as well as statements from several people who were involved at the start of Bethlehem University in 1973.

Further plans for the Silver Jubilee of Bethlehem University will be announced as we move close to the start of 1998.

University Delegation Travels to Abu Dhabi

With the aim of establishing cooperation ties with the Palestinian and Arab community of Abu Dhabi, and in order to seek support for the Universityís developmental plans, a delegation of senior University representatives traveled to Abu Dhabi, between June 9 and 10, 1997. The delegation consisted of Monsignor Raouf Al-Najjar, University President; Brother Vincent Malham, the Vice Chancellor; and Dr. Manuel Hassassian, Executive Vice President.

Meetings were held with H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Ibn Mubarak Al-Nahyan, Abu Dhabiís Minister of Higher Education. Other meetings were held with the Zayed Ben Sultan Al-Nahyan Institute for Charity and Humanitarian Work, and with the Arab Development Fund.

A reception was held at the house of Mr. Anton Kattan, Bethlehem businessman and a resident of Abu Dhabi. A Committee of Friends of Bethlehem University was established, headed by Mr. Kattan.

This visit gave the University representatives an opportunity to talk about the Universityís history, needs, priorities, and vision for the future. A fund raising activity will be held in Abu Dhabi, on February 19, 1998, in order to support the various projects of Bethlehem University.

The visit generated support for the establishment of a plaza area on central campus. Support was generated as well for establishing a giftshop on campus, which provides an opportunity to sell Bethlehem University souvenir items, This project can sustain itself and contribute to the Universityís development plans.

The Campus Corner .... A Corner on Campus With Gifts for Everyone

The Campus Corner, opened by our Vice Chancellor, Brother Vincent Malham, on October 30, 1997, features a variety of Bethlehem University souvenirs and memorabilia items. The long-awaited gift shop materialized after the visit to Abu Dhabi, thanks to Mr. Tawfic Mansour, it became possible to utilize some of his donation as seed money to establish the Campus Corner.

University officials are optimistic about the prospects of the Campus Corner generating enough funds to sustain itself, and to cover some other expenses here and there which the University might have.

The Campus Corner strengthens the close ties which many people have with Bethlehem University. It allows people to proudly proclaim that attachment through stationary, T-shirts, and a large variety of decorative items at affordable prices. The corner is an attraction for a broad range of students, friends of the University, and tourists.

The opening the Campus Corner could not have come at a better time. With preparations under way for the Bethlehem 2000 celebrations, and with the University celebrating its Silver Jubilee in 1998, we are preparing to host a large number of friends from all over the world, and the University is now more prepared to serve them.

Scholarship Aid

As a fine institution, Bethlehem University is not content to rest on its laurels. Our pride must be based on continuing achievement. With this issue of the newsletter, Bethlehem University begins an effort to ensure that its mission to serve Palestinian youth will continue - and indeed, grow even stronger - during the next 25 years.

Bethlehem University, the only Catholic University in the Holy Land, was founded 25 years ago to provide a superior education for talented young men and women in the West Bank and Gaza. To maintain this tradition, Bethlehem University must continue to offer scholarships to students of academic merit.

Bethlehem University tradition also holds that qualified students should not be denied access to a superior education - whatever their financial means. To remain true to its heritage, the University must continue to provide financial assistance to worthy but needy students.

The University seeks to increase its Scholarship Program. Please share in our mission to serve these talented but disadvantaged young men and women. An envelope for scholarship donations, with membership in various clubs, is included in this mailing. Donors will be recognized in the Spring issue of this newsletter.

Publications

Dr. Alfred Abed-Rabbo (Chemistry Department) published a paper entitled "A Study of Water Quality and Hydrochemistry of the Herodian - Beit Fajjar Wells - West Bank" in Bethlehem University Journal, Vol. 16, 1997.

Dr. Adnan Shqueir (Biology Department) published a paper entitled "Environmental Conditions in Palestine" in Qatar University Science Journal, (1997).

Br. David Scarpa (Biology Department) published a paper entitled "Herodion - Beit Fajjar Well Field" in Shaqaíq Al Nuíman, Vol. 11, 1997.

Dr. Walid Mustafa (Humanities Department) published a book entitled "Jerusalem - Population and Urbanization 1850 - 1996". The book was published by JMCC - Jerusalem, 1997.

Faculty Members Present Papers

Dr. Adnan Shqueir (Biology Department) presented a paper on "Environmental Conditions in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip" at the Arava Institute of Environment Conference held in Israel on November 17, 1997.

Dr. Qustandi Shomali (Arabic Department) presented two papers:

- "The Translation Movement in Palestine: The Pioneers" at the Arab World Institute in Paris on June 1, 1997, and

- "Bethlehem 2000: Cultural Tourism & Sustainable Development" at the international conference "Le Tourisme Culturel comme forme díinterculturalite" held in Tunis by the Ministry of Culture & UNESCO, 23 - 25 October 1997

Br. David Scarpa (Biology Department) presented a paper on "Pliocene-Pleistocene Palaeolakes in the Arava Valley, Southern Israel, Ostracods and Homo Erectus" at the 13th International Symposium on Ostracoda held at the University of Greenwich, U.K. between July 28th - 31st, 1997.

Dr. Hanna Tushyeh (English Department) presented a paper on "The Teaching of Contrastive Linguistics at Palestinian Universities" at the First International Conference on Contrastive Linguistics held at the University of Jordan, Amman between August 20 -25, 1997.

Dr. Lesley Dawson (Rehabilitation Studies) presented a paper on "Multi Disciplinary Care of the Elderly in Palestine" at the COHEHRE Conference held in Warsaw, Poland on October 17, 1997.

Dr. Walid Mustafa (Humanities Department) presented a paper on "Demographic Changes in Jerusalem During the Israeli Occupation" at the First Academic Conference held at Al-Quds University, Jerusalem on November 3, 1997.

Academic Visits

Dr. Lesley Dawson (Rehabilitation Studies) visited Medyczine Studiom Zawodowe Nr. 4, Poland on October 20, 1997 to develop links in physiotherapy.

Dr. Violet Fasheh (Education Department) visited Jugendamt - Institute for Youth Exchange Programs, Cologne between November 2 -6, 1997 to attend a conference on "Concepts for the Prevention of Addiction and Drug Abuse by Children and Youth".

Dr. Qustandi Shomali (Arabic Department) visited Frei University in Berlin, Germany, in July and August 1997 to conduct a research on the Palestinian Arabic Press.

Dr. Walid Shomaly (Chemistry Department) visited the University of Konstanz, Germany in July and August 1997 to conduct, in collaboration with Professor Helmut Fischer, a research on carbonyl and vinylidene complexes of the tungsten.

Workshops and Short Courses

Dr. Adnan Shqueir (Biology Department) conducted a workshop on "Management of Agricultural Research in Palestine" organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and held in Ramallah on October 10, 1997. Dr. Shqueir also conducted a workshop on "Nutritive Value of Quick Snacks in the West Bank" organized by the Consumer Protection Society and held in Bethlehem on September 25, 1997.

Br. David Scarpa (Biology Department) conducted a workshop on "National Laboratory and Field Quality Assurance" organized by William J. Shampine and held in Harel Yehuda, Israel on September 25, 1997.

Ms. Diane Abraham (Nursing Department) conducted a workshop on "Identifying Health Planning Needs - Bethlehem Region" organized by the Health Planning/Statistics Ministry and held in Bethlehem in October, 1997.

Dr. Hanna Tushyeh (English Department) conducted a workshop on "How To Communicate Better as an English Language Teacher" organized by the Greek Orthodox School System and held in Beit Sahour on November 27, 1997.

Dr. Lesley Dawson (Rehabilitation Studies) attended a workshop on "Multi-Disciplinary Care of the Elderly" organized by Medical Education Center / Warsaw and held in Warsaw / Poland between October 16 -19, 1997.

Fr. Peter Dubrul (Humanities Department) gave two short courses to the Latin Patriarchate Seminary and the Salesian Theology Institute - Cremisan on "The Apocalypse of St. John" between September 6 - October 4 and November 8 - December 20, 1997.

Dr. Violet Fasheh (Education Department) attended a short course on "Conflict Analysis and Resolution" organized by the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution - George Mason University, Virginia and held between June 25 - July 18, 1997.