1.1 High morale, motivation and self-esteem are essential elements in the development of a good working and learning environment.

The University will achieve its primary goal of fostering the development of the whole person only if students are given opportunities for personal as well as professional development.

While recognizing that the university is first and foremost a center for academic excellence, care must be taken to provide conditions that allow for intellectual and moral growth of young adults. The university educational experience must not be focused too narrowly on the curriculum content.

1.2 At present student support and personal development needs at Bethlehem University are served by a Dean of Students, the Student Affairs Committee, Al Waha (an area for social meetings), a Counseling Office and a Medical Doctor. In addition there is the Student Senate.

2. Major Issues Emerging from Responses and Consultation

2.1 Considerable attention was given to the issue of the development of a well-rounded student and to helping young people improve their lives. Suggestions made to develop this side of university life include the provision of opportunities for more social interaction, introduction of non-curricular activities such as sports, cultural and artistic, including inter-university endeavors. These activities help stimulate creativity and foster interests which will stay with the individual throughout life. Team work and competition can help develop many desirable qualities such as self-confidence and pride, responsibility and leadership and a group identity.

The formation of dialogue groups to promote discussion was also recommended to help students to develop and air their ideas and views on a wide range of topics from political and economic to social and cultural.

A number of respondents referred to the need for developing social relationships among students, firstly within the university and also by networking with student organizations locally, regionally and internationally.

2.2 A survey of Bethlehem University students (a random sample of 500 students of whom 448 responded, Shokeh, 1996.) showed that 78% felt that the Student Senate did not adequately meet students' needs. The report concluded that 'the student senate and the student faction movement must undertake a complete change in order to achieve the needs and ambitions of the students at Bethlehem University.' The concerns voiced by students in the survey were also expressed in responses, particularly from within Bethlehem University.

2.3 The need for more extensive psychological and counseling services is clearly an important issue, particularly to help students adapt to university life and to deal with personal, health and financial problems.

3 Proposed Initiatives

• Expansion of career guidance, psychological counseling and health-care services.
• Increase in communication opportunities

  -greater opportunities for teaching staff and student contact outside the class room

  -promotion of social activities involving staff and students.

• The Student Survey (1996) suggests that the Student Senate should be encouraged and facilitated to carry out self-evaluation of their role and how best they may serve the needs of the students.
• Development of student activity groups to promote cultural, artistic, sporting and discussion activities.
• Development of facilities to encourage social interaction and relationship building, e.g., coffee bar, snack bar, shops for stationery, newspapers, magazines etc., (open in evenings when there are evening access arrangements), and various activity groups for movies, books, music, photography, dancing, aerobics, etc.
• Increased access to campus outside class hours.
• Expansion of the orientation program for first year students to familiarize them with college life, activities and facilities on the campus, and University Rules and Regulations.