1.1 The growth of the student body and the corresponding increase in staff over the past 25 years has placed increasing pressure on space and facilities at Bethlehem University.

1.2 Given the present political and economic climate in Palestine and the absence of public funds for university capital development, any further development at Bethlehem University will depend on procurement of funding by the University. This does not encourage comprehensive planning in the medium and long-term. When such comprehensive planning is not possible, changes are made in relation to immediate problems or needs and are on a piece-meal basis. But the current economic reality does not permit otherwise, nor does it appear that this situation will change in the near future.

1.3 As with many institutions, Bethlehem University buildings were not designed for their present function. When it opened in 1973 the University was housed in a 1893 school, founded by the De La Salle Brothers of the Christian Schools. The Library and Science Building were added in the late 1970's, the Social and Cultural Building in 1990 and most recently Bethlehem Hall was added to the campus buildings in 1995.

1.4 The demand for classroom space is very high. The student population has grown from 112 in 1973 to almost 2000 today. The availability of classroom space will have implications for expansion of programs and the introduction of new courses proposed in the Five Year Plan.

1.5 The present situation with regard to academic office space is critical, with as many as six teachers sometimes crowded into a small room. This limits opportunities for doing research, for effective use of computers and for staff discussions, and has a negative impact on staff-student interaction. Aside from the lack of privacy in such crowded conditions there is often no space for a student to sit when he/she wants to discuss problems with a teacher. The limitations of laboratory space are also critical and will be an important factor when considering expansion of research and initiation of postgraduate programs, especially in the science area. Administrative office space is also extremely limited.

2 Major Issues Emerging from Responses and Consultation

2.1 Most responses on this theme called for an extension of existing buildings, particularly for the provision of additional office space and for expansion of the library. The upgrading and maintenance of equipment also received considerable attention, particularly from the support staff and those involved in day-to-day running of the campus.

2.2 Some innovative suggestions were made for dealing with the shortage of classroom space.. These included reduction of class length (the current schedule was introduced to accommodate the situation that existed during the Intifada). Also suggested were exploration of the possibility of an extra class period, running morning and afternoon shifts for classes, and utilization of the Thursday student activity period. Some of the suggestions have implications for the extension of hours of access to the campus and its facilities.

2.3 Access beyond current opening hours is seen as a way not only to relieve existing pressure on space and facilities, but also to enable the University to provide a better service for students and the local community. The availability of cultural, artistic and leisure activities on campus in the evenings would allow students greater opportunity to participate in these activities and would also allow for badly needed social interaction. Having this extra time would allow students to concentrate on curricular activities during the day.

The range of adult and continuing education classes could be greatly extended and could include artistic, cultural and leisure activities. The University could provide the local community with the opportunity for greater intellectual and social development while maximizing the utilization of its buildings and resources.

2.4 Evening activities on campus could greatly extend the utilization of the cafeteria. Evening access to the library and to the Internet would also be of considerable service and benefit to the surrounding area.

2.5 The potential for income generation from extra-curricular activities was also raised by several respondents. The granting of concessions for snack booths and shops on campus (for sale of stationery, newspapers, photocopying, etc.) would not only increase the services for students but would also be a potential source of income.

2.6 Other issues relating to campus development were

-extension of the parking facilities

-enhancement of the main entrance

-provision of lockers for students (and in some cases staff)

-provision of phones and more toilets outside of the main buildings.

3 Proposed Initiatives

• Professional assessment of the current layout of the campus and possibilities for expanded facilities on campus and off-campus.
• Provision of additional space for offices, laboratories and classrooms.
• Enhancement of the campus image by

  -utilization of the services of a Planning Consultant for future development to provide an ambiance of beauty and harmony suitable for the pursuit of knowledge and personal development

  -reorganization of the main entrance and sign posting of buildings and a map of the campus inside all gates

  -extension and reorganization of parking facilities.

• Greater access to facilities badly needed by the people of Bethlehem (such as a library, gymnasium and the Internet) and maximizing the use of existing space and facilities by extending access to the campus.
• To meet the expected increased use of the Campus by the Local Community and other visitors, consideration of the need for a Central Information and Assistance Office in a prominent position on the campus.
• Setting up of a committee for extra-curricular activities for University members and the local community.