# Hebron University

Hebron University (Arabic: جامعة الخليل) is a non-profit, public university in the city of Hebron, West Bank, Palestine. It has an undergraduate enrollment of more than ten thousand students.

## History

The late mayor of Hebron, Sheikh Mohammad ‘Ali Al-Ja’bari, wished to establish an institution of higher learning to offset restrictions and obstacles created by the occupation by Israel. In 1971 the foundation was laid and forty-three students joined the 'Sharia' college from different parts of the Palestinian Territories.
in 1983, the campus was attacked by Israeli settlers resulting in the deaths of three students, and 50 students were injured. After the attack the university was closed by the newly formed Israeli Civil Administration for a period of time.
During the First Intifada the Israeli Army closed the university from January 1988 to June 1991.
In 1996, Hebron University was closed for six months by the IDF. The chairman of the university accompanied by teaching faculty conducted classes on the pavement outside the university walls in objection to the closure and repeated closure orders by the IDF.
Eventually, the college became a university. As of 2016, there are nine undergraduate colleges and one college of graduate studies.

## Board of trustees

Hebron University is governed by an autonomous Board of Trustees composed of educators and professionals from the Palestinian community. The board appoints the president of the university. It also confirms the appointment of vice-presidents and deans upon the recommendation of the president. The board approves the budget and general development plans presented to it by the university council.

## Administration and policies

The university follows a semester system, with two four-month semesters beginning in Autumn and Spring, there is an intensive summer semester.
For the academic year 2015–2016, more than 1,500 were admitted at the undergraduate level.
The university has a registration policy open to students from every segment of Palestinian society. Requirements to apply to study are to have the Tawjihi (matriculation certificate) or its equivalent. It has a special financial aid program that provides grants and loans to needy students.
The university is a member of the following organizations: International Association of Universities, Community of Mediterranean Universities, Islamic Universities League and
Association of Arab Universities (AARU), In addition, the university is recognized by the European Union and has a valid PADOR and PIC number.

## Faculties and programs

The undergraduate colleges at Hebron University are: Arts, Medicine, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Education, Finance and Management, Nursing, Pharmacy, Law & Political Science. All Faculties offer B.A., B.Sc. or M.D. degrees.
The College of Graduate Studies offers MA and Msc degrees in Arabic Language and Literature, Applied Linguistics & Teaching English Language, History, Islamic Judiciary, Plant Protection, Natural Agriculture Resources & its Sustainable Management, Management, Foundations of Religion, Mathematics, Chemistry
As of 2015 there were 170 full-time faculty members of whom 105 are Ph.D. holders. There are nine colleges at Hebron University: Islamic Law (Al-Shari`a), Arts, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Education, Finance and Management, Nursing, and Pharmacy and Graduate Studies. All colleges offer B.A. or B.Sc. degrees. The Faculty of Graduate Studies offers M.A. and M.Sc. degrees in eight programs: Arabic language and literature, Islamic judiciary, Plant Protection, Natural Agricultural Resources and their Sustainable Management, Business Administration MBA, Applied Linguistics and the Teaching of English Language, History, and Fundamentals of Islamic Law.
Since 2008, HU has been running an Intensive academic program for undergraduate Palestinians with Israeli citizenship.

## Centers and special units

HU has many units dedicated to improving education, training and services, i.e. Renewable energy unit, Excellence center for education, Industrial linkage unit, Agricultural extension unit, Dry land rehabilitation unit, and the Language resource centre.
The Legal Clinic – offers resources and advice for students, staff and the community as a whole. There are 10 specialized sections: Ten specialized sections: 1. Academic Freedoms 6. Labor Law 2. Anti-Violence 7. General legal advice 3. Family Law 8. Right to Housing 4. Human Rights 9. Street Law (public awareness) 5. Juvenile Justice 10. Women Rights Partners

## Facilities

There is a University Museum in Hebron City.

## University radio

In 2008, Radio Alam was established as a tool to reach the university community and the public with important educational messages, current affairs shows and other useful programmes on 96.1 FM. It broadcasts 24/7 and can be heard all over the West Bank and online. It is staffed by professionals and media students are able to do internships in the studios.