Applied Science University (Bahrain) – Local Stakeholder Engagement Policies and Initiatives

ASU’s Policies and Procedures for Engaging Local Stakeholders

– Community Engagement Policy

ASU has a formal Community Engagement Policy that underscores the University’s commitment to serving the local community. This policy emphasizes instilling a “culture of service” among students and staff as part of the University’s contribution to Bahraini society [1]. It provides a framework for how ASU identifies and interacts with community groups, aligning such outreach with the University’s mission. The policy facilitates a range of activities (both internal and external) to engage local stakeholders, ensuring that community engagement is systematic and not ad hoc [2]. For example, the policy guides volunteer initiatives, community service programs, and partnerships that address local needs, thereby institutionalizing how ASU evaluates and pursues community-based projects.

– Programme Advisory Boards (External Stakeholder Input)

At the academic level, ASU formally involves external stakeholders through Programme Advisory Boards (PABs) for each academic programme. The University has established a dedicated Programme Advisory Board Policy recognizing the importance of external expert input to keep programmes relevant and high-quality [3]. Each programme’s advisory board includes industry professionals, employers, or community representatives with expertise in that field. The roles and responsibilities of these advisors are clearly defined in the PAB policy, and boards meet regularly to review curricula and outcomes [3]. This structured engagement ensures that local industry needs and community expectations are considered in academic decision-making. In practice, the PAB members contribute market knowledge and feedback, which ASU uses to align its course offerings with Bahraini labor market demands.

– Stakeholder Feedback Mechanisms

Beyond formal boards, ASU operates ongoing procedures to gather input from various external stakeholders. Notably, the University’s Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center (QAAC) includes a Measurement and Evaluation Unit tasked with continuously collecting feedback from students, alumni, employers, and other stakeholders via surveys and focus groups [3]. For instance, ASU conducts regular Employer Satisfaction Surveys (to evaluate graduates’ preparedness), Alumni surveys, and invites employers to comment on curricula. These tools help identify stakeholder needs and measure the effectiveness of university services in the community. The QAAC monitors this feedback data and ensures it feeds into planning and improvement cycles. By systematically surveying stakeholders and including them in assessments, ASU’s procedures enable the University to identify gaps and adjust its programs or outreach strategies in response to local community needs [2] [3].

Examples of ASU’s External Engagement with the Bahraini Community

ASU’s commitment to community and stakeholder engagement is evidenced through numerous partnerships, agreements, and initiatives in Bahrain. Some notable examples include:

– Workforce Development Partnership (Ministry of Works)

In 2025, ASU signed an MoU with Bahrain’s Ministry of Works to enhance hands-on training for students [4]. This agreement gives ASU students practical placements on major infrastructure projects – such as bridge construction and wastewater treatment plants – under the Ministry’s supervision [4]. Students gain real-world experience at key project sites, and the University and Ministry co-host workshops and seminars. This collaboration reinforces the link between academic learning and local industry needs, preparing graduates with skills aligned to Bahrain’s development projects [4].

– Community Rehabilitation Programs (Ministry of Interior)

ASU has actively partnered with national initiatives to support social rehabilitation. Notably, the University was honored by Bahrain’s Minister of Interior in recognition of ASU’s role as a partner in delivering the “Open Prisons” rehabilitation programmes [5]. Through this collaboration, ASU faculty provided specialized education and training to inmates under alternative sentencing, to develop their skills and ease reintegration into society [5] [6]. This example highlights ASU’s engagement with government agencies to address community challenges – offering educational programmes for vulnerable groups as part of Bahrain’s social development efforts.

– Collaboration with Professional Associations

ASU also engages with local professional and civil society groups. For example, in 2024 the University signed an MoU with the Bahrain Society for Human Resource Management, a national professional body [7]. The partnership focuses on knowledge exchange and joint events in HR development – aligning with ASU’s business and HR academic programs. By building “bridges of communication” with specialized national entities, ASU ensures its graduates gain practical insights and networking opportunities in the local professional community [7]. Such collaborations help ASU students and faculty stay connected to industry trends and community best practices, enhancing graduates’ employability and benefiting Bahraini employers [7].

– Alumni and Local Community Engagement

ASU recognizes its alumni and local organizations as key stakeholders. The University’s Alumni Club, for instance, has a formal cooperation agreement with ASU to organize career fairs, networking events, and mentorship programs for current students [8]. This engagement leverages alumni as external partners who help new graduates transition into the local job market. Additionally, ASU frequently hosts public workshops, “Business Day” networking events, and community seminars in Bahrain (often in partnership with local businesses) to ensure continuous dialogue with the broader community. These events demonstrate ASU’s role as a hub for community interaction – bringing employers, government officials, and citizens onto campus to share expertise and opportunities with students [4].

(The above examples illustrate ASU’s multifaceted approach to engaging external stakeholders – from government ministries to professional societies and community groups – in line with the University’s strategic goal of serving Bahraini society.)

National Frameworks Guiding Stakeholder Engagement

Bahrain’s higher education authorities explicitly encourage and regulate community engagement by universities. The national Quality Assurance and Accreditation framework – overseen by the Education & Training Quality Authority (BQA) in coordination with the Higher Education Council – includes Community Engagement as a core standard. Standard 8 of the national Institutional Review Framework mandates that “the institution has a clear community engagement plan that is aligned with its mission and which is operational.” [9]. In compliance with this requirement, ASU formulated its community engagement plan and policies to satisfy regulators that it actively serves local society.

This national emphasis means universities in Bahrain are expected to involve external stakeholders in their governance and activities. Indeed, external review reports have noted that ASU maintains an advisory board policy and other mechanisms to include outside stakeholders in decision-making [3]. The Higher Education Council (HEC) and BQA evaluations often check that universities consult stakeholders (such as employers, alumni, and community representatives) when developing curricula or strategies [3]. ASU’s own quality assurance manual aligns with these expectations, affirming that stakeholder inputs (e.g. via advisory boards and surveys) are integral to continuous improvement [3].

Furthermore, Bahrain’s national strategic plans (e.g. Vision 2030 for education and labor market development) encourage academia-industry collaboration and community outreach. Universities like ASU contribute to these national goals by producing graduates who meet local market needs and by undertaking community service initiatives. ASU’s adherence to formal stakeholder engagement policies and its documented partnerships with local entities demonstrate compliance with national frameworks as well as a genuine commitment to Bahrain’s societal development [7] [5].

Conclusion

In summary, Applied Science University in Bahrain has established clear written policies and structured procedures for engaging local stakeholders. Through its Community Engagement Policy, programme advisory boards, and regular stakeholder feedback processes, ASU ensures that community input is systematically identified, evaluated, and incorporated into its decision-making and outreach. The University’s numerous partnerships – with government ministries, professional associations, and community programs – showcase real-world engagement that benefits both students and the broader Bahraini community. This approach not only fulfills national expectations (such as BQA’s Standard 8 on community engagement) [9], but also exemplifies ASU’s mission to be an active contributor to society. The evidence from official ASU documents and Bahrain’s quality assurance framework confirms that stakeholder engagement is a well-integrated aspect of ASU’s governance and activities, aligning the University’s growth with the needs of its local community.

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