Lifelong Learning Access Policy 

 

The policy for lifelong learning under SDG 4 is central to the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy of Applied Science University in Bahrain. The strategy focuses on enabling student achievement through the development of intellectual and personal autonomy, as well as responsibility for their own learning and the enhancement of lifelong learning skills. This is achieved through all programs, including effective work-based learning opportunities such as internship courses, which enhance workplace skills and values for learners from all backgrounds. Additionally, the strategy incorporates various initiatives to develop learners' interest and skills in lifelong learning and to structure their learning goals. These include teaching methods that instill lifelong learning and enable learners to set their own learning objectives, exposure to new technologies, scientific events, and self-learning tools, and planned extracurricular activities such as site visits, exhibitions, and participation in competitions. Furthermore, peer learning is also encouraged, where learners have the opportunity to teach and learn from each other. Through these initiatives, Applied Science University is committed to promoting lifelong learning and supporting the achievement of SDG 4, ensuring that learners from all backgrounds have access to quality education and opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge they need for personal and professional growth. Some of the policies and strategies relevant to Lifelong learning are Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy, Student Internship Policy, Equality and Diversity Policy, Policy for Students with Special Needs.

Figure 4 a snap from the university Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

Figure 5 a snap from the university Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

The Equality and Diversity Policy outlines the University's commitment to creating an environment where differences are valued, and equal opportunities are available to all staff, students, and stakeholders. The policy defines certain actions that impact the consistent application of equality and diversity, which are not permissible and may also be considered unlawful. These are termed "Types of Discrimination."

The policy also identifies 'protected characteristics,' which are certain rights that all individuals possess, regardless of their position within the University. The University seeks to ensure that such rights are not subject to discrimination. The University is fully committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fairness and to eliminating discrimination for all staff, students, and anyone associated with the University regardless of their age, disability, marital status, family circumstances, race (color, ethnicity, or national background), religion or belief, or gender.

As part of this commitment to equality and diversity, the University recognizes the importance of ensuring that all individuals have access to educational activities, including lifelong learning opportunities. The University believes that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning and develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives. By promoting an inclusive and equitable learning environment, the University is contributing to the achievement of SDG 4 and ensuring that all individuals have access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Access to public libraries is a crucial component of a healthy and thriving society, and it plays a significant role in achieving SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Libraries are an essential resource that provides access to a vast array of knowledge, information, and literature that can enrich and enhance people's lives. The University recognizes the importance of providing public access to the university library resources, including books and publications. To facilitate this, the University provides a username and password for the library's e-resources, enabling individuals to expand their knowledge both inside and outside the university campus. Furthermore, the University library provides a welcoming space for people to use these library resources in a way that promotes community engagement by reserving a research room option in the library portal.  Overall, public access to libraries is critical for promoting lifelong learning, fostering intellectual curiosity, and supporting the development of education. By providing access to library resources, Applied Science University is contributing to the achievement of SDG 4 by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. The University recognizes that public access to libraries is essential for the betterment of society, and it remains committed to promoting equitable access to education and knowledge for all.

Applied Science University has achieved several milestones that demonstrate its commitment to providing quality education and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The University has passed the Institutional Review by the Education & Training Quality Authority (BQA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain and achieved Global Accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in the UK, making it one of only 11 universities in the world to achieve this recognition. Additionally, the University has achieved "Full Confidence" for all academic programs undergoing BQA Program Reviews and is on track for successful placement of all academic programs on the NQF Register.

Moreover, the University has achieved official academic recognition from the Ministry of Education in Jordan and Syria and has been featured on various international rankings, including the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, QS World University Rankings, QS Arab Region Universities Rankings, QS Top 50 under 50 Rankings, and QS Graduate Employability Ranking. The University has also achieved 4 Stars in the QS Stars Rating system and has been featured on the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. In addition to being the 1st and only University in Bahrain and the Gulf region to achieve both ISO 9001:2015 (for Quality Management Systems) and ISO 21001:2018 (for Educational Organizations Management Systems) certifications.

Furthermore, the University has been ranked 3rd in Bahrain and 4934 in the world in the international Ranking Web of Universities (webometrics) and has become an Accredited Center by Advance HE, a British professional membership scheme promoting excellence in higher education.

Overall, Applied Science University's achievements demonstrate its commitment to providing quality education and contributing to the achievement of SDG 4 by ensuring inclusive and equitable access to education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The University's international recognition and accreditation demonstrate its dedication to providing a high standard of education and preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce and thriving society.

Women empowerment in ASU

The Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain is committed to promoting women's empowerment and providing an inclusive environment that supports female students. One of the ways in which the university achieves this is by having a designated women's club for female students, which is responsible for organizing events and activities that help female students gain soft skills and build their confidence.

The women's club at ASU is a student-led organization that focuses on empowering and supporting female students. The club organizes various events, workshops, and seminars that cover a wide range of topics, including leadership, teamwork, communication, and personal development. The events are designed to provide female students with opportunities to learn new skills, gain confidence, and build networks with their peers and mentors. The women's club is also responsible for organizing events that celebrate women's achievements and promote gender equality. For example, the club organizes events to celebrate International Women's Day and the national Bahraini Women Day, which is an important day to recognize women's contributions to society and to raise awareness about gender equality. The events include talks, panel discussions, and workshops that focus on issues such as women's rights, gender stereotypes, and women's leadership.

The women's club at ASU is an essential platform for female students to connect with each other and with female role models in the community. The events organized by the club provide female students with opportunities to learn from successful women and to build networks that can help them in their future careers. The women's club at ASU is an example of the university's commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering female students. By providing a platform for female students to develop their skills and build their confidence, the university is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for all students. In conclusion, the women's club is an essential platform for female students to connect with each other, learn new skills, and build their confidence. The club's focus on promoting gender equality and celebrating women's achievements is a testament to the university's commitment to empowering its female students. The women's club is an example of how universities can play a vital role in promoting women's empowerment and creating a more inclusive environment for all students.

Student Council at ASU

The university provides a student-centered learning environment that prioritizes the student voice. One of the ways in which the university achieves this is through the establishment of a student council that represents the interests and concerns of the student body. The student council at ASU has been in existence for 16 cycles and consists of 15 members who represent all the different colleges in the university. The members of the council are both males and females, ensuring that the council is representative of the diverse student population. The student council is responsible for voicing the concerns and issues of the student body to the university administration. The council works closely with the administration to ensure that students' needs and interests are considered when decisions are made that affect the student body.

The student council also plays a vital role in organizing events and activities that promote student engagement and involvement. The council organizes events such as cultural festivals, sports tournaments, and community service projects, which help to create a sense of community and belonging among students.

One of the most significant indications of the university's commitment to the student voice is that the president of the student council has a chair in the university council. This means that the student council president has a direct voice in the university's decision-making process, ensuring that the student voice is heard and considered at the highest level. The student council at ASU is an essential platform for students to express their opinions, voice their concerns, and engage with the university administration. The council's work ensures that the student voice is an integral part of the university's decision-making process and that students' needs and interests are considered. In conclusion, the student council is a crucial platform for promoting student engagement and involvement and ensuring that the student voice is an integral part of the university's decision-making process. The council's work is a testament to the university's commitment to providing a student-centered learning environment that prioritizes the student voice.

Alumni Club at ASU

The alumni club at the university is a dynamic organization that plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong connection between the university and its graduates. The club has been in existence for six cycles and has 13 members, including male and female members. One of the primary goals of the alumni club is to help graduates develop their skills and find suitable job opportunities. To achieve this goal, the club organizes various events and workshops that cover a range of topics, including leadership, entrepreneurship, and communication skills. These events and workshops are conducted by industry experts and experienced professionals, providing alumni with valuable insights and knowledge that they can use to advance their careers. In addition to organizing events and workshops, the alumni club helps to facilitate networking opportunities for alumni. The club provides a platform for alumni to stay in touch with each other and with the university administration, enabling them to remain engaged with the university's activities and events. This networking helps alumni to build valuable connections and access potential job opportunities.

The alumni club also plays a crucial role in organizing an annual job fair that welcomes companies from the public and private sectors who offer job and internship vacancies for university graduates. The job fair provides a valuable opportunity for alumni to connect with potential employers and learn about the job market. The alumni club's efforts have contributed significantly to the university's reputation as a student-centered institution that places a high priority on supporting its graduates. The club's work has helped to create a strong sense of community among alumni and has enabled the university to maintain a strong relationship with its graduates.

In conclusion, the alumni club is a vital platform for maintaining a strong connection between the university and its graduates. Through its events, workshops, and job fair, the club provides alumni with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers and remain engaged with the university. The alumni club's efforts have helped to create a strong sense of community among alumni, and its work is a testament to the university's commitment to supporting its graduates even after they leave the university.