Universities are becoming increasingly expected to adopt a human-centered approach in their actions and worldwide operations ,and thus must gradually address the needs of their communities.
Charter of Social Responsibility
Our Charter of
Social Responsibility
Universities are becoming increasingly expected to adopt a human-centered approach in their actions and worldwide operations ,and thus must gradually address the needs of their communities. The importance and integration of the social dimension within education escalates higher education institutions’ (HEIs) potential as key drivers for social change and well-being.
The concept of University Social Responsibility (USR) derives from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), yet adapted to higher education. Thus, USR can be defined as the University‘s strategic commitment to considering the wider society as a key university stakeholder, and to act accordingly.
Furthermore, USR interferes with all aspects of the University‘s impact on their communities, either through direct engagement or through the establishment of internal strategic practices .To accomplish this ,USR calls for the identification of specific stakeholder groups, and to pursue policies that address their needs.
Nonetheless, universities’ willingness to pursue social change is often better defined at the strategy and policy level than it is effective at the practical level. USR, on the other hand, requires a high level of awareness at every level within the institution and among all stakeholders through its integration into every policy and action undertaken by the University’s bodies.
Indeed a number of benefits for in- corporating USR within HEIs have been identified:
- Increasing the university’s impact on society and contributing to sustainable development
- Increasing public understanding of the university’s research
- Increasing cooperation with industry or public bodies
- Increasing the impact of university research on the socio- economic development of the community
- Promoting university participation in po licy-making
- Potential in helping to align the university with trends in policy and funding
- Enhancing the University’s reputation and standing in the community
Due to the ever-changing demo- graphic, political, and social context of each university ,a global frame- work for USR is not attainable.However, the European Union has proposed a set of Guidelines for Uni- versities Engaging in Social Responsi- bility as a starting point to adapt to the purpose and context of each in- stitution.
The Guidelines consider a number of principles as requirements for a Uni- versity that fully wishes to engage in USR, namely:
- USR must be established as a management model from the top dow, yet should permeate all university staff, daily performance, and their interaction with stakeholders.
- USR must not be reduced to an administrative unit. Although an administrative unit for USR should be established, it should be responsible for coordinating, communicating, performing, and leading USR.
- Clear frameworks for monitoring and evaluating the impact on society, and particularly on the University’s stakeholders must be in place.
- Formalize a continuous dialogue with stakeholders.
- Emphasize and prioritize specific areas of USR within the University.
Furthermore, a number of key initia- tives to ensure University-wide USR implementation have been outlined:
- Training key staff members
- Partnerships with relevant stake- holders
- Student engagement in USR
Adoption of USR at Al Quds University
In line with Europen Union guidelines, Al Quds University has developed a Charter of Social Responsibility that outlines our institutional commitment to promoting social responsibility and sustainability in the University’s operations and impact on society. Thus, the Charter, created in line with the proposed European Union’s framework for social responsibility, serves as a framework for all initiatives, actions, and projects related to social, environmental, and ethical considerations at the University level.
Mission and Vision
- Student-centricity: Ensuring an environment that meets students’ needs and interests while delivering a high-quality learning environment both inside and outside the classroom.
- Excellence: Setting high standards across all aspects of academic life.
- Innovation and creativity: Supporting the emergence of new ideas ,solutions ,learning ,and research that create value for the well-being of humanity.
- Cooperation: Establishing partnerships with other institutions ,organizations ,or individuals to better address key challenges.
- Civic Engagement: Promoting aparticipatory approach across University life while instilling a culture of social responsibility.
- Inclusivity: Accommodating for all students ,staff ,and stakeholders ,with a particular focus on gender equity and the consideration of marginalized groups.
- Integrity: Instill and safeguard a culture of honesty ,and respectful and ethical behavior.
- Lifelong learning: Nurture the continuous pursuit of knowledge with special social inclusion ,employability ,active citizenship, and personal development.
- Citizenship: Reinforce the steadfastness of the Palestinian identity and values while advancing a sense of belonging to the global community and thus promoting the use of skills and education to contribute to global sustainability.
- Leadership and professionalism: Directand inspire the university community to become better citizens and professionals.
Charter of Initiatives for Social Responsibility
1. Education and Research
1.1 Awareness Campaigns: We will organize awareness campaigns and events to educate the university community about social responsibility issues.
1.2 Curriculum Integration: We will integrate social responsibility and sustainability principles into academic programs across disciplines.
1.3 Access to Education: We will widen and diversify access to education for groups from a diverse range of backgrounds regardless of age, gender, disabilities, or disadvantaged communities.
1.4 Student-centered approach: We will adopt a learner-centered approach to teaching and student support, ensuring assessment and feedback are used to promote learning.
1.5 Collaborative Learning: We will facilitate collaborative and independent learning that goes beyond the classroom and into the community.
1.6 Mobility: We will encourage international collaboration and support student and staff cross- national mobility.
1.7 Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship: We will promote the development of innovative solutions, and foster a culture of entrepreneurship that addresses social challenges.
1.8 Research Funding: We will provide resources and funding to support research projects focused on addressing social challenges.
1.9 Dissemination of Knowledge: We will actively disseminate research findings to policymakers and the broader community for positive impact.
1.10 Access to stakeholders: We will facilitate dialogue between the research community, the public, and decision-makers for research that is linked to ‘real- world’ challenges.
1.11 Ethical Research: We will enforce ethical protocols for research, training, and related activities.
2. Community Engagement & Partnerships
2.1 Service-Learning Programs: We will encourage students and staff to participate in service- learning initiatives that address community needs.
2.2 Volunteer Opportunities: We will offer diverse volunteering opportunities that enable students, faculty, and staff to give back to society.
2.3 Local Outreach: We will collaborate with local organizations to identify and support projects that positively impact the surrounding communities.
2.4 Community Partnerships: We will establish long-term partnerships with community stakeholders to promote sustainable development.
2.5 Internal University Rewards: We will recognize our staff and students’ socially responsible initiatives through an internal reward scheme.
2.6 Culture of Social Responsibility: Encourages a culture of social responsibility with high ethical and professional standards.
2.7 Risk Assessment: Exercises due diligence by assessing the risk and impact of all activities, ensuring compliance with the law, do-no-harm, and cultural standards.
2.8 Service Days: We will organize regular service days to address local community needs and promote a culture of service.
2.9 Partnerships: We will collaborate with local and global organizations to address social and environmental issues.
2.10 Alumni Engagement: We will engage with our alumni network to lever age their expertise and support social responsibility initiatives.
3. Diversity and Inclusion
3.1 Inclusive Campus Culture: We will create an inclusive and welcoming campus environment that promotes social inclusion.
3.2 Equal Opportunities: We will promote equal opportunities for all members of the university community.
3.3 Wellbeing for all: We will promote the health, safety, physical, and mental well-being of staff and students.
3.4 Disability-friendly campus: We will enhance the University’s infrastructure, classes, and the overall services provided to support accessibility for persons with disabilities.
4. Environmental Sustainability
4.1 Energy Conservation: We will implement energy-efficient measures to reduce our carbon footprint and promote renewable energy sources.
4.2 Waste Reduction: We will adopt waste management strategies to minimize our environmental impact and promote recycling and composting.
4.3 Green Campus: We will develop and maintain green spaces on campus, preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability.
4.4 Green Policies: We will ensure our policies and practices min- imize any negative impact on the environment caused by our activities or supply chain.
5. Ethical Governance
5.1 Transparency: We will ensure transparency in our decision-making processes and communicate our social responsibility efforts to stakeholders.
5.2 Accountability: We will hold ourselves accountable for our actions and regularly report on our progress toward social responsibility goals.
5.3 Ethical standards: We will uphold a culture of social responsibility with high ethical and professional standards and clear protocols to avoid conflict of interest.
5.4 Ethical procurement: We will practice socially responsible and sustainable procurement processes.
5.5 Human Rights: We will respect and comply with internationally proclaimed human rights and the rule of law.
5.6 Onboarding: We will practice open, transparent, fair, and equitable recruitment and promotion of staff.
5.7 Legal Compliance: We will ensure that working conditions comply with relevant national laws.
5.8 Disciplinary procedures: We will continue to strive for transparent, fair, and equitable complaints and disciplinary procedures and ensure that complaints and disciplinary matters are addressed fairly.
5.9 Work-Life Balance: We will sustain the promotion of work-life balance and well- being within the University environment.
6. Measuring Impact
6.1 Key Performance Indicators: We will establish measurable indi- cators to evaluate the impact of our social responsibility initia- tives regularly.
6.2 Annual Reports: We will publish annual reports on our progress toward achieving social respon- sibility goals.
6.3 Review and Updates: We will regularly review and update this charter to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
6.4 Stakeholder Feedback: We will seek feedback from various stakeholders to enhance our so- cial responsibility efforts.
6.5 Green Reporting: We will pub- lish a regular environmental sus- tainability report, incorporating risk and action assessments.
Conclusion
The Charter has been developed to support the growing need to incor- porate social responsibility within Universities worldwide. Al Quds University, following its strategic mission to foster a culture of so- cial responsibility, sustainability, and community engagement, has identified specific guidelines that further strategize University Social Responsibility across all aspects of University life, from campus oper- ations to academic programs, re- search endeavors, and community interactions. The foregoing guide- lines are intended to comprise a useful starting point and demon- strate the University’s commitment
to effecting positive change in the world, and among the Palestinian communities. Nonetheless, the full development of USR is reliant on the active participation and effort of all relevant stakeholders, both in- side and outside the University, as well as on the existence of strategic investment at the level of Universi- ty administration. Thus, the Charter is to be referred back to during all phases of action planning, design, implementation, and evaluation and should accompany the imple- mentation of the Al Quds University Strategy 2023-2028, which focuses on sustainable development and so- cial responsibility.
Together, we can build a more sustainable, inclusive, and compassionate future.
Acknowledgements
The Social Responsibility Charter (SRC) Development Committee seeks to acknowledge all professors, faculty members, students, and stakeholders who participated in the development of the University social responsibility charter, and generously provided us with their time, effort, expertise, and input.
Endorsement
The University’s Social Responsibility Charter (SRC) has been formally acknowledged endorsed by the Board of Trustees during its meeting No. 99G-2-2024 on 19 February 2024, ensuring alignment with our institutional goals and values.
Dr. Munib Rashid Al-Masri
Dr. Sameer Mahmoud Tamimi
Dr. Ghazi Hanna Hanania
Dr. Mohamad Ali Al-Alami
Mrs. Maha Subhi Abu Sushi
Dr. Anees Ahmad Al-Qaq
Eng. Mazin Sinokrot
Eng. Khaled Osaily
Dr. Hiba Ibrahim Al-Husseini
Mr. Omar Munib Al-Masri
Dr. Tafida Husneh Jarbawi
Eng. Hani Mohammad Abu Diab
Mr. Michel Sayegh
Mr. Farouk Alshami
Mr. Ibrahim Jafal
Prof. Imad Fayq Abu Kishek