A challenging yet fruitful year of accomplishment and transformation, that is how we can characterize 2023 for the University of Jordan (UJ). As we reflect on this year and review the various aspects of work and achievement, we can categorize its proceedings into six areas, summarizing the discussion and guiding us towards our goals.
A Celebration:
The University of Jordan enthusiastically participated in the national celebrations of the wedding of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein under the #CelebratingAlHussein initiative. Campus initiatives included flag-raising ceremonies and displaying celebratory slogans and congratulatory messages.
Global Rankings:
Building on last year's inclusion in the Shanghai Ranking, where it secured a position of 701-800 globally, UJ continued its success in various rankings. Notably, in March, UJ advanced in the QS Subject ranking with two new disciplines, Library and Information Science and Biological Sciences, entering the list for the first time. UJ ranked in four knowledge areas globally, with Engineering and Technology achieving the highest rank at 260.
In June, UJ progressed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, securing a position among the top 601-800 universities globally, maintaining its first-place position locally and 16th in the Arab region. The university excelled in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, particularly in the indicator related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the goal related to the quality of education.
Maintaining a 5-star rating for three consecutive years, UJ entered the list of top 500 in the QS Global Ranking for 2023, ranking first locally and 498th globally. This achievement is expected to attract more international students, signifying progress in education.
International Accreditations:
The conclusion of 2023 marked the achievement of several international accreditations. Notably, in November, the School of Business received the international accreditation of AACSB, becoming the first business school among public universities to receive this recognition.
In August, the School of Foreign Languages celebrated achieving international accreditation of Evalag for four programs for six years, including Applied English Language, English Language and Literature, French Language and Literature, and the Spanish/English Language programs.
The Cells Thereby Center obtained two major accreditations, namely the CAP laboratory accreditation and the ISO 15189 accreditation.
A Brighter Future:
In April 2023, UJ unveiled its strategic plan for the years 2022-2027, marking the beginning of a new era. The university affirmed its commitment to being an intellectual source and a catalyst for impactful change in society. To measure the success of plans, the university directed increased spending on scientific research, initiated efforts to automate all research-related processes, enhanced incentives for publication, and integrated artificial intelligence materials based on specialties.
The university embarked on a project to upgrade 500 classrooms and auditoriums, equipping them with the latest technologies to be ready for contemporary online education by the end of the next year. Artificial intelligence was integrated into the curriculum, with a focus on English and Arabic language courses, digital skills, and preparation for the job market, resulting in a 14% increase in the number of international students.
Delegations and Partnerships:
UJ actively engaged in international collaborations. In March, the university hosted Professor Lawrence Bacow, the President of Harvard University, and his academic delegation. The purpose was to explore potential collaborations, including student and faculty exchange, postgraduate studies, and joint scientific research.
UJ joined the Consortium of Research Universities in the Islamic World (COMSTECH) in March, enhancing scientific and technological capacities in the Middle East and North Africa.
In July, during the World University Presidents Forum in Beijing, China, Professor Obeidat presented UJ's digital transformation plan. Meetings with the Chinese Higher Education Authority explored possibilities of joint medical projects and programs, student exchange, and attracting more Chinese students to study Arabic at UJ.
In October, Professor Obeidat was nominated to the International Advisory Council of MED-OR Foundation, promoting collaboration between academia and industry. UJ hosted various international events, including the General Assembly of the UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union, TEDx conference, and the Hult Prize global competition.
Steadfastness in Positions:
Recognizing the inseparability of the path to liberation from the path of knowledge, UJ hosted Sheikh Akrama Sabri, the Head of the Supreme Islamic Authority in Jerusalem, as part of the Jerusalem Festival.
In October, UJ organized dialogues to discuss contributions to alleviate the effects of the aggression on Gaza. Jordanian Parliament Speaker Ahmed Safadi launched the "Two Sciences" initiative, emphasizing solidarity in supporting Palestinian brothers and calling for an end to war crimes.
In November, Prof. Hassan Al-Momani participated in Arab, Islamic, and African summits, highlighting Jordan's political and diplomatic role in regional and international efforts to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
As the year concludes, hope remains a guiding light. The University of Jordan looks forward to a new year, continuing its journey of knowledge, nurturing ambitious generations eager to learn and innovate.