Ariel University facts for kids
|
אוניברסיטת אריאל בשומרון
|
|
 |
|
| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Established | 1982 |
| President | Yehuda Shoenfeld |
| Rector | Albert Pinhasov |
| Students | approximately 13,500 (as of August 2020) |
| Location |
Ariel
,
Judea and Samaria Area
32°06′17″N 35°12′34″E / 32.10472°N 35.20944°E Building details
|
 |
|
| Campus | urban |
| Colors | Teal, navy and white |
| Affiliations | IAU |
| Website | English Hebrew |
Ariel University (Hebrew: אוניברסיטת אריאל) is a public university in Israel. It is located in the city of Ariel. Before becoming a full university, it was known as the Ariel University Center of Samaria.
The university started in 1982 as a branch of Bar-Ilan University. It was first in Kedumim but later moved to Ariel. There, it grew into a large public college. In 2004–2005, it became an independent college.
On July 17, 2012, a special council voted to make it a full university. Many important people in Israel supported this decision. By 2013, a survey showed that most people in Israel (65%) also supported it.
Ariel University offers many study programs. Students can earn bachelor's degrees (B.A., BSc, BArch) in 26 departments. It also has master's degree programs (M.A., M.B.A., MSc). Since 2014, students can even study for a PhD. All degrees from Ariel University are officially recognized.
The university works with many other universities and groups around the world.
Contents
Becoming a University: Ariel's Journey
In 2005, the Israeli government wanted to upgrade the college to a university. But first, the Council for Higher Education in Israel had to approve it. In 2006, the Council decided not to approve any new universities for five years.
Upgrading the college was a big discussion. Some people and countries had concerns because Ariel is in the West Bank. For example, the British Foreign Office minister said they were "deeply disappointed" by the decision.
In 2007, the college changed its name to "Ariel University Center of Samaria." Even though the Prime Minister supported this, some education officials did not. They said they would not recognize degrees from the college. However, the name change was officially recognized in 2010. The college finally got full university approval in July 2012.
In December 2012, the Israeli Defense Minister officially recognized Ariel University as a full university. Later, in 2018, a new law was passed. This law placed all Israeli colleges in the Judea and Samaria area under Israel's main higher education system. This meant they were treated the same as other universities in Israel.
Who Studies and Teaches at Ariel University?
About 14,000 students attend Ariel University. This includes students from many different backgrounds. There are Jewish students (both secular and Orthodox), Arab, Druze, and Circassian Israeli students. The university also has the largest number of Ethiopian-born students in any Israeli university. In 2011, about 600 Arab students attended. Many students feel that there is no unfair treatment based on their background.
Guest Lecturers from Around the World
Ariel University often hosts professors from universities worldwide. These guest lecturers share their knowledge with students. For example, Professor Don Ellis from the University of Hartford taught about communication and conflict. He wanted students to improve their critical thinking.
British professor Geoffrey Alderman also lectures at Ariel University. He believes that some people who oppose the university do so because it is Jewish. He points out that the university has many Palestinian and Jewish students. Professor Hilde Leone from Leibniz University in Germany also gave lectures on architecture.
Working with Other Universities Globally
Ariel University is part of the International Association of Universities (IAU). This means it connects with universities all over the world.
The university has signed agreements with more than 51 higher education institutions. These partners are in countries like the United States, Russia, France, Germany, and many more. For example, the University of Toronto and Ariel University work together on a master's degree in business.
In 2008, a group called the Global Association of Risk Professionals opened a branch at the university. They offer courses and hold international meetings there.
In 2011, Ariel University Center and Ural Federal University signed an agreement with the Skolkovo innovation center in Russia. This agreement helps Israeli companies get access to money and workers.
Ariel University also takes part in the Masa Israel Journey project. This program brings Jewish students from around the world to study in Ariel. About 30% of these students decide to move to Israel after the program.
Due to its location, Ariel University was not able to get funding from some international research programs, like Horizon 2020, which is an agreement between the EU and Israel.
Academic Discussions and Boycotts
Sometimes, universities and groups choose not to work with Ariel University. This is often because of its location in the West Bank.
In 2005, a British academic group briefly decided not to work with Bar-Ilan University because of its ties to Ariel. This decision was later changed.
In 2009, the Spanish Housing Ministry did not allow the university to join an architectural competition. The Spanish government explained this was because of the university's location.
In 2011, 165 Israeli academics announced they would not work with the university. They said that Ariel is not part of Israel's main territory.
Because of its location, Ariel University does not receive funds from some European Union programs. In 2018, famous physicists asked other academics not to attend a conference at Ariel University. They wanted to avoid actions that might make the situation in the Palestinian territories seem normal.
Notable Faculty Members
- Mel Alexenberg (born 1937), an artist.
- Edward Bormashenko (born 1962), who leads the Laboratory of Polymers.
- Dani Dayan (born 1955), a lecturer at Ariel.
- Israel Hanukoglu, a professor of biochemistry. He was also a science adviser to the Prime Minister of Israel.
- Ram Karmi (1931–2013), an architect.
- Dan Meyerstein (born 1938), a former President of Ariel University Center of Samaria.
See Also
In Spanish: Universidad de Ariel para niños
- Education in Israel
- List of Israeli universities and colleges
- Samaria
