Student Parliament at the German Jordanian University
Student Parliament is a student council represents the students at the German Jordanian University and derives its existence from the will of the students through direct free elections for each academic year. It has financial allocations approved by the university, with the headquarters on the university campus.
- The Student Parliament aims at:
1. Shaping and refining students personality so that they’re aware of issues and challenges and further deepening their sense of belonging to the university and the nation as a whole
2. Deepening democratic practice and constructive dialogue at the university, showing respect and tolerance of others opinions, and ensuring the broadening of their participation in all the activities and events
3. Contributing to overcoming the challenges faced by students and establishing a tradition of democratic dialogue among students and the exchange of opinion and advice, thereby boosting their intellectual behavioral and cultural level.
4. Striving to consolidate the concept of good citizenship and deepen national identity, rejecting sub-identities, exclusion, marginalization, manifestations of fanaticism, extremism, polarization, and tendencies that are offensive to national unity and harmful to the social fabric, and adopting a spirit of national responsibility.
5. Motivating university students to participate in volunteer activities, public service, political and party work, student sports, and activities; both artistic and social
6. Striving to consolidate the principles and concepts of the civil state, sovereignty and rule of law, democracy, justice, transparency, integrity, equality, accountability, and thoughtful and constructive institutional work.
7. Proposing activities and events that enhance students’ life skills, problem-solving skills, positive thinking, communication, programmatic and group work, team spirit, cooperation, and building joint teams among university students and staff.
8. Finding solutions and means to maintain communication between students and the local community on national initiatives, and issues of local, regional, and international public affairs.
9. Proposing solutions and means to keep the campus safe, eco- friendly, and interactive to improve the quality of the environment and life on campus by ensuring comfort for everyone using all the facilities including students, employees, visitors, and the local community.
10. Helping students at the university submit proposals to solve their student-related issues within the laws, regulations and instructions, and creating policies and channels to provide advice, consultancy, guidance and assistance within the laws, regulations and instructions.
11. Raising the level of awareness among students of everything that takes place at the university, including activities, events, volunteer work, etc., and making it available to everyone.
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The Student Parliament consists of members elected in an undisclosed and direct general election manner under the provisions of these instructions:
1. The duration of the Student Parliament session is eleven months, starting from the date the President approves the election results. If the results are not approved within a week of the Supreme Election Committee issuing the final results, they shall be considered approved.
2. The President, may (upon the recommendation of the Dean as a result of exceptional and justified circumstances), extend the session of the Student Parliament to a maximum of no longer than one cycle.
3. Student Parliament elections shall be held every year. If for any reason, the election has not taken place at the end of the cycle or is delayed, the Student Parliament remains in place until new elections are held unless it is dissolved.
For the first time in its history, the German Jordanian University (GJU) held student parliament elections on May 29, 2024. University President, Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, and Vice President, Prof. Malek Alsharairi, toured the polling stations, accompanied by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Thelal Oweis, DSA team and representatives from the Independent Election Commission (IEC).
Many students expressed enthusiasm about participating in this historic event, highlighting the importance of having a democratic platform to voice their opinions and contribute to improving campus life. Students emphasized that the newly elected Student Parliament will serve as a vital forum for constructive dialogue between the student body and the university administration.
In preparation for the elections, the Student Bodies and Political Work Section of the Deanship of Student Affairs (DSA) organized several activities, including lectures and workshops focused on raising awareness about political participation, party systems, and electoral laws. These efforts aimed to prepare both students and staff for the electoral process.
Among the key initiatives was the Second Parliamentary Simulation Conference, held under the patronage of H.E. Engineer Musa Maaytah, Chairman of the IEC, in cooperation with the "Ana Usharek" program. The conference was attended by the University President and students from various Jordanian universities.
Additionally, the university hosted a Dialogue Session with the Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, H.E. Haditha Al-Khraisha, who emphasized the supportive legislative environment for youth and women’s engagement in political and party life. He noted that the current political modernization offers unprecedented opportunities for youth to actively participate in shaping the future.
On August 4, 2024, student Raya Fasha was elected as the first-ever President of GJU's Student Parliament during the executive board elections, which followed the official oath ceremony before the University President.
In her remarks, Fasha stated, "We, the members of the Student Parliament, share a unified vision to make the German Jordanian University a model for other Jordanian universities. I am proud to be part of a council dedicated to organization, oversight, and leadership. I carry a great responsibility to the council, our students, the university, and to Jordan."
Instructions for the Student Parliament. Check page 431