IUSR Guide

IUSR Guide

Syria’s Education Crisis R

ight now in Syria, over 1.75 million students are out of school, with an additional 1.4 million at increased risk of dropping out. Only 50% of students displaced in Northern Syria will have a chance to continue their high school educations due to nearly 25% of schools in the area being damaged, destroyed, or occupied.

Only 40% of high school students in Syria have an opportunity to pursue higher education to contribute to Syria’s future economic development.

The current state of Syria’s education sector will hinder the country’s future economic growth and contributions to local and global development.

Education is one of the most underfunded programs in Syria response.

The education crisis in Syria is evident through the physical destruction and barriers to education, as well as the quality of its delivery. Over 150,000 education personnel no longer serve in educational institutions. Despite the presence of teachers who are able to

currently more than

1.75 million

children out of school

1.4 million

at an increased risk of dropping out

only 50%

(8000) of displaced students had a chance to continue high school and take their secondary exam

25% of schools are damaged, destroyed, or occupied 35% are completely out of service.

(Source: Education Directorate in Idlib governorate)

teach, the lack of sufficient financial incentives is often a limiting factor.

Due to massive population movements, only 40% of high school students have an opportunity to continue their higher education, and displaced students face significant disruption in their schooling.

In addition to the gap in the education response, there has yet to be a comprehensive approach to the investment and development of international universities in areas outside of government control. In order to develop the education workforce, Syria must implement academic programs that look at providing services now, as well as building opportunities and offering innovative learning options to contribute in the future.

(Source: 2018 Humanitarian Needs Overview)

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International University of Science & Renaissance (IUSR), formerly known as International Rescue University, was established to address the specific need for secondary and higher education, as well as developmental education and

training, inside of Syria. IUSR has also established two campus subsidiaries: Global High School and the Development and Training Center. For more details, visit IRU.university/wt.

Obstacles faced by the education sector: O utdated skills and education of the professional workforce in Syria I nadequate training and continuing education Attrition and loss of talent due to regional and international immigration L imited quality assurance and enforcement L imited recognition of Syrian education at the international level

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International University of Science & Renaissance (IUSR) I

nternational University of Science & Renaissance (IUSR) is a hybrid online and campus-based private, nonprofit institution. Approved to operate by the State of Kansas Secretary of State’s office on March 31, 2017 and the Syrian Interim Government on April 20, 2017, it provides a quality higher education to displaced Syrian students and others around the world.

IUSR provides clear and accurate information to all students and interested parties. IUSR takes reasonable care to provide the academic courses, facilities, and

IUSR was established to address the global need for accessible low-cost, high-quality online and campus-based education programs.

IUSR launched four colleges and nine programs. (see page 6)

JUNE: IUSR announced the creation of a scholarship program. IUSR committed to awarding at least 100 refugees (primarily from Syria) with scholarships to pursue associate and bachelor degrees.

JUNE: IUSR began establishing academic collaboration with the University of Missouri.

2017

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materials (including its catalog and website) needed.

IUSR works to promote a learning environment characterized by inclusiveness, value awareness, and an understanding of one another’s differences and similarities. It strives to treat everyone with dignity and respect. The university is committed to multiculturalism that makes its academic programs, educational services, and employment opportunities available to all qualified individuals.

JANUARY: IUSR applied for accreditation to the Accreditation Service for International Colleges and Universities (ASIC, UK) which requires at least two years to coordinate accreditation activity. IUSR developed a Memorandum of Understanding with Khartoum University and eight other universities in Sudan.

IUSR launched 12 new academic programs with a total of 1,100 enrolled freshman students and 150 enrolled master’s students.

2018

Vision

Mission

IUSR views higher education as a basic right that can transform lives and serves society by discovering, preserving, and disseminating knowledge. IUSR believes that education plays a fundamental role in fortifying respect for human rights, establishing primary freedoms, enhancing livelihoods and building strong global leaders and an educated society.

IUSR offers affordable, distinctive, online degree-granting educational programs to students. IUSR provides specialized education and the production of innovative research that serves the community and contributes to building a robust economy. IUSR creates a conducive environment for learning, intellectual creativity, and optimum use of the techniques of local and international actors and partnerships.

Objective

Values

To utilize education as a means of empowerment for students marginalized by the conflict in Syria and provide the foundation for a successful structural transition from conflict to stability within Syrian society.

IUSR respects the rights, differences, and dignity of others, freedom of thought and expression, personal, professional, and academic integrity, intellectual development, creative and innovative thinking and learning, conscientious pursuit of personal and academic excellence, cross-cultural dialogue and economic development, and pride in one’s self, one’s community, and the university.

MARCH: IUSR began plans to

develop academic cooperation with Etlim University in Turkey. Trilateral agreement(s) are expected to begin by September 2019.

2019

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COLLEGES AND PROGRAMS LAUNCHED IN 2017

College of Economics & Management (50 students):

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration (15 students) Associates Degree (AD) in Human Resources Management (20 Students) Associate Degree (AD) in Accounting and Auditing (15 students)

College of Computer Information Systems (40 Students):

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Information Technology (15 students) Associate Degree (AD) in Cyber and network Security (25 students)

College of Health & Medical Sciences (45 students): Associate Degree (AD) in Midwifery (13 students) Associate Degree (AD) in Pediatric Nursing (20 students) Associate Degree (AD) in Dental Prosthesis (12 students)

College of Arts:

Associate Degree in Technology of Media and Journalism (15 students)

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IUSR promotes inclusiveness, value awareness, and understanding.

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Programs and Enrollment College of Economics & Management Bachelorette and Associate of Sciences Programs

Mahrrat Alnohman Campus

Business Administration

13

Management of Human Resources

37

Accounting & Auditing

8

Social Counseling

40

College of Psychology

40

College of Journalism

20

Technologies of Journalism & Media

13

E-media Total

7 178

College of Health & Medical Sciences Mahrrat Alnohman Campus

Ariha Campus

Total

Medical School

59

63

122

Dentistry School

52

89

141

Pharmacy School

69

43

112

Midwifery - AS

17

—

17

Pediatric Nursing - AS

32

—

32

Orthodontics - AS

16

—

16

Radiology - AS

19

—

19

Laboratory Analysis

59

42

97

Total

323

237

560

School & Associate of Sciences

College of Fine Art & Information Technology Bachelorette and Associate of Sciences Programs

Mahrrat Alnohman Campus

Informatics Engineering

44

Cyber and Network Security - AS

9

English Teaching Language

19

Turkish Teaching Language

16

Modern Teaching Technology

35

Total

123

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Master Programs Programs

Mahrrat Alnohman Campus

Public Health

16

Health Management

14

Media Technology

11

Social Counseling

40

Cities and Regional Planning

8

Biostatistics and Sensus

10

Governance and Institutional Establishments

17

Total

116

Total Enrollment Students

Mahrrat Alnohman Campus

Master Programs

116

Second Year

128

First Year Total

857 1,101

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Program Details To be selected as a beneficiary, students must have completed high school and be between the ages of 18-23. Students will be accepted based on their grades, disability, and level of vulnerability.

Tuition & Scholarships Students at IUSR will pay a portion (15-30%) of $1200 per year. This is the cost per student, but tuition based on students’ individual needs, grades, displaced situation, family size, and level of vulnerability. When necessary, grants and scholarships will subsidize tuition.

I USR aims to support knowledge, enable students to develop skills and use modern technologies through their educational and training programs, and contribute to reducing the financial burden by offering scholarships in the following categories: Student’s case

Scholarship (2017/2018)

Orphaned children, children with detained parents

100%

Permanent residence in a dangerous area and live in a camp

100%

Persons with special needs, according to degree of disability and determined by a medical committee

90-100%

Persons displaced from their homes

80-90%

Others

75%

S tudents who were forced to discontinue their university education as the conflict escalated will maintain the credits that they received prior to IUSR enrollment as they resume their coursework.

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SCHOLARSHIPS (2017-2018 ACADEMIC YEAR): Scholarship

Total students

Students

100%

no breadwinner: 8, handicapped: 4, widow: 1

13

90%

internally displaced far away: 15

15

80%

internally displaced: 1, house destroyed: 1, lost brothers and a parent: 8, poverty with a large family: 5, severe poverty with dire needs: 12

27

75%

all students

92

TOTAL

147 students

students were awarded scholarships (2017-2018)

81% o f scholarships were received by males

19% w ere received by females

$140,520

Total value of scholarships granted to students enrolled in IUSR during the 2017/2018 academic year

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The safety of our students is our top priority, and facilities are built with this in mind.

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Infrastructure and Security In 2017, IUSR rented two partially damaged buildings with a total of 15 classrooms and halls. An additional building with 13 classrooms was added in 2018, and two new campuses were added in Ariha and Izaz in 2019.

4 buildings 3 campuses The safety of our students is our top priority, and facilities are built with this in mind. Academic buildings have underground shelters to be used in the case of an air raid, and proximity to civil defense locations and hospitals was considered. Academic buildings have underground shelters to be used in the case of an air raid. Facilities are equipped with warning and fire systems to protect both the students and infrastructure.

IUSR houses a health clinic that will meet the daily needs of the students and also function as a resource for the local community to provide medical services to students and the community.

IUSR’s online program was created using a hybrid blending teaching methodology for education management. This enables students to access course materials online and submit homework, quizzes, exams, and other assignments.

Due to varying bases of knowledge and a central location of the country, synchronous and asynchronous options are the logical and superior choices.

S ynchronous methods of teaching and practicing are applied when the instructor and students are present at scheduled times—either in person or online—for instructor-led training, discussions, testing, and other activities.

A synchronous methods of teaching and practicing are applied to facilitate information sharing outside the constraints of time and place.

This approach will emphasize the importance of peer-to-peer interactions and combines self-study with asynchronous networking.

Activities conducted through synchronous methods will include lectures, Powerpoint presentations using Zoom software, and online forums and chatting for student discussion.

The online learning synchronous resources are used to support asynchronous learning. These include email, electronic mailing lists, threaded conferencing systems, online discussion boards, and social networking. These asynchronous forms of communication can sometimes be supplemented with synchronous components, including text and voice chat, telephone conversations, videoconferencing, and meetings in virtual spaces such as Second Life, where discussions can be facilitated among groups of students.

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Teaching Methods IRU provides: V irtual libraries as a platform used for repositories of documents, presentations, graphics, audio and video, and instructional materials and articles (often in PDF format) that can be downloaded.

D VDs/CD-ROMs, which come bundled with some textbooks. These are highly beneficial, especially in areas where internet connectivity is slow, limited, or expensive. Students can review materials offline and effectively budget their internet usage.

Email in a third platform, which can be used as a foundational item in all online courses, allowing students to ask questions, keep in touch, and receive materials, updates, reminders, and assessments.

W ebsite login and connection to IUSR programs.

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University Services Employment Network

Computer Requirements

IUSR provides students with a networking community which potentially aids them in obtaining future employment and broadens their career opportunities.

Students are required to have access to the internet through a computer or a smart device in order to complete course requirements. In some instances, IUSR is able to provide access to internet/computers in its centers when students can secure physical access to I-USE facilities.

Students must also have the ability to save documents and files in order to access course materials in the Learning Management System (LMS).

Documents are provided to students in either Adobe PDF or Microsoft Office compatible formats, so students must be able to open and save documents in these formats.

Each student is assigned a username and password to log into the university online learning platform and courses.

IUSR students with technical issues should contact tech.support@IRU. university. Students are advised to secure their usernames and passwords.

Student Contact Information The primary form of official communication from IUSR is via email.

Students are required to maintain an active email address and are responsible for keeping their contact information up-to-date.

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University Offices

Contact IRU

IUSR encourages all admitted and prospective students to contact the relevant university office for any assistance and clarification of policies and procedures.

Alumni Office alumni@iru.university

Financial Aid Office

Office of Admissions admissions@iru.university

The Financial Aid Office is responsible for reviewing and processing all applicants seeking scholarships. The Financial Aid Office can be reached at financial.aid@IRU.university.

Office of Student Affairs & Services student.services@iru.university

Office of Academic Affairs The Office of Academic Affairs oversees all aspects of the curriculum with a primary commitment to creating a dynamic environment for student learning and success. It provides guidance and leadership to assist students in solving academic-related problems.

Library Services library@iru.university

Office of Financial Aid financial.aid@iru.university IT Support tech.support@iru.university

IUSR Course Instructors are available to students via email and typically respond to student-related questions within 72 hours (barring technical difficulties).

Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) The Office of Student Services maintains student records and provides administrative and academic services to students in consultation with other IUSR offices. OSAS can be reached at student.services@IRU.university.

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IUSR Subsidary:

Professional Workforce Development and Training Center S

ince the start of the Syrian war in 2011, over half of the country’s population has been displaced. As of February 2018, 5.5 million Syrian refugees were registered, and an estimated 6.5 million were internally displaced persons (IDPs) (according to UNHCR).

Many Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. Many of these refugees and displaced people live under terrible conditions and want to return home, but must wait until their return is safe, assisted, and protected.

Hundreds of thousands of professionals have been forced to leave their work.

It has become increasingly difficult

to obtain a job due requirement of work permits and/or new skills, higher competition, and limited opportunities.

IUSR’s curators recognized that training and educational development would present a prime opportunity to expand the knowledge base. The provided benefits will make the cost and time a worthwhile investment.

With this in mind, in November 2018, IUSR created a center for professional development and training within its campus. The center provides premier resources for workforce development using in-person and/or online training.

The center is backed by world-class teaching facilities, outstanding faculty, comprehensive support, and strong partnerships.

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Training and educational development present a prime opportunity to expand the knowledge base.

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Vision The Professional Workforce Development and Training Center empowers individuals and organizations to achieve their potential goals.

The center strives to be universally recognized as the training, assessment, certification and career development standard for the construction and maintenance craft professionals.

Mission To offer lifelong learning opportunities of specialized occupational education that equips a diverse group of individuals in the community for life and work in a technological society.

Objectives T o improve professional and employment performance T o improve professions, employee satisfaction, and morale T o address weaknesses T o ensure a consistent experience T o increase productivity and adherence to quality standards T o increase innovation in new strategies and products

Values I ntegrity: to maintain the trust of the individuals, organizations, and industry C redibility: to be regarded as the most reliable source of workforce development resources.

I nnovation: to continuously improve our products, programs, and services and apply the most updated technologies.

C ommitment: complete dedication to our stakeholders, mission, and goals.

Q uality: to provide the industry with the premier resources for workforce development.

I ndustry support: to uphold and serve the interests of the construction industry and our customers in everything that we do.

C ustomer focus: to devote our resources to serving the best interests of our stakeholders and craft workers at all levels of development.

S ustainable career opportunities: to ensure that craft workers understand their opportunities for advancement and growth at every step of career development.

T o reduce employee turnover T o enhance company reputation and profile IUSR Guide | 19

Workforce Development Computer Technology W eb Design Certificate hotoshop Specialist Certificate P Microsoft Office Essential Certificate Data Analysis with Excel Certificate Networking A+ Certificate Big Data Certificate SQL Server Developer Certificate Cyber and Network Security

Business Skills Development E ntrepreneurship Management Certificate Program L eadership: Transforming Leaders into Catalyzers P roject Management Professional (PMP) P roject Leadership and Team Motivation B usiness Analyst Certificate S upply Chain, Logistics, and Manufacturing Certificate B asic Job Soft Skills H uman Resource Management Certificate B usiness Leadership Certificate B usiness Accounting Certificate S trategy & Leadership

Healthcare B asic Life Support (CPR) harmacology for Pharmacy P Technician Assistant Nurse Certificate Midwifery Assistant Emergency Nurse Assistant Sic Social Assistant Radiation Professional Certificate Anesthesia Professional Certificate Laboratory Analysis Certificate

Early Childhood Education E arly Learning Program and Family Relation s Observation, Documentation and Child Portfolios

Agriculture T rim fruit trees rnamental plants breeding O Landscaping design Food processing Artificial insemination in sheep Integrated feeding of sheep, goats, cattle, and horses Integrated crop and livestock production farms New technology in irrigation Water harvesting Bees breeding

S tarting a Business M arketing and Sales

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Media Technology D igital Photography edia Technology Specialist M Journalism and Social Media Specialist

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IUSR Subsidary:

Global High School (GHS) J

ust half of displaced students in 2018 had a chance to continue high school and take their secondary exam due to damage and destruction of schools, lack of education personnel, and lack of sufficient incentives for available teachers.

These circumstances have deprived a generation of civil needs and job market training. As a result, this “lost generation” has become susceptible to child labor and poverty. If this education gap continues to grow, the deficiency of qualified specialists will greatly hinder the reconstruction process in the future, slowing the country’s path to peace and stability.

In response to the complex education environment for Syrian students, the procurators of International Rescue University (IUSR) have established a secondary education

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institution, Global High School (GHS).

This subsidiary branch within IUSR was established to empower young people and help to restore pride and agency via a holistic approach to education. GHS provides equal opportunity avenues for continued education previously disrupted by ongoing violence, forced displacement, restrictions on movement, and lack of internationally recognized education authority to function during and after conflict.

GHS will implement a hybrid of onsite instruction of Syrian curriculum and virtual instruction of accredited American courses. GHS will grant certificates and teach the skills necessary for students to continue on to local and international universities and contribute uniquely to the eventual reconstruction of Syria.

Vision GHS meets international standards of excellence in education by discovering, preserving and disseminating knowledge, cultivating creative environments, and promoting a culture of broad inquiry throughout and beyond the secondary education community in order to serve society.

Mission GHS demonstrates that education and future planning are feasible. Creating a base of sustainable development, GHS will invest in young Syrians, thereby investing in the future of Syria. In partnership with Missouri University, Global High School will provide universally-accepted accreditation and prepare students to pursue internationally-accredited university degrees and specialize in the fields necessary to solve critical challenges in peace-making and reconstruction.

Additionally, GHS will encourage interest in market-relevant fields.

Regardless of gender or vulnerability, GHS will be a safe space for all students to learn openly and securely. GHS enhances the lives and livelihoods of its students, the people of Syria, and others around the world.

Objectives T o provide alternative solutions to the Syrian holders of a secondary certificate (regardless of the type and date of earning their certificate) to equivalent their certificate and obtain a dual secondary diploma (Syrian and American).

T o provide quality, internationally recognized, full or part time education in the student’s home (or wherever the interactive property is located), on the web, and throughout the year.

T o provide all necessary services and resources to ensure an enabling environment for the students.

T o provide a supportive network to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to succeed in his or her academic life.

T o secure university admission at the University of Missouri in accordance with the requirements of registration in the required specialization.

T o achieve excellence, prevent discrimination, prove integrity, and seek justice and freedom of expression.

T o recruit exceptional instructors and attract students from all backgrounds and beliefs

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Values R espect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others F reedom of thought and expression P ersonal, professional, and academic integrity I ntellectual development C reative and innovative thinking and learning C onscientious pursuit of personal and academic excellence C ross-cultural dialogue and economic development

Outcomes G raduation of distinguished students who are fluent in English, hold a dual secondary certificate, are internationally accredited, and can work with companies and international organizations or to enroll in any international university.

T he Syrian and Missouri high school syllabus can be taught at the same time for high school students G HS’s curriculum balances the creative use of skills and knowledge to produce graduates with competence who are well-prepared for university education

P ride in one’s self, one’s community, and the university

Education System and Parnership Combining online and in-person learning, Global High School will instruct relevant supplementary course work in addition to the complete Syrian curriculum.

The incorporation of the Syrian curriculum allows those previously forced to discontinue schooling to resume their coursework without delay or course repetition. It lays the groundwork to ensure that these degrees will be recognized by the Ministry of Education in the future.

In partnership with the University of Missouri’s K-12 virtual learning program, GHS will supplement the Syrian curriculum with US accredited coursework.

This partnership will guarantee that the graduates of Global High School will have a degree that is recognized internationally and will ease their transition and acceptance into a university. This unique hybrid curriculum will certify and prepare students for the continuously evolving higher education in Syrian and international universities and will create wider options of employment and regions of residence.

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GHS strives to empower young people and help to restore pride and agency.

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IRU.university/wt

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