Steps from the Ministry of Education in Lebanon to Solve the Problems of the Lebanese University

Dr. Rima Karami, Minister of Education and Higher Education in Lebanon, held an important coordination meeting to address the long-standing unresolved issues at the Lebanese University, one of the country's most deeply rooted academic institutions. The meeting was attended by a delegation headed by Dr. Yahya El-Rebai, President of the Board of Directors of the Full-Time Professors Association, and Dr. Adnan El-Emin, the Minister's Chief Advisor on Higher Education Affairs. During the discussion, solutions to the most urgent problems faced by the national educational institution in the country were put on the table. In particular, the goal was to take concrete steps to overcome the difficulties faced by the university's academic and administrative staff. Such high-level discussions are of great importance for the stability of the institution.

Among the agenda items of the meeting, the "tefresh" file, which is the transition process of contractually employed faculty members to full-time staff, ranked first. It was discussed in detail how to expedite the legal and academic processes to ensure that contract faculty members attain their deserved status. This step is of critical importance in ensuring that educators receive the value they deserve and that academic staff are provided with a more stable structure. In addition, other priority issues such as the appointment of the principal deans of various faculties were discussed. The prompt completion of dean appointments is considered essential for the normalization of academic and administrative operations in many units of the university. Thus, both faculty members and students will be freed from grievance.

The process of appointing deans is considered a legal prerequisite not only for the management of the respective faculties but also for the restructuring of the "University Council". The complete formation of the University Council will ensure the effective use of the authority and responsibilities granted to the institution. With the council assuming its duties, the management of the main institution and its various affiliated institutes will become much more transparent and efficient. These structural steps will help the university overcome the administrative blockages that have persisted for years. Ultimately, it is aimed to fully regularize academic activities and maintain a high-quality educational process.

Furthermore, in the said discussion, current laws and decree issues related to the Lebanese University were evaluated comprehensively. Participants explored what could be done to adapt these legal regulations to today's changing conditions and higher education needs. These legal updates, which will secure the national and educational stability of the educational institution, will also increase the university's competitiveness. It was emphasized that a modern legal framework is needed for the institution to be a preferred choice for students at both local and regional levels. These reforms are expected to directly and positively affect the academic development of students and the working conditions of faculty members.

Following the comprehensive consultations, the parties agreed on the necessity of keeping channels of mutual dialogue open and maintaining joint coordination. All stakeholders attending the meeting pledged to act with a shared sense of responsibility to overcome the encountered obstacles. It is aimed for the Lebanese University to maintain its mission as a unified national institution and to sustain its pioneering academic role. It was stated that such structural dialogue initiatives will not only defend the rights of faculty members but also secure the future of the institution. Consequently, the continuation of this collaborative approach is seen as a great necessity to overcome the challenging periods the university is going through.