Policy of the Election of Faculty, Staff, and Administrative Representatives to the Board of Trustees and the University Supreme Council

I. Preamble

The University believes in the importance of active institutional participation in decision-making and in strengthening the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability. With this in mind, the University provides eligible faculty members, staff, and administrators with the opportunity to participate in selecting their representatives to the Board of Trustees and the University Supreme Council through a fair and transparent electoral process that guarantees equal opportunity and representation for all groups within the University community.

Through this policy, the University also seeks to reinforce the principles of institutional governance and the meaningful participation of university community members in decision-making, in a manner that supports transparency, accountability, and fair representation across all University constituencies.

II. Policy Objectives

This policy aims to:

Enhance institutional participation in decision-making.
Ensure representation of all groups within the University community.
Promote the principles of integrity, transparency, and fairness.
Support diversity and inclusion in institutional representation.
Build trust in the University’s administrative and academic processes.
Ensure the selection of representatives who possess the necessary competence and experience to contribute to the University’s development and the achievement of its strategic objectives.

III. Scope of Application

This policy applies to:

Faculty members.
Teaching and academic support staff, where applicable under approved regulations.
Administrative and operational employees.
Candidates and voters participating in elections for University councils whose regulations provide for elected representation.

IV. General Electoral Principles

The electoral process is guided by the following principles:

Transparency throughout all stages of the electoral process.
Fairness and equality among all candidates.
Confidentiality of voting and protection of participants’ data.
Integrity and independence in the administration of elections.
Equal opportunity in both candidacy and voting.
Non-discrimination on the basis of gender, nationality, age, disability, cultural background, or any other consideration unrelated to competence or eligibility.
Respect for diversity and inclusion, and the promotion of broad participation.
Accountability and adherence to institutional regulations and bylaws.

V. Candidacy Requirements

A candidate must meet the following conditions:

Be employed at the time the nomination period opens.
Possess a good professional and ethical record.
Have no severe disciplinary sanctions issued against him in accordance with the University’s applicable regulations.
Be committed to the University’s values, mission, and objectives.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively represent the constituency for which they are running.
Have an appropriate understanding of university regulations, policies, and procedures.
Commit to attending meetings and actively participating in the work of the Council.

VI. Selection and Evaluation Criteria

The University relies on a set of criteria when evaluating candidates, including the following:

Professional Criteria

Relevant academic or administrative experience.
Professional competence and ability to fulfill responsibilities.
Previous achievements and institutional contributions.
Participation in university committees, initiatives, or activities.
Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.

Leadership and Representation Criteria

Leadership skills and effective communication.
Ability to represent the views and interests of the constituency.
Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
Initiative and contribution to the development of the University.
Ability to build positive working relationships with various stakeholders.

Governance Criteria

Commitment to professional ethics.
Respect for institutional policies and regulations.
Support for principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Maintenance of confidentiality regarding matters related to council work.

Diversity and Inclusion Criteria

The University encourages the participation of candidates and voters of different genders, nationalities, academic disciplines, and administrative backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the university community and supporting an inclusive working and learning environment, while maintaining merit and competence as the primary basis for selection.

VII. Electoral Process Procedures

1. Announcing the Elections

The University announces elections through its official channels, including:

The number of available seats.
The targeted categories.

Candidacy requirements and conditions.
The timeline for the electoral process.
The voting mechanism and the process for announcing results.

2. Candidacy

Candidacy applications are submitted within the designated period.
Applications are reviewed to verify that all eligibility conditions are met.
The final list of candidates is approved and publicly announced.

3. Electoral Campaigns

Candidates may present their programs and ideas in accordance with the following guidelines:

Maintaining mutual respect at all times.
Refraining from any conduct that may harm or discredit other candidates.
Avoiding the unfair use of institutional resources.
Adhering to the University’s professional values and ethical standards.

4. Voting

Voting is conducted in a confidential and fair manner.
University-approved electronic voting systems may be used.
Each voter is entitled to cast one vote in accordance with the category to which they belong.
The University is committed to providing appropriate means to ensure ease of participation for all eligible groups.

5. Counting and Announcement of Results

Votes are counted in accordance with approved procedures.
Results are formally documented.
Results are announced through the University’s official channels.
Electoral records are retained in accordance with applicable institutional policies and procedures.

VIII. Integrity and Prevention of Conflicts of Interest

All participants in this process are required to:

Avoid any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Neither offer nor accept any benefits or incentives that may compromise the integrity of the elections.
Refrain from exerting any direct or indirect pressure on voters or candidates.
Report any violations or irregular practices related to the electoral process.

IX. Complaints and Appeals

Candidates or voters may submit complaints or appeals related to the electoral process within the timeframe and in accordance with the procedures specified by the University. The competent authority shall review such submissions and take appropriate action in line with approved regulations.

X. Monitoring and Evaluation

The University periodically reviews and evaluates the electoral process with the aim of:

Measuring the level of institutional participation.
Strengthening transparency and integrity.
Supporting diversity and inclusion in representation.
Identifying opportunities for improvement and development.
Meeting the requirements of quality assurance, accreditation, and institutional evaluation.