10.6 Measures Against Discrimination
10.6.1 Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy
10.6.2 Track Underrepresented Groups Applications
10.6.3 Recruit Underrepresented Groups
10.6.4 Anti-discrimination Policies
10.6.5 Diversity and Equality Committee
10.6.6 Support for Underrepresented Groups
10.6.7 Accessible Facilities
10.6.8 Disability Support Services
10.6.9 Disability Access Schemes
10.6.10 Disability Accommodation Policy
10.6.11 Anti-Harassment Policy
Support for Underrepresented Groups
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) is dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and supportive academic community where every individual — regardless of background, gender, nationality, ability, or social circumstance — has the opportunity to succeed. In alignment with SDG 10.6.6, GUST provides a range of mentoring, counselling, and peer support programs specifically designed to empower underrepresented students, faculty, and staff, ensuring equal access to academic and personal growth opportunities.
Academic Advising
Through the One Stop Student Services Center (OSC), GUST offers individual and group academic advising to undergraduate students, with a special focus on those who may face barriers in navigating university life. Academic specialists work closely with students to develop personalized educational plans, assist with course selection, and guide them toward achieving their graduation goals.
This proactive advising approach helps students from diverse cultural, academic, and socio-economic backgrounds adapt to the university environment and make informed academic decisions, promoting equity and reducing achievement gaps across the student body.
Student Employment and Peer Support Programs
i) Peer Tutoring Program
The Peer Tutoring Program employs high-achieving students (GPA 3.0 and above) to provide individual and small-group tutoring in key academic subjects. Tutors receive specialized training to support students with different learning styles and documented disabilities, ensuring equal access to academic support for all learners.
Tutors also help strengthen the confidence, study habits, and learning strategies of students who may be struggling academically or adjusting to university life. This program promotes not only academic success but also empathy, collaboration, and leadership among peer mentors, reinforcing GUST’s inclusive learning ethos.
ii) Note Takers Program
As part of Disability Services, the Note Takers Program offers essential academic accommodations for students with physical or learning disabilities. Trained note-takers attend lectures, take clear and detailed notes, and provide them confidentially to approved students.
This initiative removes barriers to participation for students with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to course materials and fostering inclusion within the classroom.
Below are the list of students employed as notetakers in the year 2023-2024:
|
# |
Name |
College |
Department |
University |
| 1 | Lojain Alshaiji | CBA | Accounting | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 2 | Randa El Masri | CAS | English | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 3 | Alaa Boushehri | CBA | Business Administration | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 4 | Jana Hadwan | CBA | Business Administration | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 5 | Ghanimah Boutaiban | CAS | Computer Science | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 6 | Dalya Abulila | CAS | Computer Science | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 7 | Estabraq Altararwah | CAS | Computer Science | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 8 | Yousef Abu Shaban | CAS | Computer Science | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 9 | Batoul Ghanem | CAS | English | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 10 | Ali Al Anizi | CBA | Marketing | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 11 | Mohammed Alrikabi | CBA | Management Information Systems | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 12 | Sara Nusseibeh | CBA | Marketing | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 13 | Abedalaziz Yousef | CBA | Marketing | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 14 | Showg Alzaid | CBA | Accounting | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 15 | Amal Al Tourky | CBA | Business Administration | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 16 | Sarah Hazaa | CAS | Visual Communication | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
| 17 | Alaa Aldoesari | CAS | English | Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) |
Counselling Services
GUST’s Counselling and Mental Health Services, led by professional counselor Ms. Nauf N. Al Habsi, are open to all students, faculty, and staff. The center provides confidential one-on-one and group counselling sessions addressing issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, time management, and cultural adaptation.
Counselling services also extend to staff and faculty, offering guidance on workplace challenges, communication barriers, and emotional well-being. Regular wellness workshops, awareness campaigns, and training sessions promote empathy, inclusion, and mental health literacy across the university.
By offering professional psychological and emotional support, GUST ensures that underrepresented and marginalized groups — including international students, individuals with disabilities, and those facing socio-emotional difficulties — receive accessible care and mentorship to thrive academically and personally.
Disability Services
Administered by the Office of Student Life (OSL), the Disability Services Program ensures that students with documented disabilities receive reasonable accommodations to support their learning needs. After professional evaluation, tailored support plans are developed, which may include extended test time, assistive technology, and adapted learning materials.
These services help create an accessible learning environment where all students can participate fully in academic life, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges.
Through these integrated programs — advising, peer tutoring, note-taking, counselling, and disability services — GUST ensures that underrepresented students, staff, and faculty are provided with equal access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement.
These initiatives embody GUST’s commitment to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and promoting inclusive, equitable education and employment (SDG 4 and SDG 8), fostering a campus culture where every individual is supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Zain Disability Awareness Training
On 11 November 2025, GUST collaborated with Zain Kuwait to deliver a Disability Awareness Training session aimed at strengthening inclusion and understanding within the campus community. During the workshop, students explored how language shapes perceptions of disability and learned practical ways to communicate respectfully and inclusively with individuals who have disabilities. The session helped raise awareness about the challenges disabled people often face and encouraged participants to adopt more supportive behaviors in academic and social settings. By providing this kind of targeted training, GUST enhances the campus’s capacity to support underrepresented groups and reinforces its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in alignment with SDG 10.6.6.
