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
Disability Support Services
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive academic environment that guarantees equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities. In alignment with SDG 10.6.8, the University provides comprehensive Disability Services Unit through the One Stop Student Services Center (OSC), ensuring that all students can fully participate in university life and achieve academic success.
One Stop Student Services Center (OSC)
The OSC serves as the central hub for academic and personal support programs, encompassing Academic Advising, Learning Support, Personal Counseling, Retention Services, and Disability Services. The Disability Services Unit within the OSC operates under the supervision of the Dean of Student Affairs and is managed by a trained coordination team responsible for assisting students with documented disabilities from admission through graduation.
Role of the Disability Services Unit
The Disability Services Unit coordinates and facilitates accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to classrooms, learning materials, and university resources. The team works closely with faculty, staff, and campus departments to remove barriers and provide appropriate academic and logistical support.
Its core responsibilities include:
- Reviewing disability documentation and determining accommodation eligibility.
- Coordinating individualized support plans in collaboration with faculty.
- Ensuring accessibility across campus facilities and learning environments.
- Monitoring the progress and well-being of students receiving accommodations.
Accommodation Services Offered
GUST provides a variety of reasonable academic and physical accommodations based on the specific needs of each student. Examples include:
- Proctoring Exams to accommodate different learning needs. This is usually arranged by faculty and done at the One Stop Student Services Center. The exam/quiz is proctored at the OSC in the presence of one of the Disability Service team.
- Extended Time during exams and/or quizzes is also often arranged by faculty and done at the One Stop Student Services Center. An alternative is to have the student take the exam/quiz in the faculty member’s office.
- Orally Administered Exams or the use of assistive devices such as recorders for students requiring auditory or verbal support. The student has the option of hearing the questions spoken and to orally provide his responses or to record their answers via a tape recorder. If the student would like to use a tape recorder, this specific accommodation needs to be confirmed, and the student must provide the tape recorder to use during the test.
- Special Classroom Furniture (adjustable desks, wheelchair-accessible tables) and designated parking for physically disabled students.
- Accessible classroom materials and assistance from trained support staff.
Each accommodation plan is customized after a review of the student’s documentation and a personal meeting with the Disability Services Team. Faculty members are also notified confidentially to ensure appropriate classroom support without compromising privacy.
Note Takers Program
As part of the Disability Services Unit, GUST offers a structured Note Takers Program designed to assist students with visual, hearing, or motor impairments who face challenges in taking lecture notes.
Approved note-takers — who are current GUST students — attend classes alongside their assigned peers and prepare clear, organized, and detailed lecture notes, which are then shared confidentially with the student receiving support.
Responsibilities of Note Takers include:
- Attending all assigned lectures punctually.
- Preparing well-organized notes that accurately reflect the lecture content.
- Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding the identity and needs of the student.
- Submitting notes promptly after each class session.
- Coordinating with the Disability Services Coordinator for updates or absences.
This program ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to lecture materials, enabling them to keep up with coursework and classroom discussions. At the same time, it provides valuable leadership and professional experience for the student note-takers, who play an important role in fostering empathy and inclusion within the GUST community.
Below are the list of students employed as notetakers in the academic 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) |
Registration and Documentation Process
Students seeking disability accommodations must register through the One Stop Student Services Center and complete the Disability Accommodation Request Form. Supporting documentation must:
- Be issued by a licensed medical or educational professional.
- Be no older than five years, ensuring up-to-date assessment of needs.
- Consist of a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a psycho-educational evaluation, diagnostic interview, and clinical summary.
- Specific recommendations for accommodations as well as an explanation as to why each is recommended as necessary.
- The student's history of receiving reasonable accommodations and academic adjustments, if such history exists.
After documentation is reviewed, students meet with the Disability Services Team to finalize their accommodation plan. Approved services are then coordinated with faculty and communicated directly to the student via official email.
Disability Accommodation Request Form:
The Disability Services Program embodies GUST’s dedication to promoting accessibility, inclusion, and academic equality. By providing professional support, individualized accommodations, and peer-assisted programs such as the Note Takers Initiative, GUST ensures that students with disabilities can learn, grow, and succeed in a supportive environment.Through these initiatives, GUST fulfills the objectives of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 4: Quality Education, ensuring that all learners — regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges — are empowered to reach their fullest potential.
