The University of Balamand (UOB) has officially launched its Campus Family Support Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at promoting equity, inclusion, and institutional sustainability throughout its university community, across all UOB campuses.
Initially developed under the project "Supporting Women on Board of Syndicates, Universities, and Board of Organizations", implemented by the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB) in partnership with the British Embassy, the plan was designed to address gender inequalities within academic and professional environments.
Under the leadership of Dr. Elias Warrak, President of UOB, the initiative has since evolved into a broader institutional framework that supports all members of the UOB community, including students, staff, and faculty.
It integrates strategic planning with the implementation of pro-women policies, while also promoting sensitization and capacity-building across campus. The plan emphasizes inclusive budgeting and is supported by ongoing monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure measurable impact. In parallel, it encourages academic development through enhanced support for research and teaching.
The Campus Family Support Plan is expected to contribute significantly to student success, improve staff well-being and productivity, and foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. It also supports institutional sustainability, strengthens recruitment and retention efforts, and aims to elevate the university’s academic standing and rankings.
In addition to policy reforms, the plan introduces a range of support services including childcare and elderly care initiatives, comprehensive academic and financial support, health and wellness programs, and flexible work and study arrangements.
As part of the ongoing efforts surrounding the launch of the Campus Family Support Plan, UOB also hosted a collaborative roundtable on November 14, 2025 at UOB Dekwaneh Campus, dedicated to advancing gender equality and addressing women’s needs on campus. The event brought together representatives from the Lebanese American University (LAU), the Modern University for Business and Science (MUBS), Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) as well as the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB).
Discussions focused on strengthening strategic planning for gender equality, enhancing pro-women policies, and promoting inclusive governance across higher-education institutions. Participants emphasized the importance of awareness-raising, sensitization, and capacity-building initiatives, along with inclusive budgeting and continuous monitoring to ensure long-term impact. The roundtable also explored opportunities for research collaboration and the exchange of best practices, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering supportive, equitable, and forward-looking academic environments throughout Lebanon’s university sector.
This initiative reflects UOB’s continued commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment that empowers its entire community.
