Tracking Underrepresented Groups

Systematic monitoring of applications and admissions for underrepresented groups (e.g. low income, minorities, women, refugees).

Executive Summary

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) has established a comprehensive, data-driven monitoring system to track applications, admissions, and enrolments of underrepresented groups – including low-income students, women, refugees, students with disabilities, and first-generation learners. This system is administered jointly by the Admission and Registration Department and the Sustainability & Global Ranking Center in close coordination with the Deanship of Student Affairs.

The university’s tracking framework is anchored in its Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy and SDG-aligned Institutional Strategy, ensuring that each stage of the admission process – from application to enrolment and financial support – is continuously monitored for fairness, equity, and inclusion. Data are collected annually through AAU’s Central Student Information System and disaggregated by gender, nationality, disability status, and socio-economic background.

Periodic reports are analyzed by the Sustainability & Global Ranking Center to evaluate representation trends, identify gaps, and recommend interventions – such as targeted scholarships, outreach campaigns, and accessibility enhancements. The university also publishes key statistics in its annual Sustainability Report and shares findings with the Ministry of Higher Education and relevant stakeholders.

Through this systematic tracking approach, AAU ensures that its admissions and enrolment processes are transparent, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices for equity and social inclusion. This commitment directly supports SDG 10.2 (Promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all) and SDG 10.3 (Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome), demonstrating AAU’s leadership in embedding fairness and accessibility within its institutional governance framework.

Centers and Departments

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01Admission and Registration Department

Oversees the collection and maintenance of application and enrolment data for all students, ensuring accurate classification of underrepresented groups such as low-income applicants, refugees, women, and persons with disabilities. The department manages the Central Student Information System, which provides real-time tracking of admission trends and demographic indicators.

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02Sustainability and International Ranking Center

Responsible for the annual monitoring, analysis, and reporting of inclusion-related indicators aligned with SDG 10. The center compiles institutional data on representation, equality, and access to education, and integrates these findings into the AAU Annual Sustainability Report. It also ensures data accuracy and transparency by coordinating with other departments and national entities.

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03Human Resources and Institutional Development Unit

Institutional Development Department – Measurement and Evaluation Section Monitors academic performance and institutional outcomes through systematic data collection and analysis. The section provides evidence-based insights that support equitable decision-making and help identify trends among underrepresented student groups. It ensures that inclusion and representation data are continuously measured, evaluated, and integrated into the university’s planning and development framework.

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04Deanship of Student Affairs

Leads student inclusion initiatives and support programs targeting vulnerable and underrepresented groups. The Deanship provides mentorship, scholarships, and psychological support services for low-income students, international students, and students with disabilities. It also coordinates volunteer and outreach activities that enhance social integration and belonging among diverse student populations.

05Disability Support Office

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Activities

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01Annual Inclusion Data Report – Demographic and Equity Monitoring

Each academic year, Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) compiles a comprehensive inclusion and diversity dataset through its Central Student Information System. The data include disaggregated information by gender, nationality, disability, income level, and refugee status. The Sustainability & Global Ranking Center analyzes the results and publishes them within the university’s Annual Sustainability Report, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with SDG 10.2 and 10.3.

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02Institutional Development – Measurement and Evaluation Activities

The Measurement and Evaluation Section within the Institutional Development Department conducts systematic assessments of student performance and retention across all demographics. The section tracks trends among underrepresented groups – particularly low-income students, women in STEM, and persons with disabilities – to identify academic challenges and propose evidence-based improvement plans.

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03Outreach and Admissions Monitoring for Refugees and Low-Income Students

AAU actively tracks applications from refugee and low-income applicants through its Admission and Registration Department, in collaboration with the Deanship of Student Affairs. Data are reviewed each semester to ensure equitable representation and to identify students who may benefit from targeted scholarships or bridging programs. This outreach initiative promotes inclusive access and fair participation in higher education.

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04Gender and Disability Representation Dashboard

The university maintains an internal monitoring dashboard that tracks gender balance, disability representation, and participation across academic programs and administrative positions. This digital platform enables continuous evaluation of gender equality, participation of women in leadership, and accessibility for students with special needs. Results are integrated into strategic decision-making by the university administration.

05Inclusive Admissions Review Meetings

A cross-departmental committee consisting of representatives from the Admission Office, Sustainability Center, and Student Affairs convenes each semester to review the inclusiveness of admission data. The committee evaluates representation metrics, discusses intervention plans, and ensures alignment with national policies on equal access and refugee inclusion.

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06Artistic Excellence Scholarship Program – Inclusion and Recognition of Diverse Student Groups

In line with its commitment to fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity, Al-Ahliyya Amman University honored its student choir for their exceptional performance at the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts. During the ceremony, chaired by Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, the university announced a 50% tuition scholarship for all choir members, recognizing their creativity and contribution to cultural diversity. This initiative is integrated within the university’s broader framework for tracking and supporting underrepresented groups, ensuring equitable recognition across academic, artistic, and social fields. The Artistic Excellence Scholarship is granted transparently each semester to students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, promoting equitable access to financial support and representation for talented individuals. Through this initiative, AAU not only celebrates artistic achievement but also strengthens its monitoring of inclusion indicators – particularly in scholarships and student engagement – aligning directly with SDG 10.2 (Promote inclusion for all) and SDG 10.3 (Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome).

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07Faculty Of Allied Medical Sciences – Occupational Therapy Department

The Occupational Therapy Department offers help to all individal of all ages to overcome physical and emotional challenges . The facuilty helps to insure the wellbeing of all their individuals. Occupational therapists assess, treat, and empower patients to engage in meaningful activities, improving their functional abilities and quality of life. Provided by high-quality occupational therapy services with clients, professionals, and systems supported by research and service. While maintaining values of justice and freedom and dignity. Which directlty contribtes to SDG-10.6.8 which provides support services for people with disabilities.

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