Telecommuting Policy (11.4.3)

Policy enabling telecommuting, remote work, or condensed workweeks to reduce commuting.

Introduction:

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) actively implements telecommuting, hybrid work models, and flexible scheduling systems to reduce commuting frequency, minimize carbon emissions, and enhance employee well-being.
The university’s Remote Working and Telecommuting Encouragement Procedure establishes a formal institutional framework enabling staff to work remotely whenever operationally feasible. This policy contributes directly to SDG11 by lowering transportation-related emissions, relieving traffic pressure, and promoting sustainable urban mobility patterns.

By reducing the need for daily travel to campus, telecommuting initiatives help create a more efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible workplace while maintaining service quality and operational continuity.

Centers and Departments:

January
01

1. Hourani e-Learning Center (HEC)

Supports hybrid and remote teaching models, enabling faculty to conduct online classes and reducing commuting needs for students and instructors.

January
01

2. Human Resources & Institutional Development Unit

Leads telecommuting implementation, evaluates remote-work eligibility, manages flexible schedules, and ensures policy compliance.

January
01

3. Sustainability & International Ranking Center (SIRC)

Monitors telecommuting indicators, evaluates mobility impact, and ensures reporting aligns with SDG11 sustainability goals.

January
01

4. Computer Center

Ensures the technical infrastructure needed for telecommuting, including network access, secure VPN systems, LMS support, and digital communication tools.

January
01

5. Teaching and Learning Center (TLC)

Trains faculty and staff on effective remote-work practices, digital tools, online communication, and hybrid teaching strategies.

Activities:

January
01

1. Remote Working and Telecommuting Encouragement Procedure

A formal university procedure enabling flexible remote work, hybrid models, and non-traditional scheduling to lower commuting frequency.

January
01

2. Hybrid Learning and Digital Education Support

The HEC supports online course delivery, digital assessments, and virtual classrooms that reduce student and faculty commuting demands.

January
01

3. Digital Design Workshops Conducted Online or in Hybrid Format

Workshops such as “Design Using Artificial Intelligence” integrate digital participation, reducing physical attendance requirements.

January
01

4. Online Cultural & Research Engagement Events

Workshops like “Women on the Green Path” include online components, making participation possible without commuting.

January
01

5. Administrative Services Enabled Through Digital Platforms

Admission, HR services, student registration, and academic advising can be completed digitally, minimizing in-person visits.

Impact Evaluation & Development Plan

A . Performance Evaluation

Structured Assessment Tools

AAU evaluates telecommuting through: • HR scheduling reports,
• remote-work adoption rates,
• system usage analytics (LMS, VPN, portals),
• employee satisfaction surveys regarding remote work,
• commuting reduction estimates.

Annual Assessment Cycles

Each year, AAU reviews: • number of employees working remotely,
• number of hybrid classes delivered,
• staff commuting reduction,
• carbon-emission reductions from telecommuting,
• system performance and digital-readiness metrics.

Quantitative & Qualitative Indicators

Indicators include: • % of staff using telecommuting monthly,
• # of hybrid or fully online teaching sessions,
• km of commuting avoided,
• energy/emissions saved,
• qualitative feedback on workflow and productivity.

Integration with Curriculum & Operations

Telecommuting informs: • hybrid instructional models,
• digital assessment methods,
• remote administrative services,
• future-ready workforce training.

Transparency and Public Reporting

All telecommuting data are published through:
• AAU Sustainability Report 2024–2025
• SDG11 Executive Report
• AAU Sustainability Portal

B. Development Actions

Action 1: Expansion of Remote-Work Eligibility

Extend telecommuting to additional departments where work outcomes allow. Target: +15% staff eligibility by 2026.

Action 2: Digital Workflow Optimization Program

Improve online services (HR, finance, admissions) to reduce campus visits. Target: 75% of administrative processes digitized by 2027.

Action 3: Full Hybrid Instruction Capability

Ensure every faculty can deliver online and hybrid classes. Target: 100% faculty readiness by 2026.

Action 4: Cybersecurity & IT Infrastructure Enhancement

Upgrade digital tools supporting remote work to ensure high-quality performance. Target: Advanced VPN & secure cloud systems by 2026.

Action 5: Telecommuting Incentive Program

Introduce incentives for departments reducing commuting through remote work.
Target: launch program in 2025.

C. Benchmarking & Best Practice

AAU benchmarks its telecommuting systems against: • University of British Columbia – Digital Work Systems
• University of Cambridge – Hybrid Teaching Excellence
• University of Melbourne – Remote Work Flexibility
• University of Gothenburg – E-Operations & Online Accessibility

Best Practices Adopted

hybrid learning and remote instruction• flexible scheduling structures
• digital workflow transformation
• campus mobility impact tracking
• inclusive remote-participation systems

Localization to Jordan’s Context

Aligned with: • Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship
• National E-Learning Frameworks
• AAU Telecommuting Procedure
• AAU Digital Transformation Strategy

Future Goal (by 2028)

Establish the AAU Digital Workforce Innovation Hub, supporting long-term hybrid operations, remote collaboration, and reduced commuting emissions.

Institutional Integration Summary

AAU integrates telecommuting through coordinated efforts by HR, HEC, SIRC, TLC, and the Computer Center.
These units collectively ensure efficient remote-work systems, hybrid teaching capacity, digital operations, and reduced-commuting activities—strengthening AAU’s contribution to SDG11 and accelerating campus sustainability.