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Comprehensive Support for Low-Income Students Policy

(Effective Date: 22/12/2022)
Approved by: University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa

  1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide comprehensive support to students from low-income families, ensuring that financial, logistical, and personal challenges do not prevent them from completing their studies at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa. This policy aims to foster an inclusive and supportive environment by offering essential services such as food, housing, transportation, and tailored assistance for economically disadvantaged students.

  1. Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all students enrolled in all programs at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa who are identified as coming from low-income backgrounds.

  1. Definitions
  • Low-Income Backgrounds: Students from families with incomes below national benchmarks, verified through documentation.
  • Support Services: A range of financial, housing, food, transportation, and personal assistance provided to ensure student well-being and academic success.
  1. Policy Statement

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa commits to supporting students from low-income backgrounds by providing essential services and tailored assistance. The policy covers the following areas:

  1. Food Support:
  • Subsidized Meals: Discounts of up to 50% off market prices in the university cafeteria for students and staff.
  • Dietary Options: A variety of meal options to cater to different dietary needs, including vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and vegan choices.
  • Food Security Initiative: Additional meal vouchers or meal plans for students facing extreme financial hardship.
  1. Housing Support:
  • Subsidized Accommodation: Affordable housing for disadvantaged students to ease the cost of living in Karbala.
  • Secure Housing for Female Students: Accommodation for female students in secure facilities near essential services, with 24/7 security.
  • On-Campus Dormitories: Development of on-campus dormitories to reduce housing and commuting costs.
  1. Transportation Support:
  • Free Transportation: Buses for students in university hostels and those living in the city, with multiple daily trips.
  • Priority for Female Students and Remote Areas: Safe and reliable transportation with special attention to students from remote or conflict-affected areas.
  1. Additional Support Services:
  • Legal Aid: Access to free or subsidized legal services for academic or personal issues.
  • Counselling and Mental Health Services: Free counselling to help students manage stress and personal challenges.
  • Emergency Financial Assistance: An emergency fund for unexpected financial difficulties to prevent interruptions in studies.
  1. Procedures
  1. Eligibility Criteria:
  • Students must demonstrate financial need through verified household income documentation.
  • Priority will be given to students receiving university scholarships or identified as economically disadvantaged.
Application and Access:
  • Simple Application Process: A streamlined process for students to apply for food, housing, transportation, and additional support services.
  • Confidentiality: Strict confidentiality to protect students' dignity and privacy.
  1. Roles and Responsibilities
  • Student Services Office: Oversees the application process, service delivery, and resource allocation.
  • Admissions and Financial Aid Office: Manages the verification of eligibility and emergency financial assistance.
  • Housing and Transportation Department: Coordinates housing and transportation services, with special attention to female and remote-area students.
  1. Compliance and Enforcement

The university monitors the use of support services to ensure that eligible students benefit fully. Misuse of services or fraudulent applications may result in suspension of access to the services.

  1. Related Documents and References
  • University Financial Aid Handbook
  • Mental Health Services Policy
  • National Poverty Statistics and Guidelines
  1. Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed every three years to assess its effectiveness. Adjustments will be made based on changing socio-economic conditions, evolving student needs, and feedback from stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff.

  1. Contact Information

For inquiries and further assistance, please contact:

Student Services Office
Email: reg@uowa.edu.iq
Phone: +964 773 489 6226

Implementation Strategy

  1. Awareness Campaign:
    Launch a campaign to inform students about the available support services, eligibility criteria, and application process.
  2. Collaborations:
    Partner with local organizations, NGOs, and governmental bodies to expand support for low-income students.
  3. Resource Allocation:
    Ensure adequate funding and resources are allocated to support all eligible students.
  4. Continuous Improvement:
    Establish a continuous improvement process through feedback collection and data analysis to enhance the services provided.