14 December 2021, Israeli soldiers and Shin Bet arrested a number of students allegedly involved with a Hamas cell, and accused of funneling money and organizing rallies in support of the organization, as well as incitement. The same day, hundreds of students took part in a Hamas parade on campus to mark the movement's founding anniversary. Some students also attacked the university's security guards. On 10 January 2022, an undercover Israeli military unit known as the Mista'arvim stormed the university, shooting one student in the leg and detaining four other student activists. Board of Trustees Birzeit University is governed by an autonomous Board of Trustees composed of educators and professionals from the Palestinian community. The board appoints the president of the university. It also confirms the appointment of vice-presidents and deans upon the recommendation of the president. The board approves the budget and general development plans presented to it by the university council. Administration The university follows a semester system, with two four-month semesters beginning in Autumn and Spring, and two shorter two-month semesters in summer. Support comes from numerous Palestinian, Arab, and international foundations, as well as from various individuals. Faculties The university, through its nine faculties (Arts; Science; Business and Economics; Law and Public Administration; Engineering and Technology; Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions; Education; Graduate Studies and Research, and Art Music and Design), provides academic programs(76 programs) that end in bachelor's degrees, such as the major/minor programs. These faculties, in addition to the Graduate Studies and Research faculty, offer 39 postgraduate programs that lead to master's degrees. The university also offers 3 Ph.D. programs in Social Sciences; Computer Science and Mathematics. Notable people Currently, there are a number of professors who are also appointed as ministers in the current Palestinian government. Thirteen members of the Palestinian negotiating team in U.S.-sponsored Middle East peace talks were faculty members of Birzeit University. Hanan Ashrawi taught literature there. The South African-born sociologist Stanley Cohen worked at Birzeit in support of Palestinian staff and students while a Professor in Criminology at the Hebrew University between 1980 and 1996. Saeed Abu Ali worked as associate professor. See also List of Palestinian universities Palestinian Galleries and Museums References External links Official site Official site Friends of Birzeit University The Palestine and Arabic Study Abroad Program at Birzeit Educational institutions established in 1924 1924 establishments in Mandatory Palestine Birzeit Nursing schools in the State of