Outreach and Accessibility Policy at the University of Tunis El Manar (UTM)

Introduction
The University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible environment for all students, staff, and the broader community. This Outreach and Accessibility Policy is designed to ensure that UTM’s educational, cultural, and social initiatives are accessible to people from various backgrounds, including those with disabilities, students from disadvantaged regions, and marginalized communities. UTM’s outreach activities aim to provide equal opportunities for all, both within Tunisia and internationally.

1. Outreach Initiatives

1.1. Promoting Higher Education Access

UTM is dedicated to ensuring that students from underrepresented groups have access to higher education:

• Career Guidance and University Preparation Programs: UTM organizes forums and events aimed at providing secondary school students with information about university programs, scholarships, and career pathways. This includes initiatives targeting students from rural and disadvantaged areas, helping them make informed decisions about higher education.
• School Visits and Community Engagement: UTM faculty and staff regularly visit local schools, especially in underprivileged regions, to engage students and encourage them to pursue higher education. This includes outreach programs focused on STEM fields, where hands-on workshops and activities are conducted to inspire young learners.
• Guidance for Displaced Students: UTM offers targeted outreach to displaced students and refugees, helping them understand the university’s admission process, available scholarships, and support services.
• University Open Days and Events: UTM organizes open days where prospective students and their families can visit the campus, learn about academic programs, tour facilities, and meet faculty members. These events are specifically designed to inform and assist students from underrepresented communities.

1.2. International Outreach and Collaboration

UTM is also engaged in international outreach efforts aimed at building global partnerships and enhancing educational opportunities for students worldwide:

• Erasmus+ and Other Mobility Programs: UTM participates in the Erasmus+ program, which enables both staff and students to engage in exchanges, internships, and academic collaboration with universities across Europe. This broadens the academic and cultural perspectives of UTM students and staff, ensuring they have a global outlook.
• Global Networks and Partnerships: UTM collaborates with international organizations such as the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and other international research and educational networks. These partnerships help UTM stay connected with global developments in sustainability, innovation, and education, and they offer students and researchers opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
• Collaboration with International NGOs: UTM partners with various international NGOs to promote education and research, particularly in areas related to sustainability, development, and social justice. These partnerships extend UTM’s reach, providing opportunities for international students to engage with UTM’s academic programs.

2. Accessibility Policy

2.1. Physical Accessibility

UTM is committed to ensuring that its campus and facilities are physically accessible to all students and staff:

• Barrier-Free Campus: UTM has invested in making its campus accessible to individuals with physical disabilities, including accessible entrances, ramps, elevators, and restrooms in all main buildings.
• Designated Accessibility Areas: Specific areas are designated for students with disabilities, including quiet rooms and study spaces, ensuring that these students have a conducive learning environment.
• Transport Accessibility: UTM has developed transportation solutions that accommodate students with mobility challenges, ensuring they can easily access the campus from various locations, particularly from areas with a higher population of students with disabilities.

2.2. Digital Accessibility

UTM recognizes the importance of digital accessibility and ensures that all students can access online resources and educational materials:

• Accessible E-Learning Platforms: UTM ensures that its e-learning platforms are designed to be accessible to all students, including those with visual or hearing impairments. Features such as text-to-speech software, video subtitles, and customizable interface designs are integrated into online learning environments.
• Accessible Course Materials: Course materials, including lecture notes, slides, and videos, are made available in formats that are accessible to students with disabilities. This includes alternative formats for students with visual impairments and audio descriptions for students with hearing impairments.

2.3. Support for Students with Disabilities

UTM provides a comprehensive range of services to support students with disabilities:

• Disability Support Office: The university has established an office dedicated to supporting students with disabilities. This office provides advice, accommodations, and support services, ensuring that students with disabilities have the tools they need to succeed academically.
• Assistive Technologies: UTM provides access to assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and Braille equipment, helping students with disabilities to access course content and engage with their studies effectively.
• Personalized Learning Plans: Students with disabilities can work with faculty and the Disability Support Office to develop personalized learning plans that accommodate their individual needs and ensure they have equal access to educational opportunities.

2.4. Mental Health and Well-Being Support

In addition to physical accessibility, UTM prioritizes the mental health and well-being of its students:

• Counseling and Psychological Services: UTM offers a range of counseling and mental health services, including individual counseling, group therapy, and workshops aimed at reducing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
• Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: The university runs mental health awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote well-being, encouraging students to seek support when needed.
• Inclusive Student Clubs: UTM supports student clubs and organizations focused on mental health, well-being, and inclusivity, allowing students to connect and support one another in a positive and safe environment.

3. Policies and Procedures for Outreach and Accessibility

3.1. Application and Eligibility

Students seeking access to UTM’s outreach programs or requiring accommodations must follow specific procedures:

• Outreach Program Applications: Prospective students applying for outreach programs, scholarships, or assistance with university preparation must submit an application, providing relevant documentation about their socio-economic background or other circumstances.
• Disability and Accommodation Requests: Students with disabilities can apply for accommodations through the Disability Support Office. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and accommodations are tailored to the specific needs of each student.

3.2. Monitoring and Reporting

UTM ensures the effectiveness of its outreach and accessibility efforts through regular monitoring and reporting:

• Annual Outreach Review: The university conducts an annual review of its outreach programs, assessing the participation rates of underrepresented groups and evaluating the impact of these programs on student enrollment and success.
• Accessibility Audits: UTM performs periodic accessibility audits to ensure that physical and digital spaces remain fully accessible to all students, with continuous improvements made where necessary.
• Feedback and Adjustments: Students are encouraged to provide feedback on the accessibility and inclusivity of the university’s programs, and the university is committed to making adjustments based on student needs and suggestions.

4. Collaborations and Partnerships

4.1. Collaboration with Local Authorities

UTM works closely with local authorities in El Manar City to ensure that outreach and accessibility initiatives align with local development goals and meet the needs of the wider community:

• Joint Projects: UTM and the local council collaborate on projects aimed at increasing access to education, improving community engagement, and promoting inclusivity in the region.
• Local Support for Disadvantaged Students: UTM works with the local government to provide support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including housing assistance and transportation solutions.