Submission ready institutional evidence report

Direct Institutional Response

Yes. Ahlia University provides students and staff with access to free mental health support. The University explicitly identifies academic supervision, psychological counselling, training courses, awareness sessions and lectures as free mental services for both groups. This provision is integrated with student counselling, academic advising, health and wellbeing activities, staff health protection, medical insurance and referral arrangements. [E02] [E03] [E04] [E07]

For students, the Directorate of Student Counseling and Advising provides confidential, student-centred support for academic, personal, social and psychological concerns. Its service is preventive and remedial, is available through an open-door model without restrictions on the frequency or purpose of contact, and refers concerns that require additional care to an appropriate body. Students may attend in person, telephone, email or use the published online appointment channel. [E04] [E05] [E06] [E10]

For staff, Ahlia publishes a separate institutional response confirming free mental health support. The staff framework includes psychological counselling, awareness and training provision, lectures, health and safety protection and medical insurance for all academic and administrative staff. The 2024 Staff Handbook also identifies Human Resources and Employee Relations channels within a healthy, safe and productive work environment. [E03] [E04] [E07]

Current THE Indicator Alignment

The current THE framework assesses free mental health support separately for students and staff. Ahlia University addresses both indicators through a common institutional wellbeing commitment and population-specific delivery channels. [E01] [E02] [E03]

Directorate of Student Counseling & Advising

STUDENT COUNSELLING

Free Access and Service Scope

Ahlia University states publicly that its mental services are free for both staff and students. The published scope includes academic supervision and psychological counselling as well as preventive education through training courses, awareness sessions and lectures. The free status therefore applies to the University mental-health support itself and is not inferred from the absence of a published price. [E03] [E04]

Student Counselling and Academic Advising

Ahlia University maintains a specialised Directorate of Student Counseling and Advising within the Deanship of Student Affairs. The Directorate supports academic success and personal development through academic, psychological, social and career guidance and organises awareness programmes, workshops and training activities for the student body, including students with special needs. [E05]

Counselling Coverage

• Academic support for students at risk, on academic probation or experiencing underperformance, study-skills, language or faculty-mediation concerns. [E04] [E06]

• Personal and social concerns arising within or outside university life that affect academic success or overall wellbeing. [E04] [E06]

• Psychological concerns, coping and management of academic demands, including stress associated with transition to university. [E04] [E06]

• Career and programme-choice guidance, confidential discussion and referral when specialist or additional assistance is required. [E04] [E05] [E06]

Academic Advisor Network

Every student is assigned an academic advisor from the relevant department and college. Advisors help students plan their studies, resolve academic difficulties, prepare for examinations, understand University rules, monitor progress and discuss programme-related matters confidentially. When a concern is outside the advisor’s remit, the advisor may refer the student to the appropriate body, linking routine academic supervision with the specialist counselling pathway. [E06]

Confidential and Accessible Contact

Counselling is delivered in a private, safe and secure environment. Information is confidential subject to University policy, national law and the applicable counselling code of ethics. The Directorate publishes clear access channels: Office 1F 26 in the Admissions and Registration area, telephone contact during University working hours, email and online appointment through WhatsApp. [E05] [E06]

AU Student Council

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AU_StudentCouncil_A5-Trifold_AUG2021_WEB.pdf

• To meet student’s academic, social and emotional needs. We are here to assist students in overcoming challenges that interfere with learning; and to ensure all students will have equal access to counselling.

• Please note that all information shared during a personal counselling session is kept confidential/secret (unless authorized by law or in interest of student safety).

• Please consider meeting with a counsellor if you are experiencing any of the above concerns, or even otherwise. Counsellors at AU have an open door policy, where the counsellor-student relationship is viewed as unconditional in nature, not restricting frequency or purpose of contact. For concerns we cannot resolve we will refer you to the appropriate body.

• please fill out the following form to ask for an online appointment. Kindly note that, by clicking the submit button on the above form, you are acknowledging limitations inherent in ensuring privacy of information transmitted through an online form and recognize that such information may be accessed by a third party without our authorization and despite reasonable efforts by Ahlia University to create a secure online environment.

Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Ahlia University’s staff-specific SDG 3 evidence confirms that employees are included in the University’s free mental-health provision. The stated offer covers psychological counselling, academic or supervisory support, training courses, awareness sessions and lectures. This makes the access condition explicit for the staff population rather than relying only on student-service evidence. [E03] [E04]

The 2024 Staff Handbook places wellbeing within Ahlia’s institutional employment framework. It commits to a healthy, safe and productive work environment, provides a Human Resources Employee Relations channel, and confirms that all academic and administrative staff have medical insurance renewed annually. Medical insurance complements the free University mental services by supporting access to wider medical care under the insurance arrangement. [E07]

COUNSELLING

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/UG-Prospectus.pdf

Ahlia’s Counselling Services are there to help you overcome any challenges that interfere with your learning. This means assisting with academic support services, resolving personal concerns and helping you succeed. Our aim is to prevent problems arising and to help you resolve them if they do arise. The support we offer ranges from short-term advice for a particular problem to help for a situation or condition that is on-going. The underlying goal of all counselling is to support the development of coping abilities, a sense of empowerment and the ability to find personal solutions for issues.

Inclusive Wellbeing Environment

The Staff Handbook identifies inclusiveness, integrity, collegiality and engagement as core institutional values. Its equity and diversity provisions require a healthy and safe environment, reject harassment and inappropriate behaviour, and require supervisors and managers to apply fairness and equity in work-related decisions. These provisions strengthen the organisational conditions in which staff can seek and receive wellbeing support. [E07]

Integrated Care and Referral Pathway

Ahlia combines immediate University support with escalation routes. Counselling addresses academic, personal, social and psychological concerns; unresolved matters are referred to an appropriate body. The campus Health Unit provides first-aid contact, and Ahlia also records a full-time campus nurse for consultation and emergencies. For students with special needs who require medical treatment, the University provides guidance to nearby public or private health facilities. [E05] [E06] [E09]

Clinical and Academic Cooperation

On 8 May 2024, the Directorate of Student Counseling and Advising collaborated with Silwan Psychiatric Hospital to deliver specialist psychological support for students with special needs. Psychiatry consultant Dr Amani Al-Sabbagh addressed fear, forgetfulness, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and physical disability, and explained how positive psychological attitudes, social interaction and community participation can strengthen student wellbeing. [E08]

The session connected specialist clinical expertise with Ahlia’s student-support and academic environment. Academic and administrative staff attended, building institutional capacity to recognise mental-health challenges and provide comprehensive support. This arrangement demonstrates clinical and academic cooperation through specialist knowledge exchange, staff learning and direct application to inclusive student care. [E08]

Clinical and academic cooperation with Silwan Psychiatric Hospital 8 May 2024 [E08]

Data Informed Service Improvement

Ahlia describes its counselling service as data driven. Counselling data is used to assess student needs and service effectiveness and to guide future programme development and evaluation. This creates a continuous-improvement connection between counselling practice, institutional evidence and the design of future preventive and remedial support. [E04] [E06]

Training Awareness and Mental Health Education

Ahlia supplements one-to-one support with courses, lectures, workshops and practical awareness activities. This preventive education helps students and staff identify concerns, learn coping strategies, challenge stigma and understand when and how to seek professional assistance. [E02] [E03] [E04]

Mental Health Awareness in the Evidence Year

During the first semester of academic year 2024–2025, Ahlia’s Media Club organised the workshop Thanks and Gratitude are one of the Best Healing Techniques. Professor Mohammed Al Owainati examined the relationship between mental health, psychological balance and sustainable success, addressed negative beliefs and positive thinking, and used practical activities and training games. The activity demonstrates mental-health education delivered by Ahlia academic staff within the University community. [E02] [E03] [E04]

Supporting Students’ Wellbeing: The Department of Counseling Hosts a Lecture on Managing Exam Stress

The Department of Counseling at Ahlia University recently hosted a compelling lecture titled “Proper Dealing with Psychological Stress During the Examination Period.” The lecture, presented by renowned clinical psychologist Ms. Khadija Al-Awainati, aimed to guide students and address strategies to effectively manage stress and overcome psychological challenges during the exams period [4].

Recognizing the importance of supporting the mental and psychological well-being of its students, the Counseling Department organised this lecture as part of its commitment to ensuring students’ academic success and fostering a supportive academic environment for all.

Ms. Rasha Al-Najdi, Director of Counseling Department, emphasised the University’s dedication to promoting students’ well-being, providing them with the necessary assistance, and offering solutions to their challenges.

During the lecture, Ms. Khadija Al-Awainati explained deeply the psychological factors that profoundly impact students due to their exposure to stress during the exam period. Ms. Al-Awainati highlighted the importance of adopting stress management strategies, seeking advice, and the University’s advisors to address their concerns and alleviate anxiety. These measures are crucial for maintaining focus, psychological equilibrium, and enhancing mental health during exams.

Dr. Faisal Al-Showaikh, the Dean of Student Affairs, commented: “We fully acknowledged the substantial impact of stress on students during exams, and we are committed to assisting them at any time. By educating students and cultivating a comprehensive understanding of psychological factors and coping mechanisms, we aim to foster a successful and healthier academic environment.”

Ahlia University Students Secured Second Place in “It’s Okay 5” Competition

In a proud achievement, students from Ahlia University secured second place in the fifth edition of “It’s Okay” competition, hosted by Silwan Psychiatric Hospital. The event aims to raise awareness among youth and university students on mental health topics. Ahlia University’s team excelled in various knowledge and cultural categories, earning them the well-deserved second place after a competitive challenge with other student teams [6].

Ms. Rasha Al-Najdi, team supervisor and Director of Counseling and Advising at Ahlia University, praised the students for their teamwork, creativity, and determination. “Our students truly embodied the spirit of Ahlia University with their collaborative efforts and commitment to excellence, securing their place among the top competitors,” she remarked.

The “It’s Okay” competition is part of a broader campaign run by Silwan Psychiatric Hospital, designed to break down the stigma around mental illness. It seeks to correct common misconceptions about mental health, encouraging people to view mental illness as no different from physical illness. The competition also aims to promote understanding and encourage individuals to seek help when needed without fear of judgment, ultimately fostering healthier communities. It also works to support public and private institutions in advocating for mental health care, encouraging employees to consult professionals when necessary.

Self-Care through Art Workshop

The College of Business and Finance organized a workshop titled “Art Journalling for Emotional Self-care”, presented by Ms. Asrar Al Taifi, an emotional health coach at Sacred Feeler Clinic. The Workshop aimed to practice emotional self-care by using art as a self-awareness tool and explore their inner world [8].

Ms. Al Taifi said that arts contribute effectively to practicing self-care and controlling individuals’ emotions, focusing on the spirit, soul and body to positively strengthen the relationship between life and self-requirements.

The Effect of Electronic Media on Mental Health

Ahlia University seeks to increase students’ awareness of the effects of electronic media on contemporary life, and the post pandemic world by hosting a lecture by Dr. Suhair Al-Mohannadi titled “The Effect of Electronic Media on Mental Health” on the 5th of December 2022 [9].

We look forward to seeing you there.

Topics

• Electronic media and its importance to the modern man.

• Challenges of electronic media and its uses.

• The health and psychological effects of electronic media users.

• Coping mechanisms to mitigate impacts.

Student Confidence Building Programme

Students that successfully complete this programme will receive a certificate and Two A credits.

Build yourself, develop your confidence, be special by registering in Ahlia’s unique “Student Confidence Building” programme.

If you are:

Undergraduate

GPA ≥ 2.75

Then what are you waiting for? Be part of our unique program by filling the form below.

Hurry up! Limited number of applicants will be accepted!

Anti-Bullying Hackathon

(Animation Video, Film, Computer Game, or any other multimedia system …) to support ANTI BULLYING Awareness [11].

OPEN to all IT College Students & Alumni

Individual/Group(1-4)

Evaluation Criteria:

• Relevance to Topic

• Originality

• Design

• Creativity

• Organization of Content

• Language Mechanics

Mandala Coloring

The College of Business and finance invites you to attend a workshop titled “Mandala Coloring” on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 12:00 PM in the theater hall. Mandala coloring is one of the common methods of art therapy. It is a relaxing exercise that can free your mind from thinking about other things and allow you to live in the moment. Coloring mandalas helps improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, minimize negative thoughts, refresh the mind, and ignite creativity [12].

Art Journaling for Emotional Self Care

The College of Business and finance are cordially invites you to attend “Art Journaling for Emotional Self-care” [13]. Seats are limited, for participations Kindly contact via 17298986 or [email protected]

Objectives:

In this workshop, Participants will be able to:

• Practice emotional self care.

• Use art as a self awareness tool.

• Explore their inner world.

• Need to know:

• For ages 21+

• Focused on emotional well-being

• Only 10 spots available

• Beginner-friendly art exercises.

About the Instructor:

Asrar Al Taifi is a multi-disciplinary wellness practitioner, artist, facilitator, and developing entrepreneur. As an artist and facilitator, she leads therapeutic art journaling sessions to groups who value creativity, authenticity, and wellbeing. As an emotional health coach, she offers healing sessions to Highly Sensitive People who are looking for compassionate sanctuary and self recovery. As a movement teacher and lifelong student of the human body, Asrar offers a somatic, physiotherapy-based yoga practice for people seeking to move in an active, fluid, and self-devoted way. Her dream is to cultivate a network of trust with people who share a passion for art, health, and giving. Asrar’s markers for business success are:

1) Healthy personal impact.

2) Active contribution to the wellness and harmony of our societies, wherever we are in the world.

Yoga & Mindfulness session (Ladies Only)

College of Business and finance are cordially invites you to attend “Yoga & Mindfulness session” [14]. Seats are limited, for participations Kindly contact Ms. Bibi almahdi via 17298986 or [email protected].

About the session

Arima Journey is glad to offer Community at ahlia university a gentle yoga practice for all female to uplift their minds, bodies and souls. in this one Hour session, we will breathe, meditate and practice various heart opener yoga poses to cultivate self-love. yogis will float into the rest of their day feeling centered, energized and relaxed.

About Arima Journey for Yoga & Mindfulness

Arima Journey aims to promote mental and physical fitness through blending the powerful practices of yoga and mindfulness. Therefore, the session will offer the yogis a mindful space to reconnect to the soul, to breathe, to meditate, to move, to relax and to find calm in the chaos!

Instructor

Ms. Arima hachem

Founder Arima journey w.l.l

About the Founder Amira Hachem

Her educational background is replete with degrees from the Lebanese American University in Beirut. She has earned an MA Degree in Educational Management and a BS Degree in Business Marketing. Internationally, she successfully completed a Literacy Coach Certification from Teacher’s College Columbia University in New York, USA.

She is a genuine educator with over 20 years of experience in private schools/universities within the Middle East. In June 2021, she decided to craft a new career path and founded ‘Arima Journey for Yoga & Mindfulness’. Currently, she is a full-time ‘Yogipreneur’ and in September 2022, Arima Journey has been officially registered as a Yoga & Mindfulness company in the Kingdom of Bahrain under the Commercial Registration 157250 Certified by Yoga Alliance, she has successfully completed these certifications:

– 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)

– 95-hour Kids Yoga

– 20-hour Continuing Education, Yin Yoga

She is also completed the following Mindfulness coursework and certifications:

– 8-week ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction’ certification course

– ‘The Mindful Teacher’ certification with Mindful Schools in USA

TOGETHER S.A.F.E” CAMPAIGN

The event was an opportunity for the team to promote their campaign outside of the university and to convey their message of love, peace and social tolerance to the whole community [13].

Academic Social and Psychological Care

Ahlia’s model integrates academic, social and psychological care rather than treating mental health as a stand-alone activity. The same student can receive guidance from an assigned academic advisor, confidential counselling for personal or psychological concerns, social and developmental support, special-needs assistance, health-unit consultation and specialist referral. Preventive education reinforces these services across the student experience. [E04] [E05] [E06] [E09]

Continuity of Provision

Ahlia’s current health and wellbeing pages continue to publish the free-access commitment for students and staff, the Directorate’s appointment routes and the staff-specific mental-health response. The University has also continued to expand mental-health literacy through later multidisciplinary and partner-supported activity. [E02] [E03] [E04] [E05]

On 19 October 2025, students from the College of Medical and Health Sciences delivered Your Mental Health Begins with Your Plate for World Food Day. Lectures, interactive sessions and student projects connected nutrition, brain function, mood, academic outcomes, stress, anxiety and depression. University leaders and academics explicitly addressed support for both students and faculty, showing continuation of a whole-community and evidence-informed wellbeing approach beyond the 2024 reporting year. [E17]

Ahlia also records student participation in the fifth It is Okay competition hosted by Silwan Psychiatric Hospital. The initiative challenges stigma, corrects misconceptions about mental illness and encourages students and employees to seek professional help without fear of judgement. This extends the University partnership with a specialist psychiatric institution from staff learning and student support into public mental-health literacy. [E02]

Continuity evidence Your Mental Health Begins with Your Plate 19 October 2025 [E17]

Conclusion

Ahlia University provides free mental health support to both students and staff. Students benefit from a permanent, confidential and accessible counselling structure that combines academic advising with personal, social, psychological and developmental care. Staff are expressly included in free psychological counselling, training, awareness and lecture provision, supported by the University’s health and safety framework and annual medical insurance. The 2024 collaboration with Silwan Psychiatric Hospital, evidence-year mental-health education and subsequent continuity activities demonstrate active implementation, clinical and academic cooperation and a sustained institutional culture of wellbeing. [E02] [E03] [E04] [E05] [E06] [E07] [E08]

Evidence Register

The following public sources support this submission. All links were accessed on 11 September 2026. Evidence from 2024 is identified in the report as the core reporting-year material; later evidence demonstrates continuity. [E01]