Community Service and Environmental Development Policy

All education policies

1. Purpose

To give effect to the University's third mission — service to society and development of the environment — through structured outreach, free public services, and partnerships that benefit the surrounding community and Egypt.

2. Scope

This policy applies across Future University in Egypt — all faculties, the Dental Hospital, the training Pharmaceutical Factory, student housing and administrative units — and to students, faculty, staff and, where stated, contractors and suppliers.

3. Definitions

Third mission

A university's service to society and environment, beyond teaching and research.

Convoy (qafila)

A university outreach team delivering free medical, dental, pharmaceutical or awareness services to a community.

4. Policy statement

• Community service and environmental development are a core function of the University, planned and resourced alongside education and research.
• The University delivers public benefit through its faculties and centres — including free dental care at its teaching Dental Hospital, medical and pharmacy convoys, health and environmental awareness, and public cultural events.
• Community work is delivered in partnership with civil society, government bodies and the private sector, and prioritises the needs of the surrounding community.
• The University opens its library, facilities and expertise to the public where feasible and safe.

5. Procedures

1. An annual community-service and environment plan is set, with activities mapped to community needs and the Sustainable Development Goals, and resourced accordingly.
2. Faculties and centres deliver convoys, clinics, campaigns and training, recording participation and outcomes.
3. Partnerships with NGOs (including the Hayah Foundation for Sustainable Development), government and employers are formalised and reviewed.
4. Activity and impact are reported annually, including through the University's public sustainability reporting.

6. Roles and responsibilities

• Vice-President for Community Service and Environmental Development — owns the third-mission plan.
• Faculty Vice-Deans for Community Service — deliver faculty outreach.
• Partnership and sustainability functions — formalise partners and report impact.

7. Related policies

• Student Volunteering and Civic Engagement Policy
• Student and Community Health Services Policy
• Public Access to University Facilities Policy
• Stakeholder Engagement and Participatory Governance Policy

8. Legal and cultural alignment

Community service and environment development is one of the three statutory functions of Egyptian higher education recognised by NAQAAE, alongside education and research. The policy reflects FUE's core value of social responsibility, the national development agenda (Egypt Vision 2030) and Egyptian values of social solidarity (takaful).

9. The policy in practice

The University applies this policy in its day-to-day work. Examples, by academic year, include:

Academic year 2019/2020

• April 2020 — the University applied it through the Annual Environment Day 'Go Green' community tree-planting drive.

Academic year 2020/2021

• 2020 — the University applied it through its role as academic sponsor of the 2030 Green Cities strategic forum.

Academic year 2021/2022

• 2021 — the University applied it through the publication of its annual sustainability report.

Academic year 2022/2023

• October 2022 — the University applied it through a cooperation protocol with SAP for digital-skills training.

Academic year 2023/2024

• August 2024 — the University applied it through ROGE 2024 on restructuring the global economy and promoting sustainability.

Academic year 2024/2025

• November 2024 — the University applied it through the showcase of results with the Amaken Association at the UN-Habitat event on sustainable urban development.

Academic year 2025/2026

• September 2025 — the University applied it through the renewal of its strategic partnership with University College Cork in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education.

Together these show the policy at work across the University’s teaching, research and community life.

10. Monitoring and review

Reviewed at least every three years, or sooner if Egyptian law, regulations of the Supreme Council of Universities, or THE/accreditation requirements change. The policy owner is responsible for monitoring how it is applied.

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