During July 2026, three academic units at Antonine University (UA) stepped away from their daily campus activities to gather for a series of strategic retreats at Deir Al Qalaa in Beit Mery. Nestled among the remains of Roman and Byzantine civilizations, the historic monastery offered an inspiring setting for reflection, dialogue, and forward-looking discussions.

The retreats brought together the academic and administrative teams of the Faculty of Information and Communication (FIC), the Antonine School of Business (ASB), and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET). While each retreat focused on the priorities and ambitions of its respective faculty, all three provided valuable opportunities to strengthen communication, exchange perspectives, and translate shared aspirations into concrete plans for the years ahead.

Reflecting on Communication, Vision, and Impact

On July 7, Dr. Roula Azar Douglas, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication, gathered the Faculty’s academic team for its first full-day strategic retreat.

The day was dedicated to defining the Faculty’s strategic direction, identifying priorities, strengthening its collective vision, and laying the foundations for a year of meaningful progress and impact.

Advancing Business Education

On July 9 and 10, ASB faculty members gathered for a two-day strategic retreat that also offered them the opportunity to connect with the newly appointed Dean, Dr. Robert Gharios.

Discussions focused on the School’s strategic direction and its ongoing journey toward the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, alongside curriculum modernization, artificial intelligence, experiential learning, student success, academic advising, and career readiness. Participants also explored ways to expand international partnerships and visibility, reinforce industry engagement, and enhance faculty involvement and operational effectiveness.

Beyond the formal sessions, the retreat encouraged colleagues to openly share ideas, challenges, and practical recommendations, laying the groundwork for initiatives that support the ASB’s continued development.

Shaping the Future of Engineering and Technology

On July 15 and 16, the FET brought together its full-time academic and administrative team for its annual faculty retreat.

The sessions reviewed the Faculty’s vision and strategic objectives, departmental achievements, and opportunities for curriculum enhancement. Particular attention was given to integrating artificial intelligence across engineering and computer science programs, advancing Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation efforts, and reinforcing a culture of continuous quality improvement.

Participants also discussed research collaboration, doctoral studies, international partnerships and student mobility, engineering internships, operational excellence, and the role of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) student activities in promoting innovation and project-based learning. Sessions dedicated to leadership, conflict resolution, and professional development further supported the FET’s efforts to foster an effective and collaborative academic environment.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Beyond the working sessions, participants across the three retreats explored Deir Al Qalaa, discovering a landmark deeply connected to Lebanon’s history and cultural heritage. Set within a site shaped by centuries of history, the retreats invited participants to reflect not only on where their faculties stand today, but also on the future they seek to build.

By creating space for dialogue beyond the classroom and the daily demands of academic life, these retreats strengthened collegial relationships and encouraged each faculty to reflect on how its programs, practices, and partnerships can continue to evolve. In doing so, they reinforced UA’s commitment to academic excellence, responsible innovation, and continuous improvement while contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Together, these initiatives help cultivate a university culture where collaboration, strategic thinking, and innovation respond meaningfully to the evolving needs of students and society.