On Thursday, October 1, Bethlehem University faculty members from across disciplines gathered at Cremisan Monastery in Beit Jala for the first Service-Learning Faculty Retreat 2026: “Reflect. Connect. Reimagine.” 

The retreat was organized by the Service-Learning Team at the Academic Innovation Hub (AIH): Ms. Paola Handal, Mr. Layth R. Awwad, and  Mr. Elias Al Hazin, under the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The retreat brought together colleagues who have been implementing service-learning and community-engaged teaching at Bethlehem University. Rather than approaching the day as a formal training session, the retreat created space for participants to step back from their everyday work, share their experiences, listen to people actually doing service-learning in different contexts, and learn from one another.

The day began with an object exploration activity, using participants’ own service-learning experiences as a starting point for reflection and conversation. Interactive activities then encouraged faculty to revisit key service-learning concepts and share experiences, challenges, and ideas. 

A central activity brought participants together in small groups to discuss reflection, assessment, partnerships, and the realities of implementing service-learning at Bethlehem University, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and shared learning. 

The retreat also provided an opportunity to revisit where service-learning currently stands at Bethlehem University and to consider how it can continue to grow institutionally. Most importantly, the conversations centered the knowledge already present within the University: the experiences of faculty members who are designing projects, working with community partners, accompanying students, adapting when circumstances change, and reflecting on what meaningful community engagement can look like in practice.

At its heart, the retreat was about camaraderie, community, and connection. By creating time for sharing, listening, connecting, and imagining, participants were invited not only to reflect on where service-learning at Bethlehem University has been, but also to generate ideas for strengthening it moving forward.

Faculty left Cremisan with new interdisciplinary connections, practical ideas to take back into their courses, and renewed energy to imagine the next stage of service-learning at Bethlehem University.