BGU | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2026

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PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2026

could have happened without my colleagues, Prof. Gal DeBotton, the Vice Rector and Prof. Louisa Meshi, Pro Rector for Teaching (who replaced Prof. Timor Melamed when he decided to step down a couple of years ago). The cooperation, partnership, dialogue, mutual respect, and trust built with Danny ensured that I could focus on the academic development of the University knowing that I would have his support and aid where needed, and I very much hope that a similar relationship and respect for boundaries will exist between Danny and Yaniv. It is so crucially important for the continued growth and success of the University we all love so much. March 3 (Purim), 2026 I write this as ballistic missiles are incoming from Iran again and we have postponed the start of the second semester scheduled to begin on March 8. I hope that this war with Iran will bring the desired results for Israel and the region. He who makes peace, may He make peace for us, all Israel, and the world.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PRE-ACADEMIC CENTER Through preparatory studies and alternative admission pathways, the Pre-Academic Center at BGU serves as a gateway to undergraduate studies, promoting equal opportunity, academic readiness, and successful integration into degree programs across all faculties. •Year-long Preparatory Programs – 240 students One-year programs focusing on mathematics, physics, and chemistry that substitute for the matriculation certificate (Bagrut) for university admission. •Ofek Preparatory Program for the Bedouin Community – 24 students A dedicated year-long program with three different tracks, focusing on strengthening Hebrew proficiency and academic skills, thereby expanding access to higher education for Bedouins students. • Aliyah to Academia (New Immigrant Program) – 39 students A one-year program combining intensive Hebrew studies with academic coursework in Russian or English. Tracks include engineering for Russian speakers, engineering for English speakers, and social sciences & humanities for English speakers. •Psychometric Alternatives Programs – 205 students BGU-specific programs in which academic coursework replaces the psychometric exam (or its quantitative component) for admission to all faculties. • Pre-degree and Refresher Courses – 360 students Summer and first-semester courses providing academic reinforcement and fulfillment of admission requirements. •Hebrew Courses – 144 students Dedicated language courses supporting academic integration for students requiring additional Hebrew proficiency.

Awardees at the ceremony honoring excellence and innovation in teaching. Jan. 2026