How can I (or my students) participate in the Connect Program?
Students participating in the program do so via their universities.  If you are a student and would like to learn more about getting your university involved in the Connect Program, please send an e-mail to students@soliya.net.

If you are a Professor or University staff member and you would like to learn more about joining the network of universities participating in the Connect Program, please send an e-mail to universities@soliya.net.  

Thanks for your interest!

How does Soliya select participating universities?
Soliya ensures that each semester it has an equal representation of students from the “West” and the “Arab and Muslim World,” so that all dialogue groups are balanced.  Beyond that, Soliya works to ensure that universities represent the regional, geographic, socio-economic & political diversity that exists in each region.   

What academic disciplines does the Connect Program pertain to?
While the critical thinking and communication skills provided through participation in the Connect Program are applicable to most disciplines, the fields that are most directly relevant are:
·    International Relations, particularly Middle East, Islamic, American or European Studies.
·    Media and Communications
·    Conflict Resolution

Is there a fee for participation?
Participation in the Soliya Connect Program is free for the first semester.  Thereafter there is a fee based upon the university's ability to pay.  Soliya is a mission-driven organization, and strives not to exclude any university from participating based on these fees.  Therefore Soliya has a liberal financial aid system that provides grants to reduce (and in certain cases even annul) the costs of participation based upon 1) the financial status of the university; and 2) the university's location.  We work closely with staff at each university to find an arrangement that works.  

How is the Connect Program accredited at participating universities?
There are two different ways in which students can get credit for participating in the Soliya Connect Program.  Firstly, a university can follow the academic curriculum created by Soliya’s Academic Advisory Committee, thereby having students read a range of relevant academic materials that complement the online discussion.  A variety of universities including the American University of Beirut, Tufts University, the American University of Sharjah, and the University of Amsterdam have participated in the program in this way.

Alternatively, universities can integrate the Connect Program into existing course offerings on their campus.  A variety of universities including the American University of Cairo, the University of Iowa, Al Akhawayn University, Carnegie Mellon University- Pittsburgh & Doha campuses, and Clark University have used this approach.  Within this approach there are two different ways that universities can participate.  One way is to make participation in the Connect Program a course requirement, such that all students in the course have to participate in the program.  Alternatively, several universities are offering the program to their course as an alternative- enabling students to either participate in the program or complete a major project.  

Regardless of which of the above options the university selects, Soliya will work closely with the participating professor to ensure that the Connect Program fits effectively into their course, and helps meet their course objectives.

To learn more about involving your university in our work, please click here.