The Status of Governance at the University College of Applied Sciences, Gaza

This study aimed at verifying the use of university governance at the University College of Applied Sciences in Gaza (UCAS), which had (8000) students and (28) employees during the academic year 2015/2016. This investigation helps UCAS reach a high level of progress, when setting up governance as a top priority and as part of its Quality. To collect the required data, a (30) item questionnaire was distributed and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results showed that the decision makers at UCAS rely on values and attitudes more than requirements and standards of governance. They also revealed that despite the existence of a bylaw to control the rules at UCAS, individual management character dominates more than the use of governance, at the student and staff levels. The results also revealed that most of the staff members at UCAS do not refer to the bylaw or are not aware of what it includes due to some of its unclear items. The researchers concluded that the poorness of financial resources has a significant impact on the inability to enforce rules and regulations. Finally, governance at UCAS is not at the required level, according to the international standards of governance. The study recommended the need to apply the standards and requirements of governance at all levels.