Birzeit University is the first institution of higher education to be established in Palestine. In addition to providing students with the opportunity to realize their academic aspirations, the University encourages its students to be productive citizens and active members of their community. The University plays a central role in developing the most valuable national resource in its society – namely the human one. New graduate and undergraduate programs in information technology, engineering, sciences, social policy, economics and management are being developed to assist in meeting this objective. The University campus is being expanded to better equip the University to meet the growing needs of higher education in the Palestinian society. At the same time, Birzeit University's various community Centers and Institutes continue to enhance and develop their work through intensive policy-oriented research to assist in the economic, social and human development of Palestine. The University offers numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees through its eight faculties: Arts, Commerce and Economics, Engineering, Sciences, Law and Public Administration, Information Technology, Nursing and Allied Health Professions and Graduate Studies. The Graduate Studies programs offers post-graduate diplomas and masters degrees. The University also offers two High Diplomas in Primary Healthcare (Supervision and Training); and Gender, Law and Development. In addition to its academic programs, the University has a wide range of institutes, centers and programs that aim to develop and support the community-oriented programs that contributes to the achievement of sustainable development in Palestine. Support for the University comes from numerous Palestinian, Arab and international institutions or foundations as well as from various individuals. Such support has enabled the University to continuously expand and develop.