The University Council is the principal body responsible for defining the strategic direction of Antonine University (UA) in alignment with the Organic Statute and the policies of the Board of Trustees. It establishes the institutional roadmap, articulates a clear vision for the future, monitors progress toward defined goals, and ensures the implementation of effective governance processes. The Council also holds authority to decide on the system of studies and examinations adopted by the University.
According to the Organic Statute, which governs its composition and authority, the Council is chaired by the Rector and includes the vice rectors, Secretary General, Bursar, Antonine professed members, deans of faculties, directors and heads of academic departments, directors and administrative directors of regional campuses, the Director of the Office of Orientation and Admissions, the Chaplain General, as well as faculty and student representatives.
Article 79 of the Statute stipulates that the Council holds two annual plenary meetings. When necessary, additional meetings may be convened during the academic year to deliberate on specific matters, with attendance limited to top-level and middle management. The Council may also delegate some of its powers to specialized bodies, such as the Academic Committee, which focuses on academic policies, programs, and reforms within its remit.
Composition of the UA Council
- Fr. Michel Saghbiny, Rector
- Fr. Jean Al Alam, Secretary General and Vice Rector for Integral Human Development
- Fr. Joe Boujaoude, Bursar
- Prof. Talar Atechian, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
- Prof. Antoine El Samrani, Vice Rector for Research
- Prof. Rony Darazi, Vice Rector for Cooperation and Internationalization
- Dr. Georges Jalkh, Vice Rector for Administration
- Fr. Elias Chackhtoura, Director of the Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus
- Fr. Chucri El Khoury, Director of the Mejdlaya–Zgharta Campus
- Fr. Michel Khoury, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Director of the Institute for Training of Trainers
- Prof. Nidaa Abou Mrad, Dean of the Faculty of Music and Musicology
- Dr. Gaby Moukarzel, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health
- Dr. Robert Gharios, Dean of the Antonine School of Business
- Prof. Roger Achkar, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- Dr. Antonio Soutou, Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences
- Dr. Roula Douglas, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication
- Dr. Kabalan Chaccour, Head of the Department of Computer and Communications Engineering
- Dr. Charbel El Gemayel, Head of the Department of Technology in Computer Science
- Prof. Jean Pierre El Asmar, Head of the Department of Architecture
- Ms. Maya Nohra, Head of the Department of Dental Laboratory Technology
- Ms. Manal Merhi, Head of the Department of Nursing Sciences
- Dr. Charbel Habib, Head of the Department of Physical Therapy
- Dr. Anna Kechichian, Head of the Department of Speech Therapy
- Dr. Huguette Abou Mrad, Director of the Language Center
- Fr. Ruben Makol Abi Saab, Chaplain General
- Mr. Karim Atallah, Administrative Director of the Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus
- Dr. Alan Fata, Representative of Full-time Faculty Members
- Mr. Ryan Abboudy, Director of the Office of Orientation and Admissions
- Ms. Marilyne Eid, Student Representative