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At Afeka, Supporting Reservist Students is Our Moral Obligation

When Omer, a second-year engineering student at Afeka College, returned from nearly a month of intensive military reserve duty, he faced more than just missed lectures and overdue assignments. He grappled with stress, fatigue, and the overwhelming pressure to quickly reintegrate academically and socially. His story is not unique at Afeka, where many students balance rigorous engineering studies with demanding reserve duties. Yet, thanks to Afeka College's comprehensive support system, Omer and his fellow reservists are never left to handle these challenges alone.

Understanding that supporting reservist students requires a holistic approach, Afeka has created an extensive network of workshops and support activities tailored specifically to their unique needs. The center for academic advancement offers practical sessions such as "Learning from Exams," designed to quickly help students catch up academically in core subjects like mathematics and physics. The center for academic advancement also offers professional workshops focusing on core academic subjects such as mathematics and English, delivered in various formats and intensities, ensuring that no student falls behind academically.

Afeka also addresses the emotional and psychological challenges associated with reserve service through impactful seminars like "To the Abyss and Back" by Shay Reller, which openly discusses the emotional complexities of transitioning back into civilian life. Additionally, psychologist-led workshops focusing on stress management and effective preparation for exams provide students like Omer essential tools for managing anxiety and fostering resilience.

Biofeedback therapy sessions represent yet another innovative and personalized approach, offering reservists practical methods to manage stress. Afeka’s proactive stance demonstrates a deep commitment to the holistic well-being of its students.

Moreover, practical skill-building sessions, such as the "Self-Management Workshop" led by expert Keren Moshe, equip reservists with critical skills in time management, organization, and task prioritization. Initiatives like "Bridging Differences" further promote interpersonal communication and conflict resolution, essential for smooth social and academic reintegration.

"These workshops, conducted in close collaboration with our academic faculty, provide reservist students with ongoing opportunities to catch up academically throughout the semester, enabling them to arrive at exam periods as prepared as possible. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that reserve duty does not hinder their academic progress." says Dana from the Center for Academic Advancement.

This broad spectrum of initiatives represents just a fraction of Afeka's ongoing commitment, with additional workshops continuously being developed to address new challenges and evolving student needs. Afeka College remains firmly dedicated to supporting reservist students through consistent, meaningful, and actionable interventions—fulfilling our moral duty to these committed individuals.