Arab Educational Information Network

This study aims to identify the views of the Lebanese University students about national issues, and vary when expressed by students from single or multiple- unit faculties on the one hand, and by students in the first or final year on the other hand during the academic year 2008–2009. A questionnaire was used to measure students’ religious, social, and political behaviors that motivate them to take these views. The sample consisted of 518 students representing 32.7% of the total student population in five faculties, three of which are unified and two are divided . The study showed the following results: 1) Diminishing role played by unified faculties in enhancing communication and national integration among students. 2) There was a quantitative and qualitative development among first-year students in supporting the idea of unifying faculties in one location compared to their senior classmates. 3) Christian students felt more strongly about preferring marriage partners of the same general religion while Muslim students were more likely to emphasize the sect within the religion as a basis for choice. 4) Students were wary of expressing their views freely on campus. 5) Social communication, though not high, was happening among students who belong to the same religion. (Published Abstract)