Introduction

Training is considered one of the essential matters that cannot be dispensed with for developing institutions, acquiring skills, and developing capabilities, in addition to keeping pace with the labor market and its changes so that trainees are always in a position that allows them to continue success and development. Despite the importance of training and its role in achieving professional development processes, the greatest challenge is how trainees can be appreciated and motivated so that they are more participatory and interactive with high-impact training activities, and take accelerated steps toward professional development.

Definition of the Training Excellence System

The Awsima system is a framework that defines the rules for recognizing the efforts of distinguished individuals and entities that have a clear participation and high effectiveness in the training activities provided by the University Education Development Center, as it is the primary reference body for training within the university, and that is as follows:

Introduction

Leadership is the cornerstone of progress and development, as leaders play a pivotal role in driving change and advancement. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has placed great emphasis on developing human capital, which is vital to facilitating and accomplishing national transformation. Effective and influential leadership skills are essential to lead this change, as reflected in the Cabinet’s decision to establish the Center for the Preparation and Development of Administrative Leaders under the Institute of Public Administration, with contributions from the Ministry of Civil Service and the Institute of Public Administration, in order to achieve the goals of Vision 2030. This stands as a clear example of the importance of preparing capable leaders.

In light of the rapid changes and developments taking place in the Kingdom’s higher education sector, changes that require active leaders who embrace transformation, translate strategic plans into action, innovate, and employ modern tools to solve problems and achieve objectives while raising performance indicators, it has become imperative to develop clear programs aimed at equipping academic staff with effective leadership skills.

Recognizing this need, King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Vice Presidency for Educational Affairs, prioritized the preparation of academic leaders to drive progress. The focus began with academic department leadership, as departments are the core organizational unit within the University, responsible for educational, research, and administrative activities. This led to the launch of the Forum of Department Heads and Supervisors, which aims to highlight the pivotal role of department leaders in institutional performance, foster collaboration in addressing challenges, generate creative solutions, and produce a scholarly reference that serves as a valuable resource for academic department leaders.

Based on the recommendations of the first forum and the anticipation of the need for sustainable tools to prepare and develop academic leaders, a resolution was issued by the University President in 2019 to establish the Executive Committee for the Academic Leadership Diploma for department heads and supervisors. Subsequently, in its first session of the academic year 1446 AH (August 28, 2024), the University Council approved—by Resolution No. (4)—the renaming of the program to the Academic Leadership Fellowship.

Introduction

Scientific research holds a distinguished place in the advancement and development of nations, serving as the cornerstone of technological and scientific progress across various fields. Scholars, the heirs of the prophets, are honored for their vital contributions to building human civilization. Within this context, the role of academic researchers emerges as one of the pillars of societal progress, as they are a source of knowledge and innovation.

Achieving innovation and excellence in scientific research requires an inspiring and supportive environment that fosters researchers’ abilities and refines their skills. Recognizing this, the Center for University Education Development launched the University Researchers Program in 2021, with the aim of establishing a hub of excellence and innovation. The program provides resources and support not only for conducting research but also for preparing researchers to become influential leaders in their fields.

Through this program, King Abdulaziz University seeks to enhance the quality of scientific research and knowledge production that contributes to sustainable development, addresses societal needs, and plays an active role in the global knowledge economy. With its comprehensive and integrated approach, the program stands as a model for training and preparing researchers to become pioneers of positive change, inspired by the spirit of innovation and creativity at the heart of the research process.

Subsequently, in its first session of the academic year 1446 AH (August 28, 2024), the University Council approved—by Resolution No. (4)—renaming the program as the University Researchers Fellowship.

Introduction

In line with Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia among the top 15 countries in artificial intelligence by the year 2030, the Center for University Education Development, the developmental arm of teaching and learning at King Abdulaziz University, is preparing to lead the way toward the future of modern educational technologies through an AI-driven approach. This includes supporting the implementation of artificial intelligence practices in education, learning, scientific research, and academic leadership.

As the Kingdom aspires to be among the top 20 countries worldwide in producing peer-reviewed scientific papers in data and artificial intelligence, we plan to play a leading role in this digital race to help achieve these goals. Accordingly, in its first session of the academic year 1446 AH (August 28, 2024), the University Council approved—by Resolution No. (4)—the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Applications Fellowship in Education and Scientific Research.

Introduction

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is moving forward with a clear and deliberate vision toward leadership and advancement in all fields. Vision 2030 represents a roadmap for comprehensive development, uniting public and private sectors across our nation to achieve its clearly defined goals. Scientific research and its development are among the most effective tools for realizing the objectives of Vision 2030. This places on universities the responsibility to focus on developing researchers, refining their skills, equipping them with rigorous research tools, and updating research priorities to align with the Vision’s aim of positioning Saudi Arabia among the top 10 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index by 2030.

Human capacity development is one of the key pillars of the Vision. In alignment with this, the Center for University Education Development at King Abdulaziz University established a dedicated program to advance this pivotal pillar, aiming to equip citizens with capabilities that empower them to compete globally. This is achieved through strengthening values, developing essential and future-oriented skills, and expanding knowledge. The program also emphasizes building a strong educational foundation for all and preparing bachelor’s degree graduates for a research culture by developing and empowering their fundamental and specialized research skills, enabling them to manage research projects efficiently and with high quality.

Introduction

The role of secretariat work, in all its forms, is one of the main pillars of major institutions, especially educational institutions. It is a role that requires a wide range of skills such as tact, sound judgment, creativity, and critical thinking. For this reason, the Academic Secretariat Development Program is designed for those seeking to effectively enhance their administrative skills while mastering the executive aspects of academic processes, moving beyond the stereotypical view that limits secretarial work to a set of routine tasks.

The program covers in detail the concept of secretariat work according to advanced management systems, delivered through a series of specialized sessions on the skills needed to achieve personal, administrative, written, technical, and academic competencies for the academic secretary.

Introduction

The Research and Innovation Leadership Fellowship comes within the framework of King Abdulaziz University’s commitment to qualifying academic leaders capable of leading qualitative transformation in the research and innovation system, and enhancing its efficiency and sustainability in line with national directions and global standards. The University Council, in its second session for the academic year 1447/1448 AH, held on 08/04/1447 AH corresponding to 30/09/2025, approved decision No. (5) to adopt the Research and Innovation Leadership Fellowship.

The fellowship aims to prepare specialized leaders in developing the research and innovation system in universities, through building a deep understanding of the collaborative environment between research and innovation sectors, enhancing external partnerships, and supporting research and innovation leadership in accordance with the latest international practices and standards. The fellowship also contributes to enhancing institutional competitiveness and achieving national objectives, by establishing a comprehensive understanding of the integrated ecosystem of the research and innovation system, and enhancing integration and coordination between the relevant university sectors, in a way that supports sustainable research and innovation impact.

What is the Research and Innovation Leadership Fellowship

It is a training and development program that aims to qualify leaders at the university and national levels in the field of scientific research and innovation, through developing the basic competencies required to lead the research and innovation system and projects in Saudi universities effectively and efficiently in accordance with the latest international practices and standards.

Fellowship Information

Start

With the beginning of the next academic semester, and accepted applicants will be notified of the specified dates in sufficient time.

Period

One full academic semester in addition to four months to complete the practical application of the fellowship outputs.

Duration

16 weeks, one meeting per week (Tuesday) for 4 hours per meeting.

Time

From 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM.

Attendance Type

Remote, and some meetings are in-person, and synchronous broadcasting means are provided for participants from outside the university.

Language

Arabic as a basis and some English depending on the need of the topic.

Certificate

The trainee receives a completion certificate after completing 85% attendance of the program and completing all assignments.

Registration Tracks

Participation in the fellowship can be without fees based on the nomination of the Deans of colleges and institutes at King Abdulaziz University during the announced period.

The fellowship administration also provides limited seats for those wishing to participate from inside and outside the university with paid fees to the designated bank account, and the fellowship administration also provides limited seats for those wishing to participate from inside and outside the university with paid fees.

Target Group for Nominees from King Abdulaziz University Staff

Faculty members with the rank of Assistant Professor or higher according to the fellowship standards.

Target Group for Participants via Paid Registration

PhD holders, or PhD students with a commitment not to claim the fellowship certificate except after completing the PhD degree and obtaining its certificate.

Fees for participants via paid registration

• (10000 Saudi Riyals) including value-added tax for participants from non-affiliates of King Abdulaziz University
• (9000 Saudi Riyals) including value-added tax for participants who are PhD graduates from King Abdulaziz University
• (8500 Saudi Riyals) including value-added tax for participants who are PhD students from inside or outside King Abdulaziz University
• (8000 Saudi Riyals) including value-added tax for participants from affiliates of King Abdulaziz University

General criteria for nominees for all fellowships from King Abdulaziz University affiliates

• Priority of nomination and acceptance is for Saudi faculty members
• The nominee must not have previously joined the fellowship nominated for
• The nominee must not be enrolled in any other fellowship in the same academic semester or the previous semester
• Ensuring the participants’ availability during in-person or synchronous remote training days
• The nominee must have the desire to participate and commit to attending all training workshops and completing the passing requirements during two academic semesters
• The Dean / Dean of the college / institute sends the nomination according to the steps for sending nominees’ data below

Specific criteria for the fellowship for nominees from King Abdulaziz University affiliates

The nominee must be one of the following categories:

• A nominee from the Deans of colleges and institutes
• Heads of scientific research and postgraduate units
• Graduates of the University Researchers Fellowship
• Vice Deans of colleges for postgraduate studies and scientific research
• Research and innovation leaders at the university
• Directors of research centers or scientific chairs or their deputies
• Heads or deputies of scientific societies
• Heads or deputies of scientific journals
• Deans, directors, and deputies of research and innovation centers and deanships

Introduction

Within the framework of the keenness of the University Education Development Center and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities to enhance the quality of university life and promote psychological well-being, the Mu’een Program for Developing Psychological Support Capabilities was implemented, which aims to prepare qualified cadres capable of providing psychological support and assistance to members of the university community from students and staff. The program came in response to the increasing need to enhance awareness of mental health and highlight the most prominent psychological problems and challenges, through providing initial psychological support mechanisms that focus on skills for dealing with psychological pressures and various life challenges, in a way that contributes to creating a supportive university environment that is motivating for productivity and psychological well-being.

Program Definition

Mu’een is an initiative that aims to prepare qualified cadres to provide psychological support and assistance to members of the university community from students and staff, through shedding light on the most prominent cases of stumbling and psychological problems, by providing initial psychological support mechanisms that focus on skills for dealing with psychological pressures and various life challenges. The program seeks to provide effective strategies for coping with challenges, which contributes to improving the quality of academic and administrative life, and creating a supportive university environment that enhances productivity and psychological well-being.

Introduction

The program aims to enable faculty members to compete for influential global excellence awards, as a pillar for highlighting the university’s position and enhancing its academic reputation at the international level, and supporting its presence in prestigious global rankings. The program also seeks to raise the competitive capabilities of faculty members and develop excellence practices in the fields of national and regional awards, in a way that establishes a culture of institutional excellence and enhances the university’s leading role in education, research, and innovation. This comes in alignment with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 towards excellence and global leadership.

Program Vision

Building a training reference that qualifies affiliates to obtain a distinguished position locally, regionally, and internationally through scientific awards.

• Developing a training incubator that aims at continuous enhancement of the capabilities of affiliates related to obtaining scientific awards.
• Enhancing trainees’ awareness of the most important influential global awards and their nomination criteria.
• Equipping trainees with the skills necessary to obtain the most important influential global awards in scientific fields.
• Equipping trainees with the skills of preparing application files for scientific and academic awards.
• Attracting distinguished talents from faculty members and investing in their capabilities to improve professional performance.
• Preparing competitive human cadres from faculty members in the fields of scientific excellence in a variety of specializations.
• Maximizing the sustainable impact of obtaining scientific awards at the individual, institutional, and societal levels.

Introduction

The program aims to enable faculty members to compete for influential global excellence awards, as a pillar for highlighting the university’s position and enhancing its academic reputation at the international level, and supporting its presence in prestigious global rankings. The program also seeks to raise the competitive capabilities of faculty members and develop excellence practices in the fields of national and regional awards, in a way that establishes a culture of institutional excellence and enhances the university’s leading role in education, research, and innovation. This comes in alignment with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 towards excellence and global leadership.

Program Vision

Building a training reference that qualifies affiliates to obtain a distinguished position locally, regionally, and internationally through scientific awards.

Developing a training incubator that aims at continuous enhancement of the capabilities of affiliates related to obtaining scientific awards.
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• Enhancing trainees’ awareness of the most important influential global awards and their nomination criteria. Equipping trainees with the skills necessary to obtain the most important influential global awards in scientific fields. Equipping trainees with the skills of preparing application files for scientific and academic awards. Attracting distinguished talents from faculty members and investing in their capabilities to improve professional performance. Preparing competitive human cadres from faculty members in the fields of scientific excellence in a variety of specializations. Maximizing the sustainable impact of obtaining scientific awards at the individual, institutional, and societal levels.
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