Center for University Educational Development
Since its establishment, King Abdulaziz University has recognized that investing in its human resources is the cornerstone of its desired success, aiming to establish itself as a specialized educational and research institution that contributes effectively to the developmental renaissance of our knowledge society. The university has placed great emphasis on the quality of performance of all its members, with special focus on faculty members as a key element to ensuring the overall quality of academic work. Consequently, the Center for University Educational Development became one of the most important sectors established to serve this purpose, by virtue of Decision No. (5) approved by the Higher Council in its thirty-ninth meeting on 4/5/1407 AH, corresponding to January 4, 1987.
The Center assumes responsibility for enhancing the educational standards at the university and is considered one of the main pillars of academic development. This is achieved through organizing activities, forums, and discussion sessions focused on improving teaching, research, and educational processes for faculty members, lecturers, teaching assistants, and postgraduate students. Since its inception, the Center has also worked on building communication bridges with all sectors and branches of the university to meet the training needs of the academic body by providing the most relevant and updated educational, pedagogical, technical, and research methods. Furthermore, the Center is dedicated to academic leaders to elevate their performance in both teaching and administrative tasks, while also equipping undergraduate and postgraduate students with essential learning and cultural skills to excel in their academic journey with distinction and competence.
Professional Development Fellowship for University Teachers
Scholars hold a distinguished status in both this life and the hereafter, as they are the inheritors of the prophets. University faculty members are among the groups who are honored with this distinction. They represent the cornerstone of the higher education process and the primary factor in ensuring the quality of educational and research outcomes. Accordingly, it became essential to provide creative tools that support faculty members in the academic environment, enabling them to enhance their capabilities and fulfill their responsibilities in line with the desired aspirations.
King Abdulaziz University recognized the importance of this societal responsibility and dedicated significant efforts and resources to translate its strategic goals into action by enhancing the efficiency and performance of faculty members, thereby contributing to the requirements of higher education in a knowledge-driven society, both locally and globally. Based on this, the University Teaching Development Center at King Abdulaziz University identified the significance of this key priority and consequently developed the **Professional Development Diploma for University Teachers** in 2015. Later, the University Council approved—during its first session for the academic year 1446 AH, dated 24/2/1446 AH (corresponding to 28/8/2024), decision number (4)—the modification of the program’s name to **Professional Development Fellowship for University Teachers**.
Fellowship Information
Start
The program begins with the upcoming academic semester, and accepted participants will be notified of the exact dates in advance.
Duration
One full academic semester, in addition to four months dedicated to completing the practical application of the fellowship outcomes.
Program Length
14 weeks, with one weekly meeting (Thursday), lasting 5 hours per session—except for the first two intensive weeks, during which attendance is required daily.
Timing
From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Attendance Format
Remote participation, with some sessions held on campus. Synchronous broadcasting tools are provided for participants outside the university.
Language
English as the primary language, with some Arabic depending on the topic.
Certificate
The trainee receives a completion certificate after attending 85% of the program and completing all required assignments.
Registration Tracks
- Participants may join the fellowship free of charge based on nomination by the Deans of Colleges and Institutes at King Abdulaziz University during the announced period.
- A limited number of paid seats are also available for participants from inside and outside the university.
Target Group (Nominees from KAU)
Faculty members holding the rank of Assistant Professor or higher, according to the fellowship's eligibility criteria.
Target Group (Paid Registration)
PhD holders or PhD students, with the condition that fellowship certificates are only awarded after completing and obtaining the PhD degree.
Fees for Paid Registration
- 10,000 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are not affiliated with King Abdulaziz University.
- 9,000 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are KAU PhD graduates.
- 8,500 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are current PhD students inside or outside KAU.
- 8,000 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are KAU employees.
General Criteria for All KAU Nominees
- Priority is given to Saudi faculty members.
- The nominee must not have previously participated in the same fellowship.
- The nominee must not be enrolled in any other fellowship during the same or previous semester.
- Participants must be fully available during the required in-person or synchronous remote training days.
- The nominee must demonstrate willingness to participate and commit to attending all training workshops and completing the required assignments within two academic semesters.
- The Dean of the relevant College/Institute must submit the nomination following the steps outlined below.
Specific Criteria for KAU Nominees
- The nominee must be proficient in English.
- They must hold the rank of Assistant Professor or be in the process of appointment after completing the PhD.
- The nominee must have at least one semester of university teaching experience after earning the PhD, and no more than five years.
- The nominee must be assigned at least one teaching load during the semester in which they join the fellowship.
Academic Leadership Fellowship
Leadership is the fundamental pillar for achieving progress and development, as leaders play a pivotal role in driving change and advancement. Saudi Vision 2030 has placed great emphasis on developing human capital, which plays a very strong role in facilitating and accomplishing the national transformation process. This transformation requires effective and influential leadership skills to lead change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was reflected in the Council of Ministers’ decision to establish the Center for Administrative Leadership Preparation and Development as one of the centers of the Institute of Public Administration, with the contribution of both the Ministry of Civil Service and the Institute of Public Administration, in order to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 and to stand as a clear example of the importance of leadership development.
In light of the rapid change and development witnessed in the higher education sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which requires effective leaders who can keep pace with these developments, believe in change, strive to translate strategic plans into reality, and excel in innovation and the use of modern tools that enable them to solve problems, achieve goals, and raise overall performance indicators, there has become a need for a clear vision for development programs that qualify academic staff with effective leadership skills.
Recognizing the importance of preparing academic leaders to drive development, King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Vice-Presidency for Educational Affairs, has first targeted the leadership of academic departments, as they are the basic organizational unit within the university that leads educational, research, and administrative activities. This has been achieved through the adoption of the Forum of Heads and Supervisors of Academic Departments initiative, which aims to acquaint department heads with their essential and pivotal role and its impact on institutional performance, foster collaboration in identifying the challenges and difficulties facing leaders, innovate creative solutions to address them, and develop a scholarly reference that serves as a support tool for heads and supervisors of academic departments. Based on the recommendations of the first Forum of Heads and Supervisors of Academic Departments, and in anticipation of the future need for sustainable tools that contribute to the qualification and development of academic leaders, a decision was issued by His Excellency the University President in 2019 to establish the Executive Committee for the Academic Leadership Diploma for Heads and Supervisors of Academic Departments. Subsequently, the University Council, in its first session for the academic year 1446 AH, held on 24/2/1446 AH corresponding to 28/8/2024 AD, approved decision No. (4) to amend the title to “Academic Leadership Fellowship”.
Fellowship Information
Start
With the launch of the upcoming academic semester. Accepted participants will be notified of the specific dates in due time.
Duration
One full academic semester in addition to four months to complete the practical implementation of the fellowship outcomes.
Program Length
12 weeks, one meeting per week (on Thursday), 5 hours per meeting.
Timing
From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Mode of Attendance
Online, with some sessions held on campus. Synchronous broadcasting tools will be provided for participants from outside the university.
Language
Arabic as the primary language, with some English depending on the needs of the topic.
Certificate
The trainee receives a fellowship completion certificate after attending 85% of the program and completing all assignments.
Registration Tracks
- Participation in the fellowship may be free of charge based on nomination by the deans of colleges and institutes at King Abdulaziz University during the announced nomination period.
- The Fellowships Administration also offers a limited number of seats for those wishing to participate from inside and outside the university on a paid basis.
Target Group for Nominees from King Abdulaziz University Staff
Faculty members at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher, in accordance with the fellowship’s specific criteria.
Target Group for Participants via Paid Registration
Holders of a PhD degree, or PhD students who commit not to request the fellowship certificate until after completing the degree and obtaining the certificate.
Fees for Participants via Paid Registration
- (10,000 SAR) including value-added tax for participants who are not staff members of King Abdulaziz University.
- (9,000 SAR) including value-added tax for participants who are PhD graduates from King Abdulaziz University.
- (8,500 SAR) including value-added tax for participants who are PhD students from inside or outside King Abdulaziz University.
- (8,000 SAR) including value-added tax for participants who are staff members of King Abdulaziz University.
General Criteria for Nominees for All Fellowships from King Abdulaziz University Staff
- Priority in nomination and admission is given to Saudi faculty members.
- The nominee must not have previously enrolled in the same fellowship.
- The nominee must not be enrolled in any other fellowship in the same semester or the previous semester.
- Ensuring that participants are available during in-person or synchronous online training days.
- The nominee should have the desire to participate and commit to attending all training workshops and completing the requirements for passing over two academic semesters.
- The dean of the college/institute sends the nomination in accordance with the steps for submitting nominees’ data outlined below.
Specific Criteria for the Fellowship for Nominees from King Abdulaziz University Staff
- The nominee must be proficient in English.
- The nominee must be a newly appointed head or supervisor of an academic department, or likely to be renewed in this role.
- Alternatively, the nominee may be a faculty member expected to be nominated in the future to lead the department, provided that they are active in the department and involved in its activities and services.
- Priority is given to nominating both the head and the supervisor from the same academic department, with the aim of developing a joint development plan between the male and female sections of the department.
- Priority is given to departments that oversee more than one academic program and have a larger number of faculty members and students.
- Priority is given to nominees who have obtained the Professional Development Fellowship for University Teachers.
University Researchers Fellowship
Scientific research holds a prestigious position in the advancement and development of nations, serving as a fundamental pillar for technological and scientific progress across various fields. Scholars—regarded as the inheritors of the prophets—are highly esteemed for their active contributions to building human civilization. In this context, academic researchers play a vital role as pillars of societal advancement, serving as a source of knowledge and innovation.
Achieving innovation and excellence in scientific research requires an inspiring and supportive environment that focuses on developing researchers’ abilities and refining their skills. Based on this, the University Teaching Development Center recognized the significance of this mission and launched the “University Researchers Program” in 2021, aiming to become a hub for excellence and innovation by providing the necessary resources and support for researchers—not only to conduct research but to become influential leaders in their fields.
Through this program, King Abdulaziz University seeks to enhance the quality of scientific research and produce knowledge that contributes to sustainable development, meets societal needs, and actively supports the global knowledge economy. The program—through its holistic and integrated approach—sets a leading example in preparing researchers to become pioneers capable of driving positive change, inspired by the spirit of innovation and creativity that forms the essence of scientific inquiry. The University Council, in its first session for the academic year 1446 AH on 24/2/1446 AH (corresponding to 28/8/2024), decision number (4), approved renaming the program to **University Researchers Fellowship**.
Fellowship Information
Start
The program begins with the upcoming academic semester, and accepted participants will be notified of the exact dates in advance.
Duration
One full academic semester, in addition to four months dedicated to completing the practical application of the fellowship outcomes.
Total Weeks
12 weeks, with one weekly meeting (Tuesday), lasting 5 hours per session.
Timing
From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Attendance Format
Remote participation, with some sessions held on campus. Synchronous broadcasting tools are provided for participants from outside the university.
Language
Arabic as the primary language, with some English depending on the topic.
Certificate
The trainee receives a completion certificate after attending at least 85% of the program and completing all assignments.
Registration Tracks
- Participation may be free of charge for nominees endorsed by the Deans of Colleges and Institutes at King Abdulaziz University during the announced nomination period.
- A limited number of paid seats are available for participants from inside and outside the University.
Target Group (Nominees from KAU)
Faculty members holding the rank of Assistant Professor or higher according to the fellowship’s eligibility criteria.
Target Group (Paid Registration)
PhD holders or PhD students, provided that fellowship certificates are only issued after completing and obtaining the PhD degree.
Fees for Paid Participants
- 10,000 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are not employees of King Abdulaziz University.
- 9,000 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are KAU PhD graduates.
- 8,500 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are PhD students inside or outside KAU.
- 8,000 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are employees of King Abdulaziz University.
General Criteria for All KAU Nominees
- Priority is given to Saudi faculty members.
- The nominee must not have previously enrolled in the same fellowship.
- The nominee must not be enrolled in any other fellowship during the same or previous semester.
- Participants must be fully available during the required on-campus or synchronous remote training days.
- The nominee must demonstrate willingness to participate and commitment to attending all training workshops and completing required assignments within two academic semesters.
- The Dean of the College/Institute must submit the nomination following the steps outlined below.
Specific Criteria for KAU Nominees
- The nominee must be proficient in English.
- The nominee must hold the rank of Assistant Professor or be in the process of appointment after completing the PhD.
- The nominee must have at least one semester of university teaching experience after the PhD and no more than five years.
- Priority is given to nominees who are not assigned administrative or leadership duties.
Fellowship of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Education and Scientific Research
In light of Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia among the top 15 countries in artificial intelligence by the year 2030, the University Teaching Development Center—the developmental arm for education and learning at King Abdulaziz University—is preparing to lead the way toward the future of modern educational technologies based on AI-driven approaches. This is achieved by supporting the implementation of artificial intelligence practices in education, learning, scientific research, and academic leadership. As the Kingdom strives to be among the top 20 countries worldwide in peer-reviewed scientific publications in the fields of data and artificial intelligence, we aim to play a major role in this digital race and contribute to achieving these national goals. Therefore, in its first session for the academic year 1446 AH, the University Council approved the launch of the **Fellowship of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Education and Scientific Research**, based on decision No. (4), dated 24/2/1446 AH, corresponding to 28/8/2024.
Fellowship Information
Start
The program begins with the upcoming academic semester, and accepted participants will be notified of the specific dates in advance.
Duration
One full academic semester, in addition to four months dedicated to the practical implementation of the fellowship outcomes.
Total Weeks
12 weeks, with one weekly meeting (Sunday), lasting 5 hours per session.
Timing
From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Attendance Format
Remote participation, with some sessions held on campus. Synchronous broadcasting tools are provided for participants from outside the university.
Language
Arabic as the primary language, with some English depending on the topic.
Certificate
The trainee receives a completion certificate after attending at least 85% of the program and completing all required assignments.
Registration Tracks
- Participation may be free of charge for nominees endorsed by the Deans of Colleges and Institutes at King Abdulaziz University during the announced nomination period.
- A limited number of paid seats are available for participants from inside and outside the University.
Target Group (Nominees from KAU)
Faculty members holding the rank of Assistant Professor or higher, according to the fellowship's eligibility criteria.
Target Group (Paid Registration)
PhD holders or PhD students, provided that fellowship certificates are only issued after completing and obtaining the PhD degree.
Fees for Paid Participants
- 10,000 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are not employees of King Abdulaziz University.
- 9,000 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are KAU PhD graduates.
- 8,500 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are PhD students inside or outside KAU.
- 8,000 SAR (VAT included) for participants who are employees of King Abdulaziz University.
General Criteria for All KAU Nominees
- Priority is given to Saudi faculty members.
- The nominee must not have previously enrolled in the same fellowship.
- The nominee must not be enrolled in any other fellowship during the same or previous semester.
- Participants must be fully available during the required on-campus or synchronous remote training days.
- The nominee must demonstrate willingness to participate and commit to attending all training workshops and completing all required assignments within two academic semesters.
- The Dean of the College/Institute must submit the nomination following the steps outlined below.
Specific Criteria for KAU Nominees
- The nominee must have a good foundation in English.
- The nominee must hold the rank of Assistant Professor or higher, or be in the process of appointment after completing the PhD.
- The nominee must have at least one semester of university teaching experience after the PhD and no more than five years.
- Preference is given to nominees who have completed the Professional Development Fellowship for University Teachers or the University Researchers Fellowship.
Watch: Fellowship Overview
Universities worldwide compete to advance their services and elevate the quality of their educational outcomes. To reach that distinguished status, King Abdulaziz University gives great attention to every detail and step of development, including strengthening the capabilities of its human resources—especially academic staff. In support of this, the University Council, in its first session of the academic year 1446 AH, approved transforming certain enrichment programs and diplomas into fellowships that enhance faculty professionalism. The fellowships of the Center for University Educational Development at King Abdulaziz University provide professional development that keeps pace with change and strengthens human capacities for sustained academic excellence.
Inquiries about paid registrationGeneral Provisions
First: Definitions
- Fellowship: An enrichment program aimed at transferring knowledge and skills to participants through a set of tracks and topics aligned with its objectives.
- Fellowship Administration: The Center for University Educational Development at King Abdulaziz University – Consulting House (Etqan) – or those representing it from units and individuals.
- Participants: Those enrolled in the fellowship, whether nominated by college deans or through paid registration.
Second: Clarifications
- The fellowship is an enrichment program aimed at developing knowledge and skills; it has no relation to job opportunities or positions of any kind inside or outside the university.
- The fellowship is a professional enrichment program in its field and is not an academic degree classified by any local or international authority.
Third: Participant Commitments and Instructions
- Participants registering through the paid track must transfer the participation fee; the transfer constitutes confirmation of registration. The fee is non-refundable for any reason after transfer.
- Commit to engaging in all interactive activities and to joining virtual sessions using a personal computer or tablet (not a smartphone) to avoid disconnections or unsuitable participation during training.
- Turn on the camera when joining discussion groups due to the interactive nature of the fellowship, if requested by the Fellowship Administration.
- Participate in surveys and feedback forms to improve the fellowship.
- The fellowship is synchronous by nature; therefore, attendance at all synchronous sessions—online or in-person—is required for no less than 85% of fellowship hours. Session recordings are not available. If a participant is absent for more than 15%, they will be considered in default.
- Attendance is counted from the beginning of the session until its end. If a participant leaves the session, the time will be deducted from the total required attendance hours.
- If an acceptable excuse is submitted (e.g., medical excuse or official letter), it will be counted within the permitted 15% absence. The excuse is subject to review by the Fellowship Administration, after which a recording may be provided for a limited time.
- Complete all requirements and assignments for passing the fellowship, including practical application and impact study, which may extend up to four months after the synchronous sessions. The passing threshold is 75% or higher.
- All assignments required in the fellowship are mandatory. If up to two assignments are submitted late, the participant may receive an extension not exceeding two weeks and a maximum corrected score of 50% of the total assignment grade. Failure to submit after the specified period will be considered a default.
- The Fellowship Administration applies the following policy for participants who default on assignments or attendance:
- Regretfully informing the participant that they cannot continue in the fellowship and are not entitled to the completion certificate.
- Excluding the participant from other fellowships offered by the Center and giving priority to other candidates.
- Notifying the participant’s college/institute to clarify their status in the fellowship.
- All materials provided in the fellowship—competency models, academic content, presentations, recordings, workshops, and evaluation forms—are the intellectual property of King Abdulaziz University. They may not be reused during or after the fellowship without prior written permission.
- For proposals or official communication with the Fellowship Administration, please use the email that will be provided to participants by the Administration.
Fourth: Commitments and Rights
- The Fellowship Administration is committed to delivering the services described herein to participants with quality and proficiency. It has the right to engage any scientific, technical, administrative, or support teams to provide services in the best manner.
- The Fellowship Administration has the right to provide similar scientific, training, and technical services to any other entity without objection from other fellowship participants.
- All materials used in the fellowship are copyrighted to the Fellowship Administration. They may not be printed, published, distributed, or re-marketed by any participant in any format without prior permission from the Administration.
- Candidate registration remains preliminary until the fellowship is confirmed. The Fellowship Administration reserves the right to cancel for any reason without liability, while safeguarding participants’ entitlements and refunding them according to the university’s procedures.
- Participants may not directly utilize any element of the training process without referring to the Fellowship Administration—for example, contacting trainers to arrange training or consultations—without prior coordination with the Administration.
- The applied VAT in this offer is 15% under King Abdulaziz University’s VAT number (310725128900003). If VAT increases during the fellowship period, participants must pay the difference.
- The Fellowship Administration will prepare a completion report to be filled by the participant immediately after the synchronous sessions, not after the assignments are completed.
- The fellowship does not provide grants to take any examinations nor any stipends or fees to participants for any purpose.
- The fellowship is designed to support the target group and does not guarantee personal outcomes during or after completion. The Administration bears no responsibility in this regard.
- The participants and the Fellowship Administration shall work collaboratively to complete the required tasks and achieve the fellowship’s intended objectives.
- In case of a dispute, both parties shall first seek an amicable resolution. If no agreement is reached, both parties shall refer the matter to the Administrative Court (Board of Grievances in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah). The court’s ruling shall be binding on both parties.
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