Welcome to the
Center for University Education Development
Welcome to the
Center for University Education Development
Welcome to the
Center for University Education Development
Welcome to the
Center for University Education Development
Welcome to the
Center for University Education Development
University Education Development Fellowships
Universities worldwide compete in advancing their services and elevating their educational outcomes. To achieve such a distinguished position, King Abdulaziz University dedicates great attention to every detail and step of development, including strengthening the capabilities of its human resources, particularly its academic staff.
In support of this vision, the University Council, in its first session of the academic year 1446 AH, approved the conversion of certain enrichment programs and diplomas into fellowships that enhance faculty professionalism.
The fellowships offered by the Center for University Education Development at King Abdulaziz University provide professional growth that keeps pace with change, strengthens human capabilities, and ensures sustainable academic excellence.
University Education Development Fellowships
Professional Development Fellowship
For the Academic Instructor
Academic Leadership Fellowship
University Researchers Fellowship
Artificial Intelligence Applications Fellowship
in Education and Research
Department Heads and Supervisors Forum
Introduction
King Abdulaziz University believes that its academic departments are the cornerstone of the educational process and the foundation for achieving its goals and implementing its strategies. From this perspective, the University continually supports its academic departments, which led to the idea of establishing a consultative forum for department heads and supervisors. The initiative was proposed to the Vice President for Educational Affairs, Professor Dr. Abdul Monem Abdul Salam Al-Hayyani, by a group of faculty members.
The forum has received remarkable interaction and wide participation from academic department leaders. This success has inspired the organizers to continue and hold the forum annually. The forum takes place during one semester, followed in the next by supportive activities such as workshops and training courses. These activities respond to the forum’s outcomes and ensure improved efficiency and quality in the performance of department heads and supervisors. With the will of God and the support of the University’s leadership, the organizing team aspires to broaden the forum’s impact to include all Saudi universities in the future, while affirming King Abdulaziz University’s pioneering role.
The Forum of Academic Department Heads and Supervisors at King Abdulaziz University seeks to achieve several important objectives and outcomes. Undoubtedly, achieving these goals will positively reflect on the performance of departments, colleges, and the University as a whole, contributing to the fulfillment of its strategic objectives. Naturally, this will also enhance the University’s ability to utilize all its resources sustainably and in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Forum Objectives
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Encourage and support members of academic departments while developing their capabilities.
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Motivate department heads and supervisors to propose solutions for addressing challenges.
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Establish research teams that integrate multiple disciplines.
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Support newly appointed faculty members.
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Promote effective teaching among faculty.
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Provide a foundation for collaboration in student research and interdisciplinary graduate projects.
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Prepare regulatory guides for department heads and supervisors to serve as practical references.
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Develop current and future leaders of academic departments.
Objectives for Enhancing Communication Between Departments
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Utilize faculty expertise in training courses and development workshops for students and staff.
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Establish partnerships in scientific research.
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Promote social interaction among department heads and supervisors.
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Collaborate on academic curricula across different departments.
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Cooperate in community service activities.
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Exchange expertise, benefit from successful experiences, and avoid repeating mistakes.
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Share classrooms and laboratories when needed.
Forum Achievements
College Vice Deans for Education Forum
Introduction
King Abdulaziz University aims to enhance and improve the quality of the educational process through various leadership and supporting entities, including the Vice Deanships for Educational Affairs across colleges and sectors.
Accordingly, the University’s Vice Presidency for Educational Affairs seeks, through the Forum of College Vice Deans for Educational Affairs, to provide a consultative environment that enables vice deans to exchange expertise and knowledge, share best practices, achieve goals, and overcome challenges.
The Vice Deanships for Educational Affairs face many challenges related to financial and human resources, regulations and policies, skills, and certain student services. These challenges call for collaboration across sectors to reach optimal solutions that enhance work efficiency and help achieve the desired outcomes.
Forum Areas of Focus
Vice Deans for Graduate Studies Forum
Introduction
Scientific research and innovation are among the core pillars of King Abdulaziz University’s vision. Accordingly, the University implements a precise plan to improve both the quantity and quality of research papers, while increasing publication and citation rates among faculty members, with the goal of being ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Forum of College Vice Deans for Graduate Studies convenes to discuss developments in the fields of university scientific research.
The forum sessions address advancing the innovation environment and knowledge economy within the University, the role of colleges in this process, and ways to strengthen performance indicators in obtaining national, regional, and international scientific awards. The forum also supports vice deans for graduate studies and scientific research in carrying out their responsibilities in line with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education, the Council of Universities Affairs, and the University’s organizational procedures.
Furthermore, the forum contributes to organizing the duties and responsibilities of the college vice dean for graduate studies and research, clarifying the mechanisms of the Deanship of Scientific Research programs and their application procedures, and reviewing regulations for domestic and international scholarships as well as joint supervision programs. The themes also extend to key processes related to graduate studies.
Forum Objectives
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Develop administrative skills for research leaders.
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Enhance research skills of faculty members.
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Strengthen learning skills of graduate students.
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Evaluate the quality of research performance and scientific outputs.
Pre-Scholarship Preparation Forum
Introduction
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has given great attention to all aspects of progress and development, aiming to enhance the Kingdom’s global competitiveness through the optimal investment in human capabilities. In this spirit, the government, may God preserve it, launched the Human Capability Development Program, which seeks to nurture human capital. King Abdulaziz University, alongside other academic institutions, contributes as a vital partner in supporting this vision and ambitious initiative. Preparing academic staff through scholarship programs is one of the key ways to advance this blessed strategy, God willing.
Teaching assistants, lecturers, and participants represent the future leaders of the university. They are the primary beneficiaries of the Pre-Scholarship Preparation Forum, held to equip them for a high-level educational and research journey both within and beyond the Kingdom. Scholarship study is not merely an educational experience, but a journey of challenge and discovery, an opportunity for self-development and character building. The University aspires to their eventual return, to contribute to the educational renaissance and to strengthen the University’s and the nation’s capabilities in research, development, and innovation.
This program is a significant step in their academic and professional path, serving as a bridge to new horizons of knowledge and scholarship. The University has full confidence that each one of them will be an honorable ambassador of our religion and nation, armed with both knowledge and values. Therefore, the University warmly welcomes them to make the most of the workshops and lectures presented by distinguished professors and experts, who share the latest trends and insights to guide them through their scholarship journey.
Forum Objectives
- Prepare and equip teaching assistants and lecturers for the mission for which they will be sent abroad.
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Familiarize them with the purpose of their scholarship, the necessary procedures, and the requirements for study abroad.
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Guide scholarship students to adapt to the societies they will live in, particularly regarding legal aspects both abroad and in the host country.
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Ensure awareness of the laws and academic regulations of foreign universities.
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Introduce scholarship students to databases, library services, and how to use them effectively.
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Provide valuable experience by sharing the journeys of previous scholarship recipients who have successfully completed their studies.
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Guide them on how to write a thesis or dissertation research project, emphasizing academic integrity and excellence in earning their degrees.
Labeeb University Learning Forum
Introduction
In line with King Abdulaziz University’s efforts to advance higher education and strengthen the skills of its students, particularly new students, and in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes building a knowledge-based society and achieving academic excellence,
the University, represented by the Center for University Education Development and in collaboration with its colleges and the Deanship of Student Affairs, organized the Labeeb Forum for Outstanding University Learning Strategies. The forum was held virtually, under the patronage of the Vice President for Female Student Affairs, Professor Hanaa bint Abdullah Al-Naeem, over four consecutive days from September 1 to September 4, 2024, during the evening hours between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The forum served as a unique platform to empower students with diverse learning strategies that support their academic success and open broader horizons for excellence in their university journey and professional careers.
Extended Programs
University Instructor Professional Development Fellowship
Introduction
Scholars hold a high status in this life and the hereafter, as they are considered the heirs of the prophets. University faculty members are among the most distinguished groups to share in this honor, serving as the cornerstone of the higher education process and the primary factor in ensuring the quality of teaching and research outcomes.
Accordingly, it has been essential to provide faculty members with creative tools in the academic workplace, encouraging this vital group by developing their capacities to fulfill their responsibilities in line with the aspirations entrusted to them.
King Abdulaziz University has recognized this societal responsibility and has devoted its utmost efforts and resources to implementing strategies that raise the efficiency of faculty members and elevate their performance, enabling them to meet the demands of higher education in a knowledge-based society both locally and globally.
From this vision, the Center for University Education Development at King Abdulaziz University identified the importance of this key focus and launched the Professional Development Diploma for the University Instructor in 2015. The program was designed to provide a nurturing environment that addresses the needs of newly appointed faculty members through a carefully structured developmental approach. Later, 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 Professional Development Fellowship for the University Instructor.
Academic Leadership Fellowship
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.
University Researchers 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.
Artificial Intelligence Applications in Education and Scientific Research 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.
Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Preparation Program for Undergraduates
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.
Academic Secretariat Development Program
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.
Numbers and Statistics
Training Achievements (1407–1445 AH)
