Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
The President of Qassim University, Professor Dr. Khalid bin Abdulrahman Al-Hammoudi, praised the achievement of the College of Economics and Administration at the university, after it obtained initial international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). He emphasized that this achievement is a qualitative addition to the college's programs and specializations, especially since it comes from a professional international body specializing in accrediting business administration colleges. This reflects the quality of the college's programs and continuous development and improvement according to international standards. He pointed out that this initial accreditation is also a practical translation of the vision and mission of Qassim University to prepare qualified students according to the latest standards. His Excellency affirmed continuous support for the university's colleges to elevate their programs and graduates, which coincides with the university's obtaining national institutional accreditation from the National Center for Academic and Quality Assurance (NCAAA). .
For his part, the Vice President of Planning, Development, and Quality, Professor Dr. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, confirmed that this international accreditation is a recognition of Qassim University by an international organization. He indicated that AACSB accreditation for business schools is one of the highest and most important accreditations for educational institutions and is the most significant in the field of management education. It provides scientific and reliable assurance for the quality of the college's educational programs. He emphasized that this preliminary international accreditation, which the College of Economics and Management at the university has obtained, enhances confidence among educational institutions to cooperate with each other and strengthen the attraction of competent faculty and students, thereby confirming the distinguished educational standards.
The Dean of the College of Economics and Management, Dr. Obaid bin Saad Al-Mutairi, explained that this initial international accreditation from AACSB is not surprising for the college, which is over three decades old. This initial accreditation adds to the college's success stories throughout its journey, emphasizing that this distinction means a great deal to the college and increases the ambition of its affiliates. It qualifies the college to be at a distinguished educational level and adds a global dimension to the university. It also reflects a new culture and positive change in the college's direction towards adopting a spirit of initiative, spreading a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and connecting with local, regional, and global community partners, along with the significant impact that leaves a tangible mark on the ground.
In the same vein, the dean of the college notes that this preliminary accreditation also serves as an incentive to enhance the educational process and elevate the academic and personal skills of graduates, as well as to continuously improve the curricula of the Bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration programs to support the college’s mission in the final stage of obtaining AACSB international academic accreditation. He noted that AACSB is considered the most prestigious accreditation body for business schools worldwide, having been founded in 1916, and that fewer than 51 business schools globally have received its accreditation. Furthermore, there are only about nine accredited business schools in the Arab region, three of which are in the UAE, and one each in Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia (King Fahd University).
Dr. Al-Mutairi praised the developmental efforts made at the university level, represented by His Excellency the President, Professor Dr. Khalid Al-Humedhi, and his great support and constant guidance to the college towards achieving quality, excellence, and academic accreditation in light of the university's mission and strategic plan. He said: The culture of international academic accreditation (AACSB) at the College of Economics and Management also receives the support of the university's vice presidents and is at the top of their priorities, as it is a leading college chosen in the university's strategic plan as one of the most important areas of excellence at the university.
Highlighting the most important milestones and facts about the college's journey towards achieving AACSB international accreditation, thus becoming a distinguished administrative and academic institution at both local and global levels.
Dr. Al-Mutairi reviewed the steps taken by the college. The college applied for AACSB accreditation in January 2012 and was accepted in March 2012. This acceptance is usually only granted to colleges that are promising and likely to meet the accreditation requirements and standards. The college also approved its mission and educational objectives in October 2012. During this time, the international accreditation mentor visited the college in December 2012 to discuss the college's developmental plan for international accreditation according to global standards (Standards Alignment Plan (SAP), which consists of 21 standards). He submitted a positive report to the accreditation body indicating the college's positive progress in meeting the accreditation requirements. The college also attracted a number of Visiting professors With the aim of exchanging experiences and implementing best practices, the college has welcomed academic experts, represented by deans of business colleges from leading universities, to share their experience in offering specialized programs and their journey in obtaining AACSB international accreditation. The college has also established a specialized, qualified, and trained team to support the college's progress in the stages of AACSB international academic accreditation. The college has prepared a set of policies and procedures for the Assurance of Learning (AOL) system, ensuring the contributions of faculty members and excellence in teaching and scientific research. It has also prepared the developmental plan for international academic accreditation in accordance with the AACSB standards (Standards Alignment Plan - SAP), comprising 21 standards, within the framework of the college's strategic plan. This plan was submitted to the accreditation body in May 2013 where This plan represents the basic framework for international accreditation In June 2013, the SAP Accreditation Plan was approved, along with all its components aimed at improving the college's academic performance in preparation for accreditation. Subsequently, in July 2014, the college submitted its progress report towards accreditation, in accordance with the accepted SAP Accreditation Plan. The report was prepared in response to the new international accreditation standards issued in 2013. These standards focus on new and important areas that encourage innovation in the educational process to keep pace with modern developments and motivate the college towards continuous improvement of its programs, methodologies, and best practices. Furthermore, they enhance the college's role in society and its partnerships to elevate educational, research, and service offerings. The goal is to develop and improve the quality of education by adopting innovative best practices to prepare qualified personnel capable of participating and competing on a global level.
In September 2014, the college qualified for the final stages of international academic accreditation. The preliminary accreditation committee of the authority, in its meeting in August, approved the college's efforts in advancing the implementation of its accreditation plan and its adherence to the new accreditation standards.
In the next stage, submit the Self-Evaluation Report (SER) and prepare for the assessment team of academically accredited college deans.
Al-Mutairi emphasized that the college reaching the final stage for international accreditation is a source of pride for the university and the nation, and adds value to the community. It is a practical translation of the wise leadership's vision towards achieving excellence in higher education programs. This achievement was made possible, by the grace of God, and then by the leadership of His Excellency the University President. The Dean of the College concludes by stating that this stage requires commitment from all college staff (professors, students, and employees), the university, and community partners to continuously work on implementing the college's mission and educational objectives and the ongoing improvement of programs in accordance with international accreditation standards. This is to ensure the college achieves a high standing, elevates the level of student learning, continuously develops methodologies, enhances faculty members, prepares a suitable environment for student services, qualifies classrooms, laboratories, and student meeting rooms, continues to make tangible progress on all college initiatives and its partnerships with the local community, and moves the college forward while elevating its graduates.
