College of Shari'ah

This document is a regulatory document issued by Deanship of Graduate Studies at Qassim Universityand titled “Transparent Policies for Supervising Theses in Postgraduate Studies”. These policies aim to establish a clear and public framework that governs the relationship between the student, supervisor, and university, ensuring the quality of research outcomes and enhancing the efficiency of the supervision process, while emphasizing that these rules do not conflict with the Unified Regulations for Graduate Studies in Saudi Universities but rather constitute part of the executive regulations for Qassim University..

Purpose of the document

The document primarily aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the scientific research environment.. It seeks to direct scientific research (especially doctoral research) to meet the needs of society, the environment, and major projects in line with the university's strategic plan.. It also aims to develop the supervisory skills of faculty members and periodically measure their performance..

The most important themes addressed in the document

The document is divided into several procedural and organizational axes, including:

1. Registration and follow-up procedures: The student begins by giving an initial seminar in the presence of the supervisor to clarify the research objectives, followed by diligent online monitoring by the Deanship of Graduate Studies of the progress of the study through periodic reports.
2. Discussion and formation controls: For a Master's degree, attendance at one conference or two discussions is required. For a PhD, at least one research paper must be published. Strict controls are also in place for selecting external examiners to ensure impartiality.
3. Developing the research environment: Recommend creating message databases to ensure no duplication, forming a student council, and encouraging participation in international conferences.
4. Supervisor Registration and Performance Evaluation It sets criteria for the supervisor, including their ongoing research activity, and establishes a periodic evaluation system in which the department head and students participate, specifying a performance indicator of no less than 80%.

Target group

The document targets three main categories within the graduate studies ecosystem:

• Graduate students (Master's and PhD): To inform them of their academic rights and responsibilities, and the requirements for obtaining a degree.
• Faculty Members (Supervisors and Examiners): To clarify supervision standards, evaluation mechanisms, and the professional development required of them.
• Academic Leadership (Department Heads and Deans): As those responsible for implementing these policies and monitoring their quality.