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SDG10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES
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Measures against discrimination
Does your university as a body have an admissions policy which is non-discriminatory or which details and explains the logic for any appropriate positive discrimination policies in admissions, which is publicly posted?
Does your university as a body measure/track applications & admissions of underrepresented (and potentially underrepresented) groups?
Diversity and equality committee, office and officer for advising and implementation of policies, programmes, and trainings related to diversity, equity, inclusion and human rights on campus
Providing mentoring/counselling/peer support programmes to support students, staff, faculty from underrepresented groups
Accommodation policy/strategy, including adequately funded mechanism for persons with disability
SDG 10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES
Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries, focusing on marginalized and vulnerable populations. In Saudi Arabia, addressing inequalities faced by people with disabilities is of utmost importance to create an inclusive and equitable society. Qassim University recognizes the significance of SDG 10 and has implemented measures to promote access, learning, and facilities for individuals with disabilities.
Accessible Learning Environments:
Qassim University’s commitment to SDG 10 is reflected in its efforts to create accessible learning environments. The university ensures that its campuses and facilities are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, providing ramps, elevators, and other features that facilitate mobility and accessibility.
Inclusive Curriculum and Teaching:
The university integrates an inclusive approach into its curriculum and teaching methods. Qassim University’s faculty members are trained to cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the necessary support and resources to succeed academically.
Support Services for Students with Disabilities:
Qassim University provides a range of support services for students with disabilities. These services include specialized learning resources, assistive technologies, counseling, and academic accommodations. The university aims to create an environment where all students can thrive and participate fully in their educational journey.
Collaboration with Disability Organizations:
The university collaborates with disability organizations and advocacy groups to gain insights into best practices and challenges related to inclusivity. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange and the implementation of strategies that promote equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Awareness Campaigns and Sensitization:
Qassim University raises awareness about the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities through awareness campaigns, seminars, and workshops. The university promotes an inclusive mindset among students, faculty, and staff, fostering an environment of respect and understanding.
Disability-Inclusive Research Initiatives:
The university’s research efforts extend to disability-inclusive projects. Qassim University’s research contributes to understanding the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and developing solutions that enhance their quality of life and participation in society.
Accessible Facilities and Services:
Qassim University ensures that its facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and recreational areas, are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The university prioritizes the creation of an inclusive environment that caters to diverse needs.
Promotion of Disability Rights:
The university advocates for disability rights and social inclusion within its community and beyond. Qassim University contributes to discussions on policy development, awareness, and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing inequalities and promoting equal opportunities.
Empowerment and Skill Development:
Qassim University aims to empower individuals with disabilities by offering skill development programs, workshops, and vocational training. These initiatives equip individuals with the skills they need to contribute to the workforce and society at large.
Qassim University’s commitment to SDG 10 is evident through its comprehensive efforts to foster inclusivity and reduce inequalities for individuals with disabilities. By providing accessible learning environments, inclusive curriculum, support services, collaborating with disability organizations, raising awareness, conducting research, and promoting disability rights, the university actively contributes to creating a more equitable and inclusive society in Saudi Arabia. Through its dedication, Qassim University plays a significant role in advancing SDG 10 and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to education, opportunities, and facilities.
Disability Unit
Introduction
The goal of Vision 2030 is to develop effective plans and programs that contribute to making the Kingdom a role model in the world at all levels. These plans aim to enable people with disabilities to obtain suitable employment and education opportunities that ensure their independence and integration into society; as independent and effective individuals, and to provide all the facilities and tools that help them achieve this success.
In addition to the continuation of the educational process, this major work indicates that the Kingdom - through the Quality of Life Program, one of the programs stemming from Vision 2030 - seeks to provide infrastructure facilities throughout the Kingdom that are easily accessible by public transportation and adapted to receive people with disabilities. A person with a disability is an individual who suffers from a total or partial impairment that affects their physical, sensory, mental, communicative, educational, or psychological abilities, to the extent that it reduces their ability to meet the requirements of their normal life in the same way as those without disabilities. This disability includes one or more of the following types:
Visual impairment
Hearing disability
Mental and psychiatric disabilities
Motor disabilities
Learning difficulties
Language and speech disorders
Behavioral disorders
and other disabilities that require specialized care
Therefore, these people need to take the necessary measures in medical, psychological, educational, media and organizational aspects to meet their educational needs and develop their academic abilities.
The committee conducted a survey of a number of cases of persons with disabilities at the university and their needs, whether in infrastructure, academic or technical issues. The unit aims to build bridges of partnership between the university's Disability Care Unit and its representatives in the colleges, in order to provide a distinguished and pioneering service for students with disabilities. The Persons with Disabilities Unit at the Deanship of Student Affairs welcomes students with disabilities, and seeks to provide a range of qualitative services covering all academic, administrative, psychological, social, technical and infrastructural aspects.
Education for people with disabilities at the university
The Kingdom seeks to provide health and social care and all means of decent living for all its citizens in all categories. Persons with disabilities are at the forefront of these groups that need special care and attention. The Kingdom has focused its attention on caring for people with disabilities to ensure their access to their disability-related rights, enhance the services provided to them, contribute to their well-being, and rehabilitate them to become an active part of society.
In accordance with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, Qassim University has been keen to provide comprehensive care services for everyone who needs care due to their health condition, degree of disability, or social status. It has contributed to employing medical, social, psychological, educational and vocational services to help students with disabilities achieve the highest possible degree of efficiency within the university, to enable them to adapt to the requirements of their natural and social environment, and to develop their abilities to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
The proportion of people with disabilities recently became 7.1% of the Kingdom's total population.
According to the Statistics Authority, the numbers of people with disabilities are as follows:
Hearing impairments: 289,355
Hyperactivity and distractibility: 30,155
Motor disabilities: 833,136
Autism spectrum disorder: 53,282
Down syndrome: 19,428
Visual impairments: 811,61
Disability Unit
The Persons with Disabilities Unit was formed as one of the units of the Deanship of Student Affairs. The unit is concerned with overcoming all the difficulties and challenges facing people with disabilities among the university's male and female students. It provides a suitable university environment for students with special needs that ensures easy access to halls and main departments on campus. The unit also works to sensitize university employees on how to deal properly with people with disabilities within the university.
Unit tasks
- Develop policies to identify and categorize students with disabilities
- Developing scientific tools to identify and assess students with disabilities
- Raising awareness and building policies and frameworks to integrate students with disabilities into higher education commensurate with their abilities in less restrictive environments
- Creating equal access to a fair and appropriate university education for all students with disabilities regardless of gender, social background, geographical location, or the nature of special needs
- Provide personalized learning opportunities that address the special needs of gifted and talented students
Types of services provided by the unit to persons with disabilities at the university:
- Visual impairment
- Academic Needs (Academic Adjustment / Effective Communication Services / Physical Services)
- Psychological needs (academic adjustment / effective communication services / physical services)
- Social needs (academic adjustment / effective communication services / physical services)
- Hearing impairment
- Academic Needs (Academic Adjustment / Effective Communication Services / Physical Services)
- Psychological needs (academic adjustment / effective communication services / physical services)
- Social needs (academic adjustment / effective communication services / physical services)
- Motor disability
- Academic Needs (Academic Adjustment / Effective Communication Services / Physical Services)
- Psychological needs (academic adjustment / effective communication services / physical services)
- Social needs (academic adjustment / effective communication services / physical services)
- Other disabilities
- Academic Needs (Academic Adjustment / Effective Communication Services / Physical Services)
- Psychological needs (academic adjustment / effective communication services / physical services)
- Social needs (academic adjustment / effective communication services / physical services)
After the student/person with a disability identifies his/her needs within the university, he/she is personally interviewed and diagnosed according to the special education standards approved by the Ministry, by specialists in special education. After that, the type of service is determined, categorized, and the appropriate procedure is determined:
1- Academic support for students with disabilities
Increase the time allotted for semester and final exams by half/twice as much
Individual test
Modify assessment and teaching methods in coordination with the center's management
Zoom in or read the question line
Table separate from the chair
Exemption from automatic correction
Consider the state of health during the lecture
Accompanied in the room to take notes
Split the scientific material for the test over two days
Replace presentations with a student-friendly activity
Provide a laptop during the test
Allow student/lecturer breaks
Speak directly to the student to make sure they understand the questions
Oral transcription of the student's answers by the faculty member (if necessary) for those with visual impairment
No more than one test per day
Accepting excuses for delays
Send and submit presentations before and after the lecture
Compartmentalizing long-term tasks
Provide short and clear instructions
Allow extra time to accomplish tasks
2- Social Services
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Organizing visits, trips, seminars, meetings and exhibitions on disability issues
-
Participate in national events
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Participating in international events such as World Disability Day, World Autism Day, Deaf Week
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Facilitating participation in student clubs such as art, literary and sports clubs
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Participation in external events
Psychological services
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Introducing the "Guide Me" program to diagnose and refer to specialists when needed
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Building bridges of understanding between university staff and students with disabilities
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Determine the level of psychological compatibility and overcome difficulties
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Working to overcome challenges during the educational journey in accordance with the regulations
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Educational counseling in the Persons with Disabilities Unit
Educational Counseling in the Persons with Disabilities Unit
| specialization | Scientific degree | Member Name | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning disabilities | Professor | Abdullah Ali Al-Rabiaan | M.D. |
| Talent and excellence | associate professor | D. Naif Fahd Al-Fraih | |
| Language and literacy "learning difficulties" | associate professor | D. Mohamed Ahmed Al-Obaid | |
| hearing impairment | associate professor | D. Theeb Triheb Al-Mutairi | |
| Learning disabilities | associate professor | D. Nora Abdullah Al-Khatib | |
| Talent and excellence | Assistant Professor | Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman El Hanaya | |
| Dysfunction in language | reading and writing | Assistant Professor | D. Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Ajlan |
| intellectual relationship | Assistant Professor | D. Abd El-Aziz Abd El-Rahman Al-Wazan | |
| Hearing impairment - behavioral disorders | Assistant Professor | D. Jihad Abdullah Al-Na'im | |
| hearing impairment | Assistant Professor | D. Mohammed Saleh Al-Ajlan | |
| Behavioral disorders | Assistant Professor | Dr. Sulaiman Saleh Al-Othaim | |
| hearing impairment | Assistant Professor | D. Sara Mansour Al-Ajajji | |
| Autism spectrum disorder | Assistant Professor | D. Hadeel Ali Al-Harbi |
Sports and Cultural Facilities
The university is interested in developing its sports and cultural facilities, and is currently constructing the Sports Facilities Complex, most of whose units have been completed.
This complex contains a range of high-level sports facilities, and includes an integrated set of stadiums, sports arenas, and services dedicated to the university's faculty members, students, and employees. These facilities include:
Bowling alley and recreational games
Multi-purpose gym (soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc.)
Hall Services Building
Swimming pool building optimized for tournaments
Social building with social living rooms and cafeterias
A collection of outdoor playgrounds
The total area of this complex is about 89,800 square meters, with a total cost of SAR 89 million.
The complex was built according to the latest designs and is well-equipped to serve faculty members, students, and all university affiliates and visitors.
The university also has many well-equipped halls for conferences, meetings and celebrations, which are distributed on the main university building and its branches.
The courtyard of the university's main building has also been prepared for major events and meetings such as graduation ceremonies and public conferences.
Medical care
Medical care is a student's right. Therefore, the university offers Free medical care to its students through its medical clinics at the University City in Al Mulaydah. These clinics include:
General clinics
Surgical clinics
Specialized clinics
Dental clinic
These clinics provide medical care to university employees as well as students.
As presented State hospitals Comprehensive medical care for Saudi citizens, including students, as well as care for international students.
The university is currently constructing and equipping University Hospital at its main site, an integrated medical project that is part of the Medical city which will serve all university affiliates as well as the community.
Eyeglasses Subsidy
Some university students suffer from poor eyesight and need to use glasses (to correct vision issues). This service is provided according to special regulations governing its utilization, as the Fund helps them by paying 50% of the value of the glasses, after proving their need for them by a specialist at the university health unit.
Rules for providing financial assistance for eyeglasses:
- This service is offered to all university students
- The student must submit a written report from a specialist at the university's health unit confirming the need to use glasses.
- The student must abide by the instructions of the Deanship of Student Affairs, such as carrying the university card and good behavior in appearance and dealing.
- The student must bring the original invoice for the purchase of glasses from a specialized store, indicating the student's name, the date of purchase, and the official seal of the store.
- The Student Finance Department will bear 50% of the value of the glasses approved on the invoice, provided that the value of the glasses does not exceed 500 riyals.
- A student is not eligible to apply for more than one subsidy during his/her study period.
University housing
On-campus housing is an essential part of the university environment, and contributes to providing a comfortable and suitable atmosphere for students to facilitate their university studies and motivate them to excel scientifically and invest their free time through the services provided within the university.
The General Administration of the University was keen to provide housing for students by signing the first and second phases of the construction of 6 buildings in the university city, accommodating about 1050 students for each phase, and including service facilities for each phase.
Also available:
University dormitory for students of the College of Science and Arts in Al-Rass Governorate
University dormitory for students of the College of Health Sciences in Al-Ris
University dormitory for students of the College of Health Sciences in Al-Bukairiyah Governorate (in preparation)
A university dormitory in Bakiriyah governorate that accommodates 105 students, including scholarship students, and is rented from the Quran Memorization Society
A dormitory for Filipino scholarship students at the South Branch with 9 students
Accommodation in Al-Wusta neighborhood rented to 53 students
Accommodation in Al-Khabeeb neighborhood for graduate students from Yemeni scholarship students (3 students)
The Deanship of Student Affairs has established a unit to follow up on university housing and external housing, and coordinate with the deanships and private housing departments to develop appropriate programs to educate students, develop their skills, and invest their time.
The Housing Department also provided transportation to all student dormitories, meeting their needs, and regular follow-up.
Student loans
Some students need financial support to cover the requirements of their studies. Therefore, the Student Finance Department is keen to provide the necessary financial resources to help them overcome these needs and provide them with psychological stability. This service is provided according to special regulations.
Student loan payment rules:
- Financial aid is offered to all regular university students.
The student must be eligible for the monthly stipend.
The student must fill out the loan application form and pledge to repay the full amount.
The student determines the amount of support they need, provided it does not exceed the limit allocated by the Student Finance Department.
The student must abide by the instructions of the deanship, such as carrying the university card and good behavior.
Payments are made in monthly installments via automatic debit from the reward.
All installments must be paid before the end of the semester in which the loan was disbursed.
A student cannot apply for more than one loan in the same semester if the previous loan has been repaid.
The loan will be canceled if disbursement is delayed more than two weeks from the date of approval.
If a student wishes to defer or withdraw, they must repay the loan before releasing the party.
A student is not eligible for a loan in the following cases:
Freshman student in the first level
A student whose award has been suspended due to warnings or exceeding the regular study period
A student who has not repaid a previous loan
Students with previous dues to the Finance Department
A student who has been subjected to a disciplinary sanction that deprives them of university benefits
College of Education Organizes Awareness Campaign for People with Special Needs
The College of Education, represented by the Department of Special Education, carried out an awareness and educational campaign under the slogan "With You and By You" last Thursday, which was opened by Dr. Ali Al-Saif, UQU Vice President for Educational Affairs, at Al-Othaim Mall in Buraidah, with the aim of educating the community about the special educational and rehabilitation programs used with individuals with special needs, as participants in the campaign educated visitors about these programs, in addition to how to support this group in all fields, especially in education, training and employment, and introduce them to the community, promote the concept of integrating special needs people into society and encourage them to trust themselves and their abilities from Ja
The campaign also included several corners, including: Autism Disorder Corner, Talent and Excellence Corner, Learning Difficulties Corner, Mental Disability Corner, Speech and Speech Disorders Corner, and Visual Disability Corner, where each corner included the definition of the concept, causes, characteristics, diagnosis, training and treatment programs, in addition to guidelines for parents on how to deal with people with special needs, and a special corner to provide consultations for mothers of people with special needs, in the presence of blind students from the Education Department who presented some works to the attendees.
In the presence of the Emir of Qassim, the University and the Department of Education sign an agreement to strengthen partnership and exchange expertise
Qassim University signed a joint cooperation agreement with the General Administration of Education in Qassim, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Meshal bin Saud, Governor of Qassim, to strengthen the bonds of work and partnership between the two entities and exchange experiences and means to develop the educational process, develop students' skills and student activities and programs, in addition to caring for the talented, investing the time of young people, activating scientific research, and identifying and activating cooperation mechanisms between them.
This agreement, signed by Dr. Ali Al-Seif, Vice President for Educational Affairs, and Mr. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Rukayyan, Director General of Education in Qassim Region, is based on the directives of His Highness the Emir of Qassim Region regarding the integration of efforts and strengthening cooperation and partnership relations between the various development entities in the region, and to support the cooperation and partnership relations between the university and the General Administration of Education in Qassim Region.
The two signatories to the agreement aspire to achieve their common goals, which are to build the student's Islamic, national and intellectual personality in terms of knowledge, skills and values, to promote loyalty and national belonging and consolidate the correct concepts among students of both sexes, in addition to providing advanced and accredited education to prepare fully qualified competencies that meet the needs of the labor market, support sustainable development programs and projects in the Qassim region, and contribute to building a knowledge society.
The agreement aims to provide distinguished community services and applied research to improve the local community and contribute to building the knowledge economy, using the latest administrative, technical and informational methods, contributing to community service through training and continuous education, consolidating the concepts of sustainable development, environmental preservation and information awareness, in addition to making available various information sources for educational, research and applied purposes, especially those related to community issues, and the construction, development and maintenance of these sources.
For his part, Dr. Ali Al-Saif, Vice President for Educational Affairs, said that this agreement is expected to enhance cooperation between the General Directorate of Education in Qassim and the university's colleges and deanships in the field of public lectures, seminars, specialized training programs, specialized scientific research and studies, participation in the implementation of programs for people with special needs, and encouraging scientific studies and research in these fields.
Al-Saif added that under this agreement, joint work teams will be formed between the two entities, holding workshops, meetings and visits required by joint programs and activities, and providing mutual facilities from both parties to achieve the optimal environment for the implementation of joint programs and activities.
UQU graduate challenges disability; His Highness the Emir of Qassim includes her in the Sisters of Men Award; UQU President directs her admission to postgraduate studies
She lost her eyesight. But she did not lose her vision, her passion for life and excellence, her love of science, and her eagerness to learn and go through life, defying all the difficulties she faced, to first overcome her visual impairment, and then step by step towards realizing her ambitions, which are no less than those of healthy students, and even surpass them with determination and determination and conquering the difficulties.
She is the blind student Jihan Muhammad Al-Majeedel, one of the graduates of the eighteenth batch at the university, who graduated with a distinction degree from the Islamic Sharia major at the university, relying on her abilities and self-confidence, and her skill in using modern technology and adapting it to suit her needs and health condition, which enabled her to excel and succeed in all stages of her studies.
She is one of the girls of this country, whose wise government supports all its citizens, especially those with special needs, who receive the state's care and attention to help them achieve their ambitions and aspirations.
His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Meshal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Qassim Region, after hearing and watching the story of the blind graduate "Jihan", during his generous patronage of the graduation ceremony of the eighteenth batch of the university, was quick to announce the inclusion of "Jihan" in the Sisters of Men Award in the Emirate of Qassim Region, hoping that God willing, she will be among its winners, and announced that a mechanism will be sought to utilize her in the arbitration committee, as she is an honorable model, because she is an honorable model.
His Highness said: "We praise God for finding among our children those who are armed with faith in God Almighty and possess this will and determination, and congratulate the nation for having such examples of outstanding students in the Qassim region and throughout the Kingdom: "We thank God for finding among our children those who are armed with faith in God Almighty and possess this will and determination, and congratulate the nation for having such examples of distinguished students in the Qassim region and throughout the Kingdom."
For his part, Prof. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, President of the University, announced the acceptance of Jihan Al-Majeedel in the graduate studies program in recognition of her struggle and excellence, and for being one of the honorable models of the university.
Maps and directions
Designated Parking Maps for Individuals with Disabilities
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Umm Al-Qura University organizes the "Pioneers for Persons with Disabilities" program
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where the program included several events, including an exhibition, workshops and consultations, in the main lobby of the university city, in the presence of His Excellency the UQU Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Al-Sharekh, in the presence of His Excellency the UQU Vice President for Educational Affairs.
The exhibition reviewed the Kingdom's efforts to support people with disabilities, and the university's efforts in this field by creating the infrastructure and facilitating this category of society to obtain their services, as the university established a permanent committee to care for people with disabilities, in addition to guidance and guidance support for them, coordination with colleges and deanships to provide the necessary support to serve these students, academic guidance and support, as well as facilitating communication with entities outside the university.
The role of the Permanent Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities at the university was also reviewed, which is specialized in considering the social, psychological and study issues facing them, helping them find appropriate solutions, as well as creating opportunities for them to express their talents and develop their abilities to enable them to make appropriate decisions, in addition to supervising the referral of severe cases to the competent authorities and identifying the necessary projects to equip the infrastructure at the university to suit people with disabilities, as well as activities and programs for people with disabilities through participation in various events.
It is noteworthy that the number of students with disabilities studying at the university is 272 male and female students in various colleges, including 150 students with motor disabilities, 86 students with visual disabilities, and 36 students with hearing disabilities.
UQU holds several meetings within the "Humm" virtual program on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The university, represented by the Deanship of Student Affairs, organized several scientific meetings within the virtual program held on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities entitled "Humm", in cooperation with the Department of Special Education at the College of Education, on Thursday, 18/4/1442 A.H. The program contained several virtual meetings that addressed many aspects of the academic life of students with disabilities, and reviewed some of their university experiences and their academic excellence in successfully passing the university stage.
The first meeting, entitled "Persons with Disabilities in the University Environment," was presented by Dr. Mohammed Al-Ajlan, Chairman of the Standing Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities at the University, Dean of the Deanship of Student Affairs, and Dr. Mohammed Al-Obeid, member of the committee and Head of the Department of Special Education, where the meeting discussed a number of topics including: Preparation in the university environment, educational auxiliary services, and supportive services.
The second meeting, which was held under the title "Student Illuminations" with a group of university students with disabilities, dealt with a number of topics, namely: The experiences of students with disabilities at the university (deaf, mobility impaired, and blind).
The third and final session was titled "Global Trends on Disability" and was presented by Dr. Dheeb Al-Mutairi, Associate Professor of Special Education at the Department of Special Education, who spoke about inclusive access, support and inclusion for people with disabilities.
References
[1] [Online]. Available: .https://dsa.qu.edu.sa/content/p/237
[2] [Online]. Available: .https://qa.qu.edu.sa/files/shares/handbooks/Student%20Manual.pdf
[3] [Online]. Available: .https://qu.edu.sa/content/news/683
[4] [Online]. Available: .https://qu.edu.sa/content/news/788
[5] [Online]. Available: .https://qu.edu.sa/content/news/2581
[6] [Online]. Available: .https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/9
[7] [Online]. Available: .https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/2851
[8] [Online]. Available: .https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/2386