16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The university, represented by the Vice Presidency for Academic Affairs, held the «First Annual Meeting of Scientific Department Heads» today, Wednesday, corresponding to 14/4/1441 AH, at the Medical Clinics Theater, under the patronage of His Excellency Professor Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, the University President, and with the attendance and participation of the University Vice President Dr. Mohammed Al-Saawi, the Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mohammed Al-Othaib, and the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Turki. The meeting aimed to discuss the problems and challenges facing faculty members and propose appropriate solutions.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency the President of the University emphasized the importance of holding such meetings with those responsible for academic work at the university to consult on all matters related to the academic departments, upon which much, if not all, of the university's academic work is built. He pointed out that the university council makes its decisions based on what comes from the academic departments, such as appointing faculty members, promotions, admission numbers, and so on. He stated that everyone is aware of the importance and difficulty of the department head's job, as the success of the academic departments leads to the success of the entire university.

Al-Daoud explained that at the beginning of each academic semester, God willing, there will be a meeting with them to listen to each other, review what we agreed upon in the previous meeting, and discuss what can be achieved in the future with full transparency. He noted that the university is considered one of the largest Saudi universities, with 38 colleges, approximately 70,000 male and female students, and covers the governorates of the region. It has been a pioneer in many areas and was a pioneer last year in scientific activities by holding many conferences, seminars, meetings, workshops, and more. It is also considered the second university in terms of accredited programs, in addition to obtaining institutional accreditation as the third university in the Kingdom. Furthermore, some colleges have obtained advanced and developed programs, and through scientific research, the university has made great leaps in this field.

Al-Dawood noted that these achievements were accomplished through God's grace, then through the support the university receives from the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince, and the follow-up, keenness, and care of the region's honorable governor and his deputy, and their continuous encouragement and support for us. Lastly, it is due to all of you, because you cultivate these fruits until they ripen and are harvested, as you are the foundation of academic work at the university.

At the end of his remarks, His Excellency the President of the University said, “All that has been raised during this meeting will be documented, and I am optimistic that we will come up with many things that will reflect positively on the academic departments and colleges in general.” He thanked those present for their contributions to their academic departments, noting that solidarity and teamwork will have a positive impact on our departments, colleges, and university as a whole. He also thanked the Vice Presidency for Academic Affairs and the Vice Presidents for their participation in the meeting, wishing for this communication to continue among everyone at all times, and wishing everyone success and guidance.

For his part, the Vice Dean of the University, Dr. Mohammed Al-Odhib, explained that the departments and their heads were contacted early on to present their views on the issues they wish to raise and discuss during this meeting. After collecting and organizing the proposals, the Vice Dean's office attempted to present many of them in a concise and comprehensive manner. He indicated that among the ideas and proposals from department heads that were discussed were lightening the teaching load for those working on committees and in administrative roles, the possibility of cutting the leave for department heads, supporting scientific research and laboratories, in addition to the department head's authority to evaluate faculty members or obligate them to academic tasks, and considering the issue of contracted faculty members with distinguished competencies who have exceeded ten years, and those who have passed sixty years of age.

Al-Othaib added that the meeting discussed finding a mechanism to motivate and develop department heads, the shortage of faculty members and increasing student-to-faculty ratios, especially in emerging colleges, in addition to having a specialized employee for each department to assist with quality, accreditation, and general administrative tasks.

He added that the meeting also discussed finding a mechanism to stop, open, or restructure departments according to labor market requirements, presenting successful experiences among departments and creating competition between them. The meeting between His Excellency the President and the heads of departments was crowned with a survey study of the heads of departments aimed at developing performance, proposing solutions to overcome difficulties, and submitting the study's results and recommendations to His Excellency the University President. All inquiries raised by the heads of departments were also answered. He asked God for success and guidance for all.